86 or 90? (Interstate)

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Nick R

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So in May I will be heading back to Ohio for my cousins graduation. I will be going down by myself and time is not an issue (like it was with the car accident). Mapquest lists two ways. One is I-90 straight across. Benefits: It is the NYS thruway, and therefor has regular rest/food/fuel stops every 50 miles on either side, staggered so 25 miles to the nearest one. It is straight, and relatively easy.

OR, I could take I-86 down and across. It is a big longer, and a bit further, but I've heard that it is a much nicer drive, with less traffic and better view. Anyone have any advice? I don't know if there are any rest stops on that road. Any advice would be welcome!
 
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I drive I-86 almost daily for work. It's really pretty, not that heavily trafficked, especially once you get past Bath, NY, and there are a good number of places to stop. There are rest areas on this road which are about 75-100 miles apart. No services, of course. Watch out for deer late at night.

The Thruway (I-90) will likely run you about $20-25 driving from Albany area to near the PA border, and the stretch between Syracuse and Buffalo is a total bore. Nothing to see except the bumper of whoever's ahead of you.
 
Originally Posted By: sciphi
the stretch between Syracuse and Buffalo is a total bore. Nothing to see except the bumper of whoever's ahead of you.


I must have missed the exciting things between Albany and Syracuse...

I-90 in NY, PA, OH, and IN has to be the most boring road in the country, except maybe for I-80 in PA and where it is the same as 90.

I took a road trip from New England out to Wisconsin and most of it was on 80 and 90.
 
Since you're not in a hurry, I'd go with 86. Once you're west of Utica on I-90, there's not really much to see. Bring some snacks and empty your bladder before you leave, and you could be good to go until you meet up with I-90 again in Erie!
 
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I've driven that stretch of I-90 so many times it isn't even funny anymore. I like the security of driving on the Thruway, but I think I'm going to take the other road, for a change of pace. It's only about another 45 minutes (more likely half an hour, if I drive 75 like normal) and another 50 miles. Not a big deal, and it would be well worth it to see different scenery.

I know what you mean about 90 being booooooorrriiiinnnnggg. It's straight, it's flat.
 
There's much more entertainment to be found on I-86 than I-90. Such as turns. Granted, it's still an interstate. It does have a lot of nice views from the hill crests.

Hint: gas up in Bath or Kanona, as there's not a whole lot between there and Erie, PA.
 
Interstate 88 (the one that goes southwest to Meet up with I-86) Though I have to say 90 looks like a smoother road than this stretch of 88



Annnnd Interstate 90


Which would you pick?
 
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Is 88/86 rough and bumpy road? I want to take them, but not if it means I'm going to need a chiropractor when I get back.
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I'd agree with taking 86. I haven't run that particular part of 86, but the sections of NY-17 / I-86 I've run are a very nice drive. I much prefer that run up to I-88, then 690 up into Syracuse and across the Thruway to Rochester when making the run to/from college/home than running all the way out 90 to Albany and down 87. Same distance for me either way, but the Thruway is a much more boring drive.
 
Old thread bumped for spam.
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If you watch that clip of I-88, every valley seems to have a bridge. Every bridge has the potential for a cop, take a look on the backsides and you'll see marks in the grass.

88 is a boring/scenic drive and you find yourself wanting to speed. My first time going through in 1993 it was still a painful speed limit 55.
 
Oops. I didn't even notice the date. What's strange is that I'm pretty sure I grabbed the thread off the recent topics thing on the left side, so I assumed it was current... Strange...
 
I-86, although both roads in NYS are infested with cops. Do not go over 74 or you'll pay.

I-86 is more scenic for longer - good place to stop is Corning to eat downtown.

Lost Dog cafe in Binghamton is also good.
 
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