McLean, VA → Buffalo, NY
287 mi · 5h 44m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
Get an email if snow, ice or storms hit this route before you leave.
Free. One email to confirm, then only when conditions change. Unsubscribe in one click.
McLean
47°
Tell Township
39°
Shippen Township
34°
Buffalo
38°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 287 mi · 5h 44m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
39°F, wind 13 mph
Rest Stops
15
Restrooms, Truck svc, WiFi
Cameras
4 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Flower Valley Loading Dock area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Normal Traffic
No traffic incidents reported
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 SR-688 → I-495 → ... → I-90 East → I-190 North (Niagara Thruway)
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-495 / MM 45.3 / NB
VA · NB
Live video · tap to play
I-70 at Ex 53 I-270
Western MD, MD ·
Live video · tap to play
I-70 AT EX 12 MD 56
Western MD, MD ·
I-70 @ MM 147.6 (I-76 UNDERPASS)
PA · NB
I-70 / I-76 @ MP123.4, Allegheny Tunnel
PA · WB
I-76 @ Exit 75, New Stanton Interchange
PA · WB
I-376 @ EXIT 84A (MONROEVILLE)
PA · WB
I-79 S/B MM 86 @ Evans City Butler Co.
PA ·
I-79 @ MM 130
PA ·
I-79 @ EXIT 178A B (I-90)
PA · NB
I-90 MP 466.1 WB At New Road
NY · WB
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
38 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 38
Sponsor
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ 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 McLean, VA to Buffalo, NY covers 287 miles in roughly 5h 44m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 38 rest areas 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 13
51° / 45°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
49° / 38°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
52° / 42°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
52° / 36°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
55° / 37°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
60° / 38°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
64° / 38°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, 🌧️ Slight rain at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, 🌧️ Slight rain at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
See if current slowdowns affect your drive time
Free • No sign-up required
Current Conditions
McLean, VA
47°F
Wind: 15 mph
Buffalo, NY
38°F
Wind: 13 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from McLean, VA to Buffalo, NY
The 287-mile drive from McLean, Virginia to Buffalo, New York takes approximately 5h 44m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially along coastal regions where fog and marine weather can impact visibility. 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 Virginia into New York, connecting McLean and Buffalo. A drive of 287 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
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive McLean to Buffalo
For medium-distance drives like this 287-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 287-mile drive from McLean 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 McLean to Buffalo?
The drive is approximately 287 miles and takes about 5h 44m 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 McLean 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 McLean to Buffalo route?
Yes, there are 38 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-495, I-70, I-76 West (Pennsylvania Turnpike), I-79 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?
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.
Related Driving Guides
10 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Long Road Trips
Planning a winter road trip? Here are the essential safety tips to help you navigate snow, ice, and cold weather conditions.
🧊Black Ice: The Invisible Killer on Winter Roads
Black ice forms when rain or melting snow refreezes on cold road surfaces. Here's how to spot the conditions that create it.
🛡️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.
Road Trip Guides Through This Area
Blue Ridge Parkway: Shenandoah to Great Smoky Mountains
America's Favorite Drive Through the Appalachians
Appalachian Mountain Towns
Charming Towns Nestled in Ancient Mountains
Hudson Valley Weekend: NYC to the Catskills
Art, Wine, and Mountain Air — Just 2 Hours from Manhattan
Shenandoah Valley Weekend: DC to the Blue Ridge
Mountain Views, Caverns, and Wineries — Under 2 Hours from DC
Explore More Routes
More routes from McLean
More routes to Buffalo
Similar-distance drives
More routes starting in VA
Don't Drive Blind Into Weather
Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your route—at the exact time you'll be there.
Open Planner