Nys Rt 400 – Aurora Expressway

From the north, the 400 will get you to Vidler’s quickly enough so you can buy yourself some bacon toothpaste and pickle flavored dental floss, and «penny» candy (really like dollar candy) and other nonsense that will drain your wallet and your dignity.
I usually take the painstakingly awful route 78 (Transit Road) all the way to West Seneca, where I pick up the 400 to East Aurora. There is no quicker way from East Amherst. The struggle is real. But you’ll pass a ton of businesses that will have you saying «huh, I’ve gotta try that» or «hmm, I didn’t know that even existed» so it’s not so bad if you’re a curious type.
The 400 is smooth and fast (65 mph) and most people at most times are great about the speed limit and getting over, etc. I like this stretch of expressway. I also took this route to Java where I had the best snowshoeing experience of my life. So the winter in these parts is amazing, especially if you’re brave enough to drive down here.

I’m not as down on this road as Fox is. When I first read his review I thought to myself «I’ll be driving it next week and will have to see if I feel as Fox does». Now I tend to only drive this road from Buffalo to East Aurora and back. I take it on the way to Mt Morris or to Elm Street Bakery. Depends on the day.
The section I drive is well paved and a very easy drive. Speed limits clearly posted. Nice shoulders in case you need to pull over. A few other areas you can pull off. Easy on and off exits.

The 400. Such an enticing name. Not one hundred. Not two, not even three. But four. Entire. Hundreds. I’m flabbergasted at the thought.
This high speed highway will take you from the clumsy confines of West Seneca to the sweeping vistas of Olean. I lean, you lean, we all lean on Olean. Literally. The Olean economy supports the entire Upstate region. Sort of.
Well maybe not but my ex at St. Bonaventure is cute.
Lots of cops along this road sometimes, so don’t go more than 9 over the limit. Don’t ever drink and drive.
If you want to get to Olean, I recommend skipping this road and sticking to the 219 and then the STE. Aka I-​86. The reason is that the highway stops just after East Aurora and then you’re on your own with endless speed traps and the night. Holland, Yorkshire, Delavan, Franklinville, you name the town, you’ll be at the stop light and doing 30 while crying because your own St. Bonaventure girl will be getting bored waiting and hopping in her friend’s SUV to cruise over to Corning to meet some guys for some glass blowing activities.
Seriously, it’s pretty and all but I recommend sticking to the 219. This road takes forevvvvvvvver. Unless you just want to get to lower Transit or East Aurora. In which case this road is thoroughly brilliant.