New York → District of Columbia · Interstate 90 (New York State Thruway)
The drive from Buffalo, New York, to Washington, District of Columbia, covers about 553 km (344 miles) along Interstate 90 (New York State Thruway), with an estimated travel time of 5h 16m in normal traffic conditions. Buffalo is the western New York gateway to the Niagara Frontier and Lake Erie, while Washington stands out as the capital of the United States and seat of the federal government. Sales reps, consultants, real-estate agents and field service professionals who run this route regularly typically depart at sunrise to clear the urban congestion before rush hour and arrive in time for scheduled morning meetings. It also pays to scout two or three reliable fuel-and-rest stops along the way before departure. Assuming average fuel economy of about 26 mpg on regular unleaded, the trip burns roughly 50.3 liters (13.3 gallons), costing about $46.28 at typical pump prices. For mileage reimbursement, applying the IRS standard mileage rate (2025) of $0.43/km ($0.69/mile) yields a one-way payout of $237.79. Keep the trip log, business purpose, odometer readings, and exact route documented in your Clara receipt for IRS compliance and internal audit defensibility.