Altoona, PA → Buffalo, NY
166 mi · 3h 19m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Altoona
40°
Fox Township
38°
Cattaraugus County
35°
Buffalo
38°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 166 mi · 3h 20m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
38°F, wind 9 mph
Rest Stops
3
Restrooms, Truck svc, WiFi
Cameras
9 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Sapp Brothers Travel Center 🚻
- ● Pilot Travel Center
Normal Traffic
2 construction zones along route — no other incidents
2 Construction Zones on Route
US 219 in both directions: Road reconstruction.
Cattaraugus, NY
US 219 (Pittsburgh-Buffalo Hwy) in both directions: Roadwork.
Erie, NY
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via I-99 North → US-220 → ... → NY 17 West (Southern Tier Expressway) → I-190 North (Niagara Thruway)
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-99 @ MM 39.4 (PINECROFT)
PA · NB
I-99 @ Bellwood Blair Co
PA ·
I-99 @ EXIT 52 (PA 350 BALD EAGLE/PHILIPSBURG)
PA · NB
I-99 @ MM 53
PA · NB
I-80 W/B @ Exit 120 Clearfield-Shawville SR-879 Clearfield
PA ·
I-80 @ MM 116 (CLEARFIELD)
PA ·
I-80 W/B @ Exit 111 Clearfield-Penfield SR-153 Clearfield
PA ·
I-80 @ MM 109 (STATE PARK RD)
PA ·
I-80 @ MM 103.8
PA ·
SR 219 @ SR 6 Lantz Corners McKean Co
PA ·
US-219 @ OWENS WAY
PA · NB
I-190 MP 001.44 NB at Interchange 2 (Clinton Street Route 354)
NY · NB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
6 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 6
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Altoona, PA to Buffalo, NY covers 166 miles in roughly 3h 19m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 6 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
44° / 39°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
42° / 33°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
44° / 38°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
47° / 36°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
52° / 30°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
58° / 31°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
61° / 35°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌧️ Slight rain at origin, 🌧️ Slight rain at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌧️ Slight rain at origin, 🌧️ Slight rain at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Altoona, PA
40°F
Wind: 10 mph
Buffalo, NY
38°F
Wind: 13 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Altoona, PA to Buffalo, NY
The 166-mile drive from Altoona, Pennsylvania to Buffalo, New York takes approximately 3h 19m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across varying terrain where weather conditions can change rapidly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Pennsylvania into New York, connecting Altoona and Buffalo. A drive of 166 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Northeast corridor sees the full range of seasonal weather. Nor'easters from November through March can dump heavy snow and create whiteout conditions, while ice storms make roads treacherous. Summer and fall offer excellent driving conditions, though fall foliage season brings heavier traffic on scenic routes. Spring can bring unpredictable rain and residual freeze-thaw damage to road surfaces.
Best Time to Drive Altoona to Buffalo
For shorter trips like this 166-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 166 miles, the Altoona to Buffalo drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Altoona to Buffalo?
The drive is approximately 166 miles and takes about 3h 19m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Wednesday, Nov 18 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Altoona to Buffalo today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Altoona to Buffalo route?
Yes, there are 6 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-99 North, I-80, US-219, I-190 North (Niagara Thruway). Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
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