This 146.8-mile drive from Ithaca to Amherst, NY, will take you about 3 hours and 10 minutes, making it a very manageable day trip. You'll primarily travel on the New York State Thruway, State Highway 96, and State Highway 89. With a fuel cost estimated at $24 and only one recommended stop, this journey is straightforward. It's a good option if you're looking for a direct route within the Northeast region of New York. Plan for a single-day adventure to cover the distance efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
73.4 miles from Ithaca, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 44m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 10m. Total distance: 146.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a "turn-heavy local drive" profile for this route, despite a 19% highway share. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 92.5 miles on the New York State Thruway, offering a period of consistent speed. However, the overall character suggests you'll encounter more varied road conditions and turns as you navigate between the main highways. This means the drive won't be a monotonous interstate cruise but rather a route that requires attention to changing road types and directions.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
New York State Thruway is the longest continuous segment at about 92.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 31.2 miles in near NY 414 / Ovid Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 146.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 31.2 miles (NY 414 / Ovid Street): Navigation decision point; at 49.9 miles (NY 14): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
31.2 mi into trip|~47m in|NY 414 / Ovid Street
At end of road, turn right onto NY 414 / Ovid Street
Navigation decision point
6
49.9 mi into trip|~1h 15m in|NY 14
Merge onto NY 14
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
50.1 mi into trip|~1h 16m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
143.5 mi into trip|~3h 5m in
Take the exit toward I 290: Niagara Falls
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 50
Toward I 290: Niagara Falls
8
145.7 mi into trip|~3h 8m in
Take the exit toward NY 324, NY 240: Sheridan Drive, Harlem Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 6
Toward NY 324, NY 240: Sheridan Drive, Harlem R...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Ithaca, NY to Amherst, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Thruway along the way.
Thruway
49.6 mi in|~1h 15m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
92.5 mi
1h 47m
State Highway 96
16.2 mi
23m
State Highway 89
10.1 mi
13m
Trumansburg Road
8.8 mi
13m
Ovid Street
2.8 mi
4m
Ernsberger Road
2.4 mi
4m
Townline Road
1.8 mi
3m
Youngmann Expressway
1.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 92.5 mi, about 1h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ithaca, NY and Amherst, NY.
1
Start on NY 79
0.8 mi·1 min·East Seneca Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
2
Turn right onto Taughannock Boulevard
338 ft·15 sec·Taughannock Boulevard
3
Turn left onto NY 96
0.2 mi·21 sec·West Buffalo Street
4
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi·2 min·Cliff Street
5
Continue on NY 96
8.7 mi·12 min·Trumansburg Road
6
Continue on NY 96
1.4 mi·2 min·East Main Street
7
Continue on NY 96
0.1 mi·11 sec·Trumansburg Road
8
Continue on NY 96
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 96
9
Turn right onto CR 141A
1.5 mi·2 min·Powell Road
10
Continue on CR 141
0.9 mi·1 min·County Road 141
11
Turn left onto NY 89
10 mi·13 min·State Highway 89
12
Turn left onto CR 128
2.4 mi·4 min·Ernsberger Road
13
At end of road, turn right onto NY 414
2.8 mi·4 min·Ovid Street
14
Turn left onto NY 336
1.8 mi·3 min·Townline Road
15
Turn right onto NY 96
6.2 mi·8 min·State Highway 96
16
Continue on NY 96
0.2 mi·36 sec·Fayette Street
17
Turn right onto NY 96
354 ft·16 sec·West River Street
18
Turn left onto NY 96
0.3 mi·27 sec·Washington Street
19
Continue on NY 96
0.9 mi·1 min·South Virginia Street
20
Turn left onto NY 96
0.2 mi·15 sec·North Road
21
Continue on NY 96
6.0 mi·8 min·State Highway 96
22
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 90: Lyons, Thruway
23
Merge onto NY 14
0.2 mi·19 sec·NY 14
Use the left lane.
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Use the left lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·57 sec
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
26
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·29 sec·this road
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
27
Merge onto I 90
93 mi·1 hr 47 min·New York State Thruway
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·36 sec
Exit 50Toward I 290: Niagara FallsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 290
1.8 mi·2 min·Youngmann Expressway
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 6Toward NY 324, NY 240: Sheridan Drive, Harlem RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn left onto NY 324
0.9 mi·1 min·Sheridan Drive
Use the left / right lanes.
32
Turn left onto NY 263
469 ft·13 sec·Millersport Highway
Use the left lane.
33
Arrive at destination
NY 263
Trip Plan
With a duration of just over 3 hours, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Since there's only one suggested stop, plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps around the 92.5-mile mark on the New York State Thruway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as the estimated fuel cost is $24. Being that it's a "turn-heavy local drive," be prepared for more frequent adjustments and watch for signage indicating upcoming turns off the main highway.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 73.4 miles from Ithaca, NY, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 32 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.4 miles or 1h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amherst, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ithaca, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Ithaca, NY
This is one driving day of about 146.8 miles and 3h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Ithaca, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on New York State Thruway for about 92.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 73.4 mi from Ithaca, NY
· 1h 44m into the drive
The midpoint is around 73.4 miles from Ithaca, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 92.5 miles.
Arriving in Amherst, NY
The final approach into Amherst, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Amherst, NY.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Women's Rights National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human r...
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 40.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.16 one way
$48.33 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg51 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$26.13
$52.26
premium
$4.92
$28.45
$56.91
diesel
$5.61
$32.41
$64.82
Estimated Tolls: $4.63
New York State Thruway
(92.5 mi)$4.63
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
44
0
$15.41
$7.05
Efficient EV
36.7
0
$12.85
$5.87
EV Truck/SUV
58.7
0
$20.55
$9.40
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Ithaca, NY
Morning
in Ithaca on Friday
Local time
10:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Amherst, NY
Morning
in Amherst on Friday
Local time
10:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
43°F
Geneva, NY
73 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 10m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Ithaca, NY to Amherst, NY covers 146.8 miles and takes about 3h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, State Highway 96, State Highway 89. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 73.4 miles from Ithaca, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.16 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 146.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 31.2 miles (NY 414 / Ovid Street): Navigation decision point; at 49.9 miles (NY 14): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Ithaca, NY to Amherst, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Thruway along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Women's Rights National Historical Park and Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
