Road Trip! Driving from Ashland, Ohio to Syracuse, New York

If you're looking to hit the open road for your next vacation, a trip from Ashland, Ohio, to Syracuse, New York should definitely be on your list. So how long does it take to drive from Ashland to Syracuse, and what are your options for the quickest and most scenic routes?

Fastest Route

The quickest way to get from Ashland to Syracuse is to take Interstate 71 North to Cleveland, then Interstate 90 East straight to Syracuse. This route is just under 400 miles and should take around 6 hours to drive without stops. That being said, be prepared for traffic during peak hours around Cleveland as it is a major city. Expect to tack on an extra hour of drive time.

Scenic Route

If you're more interested in taking your time and enjoying the scenery, the alternative route is to take OH-3 North to Medina, then Route 18 East to Akron and I-77 through the rolling hills and rural farmland of the Ohio countryside. Take the Turnpike East to Buffalo and then get on I-90 East to Syracuse for a total of just over 450 miles for the entire trip. While this route is longer, it will take approximately 8 hours of drive time (not including stops). Planning on making this drive at any time of the day should skip rush hour traffic in Cleveland.

Traffic Conditions

When it comes to planning your trip from Ohio to New York, traffic can certainly be a factor. Peak traffic hours for the shortest route is from 7 am to 9 am and from 2 pm to 7 pm for weekday drivers. Expect some slowdowns around Cleveland and Buffalo where backups are frequent on I-90. During weekends, expect the highest traffic volumes on this stretch of road on Fridays and Sundays from 4 pm to 7 pm.

If you’re taking the scenic route, I-77 is known to be a slower yet beautiful drive with dazzling views of the countryside (the best time to see full beauty is in Autumn). During weekdays, the traffic pattern almost matches with the short route as the Cleveland area experiences massive traffic jams around major rush hours.

Conclusion

Whether you're planning a road trip through the stunning counties of Ohio and around the scenic Erie Canal to Syracuse or just need to get from Ashland to Syracuse as quickly as possible, both routes are easily doable and will give you a memorable experience. If you're concerned about traffic, avoid peak hours in Cleveland by leaving early morning or late at night and give yourself plenty of time to make the trip. Either way, buckle up, check your mirrors, and get ready for a delicious slice of Americana on your next adventure.