The Drive from Baltimore to Buffalo: Fastest and Slowest Routes

If you’re planning a road trip from Baltimore to Buffalo, you’ll want to know the fastest and slowest routes, the distance and travel time for each route, and what to expect on the road. Whether you’re looking for the quickest way to get there or are interested in taking a scenic drive, there’s a route for everyone!

Fastest Route: I-83N and I-90W

The fastest route from Baltimore to Buffalo is taking I-83N and then connecting to I-90W. This route is approximately 430 miles long, and it typically takes around 7 hours to cover the distance, depending on traffic conditions.

If you hit the road during off-peak hours, you can expect to cover this distance in about 6.5 hours. However, during peak travel times - such as holidays or weekends - you should anticipate adding an extra hour or two to your journey.

This route takes you through Philadelphia, Allentown, Scranton, Syracuse, and Rochester. It’s worth noting that this route tends to get congested around the Philadelphia and New Jersey area due to the high volume of traffic. However, once you get past these areas, traffic typically clears up.

Scenic Route: US 15N and US 219

If you’re looking to take a more scenic route, a great option is to take US 15N and connect to US 219. This route is 324 miles long, and it typically takes around 7.5 hours to complete - slightly longer than the fastest route.

However, the trade-off for a longer travel time is that you get to experience the beauty of upstate New York. You’ll pass through landmarks such as Catoctin Mountain Park, the Finger Lakes region, and Letchworth State Park, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.”

As with the fastest route, it’s important to keep in mind that your travel time may increase during peak travel times. Plan accordingly!

Slowest Route: I-95N

If you’re looking to take the slowest - and typically most congested - route from Baltimore to Buffalo, you’ll want to stick to I-95N. This route is about 465 miles long, and due to heavy traffic and multiple cities along the way, it can take up to 9 hours to get from point A to point B.

If you absolutely have to take this route, consider driving during off-peak hours - so avoiding rush hour - to minimize the impact of traffic. You’ll pass by cities such as Wilmington, Trenton, and Newark, and you’ll need a lot of patience and a good playlist to keep you going.

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to get to Buffalo from Baltimore, but the fastest and most scenic routes are I-83N and I-90W, and US 15N and US 219, respectively. While traffic patterns can add an unexpected amount of travel time, planning your trip and avoiding peak travel hours can help keep your journey smooth and stress-free. Happy travels!