How far is Amherst, NY from Albany, NY?
Fastest route
The distance between Amherst, New York and Albany, New York is approximately 283 miles (456 kilometers). The fastest route, considering traffic conditions, is via I-90 E. The estimated travel time is 4 hours and 7 minutes.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan your departure time to avoid rush hour traffic.
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- 🚧 Check for any road closures or construction updates along the route before you start.
- 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS device to stay on track.
- 🍴 Pack some snacks and drinks for the trip, or plan to make stops at rest areas or restaurants.
- 🚫 Avoid distractions while driving, such as using your phone or engaging in other activities.
- 🔄 Take short breaks every couple of hours to stretch your legs and stay refreshed.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 04h 17m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in Onondaga County, New York
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Amherst and Albany.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amherst and Albany.
-
1
Start on Millersport Highway
1848 ft · 51 sec · Millersport Highway
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2
Take the ramp slight right toward I 290 E
1756 ft · 43 sec
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3
Merge slight left onto Youngmann Expressway
2.4 mi · 3 min · Youngmann Expressway
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4
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 East: Albany
1 km · 57 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto New York State Thruway
271 mi · 5 hr 13 min · New York State Thruway
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 87 North, I 90 East: Albany, Montreal
1.2 mi · 2 min
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7
Keep slight left
4.9 mi · 7 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 9: Loudonville, Arbor Hill
1529 ft · 29 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on US 9 South: Arbor Hill, Henry Johnson Boulevard
1488 ft · 28 sec
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10
Turn straight onto US 9
1444 ft · 22 sec · US 9
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11
Continue on Henry Johnson Boulevard
2809 ft · 1 min · Henry Johnson Boulevard
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12
Turn left onto Central Avenue
155 m · 17 sec · Central Avenue
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13
Turn slight left onto Washington Avenue
2658 ft · 1 min · Washington Avenue
-
14
Turn right
9 m · 2 sec
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Amherst and Albany.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
New York State Thruway
Merge slight left onto New York State Thruway
271 mi · 05h 13m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Amherst and Chance Rain Showers near Albany.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Amherst to Albany?
The road trip is about 283.5 miles (456.3 km) and usually takes 04h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mattydale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 141.1 miles from Amherst and 142.5 miles from Albany.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 256.6 miles (412.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:24 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $40.13 one way or $80.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 89 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Amherst and Chance Rain Showers near Albany.
Stop Ideas Near Mattydale
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall Cafe
Syracuse City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mattydale.
William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center
Empire Expo Center
Rome station
Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Amherst and Albany. Straight-line distance: 256.57 mi (412.91 km).
#1 Amherst
Town in New York, United States
| Population | 120,809 |
| Coordinates | 42.9783900, -78.7997600 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Albany
The capital of New York State.
| Population | 95,429 |
| Coordinates | 42.6525800, -73.7562300 |
| Altitude | 45 |
| Country | United States |
End: Washington Avenue (-73.756162, 42.652644)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 456 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.01 | $40.13 | $80.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.48 | $44.85 | $89.71 |
| Premium | $4.86 | $48.66 | $97.32 |
| Diesel | $4.69 | $46.99 | $93.97 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in New York · Apr 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.