Major Highways & Driving Tips in Buffalo, United States
1. I-90 (New York Thruway)
A major east-west route connecting Buffalo with other parts of New York State. Known for its scenic beauty and convenient travel to Niagara Falls.
- Toll Road: Requires payment at certain points along the route.
- Scenic Route: Offers stunning views of the Finger Lakes region and Niagara Falls.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during peak travel times.
2. I-190 (Buffalo Skyway)
A limited-access expressway linking I-90 with downtown Buffalo. Known for its distinctive design and efficient access to city attractions.
- Elevated Highway: Runs above ground level, providing a unique driving experience.
- Urban Route: Leads directly to downtown Buffalo and key attractions like Canalside and the Buffalo Waterfront.
- Tight Curves: Features sharp curves that require careful navigation, particularly for large vehicles.
3. I-290 (Kensington Expressway)
A northeast-southwest route connecting Buffalo's suburbs with downtown. Known for its convenience and access to shopping centers.
- Shopping Destinations: Close proximity to popular malls like Walden Galleria.
- City Bypass: Allows drivers to bypass downtown Buffalo traffic.
- Construction Zones: Ongoing construction may cause delays and lane closures.
4. I-299 (Circular Highway)
A loop route encircling downtown Buffalo. Known for its efficient travel between city neighborhoods and convenient access to I-190.
- City Loop: Provides a ring road around the city, making it easy to navigate Buffalo's downtown area.
- Multiple Exits: Offers numerous exits for accessing various neighborhoods and attractions.
- Urban Route: Runs through downtown Buffalo, so be prepared for heavy traffic and city driving conditions.
5. Route 62 (Transit Road)
A major north-south route connecting Buffalo with Niagara Falls. Known for its numerous shopping centers and restaurants.
- Shopping Destinations: Close proximity to popular malls like Walden Galleria.
- Diverse Dining Options: Features a variety of restaurants representing various cuisines.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during peak travel times.
6. Route 5 (Niagara Falls Boulevard)
A major north-south route connecting Buffalo with Niagara Falls. Known for its scenic views and convenience to tourist attractions.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Niagara River and surrounding parks.
- Tourist Destinations: Close proximity to Niagara Falls, Aquarium of Niagara, and other tourist attractions.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during peak travel times, particularly on weekends.
7. Route 33 (Delaware Avenue)
A major east-west route connecting Buffalo with Lake Erie. Known for its scenic views and access to waterfront attractions.
- Waterfront Access: Provides easy access to the Buffalo Waterfront and Canalside.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of Lake Erie and parkland.
- Urban Route: Runs through downtown Buffalo, so be prepared for heavy traffic and city driving conditions.
8. Route 21 (Main Street)
A major east-west route connecting Buffalo with Niagara Falls. Known for its historic architecture and access to downtown attractions.
- Historic Architecture: Features numerous historic buildings and landmarks.
- Urban Route: Runs through downtown Buffalo, so be prepared for heavy traffic and city driving conditions.
- Pedestrian Traffic: Expect increased pedestrian activity, particularly during summer months.
9. Route 78 (Military Road)
A major north-south route connecting Buffalo with Niagara Falls. Known for its scenic views and access to the Niagara River.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Niagara River and surrounding parks.
- Tourist Destinations: Close proximity to tourist attractions like Fort Niagara and Old Fort Niagara.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during peak travel times, particularly on weekends.
10. Route 384 (South Park Avenue)
A major east-west route connecting Buffalo with suburbs. Known for its convenient access to shopping centers and restaurants.
- Shopping Destinations: Close proximity to popular malls like Walden Galleria.
- Diverse Dining Options: Features a variety of restaurants representing various cuisines.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during peak travel times.
11. Route 265 (Sheridan Drive)
A major north-south route connecting Buffalo with suburbs. Known for its scenic views and access to parks and golf courses.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of Delaware Park and the Tifft Nature Preserve.
- Parks and Golf Courses: Close proximity to parks, golf courses, and other outdoor recreational areas.
- Suburban Route: Connects Buffalo with its suburbs, offering easy access to residential areas.
12. Route 324 (Genesee Street)
A major east-west route connecting Buffalo with suburbs. Known for its convenience and access to shopping centers.
- Shopping Destinations: Close proximity to popular malls like Walden Galleria.
- Diverse Dining Options: Features a variety of restaurants representing various cuisines.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during peak travel times.
13. Route 400 (Bailey Avenue)
A major north-south route connecting Buffalo with suburbs. Known for its convenience and access to shopping centers.
- Shopping Destinations: Close proximity to popular malls like Walden Galleria.
- Diverse Dining Options: Features a variety of restaurants representing various cuisines.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect congestion during peak travel times.
14. Route 35 (Harlem Road)
A major east-west route connecting Buffalo with suburbs. Known for its scenic views and access to parks.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of Tifft Nature Preserve and other local parks.
- Parks and Recreation: Close proximity to parks, golf courses, and other outdoor recreational areas.
- Suburban Route: Connects Buffalo with its suburbs, offering easy access to residential areas.
15. Route 20 (Niagara Street)
A major north-south route connecting Buffalo with the waterfront. Known for its historic architecture and access to downtown attractions.
- Historic Architecture: Features numerous historic buildings and landmarks.
- Urban Route: Runs through downtown Buffalo, so be prepared for heavy traffic and city driving conditions.
- Waterfront Access: Provides easy access to the Buffalo Waterfront and Canalside.