Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesEast USANew YorkGreat Lakes
Erie Lake

Great Lakes Road Trip

Massena - Sacketts Harbor - Rochester - Niagara Falls - Buffalo - Lake Erie - Cleveland

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Great Lakes Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km966 h/stage2.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Great Lakes Road Trip in New York?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 315EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 550EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,179EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,494EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 175EUR sleep & more 836EUR eat & more 756EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,767EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,145EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 630EUR drive & more 238EUR sleep & more 1,386EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,632EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,262EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,575EUR drive & more 263EUR sleep & more 385EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,727EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary

The Great Lakes Road Trip starts in Massena, United States, and ends in Cleveland, United States. Along the way, you'll be able to explore some of the most beautiful towns in the United States. The route covers a distance of approximately 966km and it is recommended to complete it in 7 days. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the summer and fall, when the landscapes are at their most stunning. You'll be able to visit the picturesque town of Sacketts Harbor, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the lake, take a boat ride, or visit one of the many historic sites. You'll also be able to visit Niagara Falls, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. Finally, you'll drive along the shores of Lake Erie, admiring the views of the lake and its many islands. The roads along this route are in excellent condition, making it suitable for every driver. You can enjoy this road trip without breaking the bank, as it can be managed with a moderate budget. The Great Lakes Road Trip is an amazing experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
number of days 7 number of days
route length 966 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Massena

Distance 966 km Driving time 15.3 h Pace: fast 289.8 kWh Airports MSS
[detailsContainer]
Massena, located at the northern tip of New York state, is an ideal starting point for the Great Lakes Road Trip. This beautiful small town is situated along the St. Lawrence River and offers a unique combination of outdoor activities, historical sites and great shopping. The Massena Nature Center is a great spot to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna, offering miles of trails and a variety of activities for the whole family. For those looking for a more historical experience, the Massena Historical Museum provides a glimpse into the area's rich history and culture. The museum also offers a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Massena also offers plenty of shopping opportunities, from the local farmer's market to the area's many boutiques. There are also several restaurants, art galleries and other attractions to explore. For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (YOW). Car rentals are available at the airport for those looking to continue their Great Lakes Road Trip. Massena is the perfect starting point for a Great Lakes Road Trip, offering a variety of activities, historical sites and shopping opportunities. With its close proximity to Ottawa, it is the perfect place to begin your journey.

1 Massena - Sacketts Harbor

Distance 192 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: fast 57.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for the most amazing road trip? Start in Massena, United States and drive 119 miles to Sacketts Harbor. The drive takes less than 3 hours, so you can easily make it in one day! In Massena, visit the Eisenhower Lock and the Massena International Speedway. Enjoy the view of the St. Lawrence River, the Eisenhower Lock and the impressive Eisenhower Visitor Center. Along the way, you can stop in Cape Vincent, located at the northern tip of the Thousand Islands, and explore the charming downtown. Continue your journey to Sacketts Harbor and visit the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. Explore the history of the War of 1812 and the old fortifications. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

2 Sacketts Harbor - Rochester

Distance 218 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: fast 65.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers! Today's stage of your journey takes you from Sacketts Harbor, New York to Rochester, New York. This 135 mile drive will take you less than 4 hours, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the sights along the way. In Sacketts Harbor, be sure to visit the historic district, which includes the oldest building in the village, the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, and the Sackets Harbor Visitor Center. Once you leave Sackets Harbor, continue on to Watertown, where you can visit the Thousand Islands Museum, the Antique Boat Museum, and the historic Boldt Castle on Heart Island. In Rochester, you can explore the George Eastman Museum, the Rochester Museum & Science Center, and the Strong National Museum of Play. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Rochester - Niagara Falls

Distance 193 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: fast 57.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in Rochester, United States and drive to Niagara Falls, located 120mi away and in less than 3 hours you'll get there. Along the way you'll find plenty of amazing places to visit. Visit the Genesee River and enjoy the picturesque views of the Rochester skyline. Stop at the Genesee Valley Park and explore the trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Also, don't forget to visit the George Eastman Museum, which is the world's oldest photography museum. It contains a large collection of cameras, photographic technology, and works by famous photographers. Continue your journey and visit the breathtaking Niagara Falls. Enjoy the views of the Niagara River and the three waterfalls that make up the falls. There are also several attractions in the area, such as the Aquarium of Niagara, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, and the Niagara Adventure Theater. Don't forget to check out the itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a great trip!

4 Niagara Falls - Buffalo

Distance 38 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 11.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Niagara Falls to Buffalo? This 24-mile drive will take you less than an hour and will be filled with incredible sights and attractions. Start your journey by admiring the majestic Niagara Falls, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. Then, make your way to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, where you can take a stroll and admire the unique flora and fauna. Continue your journey to the Buffalo Naval and Military Park, where you can explore the history of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. If you're looking for a more interactive experience, you can also visit the Buffalo Zoo and Aquarium, where you can observe animals from all around the world. Finally, end your journey by visiting the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, where you can learn about the history of the city and its surrounding areas. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Niagara Falls to Buffalo!

