Road Trip: From Buffalo to Saint Louis

Are you planning a road trip from Buffalo, New York to Saint Louis, Missouri? Then we’ve got you covered with some great routes, recommendations, and drive times.

The Routes

There are two main routes you can take to get from Buffalo to Saint Louis. The first one is through Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, and then on to Saint Louis. This route is approximately 840 miles long and takes around 12 hours and 30 minutes. The second route is via Pittsburgh, Columbus, Indianapolis, and then to Saint Louis. This route is approximately 850 miles long and takes around 13 hours.

The Drive

The drive from Buffalo to Saint Louis is a long one, but it offers some incredible scenic spots en route. There will be a lot of sightseeing opportunities, historic places, and small towns to visit on the way. So, you can break the journey into multiple small chunks, explore nearby locations, and enjoy the drive.

Route One: Via Cleveland

The first route via Cleveland from Buffalo to Saint Louis is a bit shorter (by 10 miles) and takes 30 minutes less time than the second route. You will drive through Cleveland, where you can explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Further down the route is Columbus where you can take a detour to explore the Ohio State University campus, Short North Arts District, or eat at one of Columbus’s famous food trucks. The next stop will be Indianapolis, where you can check out the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, or stroll through the Broad Ripple Village. Finally, you’ll enter Missouri and Saint Louis, where you can visit the Gateway Arch, Missouri Botanical Garden, or the City Museum.

Route Two: Via Pittsburgh

The second route via Pittsburgh is longer and takes around 30 minutes more than the Cleveland route, but it offers some picturesque views and scenic stops. Pittsburgh offers a wide range of things to do and see; you can visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Art, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, or the Point State Park. After that, Columbus will follow, where you can explore the German Village, Franklinton, or Scioto Mile. Indianapolis will be your next stop where you can visit the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, or the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Finally, you will reach Saint Louis where you can check out the iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, or the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

Recommendations

On both routes, you will come across several towns that offer unique experiences, so feel free to break up your journey, explore nearby locations, and meet locals. You can stop at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Allegheny National Forest, James Madison's Montpelier, and/or the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. These places will add a lot of value to your trip and elicit a sense of curiosity and adventure.

Final Words

The road trip from Buffalo to Saint Louis has its highlights and memorable moments. You can opt for either of the two routes depending on your preferences. You can choose to take the shorter one or the scenic one. You can stop and enjoy the beautiful natural attractions, historic locations, and delicious cuisines. Your trip will be one of a kind, unforgettable, and worth taking.