It’s not a glamourous year for road trips for Buffalo Bills fans.
They don’t have an international game on the schedule. They don’t have a trip to the West Coast.
Two games are within easy driving distance (Cleveland, Pittsburgh) and another two are manageable by car (New York, New England). The Bills face the four teams from the NFC South this season, meaning two trips to cities (Charlotte, Atlanta) easily accessible by direct flights.
I’m personally not knocking any new stadiums off my list in 2025, so as an experienced traveler to all eight of the Bills’ road destinations, here are my personal power ranking of the trips, keeping in mind numerous factors like weather, expenses and likelihood of a Bills win – which might just be the biggest part of the experience.
Without further ado:
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8. Houston, Thursday, Nov. 20.
For one of the nation’s biggest cities, what’s the one thing you must see or do in Houston? I’ve been multiple times, and I still don’t know the answer. The traffic is terrible, the airports aren’t close to the stadium, and with the game being Thursday night, it requires a minimum of two days off of work – three if you want to get there in time for dinner Wednesday. Direct flights are rare and expensive. It’s also a challenging game for the Bills – a short week with the longest travel of the season against a team that won the AFC South last year. Other than the weather being better than in Buffalo at this time of year, there’s not much to like about this trip.
7. New England, Sunday, Nov. 14.
This pains me, because Boston is neck-and-neck with San Diego for my favorite city in the U.S. (outside of Buffalo, of course). Nevertheless, this trip isn’t easy. Staying in Boston requires a fairly long drive Sunday morning, and with just one way in and out of Gillette Stadium, traffic is miserable getting there and getting out. Direct flights to Boston have dwindled since the Covid pandemic. Driving is an option, but it’s a solid six-plus hours from Buffalo. Staying in Providence is an option, but it’s not much closer than Boston. The weather isn’t a selling point. My advice: Stay in Boston. Do Faneuil Hall on Saturday afternoon. Cross your fingers for a Celtics home game Saturday night. If not, go to Neptune Oyster in the North End for dinner.
6. Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21.
The 1 p.m. start is great in that it’s easy to get home after the game with plenty of time to get ready for work Monday. Cross your fingers for a Cavs home game Saturday night. I’ve yet to do the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but that’s an option for Saturday, too. The Bills should be comfortable favorites. The Browns’ stadium sits right on Lake Erie, so the weather could be an adventure. I’ve had friends charter a limo bus to a game in Cleveland before, leaving early Sunday morning and returning as soon as it’s over. If you can swing it, that’s a great way to do this game, which should be a comfortable Bills win.
5. New York, Sunday, Sept. 7.
This is always a polarizing trip, mainly because New York City is so polarizing. If you enjoy a day in the city, this trip comes at a great time on the schedule because the weather should be good. I’ve come to really appreciate a long walk in Central Park during this trip. If you don’t like the city, this trip isn’t for you. MetLife Stadium is one of more disappointing spots in the NFL. The tailgating is bland, like the stadium itself. It’s expensive to stay in the city (of course), but that’s not necessary. Staying in New Jersey makes it more affordable. There are numerous direct flights, making it easy to get there and back.
4. Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 30.
The 4:25 p.m. start time is tough. It means getting home about midnight for those who live close to downtown Buffalo, assuming traffic getting out of the stadium is reasonable. Otherwise, this is a pretty easy trip to make, and Pittsburgh is a cool city to visit. I’ve found the downtown hotels there to be unreasonably expensive. The Andy Warhol Museum is worth checking out Saturday before the game, and perhaps the Penguins will be home for a game. The Bills should be solid favorites, given Pittsburgh’s uncertainty at quarterback.
3. Carolina, Sunday, Oct. 26.
It will be a de facto home game with all the Buffalo transplants. The weather should be glorious. The Bills will be decided favorites. Direct flights are available, making it possible to do the trip without taking a day off work. Golf in the Carolinas is fantastic. The stadium’s proximity to downtown and the airport is ideal. There is a lot to like about this trip.
2. Atlanta, Monday, Oct. 13.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is outstanding. The affordable concession prices are the model that every stadium and arena should follow. The game is on Columbus Day, so just one day off of work is required. Direct flights are not a problem. The weather should be outstanding for golfers. With five prime-time games, the NFL seems to be betting the Falcons are going to be better. That should make for a fun atmosphere.
Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins (copy) (copy)
The Bills’ annual trip to Miami comes at an ideal time on the schedule during the 2025 season. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
1. Miami, Sunday, Nov 9.
Hear me out: Fly down Friday after work. Stay up late on South Beach. Spend Saturday at the beach before going to the Elbo Room on Fort Lauderdale Beach to meet up with a million Bills fans. Wrap things up early enough so you can get to the tailgate Sunday morning with plenty of time. Watch Josh Allen beat up the Dolphins again, then have mahi tacos at a beach bar as you watch the Sunday night game. Play golf Monday before taking a nap at the pool. Tuesday is Veterans Day, so you’ll have off of work. Wake up Tuesday morning, take a walk on the beach after breakfast and then fly home. Thank me when you get back.
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