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Trip from Nichols, NY to Buffalo, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 26, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 11m

Distance

127.5 mi

205 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
3h 0m ★
6 AM
3h 11m
8 AM
3h 35m
10 AM
3h 19m
12 PM
3h 17m
3 PM
3h 21m
5 PM
3h 34m
8 PM
3h 4m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Nichols, NY, NY

Nichols, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Downtown Buffalo, NY, NY

Buffalo, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 127.5-mile drive from Nichols, NY, to Buffalo, NY, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $21, it’s an economical journey through the Northeast region of New York. The route utilizes a mix of Main Street, State Highway 36, and State Highway 417, offering a varied driving experience. It's a straightforward option for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.

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

63.8 miles from Nichols, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Main Street 20.2 mi 31m
State Highway 36 16.5 mi 24m
State Highway 417 13.3 mi 19m
State Highway 78 12.8 mi 18m
Aurora Expressway 12.5 mi 14m
State Highway 39 8.9 mi 12m
East Main Street 8.7 mi 13m
Strykersville Road 5.9 mi 8m
Longest stretch: Main Street — 20.2 mi, about 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Mack Road

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Mack Road
2

Turn straight onto County Route 86

2.4 mi · 5 min · County Route 86
3

At end of road, turn right onto CR 85

2.5 mi · 6 min · County Route 85
4

Turn left onto NY 417

13 mi · 19 min · State Highway 417
5

Continue on NY 36

12 mi · 17 min · State Highway 36
6

Continue on NY 36

8.7 mi · 13 min · East Main Street
7

Turn straight onto NY 36

1.6 mi · 2 min · NY 36
8

Turn straight onto NY 36

0.7 mi · 1 min · New Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Continue on NY 36

4.9 mi · 7 min · State Highway 36
10

Turn left onto NY 70

0.3 mi · 24 sec · State Highway 70
11

Continue on NY 70

18 mi · 26 min · Main Street
12

At end of road, turn left onto NY 436

2.9 mi · 4 min · Portage Street
13

Continue on NY 436

360 ft · 10 sec · Main Street
14

Turn right onto NY 436

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Hamilton Street
15

Continue on NY 19A; NY 436

2.2 mi · 3 min · NY 19A; NY 436
16

Turn left onto NY 436

1.8 mi · 2 min · Denton Corners Road
17

Turn left onto NY 39

2.7 mi · 3 min · State Highway 39
18

Continue on NY 39

6.2 mi · 8 min · State Highway 39
19

Turn right onto NY 362

1.5 mi · 2 min · Pearl Street
20

Continue on NY 362

2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 362
21

At end of road, turn left onto NY 78

5.9 mi · 8 min · State Highway 78
22

Continue on NY 78; NY 98

6.9 mi · 10 min · State Highway 78
23

Continue on NY 78

2.4 mi · 4 min · Main Street
24

Continue on NY 78

5.9 mi · 8 min · Strykersville Road
25

At end of road, turn left onto US 20A; NY 78

2.2 mi · 3 min · Big Tree Road
26

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
27

Merge onto NY 400

13 mi · 14 min · Aurora Expressway
28

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 90 East: Buffalo
29

Merge onto I 90

1.3 mi · 1 min · New York State Thruway
30

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 53 Toward I 190 North: Downtown Buffalo, Niagara Falls Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31

Continue on I 190

4.9 mi · 6 min · Niagara Thruway
32

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 7 Toward Buffalo, Outer Harbor, Church Street Use the slight right lane.
33

Continue on NY 5

521 ft · 21 sec · Church Street
34

Turn left onto NY 384

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Delaware Avenue
Use the left lane.
35

Enter roundabout onto NY 384

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Niagara Square
36

Arrive at destination

NY 384

Trip Plan

Given its 3-hour duration, this trip is best tackled in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility upon arrival in Buffalo. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of time to enjoy the drive without feeling rushed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $21. A specific tip for this route: since the longest uninterrupted stretch is 20.2 miles on Main Street, plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps before or after this longer local road segment to ensure comfort.

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 63.8 miles from Nichols, NY, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 20.2 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 28 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.8 miles or 1h 40m 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 40m

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 Nichols, 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 Nichols, NY

This is one driving day of about 127.5 miles and 3h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Nichols, 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 Main Street for about 20.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Burns, NY, NY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Burns, NY

64 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

Canisteo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Tuscarora, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.8 miles from Nichols, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Red E Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Hornell, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Buffalo Double Decker Tours

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Buffalo, NY

Hours: 12–8 pm

+17162469080

Visit website

Buffalo Naval Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Buffalo, NY

Hours: Closed

+17168471773

Visit website

Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Buffalo, New York

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+17166555131

Visit website

Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Buffalo, New York

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+17168530084

Visit website

Canalside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Buffalo, New York

+17164408919

Visit website

Veterans Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Buffalo, New York

Hours: 7 am–10:30 pm

+17168471773

Visit website

Wilkeson Pointe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Buffalo, New York

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+17164367100

Visit website

Oldest Tree In Buffalo

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Buffalo, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 83.8 and 127.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
83.8 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in | NY 78 / State Highway 78

At end of road, turn left onto NY 78 / State Highway 78

Navigation decision point

8
121.4 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Take the exit toward I 190 North: Downtown Buffalo, Niagara Falls

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 53 Toward I 190 North: Downtown Buffalo, Niagara F...
8
126.9 mi into trip | ~3h 9m in

Take the exit toward Buffalo, Outer Harbor, Church Street

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 7 Toward Buffalo, Outer Harbor, Church Street
7
127.2 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in | NY 384 / Delaware Avenue

Turn left onto NY 384 / Delaware Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
127.4 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in | NY 384 / Niagara Square

Enter roundabout onto NY 384 / Niagara Square

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.72 one way

$41.44 round trip

$4.13/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.47 $22.43 $44.86
premium $4.87 $24.43 $48.85
diesel $5.40 $27.12 $54.24

Estimated Tolls: $0.31

Niagara Thruway (4.9 mi) $0.24
New York State Thruway (1.3 mi) $0.07

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

$21

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.3 0 $13.39 $6.12
Efficient EV 31.9 0 $11.16 $5.10
EV Truck/SUV 51 0 $17.85 $8.16

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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.

Forecast as of Apr 24, 2026

Origin

Nichols, NY

Morning in Nichols on Sunday

Local time

10:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Buffalo, NY

Morning in Buffalo on Sunday

Local time

10:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

37°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

40°F

Burns, NY

64 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

3 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 11m 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?

The drive features a mixed profile, with 57% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 20.2 miles on Main Street, suggesting some segments of local road driving interspersed with faster sections. This route isn't a constant interstate cruise; expect a blend of highway speeds and potentially more winding or local road conditions as you navigate between the state highways. The road character will likely evolve, offering a dynamic experience for the driver.

57% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 20.2 mi on Main Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 83.8 miles in near NY 78 / State Highway 78.

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 127.5 miles you will encounter 18 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 83.8 miles (NY 78 / State Highway 78): Navigation decision point; at 121.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

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 11m. Total distance: 127.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 20.2 miles on Main Street. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.31 in tolls one way, starting with Niagara 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 83.8 miles (NY 78 / State Highway 78): Navigation decision point; at 121.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 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.

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