Traverse City, MI → Buffalo, NY
360 mi · 7h 12m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Heavy snow in Traverse City all day — consider delaying
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Traverse City
36°
44.1°
39°
43.5°
38°
Buffalo
38°
Wind gusts up to 22 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 360 mi · 7h 12m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
39°F, wind 22 mph
Rest Stops
14
Restrooms, Truck svc, WiFi
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Grayling Rest Area 403 🚻
- ● Rest Area
- ● Nine Mile Hill Rest Area 434 🚻
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel · 7 construction zones on route
7 Construction Zones on Route
ON-401 eastbound: Daily Construction at Highway 4 / Colonel Talbot Rd, London. 1 Alternating Lane(s).
ON-401 eastbound: Daily Construction at Highway 4 / Colonel Talbot Rd, London. 1 Left Lane(s).
ON-401 eastbound: Daily Construction at Highway 4 / Colonel Talbot Rd, London. 1 Right Lane(s).
Qew fort erie bound: Long-term: Continuous Construction between Welland River Bridge, Niagara Falls and Netherby Road, Fort Erie. 1 Alternating Lane(s).
Qew toronto bound: Long-term: Continuous Construction between Netherby Road, Fort Erie and Welland River Bridge, Niagara Falls. 1 Alternating Lane(s).
NY 198 (Scajaquada Expressway) in both directions: Road reconstruction.
Erie, NY
+ 1 more zone 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.
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Selected Route
Via US-31 (East Grandview Parkway) → M 37 North (East Grandview Parkway) → ... → Red Hill Valley Parkway → I-190 South (Niagara Thruway)
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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QEW at Woodward Avenue
ON ·
QEW at Nikola Tesla Boulevard
ON ·
QEW at Red Hill Valley Parkway
ON ·
QEW at Centennial Parkway
ON ·
QEW at Grays Road
ON ·
QEW at Millen Road
ON ·
QEW West of Fifty Road
ON ·
QEW near Ontario Street (Beamsville) – Toronto Bound
ON ·
QEW near Ontario Street (Beamsville) – Fort Erie Bound
ON ·
QEW at Jordan Road – Fort Erie Bound
ON ·
QEW at Jordan Road – Toronto Bound
ON ·
QEW Seventh St.
NY ·
Rest Stops Along Your Route
35 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 35
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- ❄️Nov 10: Snow advisory in effect - leave 2 hours earlier to avoid accumulation
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Driving from Traverse City, MI to Buffalo, NY covers 360 miles in roughly 7h 12m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 35 rest areas and 1 active weather alert 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
39° / 34°
50% precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
41° / 38°
32% precip
Sun
Nov 15
43° / 37°
2% precip
Mon
Nov 16
48° / 35°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
52° / 42°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
55° / 46°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
54° / 43°
17% precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Use Caution⚠️ Hazardous conditions expected - Heavy snow
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Traverse City, MI
36°F
Wind: 13 mph
Buffalo, NY
38°F
Wind: 8 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Traverse City, MI to Buffalo, NY
The 360-mile drive from Traverse City, Michigan to Buffalo, New York takes approximately 7h 12m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. 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 long-distance route crosses state lines from Michigan into New York, connecting Traverse City and Buffalo. Covering 360 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe 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
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Traverse City to Buffalo
For medium-distance drives like this 360-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 360-mile drive from Traverse City 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 Traverse City to Buffalo?
The drive is approximately 360 miles and takes about 7h 12m 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, Nov 16 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Traverse City 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 Traverse City to Buffalo route?
Yes, there are 35 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 QEW. 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
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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