Rochester, NY → Philadelphia, PA
255 mi · 5h 5m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Rain expected
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Rochester
41°
City of Elmira
41°
41.0°
41°
Philadelphia
38°
Wind gusts up to 21 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 255 mi · 5h 6m
Weather
🌧️ Slight rain
41°F, wind 13 mph
Incidents
4
severe
Rest Stops
13
Restrooms, WiFi, Truck svc
Cameras
4 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Seneca Travel Plaza 🚻
Delays Expected
4 major incidents reported · 16 construction zones on route
16 Construction Zones on Route
940T (Inner Loop) in both directions: Roadwork.
Monroe, NY
NY 15A southbound: Utility work.
Monroe, NY
I-590 (Rochester Outer Loop) southbound: Bridge maintenance operations.
Monroe, NY
NY 89 in both directions: Bridge maintenance operations.
Seneca, NY
I-90 (NYS Thruway) eastbound: Long term road construction.
Onondaga, NY
I-690 eastbound: Long term road construction.
Onondaga, NY
+ 10 more zones along the route — see map for full list
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-490 at CSX Railroad Overpass
NY ·
I-90 MP 340.15 EB at Interchange 43 (Manchester)
NY · EB
I-90 MP 310.3 EB Port Byron Service Area Truck Park 1
NY · EB
I-690 east of Exit 7A (Jones)
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
I-476 @ Exit 87 (PA-903)
PA · SB
I-476 @ Lehigh Valley Interchange / US 22
PA · SB
I-476 @ MP 21.2
PA · SB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
37 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 37
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 12: Heavy rain expected near 41.0° - consider afternoon departure
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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, 37 rest areas and 4 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
41° / 41°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 15
43° / 39°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
47° / 41°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
53° / 39°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
55° / 42°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
56° / 41°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
58° / 47°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌧️ Moderate rain at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌧️ Moderate rain at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
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Current Conditions
Rochester, NY
41°F
Wind: 21 mph
Philadelphia, PA
38°F
Wind: 10 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, Wednesday, Nov 18 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Rochester to Philadelphia today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.
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-490 East, I-90 East (New York State Thruway; Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway), I-690 East, I-81 South, I-476 South (Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension). 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 4 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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