How far is Amherst, NY from Colonie, NY?
The driving distance from Amherst, NY to Colonie, NY is about 278.7 miles (448.6 km), with a travel time of about 05h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 252.2 miles (405.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
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 05h 26m.
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 Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Amherst and Colonie.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Amherst and Colonie.
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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 right
1.9 mi · 3 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward NY 5 West: Schenectady
1522 ft · 52 sec
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9
Turn straight onto Central Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Central Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Amherst and Colonie.
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 Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Amherst and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Colonie.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Amherst to Colonie?
The road trip is about 278.7 miles (448.6 km) and usually takes 05h 26m 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?
Galeville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 139.1 miles from Amherst and 139.7 miles from Colonie.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 252.2 miles (405.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.5 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 6:08 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.45 one way or $78.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 87.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Amherst and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Colonie.
Stop Ideas Near Galeville
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 Galeville.
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 Colonie. Straight-line distance: 252.18 mi (405.85 km).
#1 Amherst
Town in New York, United States
| Population | 120,809 |
| Coordinates | 42.9783900, -78.7997600 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Colonie
Town in Albany County, New York, United States
| Population | 7,564 |
| Coordinates | 42.7178600, -73.8334600 |
| Altitude | 95 |
| Country | United States |
End: Colonie (-73.83346, 42.71786)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 449 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.01 | $39.45 | $78.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.48 | $44.09 | $88.19 |
| Premium | $4.86 | $47.83 | $95.66 |
| Diesel | $4.69 | $46.19 | $92.38 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.