Cincinnati to Cooperstown/NYC

[Mike_OH]

I'm planning an early-May trip to Cooperstown, NY and then on to New York City.  This will be the second time my dad and I have made this trip (the first being December 2001).  I am wondering what the best route is to get there?  Google Maps suggests I-71 to I-90, but I'm also wondering about zig-zagging through Pennsylvania and Southern New York using I-70, I-76, I-88, and others.  One thing I am concerned about how much the tolls are on I-90.

[kalvado]

I'm planning an early-May trip to Cooperstown, NY and then on to New York City.  This will be the second time my dad and I have made this trip (the first being December 2001).  I am wondering what the best route is to get there?  Google Maps suggests I-71 to I-90, but I'm also wondering about zig-zagging through Pennsylvania and Southern New York using I-70, I-76, I-88, and others.  One thing I am concerned about how much the tolls are on I-90.

Tolls on I-90 are not that bad. Albany to Buffalo is something like $15.
You may also look at US-20 as an option.

[froggie]

Another option that would avoid the tolls on the Thruway (I-90 NY) and the traffic on I-80 PA would be to take I-86/NY 17 across to Binghamton, then up I-88 to NY 28 to Cooperstown.

[jemacedo9]

Another option that would avoid the tolls on the Thruway (I-90 NY) and the traffic on I-80 PA would be to take I-86/NY 17 across to Binghamton, then up I-88 to NY 28 to Cooperstown.

+1 to this routing...

[hbelkins]

Another option that would avoid the tolls on the Thruway (I-90 NY) and the traffic on I-80 PA would be to take I-86/NY 17 across to Binghamton, then up I-88 to NY 28 to Cooperstown.

+1 to this routing...

Have they done anything about the rough pavement on I-86 between the Pennsylvania state line and I-390? I was across that a few years ago and it was in terrible shape.

From Cincy, how about Corridor D to I-79 to I-68 to I-70 to I-81 to I-88? Or exit I-68 and use US 220/I-99 to I-86 to I-81 to I-88?

[AsphaltPlanet]

The bit east of Salamanca easterly to I-390 has been improved in recent years -- can't say for the western bit.  I-86 no longer constitutes a really long staircase.