The drive from Jefferson, NY to Buffalo, NY covers 275.4 miles and takes about 5h 41m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on New York State Thruway, State Highway 10, Kensington Expressway for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 227 miles on New York State Thruway.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $45.33 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
137.7 miles from Jefferson, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 59m into the drive
.
The largest city in New York State's Niagara Frontier, Buffalo is a city full of surprises. Though Buffalo is sometimes the butt of jokes about chicken wings, its long-suffering sports teams, and the mountains of snow under which it is supposedly buried each winter, those in the know tell a different story: one of vibrant nightlife, world-class museums and cultural attractions, tight-knit neighborhoods with strong community spirit – and the sunniest summers in Northeastern United States.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 41m. Total distance: 275.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a 5h 41m drive with frequent turns across 275.4 miles of local and secondary roads.
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 227 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 17.2 miles in near NY 145 / North Grand Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 275.4 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 17.2 miles (NY 145 / North Grand Street): Navigation decision point; at 267.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 274.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
17.2 mi into trip|~30m in|NY 145 / North Grand Street
At end of road, turn left onto NY 145 / North Grand Street
Navigation decision point
7
267.5 mi into trip|~5h 29m in
Take the exit toward NY 33 West: Buffalo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51W
Toward NY 33 West: Buffalo
7
274.3 mi into trip|~5h 38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Oak Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Oak Street
6
274.8 mi into trip|~5h 39m in|Genesee Street
Turn right onto Genesee Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
275.1 mi into trip|~5h 41m in|Franklin Street
Turn left onto Franklin Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
227 mi
4h 22m
State Highway 10
15.5 mi
26m
Kensington Expressway
6.4 mi
8m
Ames Road
5.4 mi
8m
NY 145
5 mi
7m
US 20
5 mi
7m
NY 7
4.1 mi
7m
North Grand Street
1.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 227 mi, about 4h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson, NY and Buffalo, NY.
1
Start on CR 2A
78 ft·7 sec·North Harpersfield Road
2
Turn left onto NY 10
11 mi·19 min·State Highway 10
3
Continue on NY 10
485 ft·9 sec·Summit Street
4
Continue on NY 10
1.6 mi·2 min·State Highway 10
5
Turn right onto NY 7; NY 10
4.1 mi·7 min·NY 7; NY 10
6
Turn left onto West Main Street
322 ft·14 sec·West Main Street
7
Turn right onto Rose Street
0.1 mi·25 sec·Rose Street
8
Turn right onto NY 10
0.4 mi·44 sec·Elm Street
9
At end of road, turn left onto NY 145
1.9 mi·3 min·North Grand Street
10
Turn right onto NY 145
5.0 mi·7 min·NY 145
11
Turn left onto US 20
5.0 mi·7 min·US 20
12
Turn right onto NY 10
1.2 mi·1 min·Main Street
13
Continue on NY 10
2.9 mi·4 min·State Highway 10
14
Continue on NY 10
5.4 mi·8 min·Ames Road
15
Continue on NY 10
0.6 mi·50 sec·Reed Street
16
At end of road, turn right onto NY 10
191 ft·3 sec·Walnut Street
17
Turn slight right onto NY 10
351 ft·5 sec·Wheeler Street
18
Continue on NY 10
0.3 mi·28 sec·Rock Street
19
Turn slight right onto Little Mohawk Street
416 ft·15 sec·Little Mohawk Street
20
Turn right onto NY 5S
0.2 mi·34 sec·East Main Street
21
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward I 90 West
23
Merge onto I 90
227 mi·4 hr 22 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight lane.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 51WToward NY 33 West: BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
25
Merge onto NY 33
6.4 mi·8 min·Kensington Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·39 sec
Toward Oak StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on Oak Street
428 ft·14 sec·Oak Street
28
Turn right onto Genesee Street
0.2 mi·39 sec·Genesee Street
Use the right lane.
29
Turn right onto East Huron Street
0.1 mi·34 sec·East Huron Street
30
Turn left onto Franklin Street
0.1 mi·22 sec·Franklin Street
Use the left lane.
31
Turn right onto Genesee Street
402 ft·11 sec·Genesee Street
32
Enter roundabout onto NY 384
391 ft·11 sec·Niagara Square
33
Arrive at destination
NY 384
Trip Plan
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 137.7 miles from Jefferson, NY, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 227 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 61 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.7 miles or 2h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buffalo, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jefferson, 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 Jefferson, NY
This is one driving day of about 275.4 miles and 5h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Jefferson, 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 227 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 137.7 mi from Jefferson, NY
· 2h 59m into the drive
The midpoint is around 137.7 miles from Jefferson, 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 227 miles.
Arriving in Buffalo, NY
The final approach into Buffalo, 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 Buffalo, NY.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
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.
Fort Stanwix National Monument
National Monument
For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six-mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes. When Eur...
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...
7 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 161.5
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 152
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.33 one way
$90.67 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$49.02
$98.04
premium
$4.92
$53.38
$106.76
diesel
$5.61
$60.80
$121.61
Estimated Tolls: $11.35
New York State Thruway
(227 mi)$11.35
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
$45
Tolls
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.6
1
$28.92
$13.22
Efficient EV
68.9
0
$24.10
$11.02
EV Truck/SUV
110.2
1
$38.56
$17.63
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jun 22, 2022
Origin
Jefferson, NY
Morning
in Jefferson on Saturday
Local time
9:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Buffalo, NY
Morning
in Buffalo on Saturday
Local time
9:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
39°F
Whitesboro, NY
138 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
1 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
5h 41m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Jefferson, NY to Buffalo, NY covers 275.4 miles and takes about 5h 41m 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 10, Kensington Expressway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 137.7 miles from Jefferson, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.33 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 275.4 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 17.2 miles (NY 145 / North Grand Street): Navigation decision point; at 267.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 274.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Jefferson, NY to Buffalo, NY does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Fort Stanwix National Monument, 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.
