Origin
Otisville, NY
Night in Otisville on Saturday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Otisville, 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
6h 36m
Distance
311.5 mi
501 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$51
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 24m
★
6 AM
6h 36m
8 AM
7h 0m
10 AM
6h 45m
12 PM
6h 42m
3 PM
6h 46m
5 PM
6h 59m
8 PM
6h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Otisville, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Buffalo, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Otisville to Buffalo is 311.5 miles and takes about 6h 36m via NY 17 and I 86, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within New York, moving from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. The route is predominantly highway, making it a straightforward drive for a single day. If you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points within the state, this is a solid option.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
155.7 miles from Otisville, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 13m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NY 17 | 104.3 mi | 2h 9m |
| I 86 | 100 mi | 1h 56m |
| Genesee Expressway | 32.9 mi | 37m |
| Aurora Expressway | 12.5 mi | 14m |
| Varysburg Road | 10.9 mi | 15m |
| Big Tree Road | 10.5 mi | 15m |
| Leicester Road | 7.4 mi | 10m |
| State Route 209 | 5.3 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 104.3 mi, about 2h 9m
Traffic on I-86
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,201 veh/hr typical · worst 1,535
Quietest
2 AM
~81 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Otisville, NY and Buffalo, NY.
1
Start on this road
34 ft
·
5 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Main Street
163 ft
·
11 sec
·
Main Street
3
Turn left onto CR 11
407 ft
·
15 sec
·
Highland Avenue
4
Turn left onto NY 211
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 211
5
Turn right onto CR 61
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
County Route 61
6
Continue on CR 61
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
Otisville Road
7
Continue on CR 163
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Short Road
8
Turn right onto US 209
184 ft
·
2 sec
·
Treasure Lake Road
9
Continue on US 209
5.3 mi
·
6 min
·
State Route 209
10
Continue on US 209
493 ft
·
10 sec
·
United States Highway 209
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward NY 17 West: Monticello
Use the left lane.
12
Merge onto NY 17
104 mi
·
2 hr 9 min
·
NY 17
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
100 mi
·
1 hr 56 min
·
I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 390
33 mi
·
37 min
·
Genesee Expressway
Toward I 390: Rochester
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 6
Toward NY 36: Mount Morris, Letchworth Park
16
Turn left onto NY 36
4.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Sonyea Road
17
Continue on NY 36
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Main Street
18
Continue on NY 36
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Mount Morris Road
19
Turn left onto CR 64
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Perry Road
20
Continue on US 20A
7.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Leicester Road
21
Continue on US 20A
4.6 mi
·
8 min
·
East Buffalo Street
22
Continue on US 20A
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
West Buffalo Road
23
Continue on US 20A
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Varysburg Road
24
Continue on US 20A
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Big Tree Road
25
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
26
Merge onto NY 400
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Aurora Expressway
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 90 East: Buffalo
28
Merge onto I 90
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
New York State Thruway
29
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 53
Toward I 190 North: Downtown Buffalo, Niagara Falls
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on I 190
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Niagara Thruway
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 7
Toward Buffalo, Outer Harbor, Church Street
Use the slight right lane.
32
Continue on NY 5
521 ft
·
21 sec
·
Church Street
33
Turn left onto NY 384
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
Delaware Avenue
Use the left lane.
34
Enter roundabout onto NY 384
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Niagara Square
35
Arrive at destination
NY 384
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 36m estimated drive time, leaving Otisville in the morning should allow you to reach Buffalo with plenty of daylight. The recommended single day of travel is feasible, but consider an early start to avoid feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, plan for a break around the halfway point or when you feel ready. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch on NY 17, as services can be more spread out on interstate highways.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 155.7 miles from Otisville, NY, or about 3h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.3 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 69 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.7 miles or 3h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 15m
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 Otisville, 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 Otisville, NY
This is one driving day of about 311.5 miles and 6h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Otisville, 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 NY 17 for about 104.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
156 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 69 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 155.7 miles from Otisville, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 104.3 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 195 decision points cluster between mile 8.7 and 311.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
8.7 mi into trip
|
~13m in
Take the exit toward NY 17 West: Monticello
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward NY 17 West: Monticello
6
246.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward NY 36: Mount Morris, Letchworth Park
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 6
Toward NY 36: Mount Morris, Letchworth Park
8
305.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 26m 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
310.8 mi into trip
|
~6h 34m 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
311.1 mi into trip
|
~6h 35m in
|
NY 384 / Delaware Avenue
Turn left onto NY 384 / Delaware Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.62 one way
$101.25 round trip
$4.13/gal
25.4 MPG avg
109 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.47 | $54.79 | $109.59 |
| premium | $4.87 | $59.68 | $119.35 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $66.26 | $132.52 |
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
$51
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 93.5 | 1 | $32.71 | $14.95 |
| Efficient EV | 77.9 | 0 | $27.26 | $12.46 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 124.6 | 1 | $43.61 | $19.94 |
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Night in Buffalo on Saturday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
6 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
6h 36m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 83% of the 311.5 miles on major roads like NY 17 and the Genesee Expressway. You'll encounter a lengthy stretch of 104.3 miles on NY 17 before transitioning to other highways. Expect a consistent cruising pace for most of the trip, with exit and entrance ramps being a frequent occurrence due to the high highway share.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.3 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and I 86. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.7 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 311.5 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 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 246.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 305.3 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.
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 Otisville, NY to Buffalo, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Letchworth Park along the way.
Letchworth Park
246.1 mi in
|
~4h 58m
About the Cities
Starting in Otisville, 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 6h 36m. Total distance: 311.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104.3 miles on NY 17. 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 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 246.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 305.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Buffalo, NY before the return drive.
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 FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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