Queens, NY → Buffalo, NY
298 mi · 5h 57m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freezing rain in Jessup — consider delaying
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.
Queens
44°
Jessup
35°
Town of Addison
37°
Buffalo
39°
Wind gusts up to 16 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 298 mi · 5h 57m
Weather
🌧️❄️ Freezing rain
35°F, wind 13 mph
Incidents
6
severe
Rest Stops
23
Restrooms, Truck svc, Picnic
Cameras
6 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Delays Expected
9 major incidents reported · 9 construction zones on route
9 Construction Zones on Route
Q28 Bus: at 39 Av/Union St: Roadwork.
Queens, NY
Q14 Bus: Roadwork.
Queens, NY
Q61 Bus: Roadwork.
Queens, NY
Q38 Bus: at 63 Dr/Austin St: Roadwork.
Queens, NY
I-678 (Van Wyck Expressway) northbound: Roadwork.
Queens, NY
B13 Bus: from Linden Bl/Crescent St to Euclid Av/Linden Bl: Roadwork.
Kings, NY
+ 3 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Road Conditions: Wet
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-278 East (Brooklyn-Queens Expressway) → I-95 South → ... → I-90 West (New York State Thruway; Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway) → NY 33 (Kensington Expressway)
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-678/WE at 126 St
NY ·
NY 17 East of Exit 118 (Fair Oaks) MM 358.5
NY ·
NY 17 at Count Station (Roscoe)
NY ·
NY 17 at Delaware South Residency
NY ·
I-81 at VMS 8 (Johnson Road)
NY ·
I-81 south of Exit 12 (Cortlandville)
NY ·
I-81 north of Exit 16 (Nedrow)
NY ·
I-87 at West 175th Street
NY ·
I-87 at West 179th Street
NY ·
I-87 MP 045.20 NB at Interchange 16 (Harriman)
NY · NB
I-90 MP 362.41 WB at Interchange 46 (Henrietta)
NY · WB
I-90 MP 409.50 East Bound at N. Millgrove Rd. Overapass
NY ·
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
59 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 59
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 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 →
The 298-mile full-day drive from Queens to Buffalo stays within NY and takes about 5h 57m without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 59 rest areas and 9 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
45° / 43°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 15
49° / 39°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
49° / 36°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
51° / 35°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
57° / 39°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
58° / 38°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
61° / 42°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, 🌧️ Slight rain at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, 🌦️ Slight rain showers 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
Queens, NY
44°F
Wind: 13 mph
Buffalo, NY
39°F
Wind: 16 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Queens, NY to Buffalo, NY
The 298-mile drive from Queens, New York to Buffalo, New York takes approximately 5h 57m 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 stays within New York, connecting Queens and Buffalo. A drive of 298 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 Queens to Buffalo
For medium-distance drives like this 298-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 298-mile drive from Queens 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 Queens to Buffalo?
The drive is approximately 298 miles and takes about 5h 57m 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 Queens to Buffalo today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Travel is not recommended at this time. Dangerous conditions are present along this route. Check back for updates or use Route Outlook to find a safer departure time.
Are there rest areas on the Queens to Buffalo route?
Yes, there are 59 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 NY 25 West, NY 17 West, I-81 North, I-90 West (New York State Thruway; Governor Thomas E. Dewey 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?
There are currently 9 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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.
Explore More Routes
More routes from Queens
More routes to Buffalo
Similar-distance drives
More routes starting in NY
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