Columbus, OHIO → Buffalo, NY
294 mi · 5h 52m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Columbus
31°
Clinton
36°
Franklin Township
40°
Buffalo
39°
Wind gusts up to 16 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 294 mi · 5h 53m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
36°F, wind 12 mph
Incidents
3
3 critical
Rest Stops
17
Restrooms, Truck svc
Cameras
5 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Lee M. Rizor Memorial Highway Rest Area 🚻
- ● Lee M. Rizor Memorial Highway Rest Area 🚻
- ● Pilot Travel Center
Hazards Ahead
5 road closures may affect your route · 16 construction zones on route
16 Construction Zones on Route
4th Street northbound: Long-term: 4th street is reduced to two lanes on the bridge over I-70.
4th Street northbound: Long-term: 4th street is reduced to two lanes on the bridge over I-70.
Ramp from OH-315 S to Ackerman Rd: Expect lane closures on Ramp from OH-315 S to Ackerman Rd, due to repairs/maintenance.
OH-521 eastbound: Long-term: SR 521 over Alum Creek is reduced to one lane. Two-way traffic is being maintained using a temporary traffic signal.
US-42 eastbound: Long-term: U.S. 42 will have traffic signal upgrades at Hanley Road, the Kroger entrance near Stewart Road, Stewart Road, and Reiser Road/Eastview Drive intersections. Traffic will be maintained with shoulder work zones or daytime lane closures when necessary.
US-42 eastbound: Long-term: U.S. 42 will have traffic signal upgrades at Hanley Road, the Kroger entrance near Stewart Road, Stewart Road, and Reiser Road/Eastview Drive intersections. Traffic will be maintained with shoulder work zones or daytime lane closures when necessary.
+ 10 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Highway Message Signs
I-670 I-670 EB at MM 4.6 (Northern leg), West of Cleveland Ave
LEFT | SHOULDER | CLOSED | AHEAD
I-670 I-670 EB at MM 5.0 (Northern leg), East of I-71
LEFT | SHOULDER | CLOSED
I-670 I-670 EB at MM 5.4, I-71 NB to I-670 EB Ramp left side
LEFT SHOULDER | CLOSED | AHEAD
I-71 I-71 NB @ N of SR-18
E I-90 CLOSED | AT E 9TH ST | 30 MILES AHEAD | MILES MIN | I-80 14 14 | I-480 19 20
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 US-23 → US-33 → ... → I-271 Express → I-90 East
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-71 at Greenlawn Ave
OH ·
I-71 at E Broad St
OH ·
I-71 at SR-61
OH ·
I-71 at US-30
OH ·
I-71 at I-76
OH ·
I-271 at SR-94
OH ·
I-271 at US-422 / Chagrin Blvd
OH ·
I-90 at CR-221 / Paine Rd
OH ·
I-90 at SR-193
OH ·
I-90 @ EXIT 16 - SR 98
PA · EB
I-90 MP 467.74 EB at Interchange 59 (Dunkirk)
NY · EB
I-90 MP 444.90 EB/WB at Interchange 57A (Eden/Angola)
NY · Both
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
42 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 42
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 12: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 10: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 7: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Columbus, OHIO to Buffalo, NY covers 294 miles in roughly 5h 52m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 42 rest areas and 5 reported incidents along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 14
43° / 31°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 15
46° / 40°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
47° / 38°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
49° / 32°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
53° / 32°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
57° / 34°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
57° / 46°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, 🌧️ Slight rain at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, 🌦️ Slight rain showers at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Columbus, OHIO
31°F
Wind: 7 mph
Buffalo, NY
39°F
Wind: 16 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Columbus, OHIO to Buffalo, NY
The 294-mile drive from Columbus, OHIO to Buffalo, New York takes approximately 5h 52m 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 OHIO into New York, connecting Columbus and Buffalo. A drive of 294 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
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 Columbus to Buffalo
For medium-distance drives like this 294-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 294-mile drive from Columbus to Buffalo takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
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 Columbus to Buffalo?
The drive is approximately 294 miles and takes about 5h 52m 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 Columbus 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 Columbus to Buffalo route?
Yes, there are 42 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-71 North, I-271 North, I-90 East. 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?
There are currently 5 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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