The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Ottawa to Buffalo

If you're planning a road trip from Ottawa to Buffalo, you might be wondering about the best route to take and how long it will take you to get there. Well, good news, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll go over the fastest and slowest routes, their distances, and the estimated driving times based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Route

The fastest route to get from Ottawa to Buffalo is to take Highway 417 East until it turns into Highway 138 South. From there, take Highway 138 South until it turns into Highway 37 South. Finally, take Highway 401 West until you reach Buffalo. This route is approximately 458 km (284 mi) and will take you around 5 hours and 15 minutes to drive under normal traffic conditions.

However, it's important to note that this route can get congested during peak traffic hours, especially around major cities like Toronto and Kingston. During rush hour, the drive could take up to 7 hours. That's why we recommend avoiding this route during high traffic times.

Scenic Route

If you have a little extra time on your hands and want to take the scenic route, you can take Highway 416 South from Ottawa until you reach the Thousand Islands Bridge. Cross the bridge into the United States and take Interstate 81 South until you reach Buffalo. This route is approximately 560 km (347 mi) and will take you around 6 hours and 45 minutes to drive.

This route will take you through the beautiful Thousand Islands region and along the shores of Lake Ontario. However, it's important to note that this route can also be affected by traffic, especially around Syracuse. During peak traffic hours, the drive could take up to 8 hours. So, plan accordingly!

Slowest Route

The slowest route to travel from Ottawa to Buffalo is to take Highway 43 South until you reach Highway 16 South. Follow Highway 16 South until you reach Highway 37 South. From there, take Highway 401 West until you reach Buffalo. This route is approximately 498 km (309 mi) and will take you around 6 hours and 30 minutes to drive.

While this route is the longest and takes the most time to travel, it can provide some beautiful scenery along the way. It's important to note that this route can also be affected by traffic, especially around Kingston and Toronto. During peak traffic hours, the drive could take up to 8 hours.

Conclusion

When it comes to driving from Ottawa to Buffalo, there are multiple routes to choose from. However, regardless of the route you choose, it's important to keep in mind potential traffic patterns and travel times. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, we recommend planning your route ahead of time and avoiding peak traffic hours.

Overall, the fastest and most direct route is through Highway 417 East and Highway 401 West, but depending on how much time you have and how much scenery you want to enjoy, the other routes can be great options too!