Origin
Worcester, NY
Late night in Worcester on Sunday
Local time
4:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Worcester, NY to Buffalo, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 27m
Distance
254.9 mi
410 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 14m
★
6 AM
5h 28m
8 AM
5h 54m
10 AM
5h 37m
12 PM
5h 34m
3 PM
5h 38m
5 PM
5h 53m
8 PM
5h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Worcester, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Buffalo, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on a 254.9-mile journey from Worcester, NY, to Buffalo, NY, will take approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes of driving time. This route is primarily composed of the New York State Thruway and US Highway 20, with some sections on State Highway 28, making it a manageable one-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $42, you can anticipate a straightforward drive across New York State. The overall feel of this trip leans towards a turn-heavy local drive, so plan for a bit more engagement with the road compared to a pure interstate cruise. You'll be staying within the Northeast region for this entire adventure.
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
127.5 miles from Worcester, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Thruway | 201.4 mi | 3h 53m |
| US Highway 20 | 14.1 mi | 21m |
| State Highway 28 | 10.4 mi | 14m |
| County Highway 39 | 7.8 mi | 18m |
| Kensington Expressway | 6.4 mi | 8m |
| NY 166 | 4.1 mi | 7m |
| State Highway 165 | 3.4 mi | 6m |
| State Route 166 | 1.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 201.4 mi, about 3h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Worcester, NY and Buffalo, NY.
1
Start on CR 39
39 ft
·
7 sec
·
South Hill Road
2
Turn left onto NY 7
102 ft
·
3 sec
·
Main Street
3
Turn right onto CR 39
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Decatur Street
4
Continue on CR 39
7.8 mi
·
18 min
·
County Highway 39
5
Continue on Thompson Hill Road
1.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Thompson Hill Road
6
Turn left onto NY 165
3.4 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 165
7
At end of road, turn right onto NY 166
4.1 mi
·
7 min
·
NY 166
8
At end of road, turn right onto NY 166
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
9
Turn slight left onto NY 166
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
Fort Plain Road
10
Continue on NY 166
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
State Route 166
11
Take the ramp
384 ft
·
10 sec
12
Merge onto US 20
14 mi
·
21 min
·
US Highway 20
13
Turn right onto NY 28
10 mi
·
14 min
·
State Highway 28
14
Continue on NY 28
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Columbia Street
15
Turn right onto East Main Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
16
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 90 West
18
Merge onto I 90
201 mi
·
3 hr 53 min
·
New York State Thruway
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 51W
Toward NY 33 West: Buffalo
Use the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto NY 33
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Kensington Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Oak Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on Oak Street
428 ft
·
14 sec
·
Oak Street
23
Turn right onto Genesee Street
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Genesee Street
Use the right lane.
24
Turn right onto East Huron Street
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
East Huron Street
25
Turn left onto Franklin Street
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
Franklin Street
Use the left lane.
26
Turn right onto Genesee Street
402 ft
·
11 sec
·
Genesee Street
27
Enter roundabout onto NY 384
391 ft
·
11 sec
·
Niagara Square
28
Arrive at destination
NY 384
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 27-minute duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day. You can depart in the morning and arrive in Buffalo by the afternoon. Factor in at least one stop to break up the drive and refuel, especially considering the 201.4-mile longest stretch on the Thruway. The fuel cost is estimated at $42, so plan accordingly. Since it's a "turn-heavy local drive," staying alert and mindful of navigation will be key, particularly when transitioning between the New York State Thruway, US Highway 20, and State Highway 28.
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 127.5 miles from Worcester, NY, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 201.4 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 56 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.5 miles or 2h 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 4h 31m
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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, NY
This is one driving day of about 254.9 miles and 5h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Worcester, 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 201.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 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 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 127.5 miles from Worcester, 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 201.4 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 205 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 254.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
NY 7 / Main Street
Turn left onto NY 7 / Main Street
Navigation decision point
7
247 mi into trip
|
~5h 15m 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
253.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 24m 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
6
254.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 25m in
|
Genesee Street
Turn right onto Genesee Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
254.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 26m in
|
Franklin Street
Turn left onto Franklin Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.96 one way
$83.92 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $45.37 | $90.74 |
| premium | $4.92 | $49.40 | $98.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $56.28 | $112.56 |
Estimated Tolls: $10.07
New York State Thruway
(201.4 mi)
$10.07
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
$42
Tolls
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.5 | 0 | $26.76 | $12.24 |
| Efficient EV | 63.7 | 0 | $22.30 | $10.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 102 | 1 | $35.69 | $16.31 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Late night in Buffalo on Sunday
Local time
4:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°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
12 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 27m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a dynamic experience, with only 19% of the route on highways. Expect a "turn-heavy local drive" profile, meaning you'll navigate a series of roads that require more attention. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 201.4 miles on the New York State Thruway, providing a period of more consistent travel. As you progress, the road character will likely shift between these faster highway segments and more winding local roads, offering a varied driving experience.
Only 19% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 201.4 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 early in the drive near NY 7 / Main Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 254.9 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: near the start (NY 7 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 247 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 253.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Starting in Worcester, NY
Full guide →Founded 1788
Arriving in Buffalo, NY
Full guide →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.
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 5h 27m. Total distance: 254.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 201.4 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $10.07 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: near the start (NY 7 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 247 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 253.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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