Route Advice for traveling thru NY State

[aspengirl]

If you were traveling from Vermont going west through New York State, would you take I-88/86 or I-90? It doesn't matter to us with regard to our destination. We are just looking for advice on which roads are in better condition. We realize I-90 is a toll road, and at this point we haven't figured out what that would cost. But if it isn't too bad, and the road happens to be in better condition, it might be worth the cost. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[Scubadude62]

I would take 88 down to Binghamton then 86 across the southern tier to Erie. If continuing west, I'll drop down to Columbus, OH and head west on 70.


I avoid toll roads if at all possible - they are very expensive for RVs.

[Romer1]

We go from Chicago to Ithaca NY every year. Take 86 mainly because it's shorter by about an hour. However, it is not a very smooth ride in some areas, tho it has gotten better. A few years ago, there was no way you could even approach the speed limit , it was so rough. Last year it was much better, but still has rough spots.

[cthiggy]

FWIW, Spouse and I drive our Navion from Florida to Quebec City every summer (i.e. when we are allowed to cross the border). In NY we always take I-88 from Binghampton to Albany which has been much improved recently. Then I-87 to Montreal. Smooth and very little traffic compared to what we see on I-90. I-88 is a breath of fresh air compared to I-95 and I-81. Sparsely populated too. I-87 is good once north of Albany.

Also FWIW, there is NO way we will ever take I-95 north of Fredericksberg, Virginia. Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City regions, and New Jersey are not RV friendly traffic wise.

Just an opinion. Your mileage may vary.
cthiggy

[Raxel7851]

Originally Posted by cthiggy

FWIW, Spouse and I drive our Navion from Florida to Quebec City every summer (i.e. when we are allowed to cross the border). In NY we always take I-88 from Binghampton to Albany which has been much improved recently. Then I-87 to Montreal. Smooth and very little traffic compared to what we see on I-90. I-88 is a breath of fresh air compared to I-95 and I-81. Sparsely populated too. I-87 is good once north of Albany.

Also FWIW, there is NO way we will ever take I-95 north of Fredericksberg, Virginia. Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City regions, and New Jersey are not RV friendly traffic wise.

Just an opinion. Your mileage may vary.
cthiggy

I have to agree with you on the I-95. We went to Lake George NY this summer and also Vermont and New Hampshire. We went to Lancaster Pa for a couple of days and took some state routes to I-287, then I-87. 87 is a beautiful drive. Unfortunately we drove on I-91 and I-84 on the way home. Horrible experience.