Peace Bridge to Washington DC December Trip

Question

Hi!

Good day! Preparing a trip this holiday with family and we're coming from Peace Bridge, Buffalo. Google map is directing me to take the following:

- Get on I-80 E in Penfield from PA-153 S

- Follow I-80 E to PA-970 S in Woodland. Take exit 123 from I-80 E

- Get on I-99 S/US-220 S in Snyder Township from US-322 E and PA-350 S

- Continue on US-220 S. Take US-30 E, I-70 E and I-270 S to MD-190 E/River Rd in Potomac. Take exit 39 from I-495 S

- Follow MD-190 E/River Rd and Massachusetts Ave to Scott Cir NW in Washington

Total of 7 plus hours. I understand this would still change if we do some stops for food and relief.

Would this be the best route? I'm not in a hurry driving getting there and not sure if there would also be any tolls.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Yes, that route from Peace Bridge (Buffalo) down to Washington, D.C. is reasonable, but there are a few important trade-offs, especially in December (winter driving) and cost (tolls). I'll walk you through what to think about, whether the route makes sense, and some alternatives.

Here’s an analysis of your planned route, plus pros, risks, and suggestions:

Your proposed route: From Buffalo → I-80 East through Pennsylvania → Exit 123 → I-99 South / US-220 South → then pick up I-70 East → I-270 South → into the DC area via MD-190 / River Road. This is a mostly inland, higher-speed highway route.
Estimated drive time: ~7+ hours is realistic for the nonstop portion, though December driving may slow things down a little (weather, traffic, rest stops).
Tolls:
- You are likely to hit some tolls along the way. While many Maryland highways are toll-free, some facilities (especially toll authorities) charge via E-ZPass or video tolling.
- According to travel-cost estimates, a route via I-80 and I-270 (similar to yours) can incur tolls in the $6–$18 range (depending on toll plazas and whether you have E-ZPass).
- The Intercounty Connector (ICC, MD-200) is a toll road; if your route touches it, be aware of variable toll rates depending on time of day and whether you use E-ZPass.
Winter driving risk: In December, this route could be safer than some alternatives because I-80 is a major interstate that is well maintained. However, elevation changes in parts of Pennsylvania could present icy conditions, depending on weather. Some drivers prefer more southern routes in winter.
Scenic / comfort trade-off: This route is reasonably direct but not the fastest in purely distance. Because you're not in a rush, it gives flexibility to stop for food, rest, and possibly better views through central Pennsylvania.

Alternate Route to Consider:

You could take a more “southern” inland route: For example, drive from Buffalo → I-79 South into western Pennsylvania → then connect to I-70 East → down through Maryland → I-270 into the D.C. area. This route may avoid some tolls (depending on your exact path) and could be less prone to winter elevation issues, though it’s slightly longer in distance. Some road-trip communities recommend this in winter.
If minimizing tolls is a priority, you might choose a route that avoids major tolled highways. According to cost-analysis tools, there is a path that uses I-81 and then I-70 that yields fewer or no tolls.

My Conclusion & Recommendation:

- Yes, your proposed route is quite reasonable for a relaxed drive, especially if you’re not in a hurry.
- But be prepared for some tolls, and think about using an E-ZPass (or check with your rental car company if they provide one) to minimize cost and hassle.
- Given it's December, watch the weather closely, especially for parts of I-80 in PA.
- Consider doing at least one overnight or long rest stop if traveling with family, especially given the drive length and potential winter conditions.
- Use a reliable navigation app on the day of travel — things like traffic, road closures, or weather may make a different route more attractive in real time.

Peace Bridge to Washington DC December Trip

More Washington DC Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions