Origin
East Ithaca, NY
Morning in East Ithaca on Sunday
Local time
8:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from East Ithaca, NY to Buffalo, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 26, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 21m
Distance
153.6 mi
247 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 9m
★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 31m
5 PM
3h 44m
8 PM
3h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
East Ithaca, NY
Abhishek Navlakha
Buffalo, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
East Ithaca, NY to Buffalo, NY is 153.6 miles and takes about 3h 21m via New York State Thruway, State Highway 96, and State Highway 89, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, connecting two points in the Northeast region. You'll primarily navigate surface roads, making it a more relaxed drive than a pure interstate run. With a single recommended day, you have plenty of flexibility to depart when you're ready.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
76.8 miles from East Ithaca, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Thruway | 93.7 mi | 1h 48m |
| State Highway 96 | 16.2 mi | 23m |
| State Highway 89 | 10.1 mi | 13m |
| Trumansburg Road | 8.8 mi | 13m |
| Kensington Expressway | 6.4 mi | 8m |
| Ovid Street | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| Ernsberger Road | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Townline Road | 1.8 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 93.7 mi, about 1h 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Ithaca, NY and Buffalo, NY.
1
Start on NY 366
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Ithaca Road
2
Turn right onto NY 366
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Mitchell Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto NY 79
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
East State Street
Use the right lane.
4
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 79
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Seneca Way
5
Continue on NY 79
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
East Seneca Street
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn right onto Taughannock Boulevard
338 ft
·
15 sec
·
Taughannock Boulevard
7
Turn left onto NY 96
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
West Buffalo Street
8
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Cliff Street
9
Continue on NY 96
8.7 mi
·
12 min
·
Trumansburg Road
10
Continue on NY 96
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
East Main Street
11
Continue on NY 96
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Trumansburg Road
12
Continue on NY 96
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 96
13
Turn right onto CR 141A
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Powell Road
14
Continue on CR 141
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 141
15
Turn left onto NY 89
10 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 89
16
Turn left onto CR 128
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Ernsberger Road
17
At end of road, turn right onto NY 414
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Ovid Street
18
Turn left onto NY 336
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Townline Road
19
Turn right onto NY 96
6.2 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 96
20
Continue on NY 96
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
Fayette Street
21
Turn right onto NY 96
354 ft
·
16 sec
·
West River Street
22
Turn left onto NY 96
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Washington Street
23
Continue on NY 96
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
South Virginia Street
24
Turn left onto NY 96
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
North Road
25
Continue on NY 96
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 96
26
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward I 90: Lyons, Thruway
27
Merge onto NY 14
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
NY 14
Use the left lane.
28
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Use the left lane.
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
30
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
this road
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
31
Merge onto I 90
94 mi
·
1 hr 48 min
·
New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 51W
Toward NY 33 West: Buffalo
Use the slight right lane.
33
Merge onto NY 33
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Kensington Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Oak Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on Oak Street
428 ft
·
14 sec
·
Oak Street
36
Turn right onto Genesee Street
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Genesee Street
Use the right lane.
37
Turn right onto East Huron Street
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
East Huron Street
38
Turn left onto Franklin Street
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
Franklin Street
Use the left lane.
39
Turn right onto Genesee Street
402 ft
·
11 sec
·
Genesee Street
40
Enter roundabout onto NY 384
391 ft
·
11 sec
·
Niagara Square
41
Arrive at destination
NY 384
Trip Plan
For this 3 hour and 21 minute drive, leaving in the morning is a good idea to maximize daylight. Since it's a single-day trip and under 160 miles, you can be quite flexible with your departure time. Plan for one stop, perhaps around the halfway point, to break up the 93.7-mile highway segment. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before heading onto the longer highway stretches, as the estimated fuel cost is $25. The route's profile of mostly surface roads means you'll encounter more local intersections and potentially slower speeds as you get closer to Buffalo.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.8 miles from East Ithaca, NY, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.7 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 34 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.8 miles or 1h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buffalo, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East Ithaca, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from East Ithaca, NY
This is one driving day of about 153.6 miles and 3h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from East Ithaca, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on New York State Thruway for about 93.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
77 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76.8 miles from East Ithaca, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.7 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 275 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 153.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.4 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
NY 79 / East State Street
At end of road, turn right onto NY 79 / East State Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
51.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
145.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
Take the exit toward NY 33 West: Buffalo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51W
Toward NY 33 West: Buffalo
7
152.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Oak Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Oak Street
7
153.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 20m in
|
Franklin Street
Turn left onto Franklin Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.96 one way
$49.93 round trip
$4.13/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.47 | $27.02 | $54.04 |
| premium | $4.87 | $29.43 | $58.85 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $32.67 | $65.35 |
Estimated Tolls: $4.69
New York State Thruway
(93.7 mi)
$4.69
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
$25
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.1 | 0 | $16.13 | $7.37 |
| Efficient EV | 38.4 | 0 | $13.44 | $6.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.50 | $9.83 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Buffalo, NY
Morning in Buffalo on Sunday
Local time
8:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
42°F
Geneva, NY
77 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
5 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
3h 21m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This 153.6-mile drive is mostly surface roads, with only 21% of it on highways. The longest stretch on the New York State Thruway is 93.7 miles. You'll notice the transition from highway cruising to navigating State Highway 96 and State Highway 89, which means more local traffic and potential for slower speeds as you approach your destination.
Only 21% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.7 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near NY 79 / East State Street.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 153.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (NY 79 / East State Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from East Ithaca, NY to Buffalo, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Thruway along the way.
Thruway
50.7 mi in
|
~1h 17m
About the Cities
Starting in East Ithaca, NY
Full guide →Arriving 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
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 3h 21m. Total distance: 153.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 93.7 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.69 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Buffalo, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (NY 79 / East State Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Buffalo, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
More trips to Buffalo, NY
Explore more options from East Ithaca, NY or browse trips ending in Buffalo, NY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.