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Trip from Buffalo, NY to Macedon, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 54m

Distance

90.5 mi

146 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 46m ★
6 AM
1h 55m
8 AM
2h 12m
10 AM
2h 1m
12 PM
1h 59m
3 PM
2h 2m
5 PM
2h 11m
8 PM
1h 50m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Buffalo, NY, NY

Buffalo, NY

Wikimedia Commons

town in Wayne County, New York, United States of America

Macedon, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Buffalo to Macedon is 90.5 miles and takes about 1h 54m via New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $15 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. It's a relatively short trip, mostly on the New York State Thruway, making it an easy option for a single day. You'll find it's a straightforward journey, ideal if you're looking for a simple transit rather than an extensive scenic tour.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

45.2 miles from Buffalo, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New York State Thruway 70.6 mi 1h 22m
Kensington Expressway 6.8 mi 9m
Palmyra Road 3.1 mi 4m
Pittsford-Palmyra Road 3.1 mi 4m
Turk Hill Road 2.7 mi 5m
Victor-Pittsford Road 1 mi 1m
Main Street 0.7 mi <1m
Genesee Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: New York State Thruway — 70.6 mi, about 1h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Buffalo, NY and Macedon, NY.

1

Start on NY 384

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Niagara Square
2

Continue on Court Street

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Court Street
3

Continue on Lafayette Square

372 ft · 18 sec · Lafayette Square
4

Turn left onto Washington Street

0.2 mi · 45 sec · Washington Street
5

Turn right onto Genesee Street

0.3 mi · 49 sec · Genesee Street
6

Turn left onto Elm Street

263 ft · 7 sec · Elm Street
Use the left lane.
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 15 sec
Toward NY 33 East
8

Continue on NY 33

6.8 mi · 9 min · Kensington Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward I 90 East: Niagara Falls, Albany Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto I 90

71 mi · 1 hr 22 min · New York State Thruway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 45 Toward I 490: Rochester, Victor Use the slight right lane.
12

Continue on I 490

482 ft · 6 sec · Eastern Expressway
13

Take the exit

269 ft · 5 sec
Exit 29 Toward NY 96: Victor
14

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 52 sec · this road
Toward NY 96: Victor
15

Turn right onto NY 96

1.0 mi · 1 min · Victor-Pittsford Road
Use the right lane.
16

Turn right onto Turk Hill Road

2.7 mi · 5 min · Turk Hill Road
17

Turn right onto NY 31

3.1 mi · 4 min · Palmyra Road
18

Continue on NY 31

3.1 mi · 4 min · Pittsford-Palmyra Road
19

Continue on NY 31

0.7 mi · 47 sec · Main Street
20

Arrive at destination

NY 31

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of just under 2 hours, this trip offers a lot of flexibility. You can easily depart anytime, but leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the drive. With a fuel cost estimated at $15, you won't need to worry about frequent stops for gas. Since the longest stretch is on the New York State Thruway, plan to refuel before you hit that segment if you're starting with a low tank. Keep an eye on your GPS for the local turns as you get closer to Macedon, as this is where the driving becomes more engaging.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 45.2 miles from Buffalo, NY, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.6 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 20 miles or 26m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 45.2 miles or 56m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Macedon, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Buffalo, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Buffalo, NY

This is one driving day of about 90.5 miles and 1h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Buffalo, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New York State Thruway for about 70.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

county town of Staffordshire in the West Midlands, England

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Stafford, NY

45 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Alden, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Stafford, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 45.2 miles from Buffalo, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.6 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 79.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.8 mi into trip | ~2m in | Elm Street

Turn left onto Elm Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
7.9 mi into trip | ~12m in

Take the exit toward I 90 East: Niagara Falls, Albany

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward I 90 East: Niagara Falls, Albany
8
78.8 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the exit toward I 490: Rochester, Victor

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 45 Toward I 490: Rochester, Victor
6
79.5 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in

Take the exit toward NY 96: Victor

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 29 Toward NY 96: Victor
6
79.9 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in | NY 96 / Victor-Pittsford Road

Turn right onto NY 96 / Victor-Pittsford Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.90 one way

$29.79 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 32 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $16.11 $32.22
premium $4.92 $17.54 $35.08
diesel $5.61 $19.98 $39.96

Estimated Tolls: $3.53

New York State Thruway (70.6 mi) $3.53

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 31.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 27.2 0 $9.50 $4.34
Efficient EV 22.6 0 $7.92 $3.62
EV Truck/SUV 36.2 0 $12.67 $5.79

Gas CO2

32 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Buffalo, NY

Afternoon in Buffalo on Sunday

Local time

12:29 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Macedon, NY

Afternoon in Macedon on Sunday

Local time

12:29 PM

EDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

40°F

Stafford, NY

45 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

7 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 54m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Women's Rights National Historical Park

Women's Rights National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human r...

27 mi from route ~67 min detour Free near mile 90.5
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route has a "Turn-heavy local drive" profile, with 8% of the drive on highways. While there's a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 70.6 miles on the New York State Thruway, expect a more involved driving experience with numerous turns as you navigate local roads. The initial part of the drive might feel more like a typical highway commute, but it transitions into a more intricate network of local streets as you approach your destination. Be prepared for a dynamic road experience that requires attention to navigation.

Only 8% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 70.6 mi on New York State Thruway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in near Elm Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 90.5 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (Elm Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Buffalo, NY and Macedon, NY, road signs point toward Albany and Victor.

Albany

7.9 mi in | ~12m

Victor

78.8 mi in | ~1h 35m

About the Cities

Starting in Buffalo, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1832

The largest city in New York State's Niagara Frontier, Buffalo is a city full of surprises. Though Buffalo is sometimes the butt of jokes about chicken wings, its long-suffering sports teams, and the mountains of snow under which it is supposedly buried each winter, those in the know tell a different story: one of vibrant nightlife, world-class museums and cultural attractions, tight-knit neighborhoods with strong community spirit – and the sunniest summers in Northeastern United States.

Top landmarks

  • Buffalo AKG Art Museum — art museum in New York, US
  • Buffalo City Hall — skyscraper and municipal building in Buffalo, New York, USA
  • USS Croaker — 1943 Gato-class submarine

Arriving in Macedon, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1789

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 54m. Total distance: 90.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 70.6 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $3.53 in tolls one way, starting with New York State Thruway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Macedon, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (Elm Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Women's Rights National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Macedon, NY before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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