Whether you’re planning on going on a hike, learning more about the state of New York or want great shopping and dining options, our New York to Niagara Falls road trip has it all.
Known for its culture, world-renowned entertainment, and delicious delicacies, the Big Apple is an unforgettable destination. Before you reach the breathtaking scenery of Niagara Falls, we have a few interesting places for you to visit. Including both charming towns and bustling cities, our New York to Niagara Falls road trip is great for all travelers. The summer is a nice time to go kayaking, rafting or hiking, while the winter provides opportunities for snow sports and museum visits.
Stops
1. New York City
2. New Paltz
3. Albany
4. Syracuse
5. Buffalo
6. Niagara Falls
Info at a glance
- Length of trip: 3 to 5 days
- Type of route: City
- 6 stops along the route
- Total amount of driving: 475 miles
Highlights
- Experience a Broadway show in New York.
- Explore the charming town of New Paltz.
- Learn about the Erie Canal in Syracuse.
- Visit a museum or two in Buffalo.
- Soak up breathtaking views of Niagara Falls.
Getting to the start
This road trip starts in New York City and there are multiple ways to get to the start of your journey. There are 3 major airports in and around the city: JFK, La Guardia, and Newark, all of which have multiple rental car options. If you have your own vehicle for your New York to Niagara Falls road trip, you can use a few different highways to arrive in the city, such as Interstate 78 and I-86. You can also get to the city by Amtrak train, regional trains and buses.
When to Visit
While this New York to Niagara Falls road trip is fun year-round, keep in mind that certain roads may be closed during the winter months due to snowfall. If you are traveling during the summer, make sure to bring light clothes, as it can be quite warm, as well as a bathing suit, towel and hiking shoes, in case you want to participate in recreational activities. When visiting during the winter, pack layers and a heavy coat.
Driving tips
On this New York to Niagara Falls road trip, it’s not uncommon to encounter tolls, as there are quite a few of these roads in New York State. Keep in mind that the speed limit is typically around 55 miles per hour on highways and 65 mph on the interstate. You will likely encounter heavy traffic on the route, so to avoid a collision, try to keep a distance of 2 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.
What to know about the route
This New York to Niagara Falls road trip spans about 460 miles, which is around 7.5 hours of driving time in total. Driving along this route will give you the opportunity to visit one of the most vibrant cities in the world while also exploring the beautiful scenery of New York state. You will start in New York City, then take I-87 North to New Paltz. From here, you will get back on I-87 to head to Albany. Your next stop will be Syracuse, which can be reached by taking I-90 W. After Syracuse, you will go to Buffalo by continuing to drive along I-90 W. In Buffalo, you will get on I-190 N to travel to your final destination of Niagara Falls. Renting an SUV for your journey can be a convenient choice, as it will give you plenty of room to store any recreational equipment and can provide stability if you happen to be driving in rain or snow.
New York City
Known for being a vibrant city that is filled with unique architecture, exclusive shops, and a variety of diverse cuisines, New York City is a must-visit during your lifetime. Whether you’ll be enjoying a Broadway show, relaxing in one of the many parks or going to a museum, there will be something to keep you occupied. Make sure to set aside a day or two to experience as much of the city as possible.
Points of interest
A trip to New York City would not be complete without taking a scenic walk through Central Park. You will also want to spend an hour or two visiting the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art, which houses pieces from all over the world. Make sure to get tickets to the Statue of Liberty National Monument that sits on an island in New York Harbor. There is also the Empire State Building, which provides beautiful views of the city.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
New York City has any kind of food you can imagine. For Italian food or classic deli fare, Lucciola and Katz’s Delicatessen are popular choices. During your stay, you may want to get a drink at a swanky cocktail bar, such as The Dead Rabbit NYC. There are many lodging options to choose from, with the Warwick New York being a comfortable option.
Sixt Insider Tip
If you would like to see a Broadway show during your stay in the city, consider waiting in line at one of the ticket offices the day of the performance. If there are any leftover tickets for the show, they will often be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis at a discounted rate, allowing you to have an authentic Broadway experience without breaking the bank.
From NYC to New Paltz (89 miles)
To head to the next stop, New Paltz, from New York City, take Interstate 87 North. You’ll drive along the Hudson River through a slice of New Jersey, then cross back into New York where you will pass through small commuter towns. If you want to go hiking along the way, stop in Harriman State Park.
New Paltz
A quaint town sitting alongside nature preserves, New Paltz is a great stop less than 2 hours from New York. There are outdoor activities available here, including hiking and biking opportunities. And if you want some relaxation, there is a unique Victorian resort on the shores of Mohonk Lake just outside of town.
Points of interest
A major destination in New Paltz is Mohonk Mountain House. Founded in the 1880s, its Victorian exterior is unique, and the resort itself offers a golf course, spa and fine dining. There are hiking trailheads just outside the resort where you can explore the Mohonk Preserve.
Sixt Insider Tip
History buffs can visit Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz. It’s a collection of stone houses built in the 1700s by the Huguenots, and you can take tours and see historic reenactments.
