Road Trip Time: Buffalo to Ithaca

If you're planning a trip from Buffalo, New York, to the charming Town of Ithaca, you're in for a scenic ride through central New York's rolling hills, lush valleys, and picturesque towns. The drive itself is relatively easy, and there are several routes you can take, depending on your preferences, schedule, and mood. In this article, we'll explore some of the ways you can get from Buffalo to Ithaca, how long each route takes, and some great places to stop along the way.

The Distance

Before we get to the routes and time estimates, let's take a look at the distance between Buffalo and Ithaca. The shortest distance between the two cities is about 140 miles, and you can cover it in just over 2 hours if you drive without stopping. However, most people prefer to take their time, enjoy the scenery, and make a few pit stops along the way. So, depending on your pace and route choice, your travel time can vary between 2 and 4 hours.

Route 1: The Thruway

If you're in a hurry and don't mind paying tolls, the New York State Thruway (I-90) is a good choice. This route takes you straight from Buffalo to Syracuse in about an hour and a half, and then you can switch to I-81 South to Cortland, and then take Route 13 South to Ithaca. This option takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes and is the fastest route. However, you'll miss out on some of the gorgeous scenery and charming small towns along the way.

Route 2: The Finger Lakes

If you have more time and enjoy scenic drives, this is the route for you! Take I-90 East from Buffalo until you get to Geneva, and then take Route 14 South along Seneca Lake through the heart of the Finger Lakes region. You'll pass through some lovely small towns such as Watkins Glen, Hector, and Burdett. You can even make a stop at Watkins Glen State Park to see some stunning waterfalls and gorges. This route takes about 3 hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Route 3: The Southern Tier

This route takes you through the picturesque Southern Tier of New York, along Route 17 East to Binghamton, and then to Ithaca via Route 79. Along the way, you'll pass through charming towns such as Salamanca, Olean, and Elmira, and enjoy scenic views of the Allegheny Mountains and the rolling hills of central New York. This route takes around 3 hours and offers a nice combination of scenic beauty and small-town charm.

Recommendations

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of great places to stop and explore along the way. If you're taking the Finger Lakes route, be sure to check out the vineyards and wineries dotting the shores of Seneca Lake and the charming town of Skaneateles. If you're driving the Southern Tier, don't miss the Corning Museum of Glass, the glacial-carved Watkins Glen State Park, and the historic town of Owego. And if you're taking the Thruway, make a pit stop at the charming college town of Syracuse or the picturesque city of Oneida.

However, you choose to get to Ithaca from Buffalo, New York, the journey itself is sure to be an adventure. So, buckle up, hit the road, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and charming towns of upstate New York along the way!