Rochester, NY → Philadelphia, PA
255 mi · 5h 5m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
Rochester
63°
City of Elmira
57°
Butler Township
59°
Philadelphia
74°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 255 mi · 5h 6m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
57°F, wind 3 mph
Rest Stops
13
Restrooms, WiFi, Truck svc
Cameras
7 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Seneca Travel Plaza 🚻
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 I-490 East → I-90 East (New York State Thruway; Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway) → ... → I-676 East (Vine Street Expressway) → US-30 (Vine Street Expressway)
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-690 west of Exit 10 (Route 695)
NY
State Fair Blvd east of Pumphouse Rd
NY
Route 695 south of I-690
NY
I-81 north of Exit 23 (Liverpool 2)
NY
I-81 north of Exit 23 (Liverpool 1)
NY
I-81 north of Exit 22 (Hiawatha Blvd)
NY
I-81 north of Exit 6 (7th North St)
NY
I-81 north of Exit 14 (Tully)
NY
I-81 south of Exit 9 (Marathon)
NY
I-81 at VMS 8 (Johnson Road)
NY
I-81 N/B @ Exit 211 Lenox SR 92 Susquehanna Co.
PA ·
I-81 @ EXIT 178 (PA 315 WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON AIRPORT/AVOCA)
PA · SB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
37 stops available
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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:
- 🌧️Aug 17: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Aug 15: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Aug 12: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA covers 255 miles in roughly 5h 5m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 37 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
Aug 19
75° / 63°
46% precip
Tomorrow
Aug 20
72° / 60°
2% precip
Fri
Aug 21
76° / 56°
2% precip
Sat
Aug 22
83° / 60°
53% precip
Sun
Aug 23
74° / 62°
47% precip
Mon
Aug 24
70° / 55°
13% precip
Tue
Aug 25
81° / 56°
9% precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Use Caution🌦️ Moderate rain showers → 🌦️ Slight rain showers. Use caution.
Sunday
Good to Go🌦️ Slight rain showers at origin, 🌧️ Moderate drizzle at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Rochester, NY
63°F
Wind: 11 mph
Philadelphia, PA
74°F
Wind: 2 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
The 255-mile drive from Rochester, New York to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania takes approximately 5h 5m 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 New York into Pennsylvania, connecting Rochester and Philadelphia. A drive of 255 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 Rochester to Philadelphia
For medium-distance drives like this 255-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 255-mile drive from Rochester to Philadelphia 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 Rochester to Philadelphia?
The drive is approximately 255 miles and takes about 5h 5m 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, Monday, Aug 24 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Rochester to Philadelphia 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 Rochester to Philadelphia route?
Yes, there are 37 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-81. 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.
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