Road Trip! Traveling from Ottawa to Cortland, New York

Are you planning a road trip from Ottawa, Ontario to Cortland, New York? This journey can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the routes. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be discussing the fastest and the slowest routes, the distance of that route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns. We hope this will help you decide which route to take to make the most of your trip.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route to get from Ottawa, Ontario to Cortland, New York is to take Highway 416 southbound and then merge onto Highway 401 westbound. Continue on Highway 401 until the exit for I-81 southbound towards Binghamton. Once you reach I-81, take it southbound, and then take exit 12 for Port Watson Street. From Port Watson Street, you can easily reach Cortland. This route covers a distance of approximately 485 km and takes around 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete in normal traffic conditions.

However, during peak traffic hours, the estimated travel time for this route can greatly increase. If you leave Ottawa during rush hour, expect it to take up to 6 hours or more to reach Cortland. On the flip side, if you leave during low traffic periods, such as at night or early morning, you can reach Cortland in about 4 hours and 45 minutes.

The Scenic Route

If you’re not in a hurry and want to enjoy the scenic beauties of the countryside, then taking the slowest route is the way to go. For this route, you’d take Highway 416 southbound until you reach Highway 401 westbound. Turn off at exit 661 for Highway 49 and follow the signs for Napanee. Once you're in Napanee, head south to Highway 2 and then head west to Belleville. From there, take Highway 37 south until you reach Highway 2. Continue on Highway 2 until you reach I-81 southbound. Then, take exit 12 for Port Watson Street, which leads to Cortland.

This route covers a longer distance of about 550 km and takes around 7 hours to complete in normal traffic conditions. During peak traffic hours, it can take over 8 hours to reach Cortland. However, since this route takes you through some beautiful areas, such as the Thousand Islands region, you may want to take your time and enjoy the sights.

Conclusion

There are certainly pros and cons to each route, so the one you choose will depend on your personal preferences. The fastest route will get you to your destination quickly, while the scenic route has its own attractions along the way. In any case, it's always a good idea to give yourself plenty of time and be prepared for any unforeseen delays – especially if you're traveling during peak traffic hours. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the drive!