Sterling, VA → Buffalo, NY
279 mi · 5h 34m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Sterling
42°
Shirley Township
43°
Shippen Township
38°
Buffalo
41°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 279 mi · 5h 34m
Weather
🌦️ Slight rain showers
43°F, wind 11 mph
Rest Stops
5
Restrooms, information, Truck svc
Cameras
6 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Mountain View Plaza 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Mason-Dixon Welcome Center
Normal Traffic
3 construction zones along route — no other incidents
3 Construction Zones on Route
NY 54 in both directions: Utility work.
Steuben, NY
NY 54 in both directions: Utility work.
Steuben, NY
NY 53 northbound: Roadwork.
Steuben, NY
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-15 → PA-581 → ... → I-90 East (New York State Thruway; Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway) → I-190 North (Niagara Thruway)
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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Rt-28 at Old Ox Rd.
VA ·
VA-28 / MM 41.2 / NB
VA · NB
VA-28 / MM 42.2 / NB
VA · NB
Live video · tap to play
US 15 at US 40
Western MD, MD ·
US 15 BUSINESS @ BALTIMORE PIKE
PA · NB
US 15 @ I-180/US 220
PA · WB
US 15 S/B Bloss Mtn @ Liberty Tioga Co.
PA ·
US 22 @ ELMERTON AVE
PA · WB
I-86 at Exit 45 (Kane St)
NY ·
I-390 at Wayland Rock Cut (between Exits 2 & 3)
NY ·
I-80 @ MM 215
PA ·
I-90 MP 428.30 WB Between Interchange 54 (Rt 400) and 55 (Lackawanna)
NY · WB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
17 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 17
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 13: Heavy rain expected near Shippen Township - consider afternoon departure
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Driving from Sterling, VA to Buffalo, NY covers 279 miles in roughly 5h 34m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 17 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 15
51° / 42°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 16
54° / 43°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
58° / 38°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
62° / 37°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
65° / 37°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
66° / 45°
No precip
Sat
Nov 21
65° / 41°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☀️ Clear sky at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Sterling, VA
42°F
Wind: 11 mph
Buffalo, NY
41°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Sterling, VA to Buffalo, NY
The 279-mile drive from Sterling, Virginia to Buffalo, New York takes approximately 5h 34m 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 Sterling and Buffalo. A drive of 279 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 Sterling to Buffalo
For medium-distance drives like this 279-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 279-mile drive from Sterling 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 Sterling to Buffalo?
The drive is approximately 279 miles and takes about 5h 34m 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, Saturday, Nov 21 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Sterling 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 Sterling to Buffalo route?
Yes, there are 17 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 VA 28, US-15, US-22, I-86 West (Southern Tier Expressway), I-390 North (Genesee Expressway). 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.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
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