The Ultimate Guide to Driving from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Copiague, New York

If you're planning a road trip from Canada to the United States, you might be wondering how long it takes to drive from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario, to Copiague, New York. Well, the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. There are several different routes you could take, each with their own distance and drive time, depending on traffic patterns. In this post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, the time it takes based on traffic patterns and the expected driving time for the journey.

The Fastest Route

The quickest way to get from Ottawa to Copiague is via the I-81 S and I-81 S. This route is less than 430 miles from start to finish, and it typically takes around 7 hours of driving time without stops or breaks. During low traffic times, you could expect to make the journey in just under 7 hours, but this could increase depending on traffic patterns. If you're driving during peak hours or on weekends, expect to tack on at least an extra hour to your trip.

The Slowest Route

On the other hand, the slowest route to Copiague would be via the US-11 S and I-84 W, which takes you around Lake Champlain and then down to New York City. This route is approximately 665 miles and takes around 12 hours of driving time without stops or breaks. With traffic, this journey could take upwards of 15 hours, especially during peak holiday and travel season.

The Middle Ground

If you want to split the difference between the quickest and slowest routes, we recommend taking the I-87 S and I-90 E. This route is around 570 miles with just under 10 hours of expected driving time without stops or breaks. Traffic patterns are less affected on this route so the drive duration is more standard compared to the fast and slow routes.

Of course, the actual drive time for your journey will depend on several factors, such as weather conditions, construction works, accident sites, and peak traffic times. It's always good to check in advance if there are any tolls to factor in. Anyway, it's important to budget in several extra hours per day as a plan A, B, and C. Stop & enjoy some authentic cuisine and some stores along the way.

In conclusion,

Driving from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario, to Copiague, New York, could take you anywhere from 7 hours to 15 hours, depending on which route you take, traffic conditions, weather factors and especially that you want to take it leisurely or just to speed through. If you're looking for the quickest route, stick to the I-81 S and I-81 S. For scenery along the way, and if traffic is light, take the US-11 S and I-84 W. And finally, for a decent mix of speed and scenery, go with the I-87 S and I-90 E. No matter which route you choose, though, be sure to plan for some stops along the way to refuel and make some memories.