Traveling from Akron to Hempstead covers 380.2 miles across New York State, a journey that typically takes about 8 hours and 1 minute of driving time. Because this route involves a turn-heavy profile, it is best approached as a two-day trip rather than a single grueling day behind the wheel. Expect to budget approximately $62 for fuel to complete the transit. You will navigate a variety of corridors, including I-81, the New York State Thruway, and the Keystone Shortway. Breaking the drive into two days allows you to manage the pacing more effectively and keeps the experience from feeling overly taxing.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
190.1 miles from Akron, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
98.8 mi
1h 57m
New York State Thruway
80.7 mi
1h 33m
Keystone Shortway
80 mi
1h 37m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
East Lake Road
9.9 mi
14m
State Highway 41
9.8 mi
13m
Clark Street Road
9.6 mi
11m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Akron, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on John Street
84 ft·8 sec·John Street
2
Turn left onto Parkview Drive
0.2 mi·29 sec·Parkview Drive
3
Turn left onto East Avenue
1.1 mi·2 min·East Avenue
4
Turn right onto Crittenden Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Crittenden Road
5
Turn left onto NY 5
3.7 mi·5 min·Main Road
6
Turn left onto NY 77
0.7 mi·1 min·Alleghany Road
7
Take the exit
369 ft·9 sec
8
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·15 sec·this road
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward I 90 East: AlbanyUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 90
81 mi·1 hr 33 min·New York State Thruway
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 41Toward NY 414: Waterloo, ClydeUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
327 ft·7 sec
13
Continue on NY 414
0.3 mi·35 sec·State Route 414
14
Turn left onto NY 318
4.1 mi·7 min·NY 318
Use the left lane.
15
At end of road, turn left onto US 20; NY 5
1.9 mi·2 min·Auburn Road
16
Continue on US 20; NY 5
9.6 mi·11 min·Clark Street Road
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn right onto State Street
226 ft·12 sec·State Street
18
Turn left onto Dill Street
0.1 mi·21 sec·Dill Street
19
Continue on Loop Road
458 ft·16 sec·Loop Road
20
Turn left onto Genesee Street
5.5 mi·9 min·Genesee Street
21
Continue on US 20
2.2 mi·4 min·West Genesee Street Road
22
Turn right onto NY 41
0.5 mi·45 sec·East Lake Street
23
Continue on NY 41
9.4 mi·13 min·East Lake Road
24
Continue on NY 41
4.8 mi·7 min·State Route 41
25
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi·49 sec·East Lake Road
26
Continue on NY 41
9.8 mi·13 min·State Highway 41
27
Turn right onto NY 281
1.2 mi·2 min·North West Street
28
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Use the left lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
30
Merge onto I 81
45 mi·54 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
34
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
35
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
36
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
37
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·5 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
38
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
40
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
42
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
43
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
44
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
45
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
47
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
49
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
50
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
51
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
52
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
53
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
54
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
55
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
56
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
57
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi·2 min·Braddock Avenue
58
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi·34 sec·Jamaica Avenue
59
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi·56 sec·Jericho Turnpike
60
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi·3 min·Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
61
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi·56 sec·New Hyde Park Road
62
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi·3 min·Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
63
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi·1 min·Front Street
Use the right lane.
64
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
65
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi·26 sec·Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
66
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
Planning for two stops along the way will help you break up the 380.2-mile distance and maintain your energy levels. Given the technical nature of the turn-heavy segments, aim to start your trip early in the morning to avoid navigating complex local roads in low-light conditions. Keep a close watch on your fuel levels, as the $62 estimate can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and idling time in traffic. Since the route requires a significant amount of active steering, prioritize frequent, short breaks to stretch rather than one long stop. This approach ensures you remain sharp while navigating the transition between the highway and local road portions of your journey.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 190.1 miles from Akron, NY, or about 4h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.8 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 84 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 190.1 miles or 4h 5m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 190.1 miles or 4h 5m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Akron, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Akron, NY
Aim for roughly 190 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Hempstead, NY
Aim for roughly 190 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Akron, NY.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 98.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 45
5 decision points cluster between mile 7 and 353.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
7 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 90 East: Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 90 East: Albany
8
88 mi into trip|~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 41
Toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
9
238.3 mi into trip|~5h 2m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
8
352.8 mi into trip|~7h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Ne...
9
353.1 mi into trip|~7h 18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$62.58 one way
$125.17 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg133 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$67.67
$135.35
premium
$4.92
$73.69
$147.38
diesel
$5.61
$83.94
$167.89
Estimated Tolls: $26.77
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(80.7 mi)$4.04
Hempstead Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
Jericho Turnpike
(0.5 mi)$0.04
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$63
Tolls
$27
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$219–$329
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 133 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
114.1
1
$39.92
$18.25
Efficient EV
95.1
1
$33.27
$15.21
EV Truck/SUV
152.1
1
$53.23
$24.33
Gas CO2
133 kg
EV CO2
44 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Akron, NY
Night
in Akron on Saturday
Local time
10:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Night
in Hempstead on Saturday
Local time
10:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
8h 1m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a distinct mix of road types, with highway driving accounting for 43% of the total distance. You should prepare for a turn-heavy, local driving experience that demands more focused attention than a straight interstate cruise. While you will encounter stretches like the 98.8-mile segment on I-81, the route frequently transitions into more technical navigation. The shifting character of the roads means you will need to balance periods of highway cruising with more involved local maneuvers. Staying alert is key as you navigate the varying road conditions throughout the 8-hour trek.
Only 43% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
66 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.8 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 45 significant decision points across 380.2 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.3 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,793 ft9 ft
Total Climb
1,599 ft
Total Descent
2,282 ft
Highest Point
1,793 ft
~244.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,784 ft
Notable High Points
1,793 ft at ~244.4 miles+661 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Akron, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward Clyde, Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia and Teaneck - among others.
Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods.
Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.
Top landmarks
•Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, New York
The longest stretch is about 98.8 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 190 miles on day one.
Expect about $26.77 in tolls one way, starting with George Washington Bridge. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Hempstead, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.3 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 16.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hempstead, NY before the return drive.