From New Paltz to Albany (71 miles)
To go to your next destination, Albany, you will again get on I-87 N. If you want to grab a bite to eat or take a break from driving, you can stop in Kingston, which is about halfway. Otherwise, enjoy the scenery!
Albany
Situated on the Hudson River, Albany is the current capital of New York State but started as a small Dutch settlement and has quickly evolved into a bustling tech valley. It’s known for having a vibrant culture and for being home to many craft breweries, making it a great place to spend the day exploring.
Points of interest
Albany has a variety of museums that you can visit, such as the American Italian Heritage Museum & Cultural Center. If you will be embarking on this road trip with your family, you can also choose to stop at the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST), which has several interactive exhibits.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
There are many locally owned restaurants in the city that serve a selection of comfort food, vegetarian meals, and classic American cuisine, including the popular 110 Grill. If you want to grab a craft beer, you can go to Druthers Brewing Co. Choose from many charming lodging options, such as the Morgan State House Inn.
Sixt Insider Tip
Albany has many annual events and festivals, so make sure to check the city’s calendar for the dates that you will be visiting. Some of the most popular include the Annual Albany Tulip Festival, the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival and Pearlpalooza, which is the city’s largest free music festival.
From Albany to Syracuse (145 miles)
Your next stop is Syracuse, which can be reached via I-90 W. On the way, you may want to stop in the city of Utica, which is known for being rich in history and culture. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat, as it’s famous for some local specialties like the pasta dish called Utica chicken riggies, spicy escarole and half-moon cookies.
Syracuse
As the gateway to the Finger Lakes region, Syracuse is a charming city that is known for its diverse food scene, scenic greenspaces, and year-round festivals and events. Whether you’re interested in history, music or art, Syracuse will keep you occupied during your visit.
Points of interest
If you’re an art enthusiast, make sure to check out the Everson Museum of Art. It’s housed in a building that was designed by the famous architect I.M. Pei. You can also go to the Erie Canal Museum, an interesting attraction where you can learn more about the region’s history.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Syracuse has a vibrant culinary scene that includes many popular restaurants for visitors to choose from, such as the mouthwatering Bluewater Grill or the swanky Eleven Waters. To enjoy a drink, you can go to one of the many pubs, like Blue Tusk. There are quite a few lodging options to choose from, including the Gray House Bed & Breakfast.
Sixt Insider Tip
Syracuse is a good place to do some shopping, as it is known for its flea markets and antique shops. If you want to treat yourself to something nice or are on the hunt for a unique souvenir to bring back to a loved one, be on the lookout for one of these events or boutiques.
From Syracuse to Buffalo (150 miles)
To get to the next stop, Buffalo, you will continue on I-90 W. You will find that there are a few good stopping points between these two cities, such as the town of Rochester, as well as Auburn. Both are convenient if you want to get some fresh air and explore even more cities in New York state.
Buffalo
With a beautiful waterfront, unique architecture and a culinary scene that foodies are sure to love, Buffalo is a must-see during your time in New York. You’ll want to make sure that you dedicate at least a few hours to exploring this city, in order to give yourself enough time to see everything on your to-do list.
Points of interest
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, don’t miss out on going to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, which is home to a variety of exotic flowers from all over the world. Those that are visiting during the winter can also go to Kissing Bridge Snow Sports if they would like to hit the slopes during their trip.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
The city is famous for being the birthplace of Buffalo wings, which you can grab at a few popular bars and restaurants, such as Alley Cat and Anchor Bar. Buffalo also has many craft breweries to choose from, including Hamburg Brewing Co and Rusty Nickel Brewing Co. For lodging, you can choose from cozy hotels like the Bluebird Motel and Boulevard Inn.
Sixt Insider Tip
Buffalo is known for its waterfront, so make sure to spend some time here during your visit. There are a few beach areas where you can relax in the sun or play in the sand, and you can always choose to rent a small boat if you would prefer to be out on the water.
From Buffalo to Niagara Falls (20 miles)
To head to the last stop, Niagara Falls, you will take I-190 N. In between these two locations, there are a few small towns that you can stop at if you would like to see some of the area on the way or stretch your legs, including Ferry Village and Grandyle Village.
Niagara Falls
Experience what some consider to be the Eighth Wonder of the World by paying a visit to Niagara Falls. Known for having acres of hiking trails and scenic terrain that are perfect for outdoor adventures, this attraction is sure to be impressive. You can enjoy a guided tour or explore Niagara Falls on your own.
Points of interest
Prospect Point is known for offering one of the best views of the falls, making it a great spot to simply gaze at the scenery or grab a photo. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can always walk along the Hurricane Deck, which will bring you to the Cave of the Winds.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Niagara Falls has a few farm-to-table restaurants for visitors to enjoy, including Amy & Co Café and Bakery Restaurant and Lounge. If you would like to grab a drink, you can do so from several bars as well, such as Attitudes Bar and Grill. For lodging, there is the Niagara Riverside Resort and Red Coach Inn.
Sixt Insider Tip
This area is perfect for enjoying some outdoor recreational activities, whether it be hiking, boating, bird watching or golfing. Fishing is also a popular pastime at the falls, and if you will be visiting during autumn, you can always go apple picking nearby. During the winter, there is ice skating and snowshoeing.
