If you’re planning to road trip to Rochester, NY in 2024 for the Total Solar Eclipse, there are a few things you should know before you go! Start planning your getaway using our resource as a guide to make your visit as easy and effortless as possible!
#1 Know Your Dates
The eclipse will take place at 3:20pm on Monday, April 8, 2024—but coming in on the day of the eclipse isn’t advised. Crowds will be higher on that day and traffic might be slow, and the last thing you want is to risk missing the moment! Consider coming in for the weekend to experience a whole host of eclipse-themed events and celebrations. Extend your stay through Monday night into Tuesday to enjoy a more relaxed departure.
#2 Know Your Route
Getting to Rochester from the Greater Philadelphia area is a breeze! If you own a vehicle or have the ability to rent, the cities sit just half a day’s travel (5.5 hours) apart by car. Travel the major roadways from I-476 N to I-81 N to I-90 W—the New York State Thruway offers three exits for Rochester. Or follow a more scenic route when you branch off I-476 N to I-390 N, traveling up through the Finger Lakes. Having a car in the area also makes travel from place to place easier! Parking is plentiful and offered by most of Rochester’s hotels, restaurants and major attractions.
If you can’t or don’t wish to drive, no worries! The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport currently offers several nonstop and connecting flights into and out of Philadelphia, PA. Bus and train transportation also offer “driveless” options for arrival, and the city has widespread rideshare with Lyft and Uber to get around with ease.
#3 Know Your Overnights
Time to book! Hotels are already starting to fill up in anticipation of the big event, so there’s no better time than now to book your overnight accommodations. Check out our list of local hotels to start exploring areas and rates. Some hotels might require a two or three-day minimum on the dates of the eclipse, so be mindful of requirements when you book!
#4 Know Your Plans
Consider where you want to be when the eclipse starts and plan to pick your spot ahead of time! Do you want to find a quiet area to enjoy the view in a local park or find yourself amongst the excitement of the crowds at a festival or large event? Everyone is going to want to be outside to experience those three minutes and 38 seconds of totality, so it’s best to plan ahead so that you are right where you want to be when the moment arrives. Check out our blog on Eclipse Viewing Locations for an idea of where to start!
#5 Prepare for the Unexpected
With a once-in-a-lifetime event like a Total Solar Eclipse, it can be hard to know exactly what to expect! Plan for the unexpected variables like increased traffic, parking, larger crowds on Eclipse Day, possible changes in weather and temperature to make sure you are able to make the most of this amazing experience. This is the last Total Solar Eclipse in our area until 2144, so we only get one opportunity to witness the magic of the moment!
