Interstate 86 highway (I-86) covers 222.26 miles of the East Coast. It begins out west in Greenfield Township, PA, just off of I-90, and culminates in Waverly, NY, where it merges with NY-17.

Although I-86 begins in Pennsylvania, it quickly redirects into New York. This highway covers the breadth of the Empire State’s Southern Tier region. It intersects with several major interchanges, making it a great highway for all sorts of travelers.

Hitting the I-86 to speed up your commute to work? Planning a college

road trip

? Whatever your reason for driving down 86, read on for tips, tricks, and fun recommendations for your journey ahead.

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What is an interstate highway?

Your best guess probably won’t be too far off. An interstate highway is what it sounds like: a highway that exists inter (or in between) states. Interstate highways are constructed to create a flow of business, ideas, and citizens between big city hubs. Instead of taking a bunch of backroads to get from point A to point B, interstates help streamline traffic.

Alright, so now we get the concept. But what about the numbers? They’re used to organize the interstate highway system.

To start, each interstate is assigned a one or two-digit number. Even numbers, like 86, are assigned to roadways that run east to west. While odd numbers are assigned to roads that run north to south.

Pro Tip If you’re looking for the major roadways, they tend to end in either a zero or a five.

What states does I-86 run through?

Technically, I-86 runs between both

Pennsylvania

and

New York

—but the interstate really only uses Pennsylvania as a launching pad. The majority of its mileage is spent in the Empire State, hovering just above the NY–PA border.

MORE: New York State foodie road trips

Major interchanges on I-86

I-86 mostly hangs around the Southern Tier region of NYS. But its length intersects with many major connections and interchanges that function as travel arteries, shooting you off toward other regions and connecting you with the rest of the nation.

Here are a few exits to look out for while you’re on the road:

NY-417 in Allegany, NY

NY-16 in Olean, NY

NY-16 in Hinsdale, NY

NY-19 in Belmont, NY

NY-36 in Hornell, NY

I-390 in Bath, NY

I-86 in Painted Post, NY

NY-14 in Horseheads, NY

NY-13 in Horseheads, NY

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Best places to eat along I-86

The Southern Tier region is known for its beautiful, lush expanses and the tiny towns nestled within its hills and valleys. You can get a gas station snack any time. Use this opportunity to take the next exit and stop by one of these towns for some local eats:

The Strawhat Sundae Shop

(North East, PA): At 86’s trailhead lies this sweet sundae shop, which has been a pillar in the Erie community for over 50 years. Pack up the family and friends for a scoop of Penn State ice cream to kick off your journey.

Union Tea Cafe

(Olean, NY): Stop by the Union Tea Cafe for the perfect quick bite in a fun and funky coffee shop atmosphere. Union Tea Cafe is known for its traditional English high tea and scones, as well as its fresh farm-to-table salads. But if neither of those is your cup of tea, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your palette on its full menu.

Rafi’s Platter

(Olean, NY): Rafi is the restauranter in Olean. The family has several great Mediterranean-inspired restaurants in town, and Rafi’s Platter is known as its best. The portions are huge, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth! Plan to share or bring some home.

Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn

(Angelica, NY): Ah, Cartwright’s. It’s a true honor to recommend this seasonal gem. Open only between February and April, Cartwright’s is absolutely worth the trip. The family has been serving up homemade all-you-can-eat buckwheat pancakes and maple syrup for over 50 years. Drivers trek from all over the world to make a pilgrimage to this sweet spot. It’s an I-86 must-see!

Railhead Brewing

(Hornell, NY): Stop by for tap, pizza, and general merriment at this cozy, local Hornell establishment.

Timber Stone Grill

(Hammondsport, NY): A winner of Tripadvisor’s 2021 Traveler’s Choice Award, Timber is a great place for colorful, fresh American classics. Anyone and everyone can find something on their menu, and the staff is very friendly and accomodating.

Aroma Coffee Art Gallery

(Hammondsport, NY): If you’re going to make one stop on the road, go to Aroma. Aroma is the most lovely coffee spot, offering fresh, colorful, Mediterranean bites. Their shakshuka is hearty, their pastries are light, and their art gallery is a feast for the eye.

Crooked Lake Ice Cream Parlor

(Hammondsport, NY): Ice cream and bagels? The pairing of the two may sound counterintuitive, but that’s what this classic ice cream parlor is known for. Let’s clarify: not for the mixing of the two! This parlor is the place to go for both breakfast and a sweet scoop.

Betty Kay Bake Shop

(Bath, NY): This bakeshop is like a time machine, transporting you to the days of made-from-scratch with love. The donuts and coffee won’t disappoint.

Roots Cafe

(Naples, NY): Roots Cafe welcomes you home off the road to gorgeous color and celebration, both on and off the plate. The cafe touts its fresh farm-to-table local ingredients and relationship with the community. Stop for a healthy, hearty meal to nourish your belly and your soul.

The Diner

(Horseheads, NY): This is a diner and a local favorite. When traveling through Horseheads, stop by for reliably good food and service.

Pro Tip Can’t decide where to go first? We feel you. Wherever you go, make sure to give the place a call first to confirm their open hours. You don’t want to show up hungry at a closed restaurant!

What is there to do on I-86?

Plenty! Many attractions along I-86 are seasonal, so be sure to check out some events calendars for current happenings. But there is also a great range of year-round offerings to choose from. Here are a few suggestions:

Coral Caverns

in Manns Choice, PA

Allegany River Valley Trail

in Allegany, NY

Waverly Glen Park

in Waverly, NY

Crooked River Co-op

in Waverly, NY

Susquehanna River Archaeological Center

in Waverly, NY

Smash and Paint

in Hornell, NY

Wings of Eagles Discovery Center

in Horseheads, NY

Corning Museum of Glass

in Corning, NY

If you don’t have enough time to stop, not to worry. I-86 provides plenty of stellar views year-round—though the best time of year to drive is autumn when you can get in some pretty serious leaf-peeping.

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