Road trip from Buffalo to Silver Spring: the route and approximate driving times

There's nothing better than a road trip, right? Packing up the car, rolling down the windows, and hitting the open road - it's an adventure! But before you set out on your journey from Buffalo, New York to Silver Spring, Maryland, you're probably wondering how long it will take to get there, and what route you should take.

The Two Main Routes

There are two main routes to get from Buffalo to Silver Spring: the I-90 and I-86 route and the I-86 and I-90 route. The I-90 and I-86 route takes about 6 hours and covers approximately 400 miles. The I-86 and I-90 route takes about 6.5 hours and also covers approximately 400 miles.

Fastest Route

The fastest route to drive from Buffalo to Silver Spring is via the I-90 and I-86 route. That is the quickest way to go, since it's the most direct route with the fewest turns and twists. At its shortest, the trip takes roughly 6 hours without traffic. However, driving during rush hour can easily tack another hour or two onto your estimate.

Scenic Route

The I-86 and I-90 route is a more scenic ride, allowing you to take in more of the sights along the way. You will be traveling on highways named the Southern Tier Expressway and the New York State Thruway, making your way past countless towns and villages. It may take slightly longer to get from A to B, but many drivers prefer this route. The road distance is about 400 miles, and it takes approximately 6.5 hours to travel from Buffalo to Silver Spring.

Calculating Driving Times

Regardless of which route you take, there are likely to be times during your drive where you will experience traffic backups and delays. It's essential to be aware of peak traffic times along your chosen route, so you can plan accordingly. During peak times, your estimated travel time could be significantly longer due to increased volume on the roadways.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic congestion really depends on the time of day you hit the pavement. Rush hour is an obvious killer, slowing things down in the morning and evening. Weekends and holidays can also prolong travel time, especially when you're driving through multiple metropolitan areas: Washington DC and Baltimore. It's crucial to check the traffic patterns before you embark on your journey. Otherwise, you might find yourself sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, frustrated and late for your destination.

Peak traffic times

If you plan to travel during the week, traffic on both routes is typically heaviest during rush hour (7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.) in urban areas. Depending on where you get on and off the highway, you may encounter backups during those hours. During the weekends, traffic can be very heavy starting Friday afternoon, with significant backups that continue through Sunday evening.

Low traffic times

Traveling during off-peak hours can significantly reduce travel time. Overnight travel is the best time to bypass congestion on either highway, especially if you're aiming for a quick trip. Avoiding rush hour traffic during the week is also an excellent way to shave off some time if possible.

Conclusion

The road trip from Buffalo to Silver Spring can take anywhere between 6 to 6 and a half hours by car, depending on traffic. Both routes (I-90 and I-86 and I-86 and I-90) cover approximately 400 miles. There is no better route since it depends on what you want to see or how long you have for your trip. If taking the faster I-90 and I-86 route, beware of traffic congestion in urban areas, particularly during rush hour. Consider traveling during off-peak hours to avoid traffic and to ensure a quick and seamless journey. Whatever course you choose, enjoy the ride, pack some snacks, and happy driving!