5 Buffalo - Lake Erie

Distance 151 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: fast 45.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Buffalo-Lake Erie road trip! This stage of your journey is a 94-mile drive that will take you less than 3 hours to complete. During your drive, you'll get to explore some of the best attractions in the area. In Buffalo, make sure to visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, where you can explore the USS Little Rock and the submarine USS Croaker. For some outdoor fun, head to the Buffalo Zoo or take a stroll through Delaware Park. As you make your way to Lake Erie, you'll pass through some small towns and villages, each with their own unique attractions. In Hamburg, you can explore the quaint shops and eateries, or visit the Hamburg Gaming Casino. In Angola, you can check out the Evans Town Park and the Evans Historical Society Museum. Finally, you'll arrive at Lake Erie. Here, you can take a boat tour of the lake, or spend some time fishing. You can also visit one of the many beaches and take in the stunning views of the lake. This is just one stage of your larger tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" section of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Lake Erie - Cleveland

Distance 175 km Driving time 3.2 h Pace: modest 45.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting cultural site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip starting in Lake Erie and ending in Cleveland? This stage of the journey is 109 miles long and will take you less than 4 hours to complete. At Lake Erie, you can explore the beautiful beaches and take part in a variety of water activities. If you're looking for something more educational, you can visit the Marblehead Lighthouse and learn about the history of the area. As you make your way to Cleveland, you can stop at the Holden Arboretum and explore the gardens and trails. There's also the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, which is a must-see for music fans. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Cleveland. Here, you can visit the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Now, let your adventure begin!

  Cleveland

[detailsContainer]
The final destination of any “Great Lakes Road Trip” should be Cleveland, Ohio. Located on the south shore of Lake Erie, the city has a plethora of attractions that will make any traveler’s stay worthwhile. For the nature lover, Cleveland is home to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which houses over 3,000 animals from around the world. Nearby, the Cleveland Botanical Garden is a 10-acre garden featuring various plants, flowers, and sculptures. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is another popular attraction that houses memorabilia from some of the biggest names in music. For the sports fan, Cleveland offers many options. The Cleveland Indians baseball team calls Progressive Field home, and the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team plays at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The city is also home to the Cleveland Browns football team, who play at FirstEnergy Stadium. Other attractions include the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the West Side Market, an historic indoor market with over 100 vendors. For those traveling by car, the city is easily accessible via Interstate 77 and Interstate 90. Those flying into the city can use Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), the largest and busiest airport in Ohio. No matter what your interests, Cleveland has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation, the city is sure to provide plenty of memorable experiences.

Great Lakes Road Trip at a glance

We believe that our road trip idea gave you numerous inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a base that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse attractions.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around New York, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a number of elements to bear in mind to make your journey smooth and safe. These tips will also become useful for drivers who are interested in hiring a car or camper hire in New York.
There are a number of traffic rules to be mindful of while sightseeing around New York. Avoiding alcohol is the best way to ensure full safety of you and your passengers. Drivers should remember that the permitted blood alcohol level is rather low and equals only 0.5‰. The maximum permissible speed when travelling around the urban areas is 40km/h. Around rural areas, drivers can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h. Avoid exceeding the allowed speed of 129km/h when on motorways. In order to stay safe, it is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on during the day.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. Depending on the budget option that you choose, the total expenses during the whole adventure may vary. A wide range of budget options is described below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 7 stages across New York will cost roughly 125 EUR. Within the economy offer, accommodation will cost approximately 550 EUR. If the this option is your target, you should be prepared to spend around 504 EUR on food and restaurants. Travellers will have to pay around 315 EUR if they go for the budget rental car option as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from about 1,179 EUR to about 1,494 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 125 EUR to cover the planned mileage of the adventure. Cost amounting to 836 EUR can be expected by all drivers who are looking for standard accommodation options. The standard option in terms of food and restaurants may cost up to approximately 756 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of roughly 378 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 2,145 EUR for the whole road trip, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend approximately 1,767 EUR.
The most demanding drivers will be surely pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 3,262 EUR for travellers who are considering vehicle hire and 1,767 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium hire vehicle should expect a cost of roughly 630 EUR. In the top standard configuration of the adventure, you need to spend the maximum of 238 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. Drivers should expect to pay approximately 1,386 EUR for accommodation options and 1,008 EUR for food and restaurants if they are interested in the exclusive standard of services.
Great Lakes Road Trip will also come up to the expectations of all camper lovers. If you choose this travel mode, you will pay up to approximately 1,575 EUR. Travellers will spend about 263 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Travellers who will go for camper hire should expect to pay more or less 385 EUR for overnight stays and around 504 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the mentioned costs in detail.
The best travel opportunity when visiting the part of New York described in our itinerary idea is between May and October. There are numerous exciting road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas. Even the most demanding of travellers will surely be pleased with the great variety of our road trips.

Facts for safer driving in New York

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

Recommended trips

The Adirondacks Panoramic Road The Adirondacks Panoramic Road
The Adirondacks Panoramic Road
North America - United States
257 km 69 km/h 1 days scenic
USA Road Trip USA Road Trip
USA Road Trip
North America - United States
17,109 km 80 km/h 42 days roadtrip
New York to Alaska Road Trip New York to Alaska Road Trip
New York to Alaska Road Trip
North America - United States
9,387 km 90 km/h 28 days roadtrip
East USA Road Trip East USA Road Trip
East USA Road Trip
North America - United States
5,803 km 70 km/h 28 days roadtrip
New England Road Trip New England Road Trip
New England Road Trip
North America - United States
3,111 km 72 km/h 20 days roadtrip
Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road
Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road
North America - United States
138 km 64 km/h 1 days scenic