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US Trip Planner

Trip from Alabama, NY to Brooklyn, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 45m

Distance

362 mi

583 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$60

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
7h 36m ★
6 AM
7h 46m
8 AM
8h 4m
10 AM
7h 52m
12 PM
7h 50m
3 PM
7h 53m
5 PM
8h 4m
8 PM
7h 40m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Alabama, NY, NY

Alabama, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

borough of New York City, New York, United States

Brooklyn, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 362-mile journey from Alabama, NY, to Brooklyn, NY, is estimated to take about 7 hours and 45 minutes, making it a feasible, though long, day trip. You'll navigate a mix of major roadways, including I 81, the New York State Thruway, and the Keystone Shortway, with about 46% of the drive on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $60 and a recommendation for 2 stops, this route offers a straightforward passage through the Northeast region. Consider this drive if you're looking for a direct, albeit busy, route to your New York City destination.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

181 miles from Alabama, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 52m 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 63.3 mi 1h 19m
I 380 23.6 mi 25m
Essex Freeway 15.8 mi 20m
East Lake Road 9.9 mi 14m
State Highway 41 9.8 mi 13m
Clark Street Road 9.6 mi 11m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Alabama, NY and Brooklyn, NY.

1

Start on Lewiston Road

31 ft · 6 sec · Lewiston Road
2

Turn left onto NY 63; NY 77

6.6 mi · 9 min · Alleghany Road
3

Take the ramp

369 ft · 9 sec
4

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 15 sec · this road
5

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 90 East: Albany Use the slight right lane.
6

Merge onto I 90

81 mi · 1 hr 33 min · New York State Thruway
7

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Exit 41 Toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork

327 ft · 7 sec
9

Continue on NY 414

0.3 mi · 35 sec · State Route 414
10

Turn left onto NY 318

4.1 mi · 7 min · NY 318
Use the left lane.
11

At end of road, turn left onto US 20; NY 5

1.9 mi · 2 min · Auburn Road
12

Continue on US 20; NY 5

9.6 mi · 11 min · Clark Street Road
Use the straight lane.
13

Turn right onto State Street

226 ft · 12 sec · State Street
14

Turn left onto Dill Street

0.1 mi · 21 sec · Dill Street
15

Continue on Loop Road

458 ft · 16 sec · Loop Road
16

Turn left onto Genesee Street

5.5 mi · 9 min · Genesee Street
17

Continue on US 20

2.2 mi · 4 min · West Genesee Street Road
18

Turn right onto NY 41

0.5 mi · 45 sec · East Lake Street
19

Continue on NY 41

9.4 mi · 13 min · East Lake Road
20

Continue on NY 41

4.8 mi · 7 min · State Route 41
21

Continue on NY 41

0.5 mi · 49 sec · East Lake Road
22

Continue on NY 41

9.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 41
23

Turn right onto NY 281

1.2 mi · 2 min · North West Street
24

Take the ramp

0.7 mi · 1 min
Use the left lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
26

Merge onto I 81

45 mi · 54 min · I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

53 mi · 1 hr 3 min · I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton Use the straight lane.
28

Keep slight right at fork onto US 6

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 6
Exit 187 Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
29

Continue on I 84; I 380

3.7 mi · 4 min · I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford Use the straight lane.
30

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

24 mi · 25 min · I 380
Exit 4 Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
31

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 1B Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
32

Merge onto I 80

63 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
33

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 49 sec
Exit 47A Toward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
34

Continue on I 280

16 mi · 20 min · Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
35

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 17A Toward CR 508 East: Jersey City
36

Merge onto CR 508

2.0 mi · 3 min · Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37

Continue on NJ 7

0.5 mi · 43 sec · New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel Use the slight right lane.
39

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel Use the straight / slight left lanes.
40

Turn straight

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Use the straight lane.
41

Merge onto NJ 139

0.7 mi · 1 min · Conrail Viaduct
42

Continue on NJ 139

0.4 mi · 32 sec · 12th Street Viaduct
43

Continue on I 78

0.3 mi · 54 sec · 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
44

Keep slight left at fork onto I 78

1.9 mi · 4 min · Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
45

Take the exit

428 ft · 14 sec
Toward NY 9A
46

Turn slight left onto Laight Street

0.2 mi · 48 sec · Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
47

At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A

0.9 mi · 2 min · West Street
Use the straight lane.
48

Take the exit

2.6 mi · 5 min
Exit 2 Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn Use the left lane.
49

Continue on I 278

0.6 mi · 50 sec · Gowanus Expressway
50

Take the exit onto NY 27

1.5 mi · 2 min · NY 27
Exit 24 Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway Use the slight left / straight lanes.
51

Take the exit onto NY 27

0.4 mi · 47 sec · NY 27
Exit 5 Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical Center Use the slight right lane.
52

Turn left onto NY 27

1.2 mi · 2 min · Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
53

Continue on NY 27

0.4 mi · 31 sec · Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
54

Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Nostrand Avenue
55

Arrive at destination

Nostrand Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 362-mile drive, departing early in the morning is advisable to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Brooklyn. Plan for your two recommended stops to break up the nearly 8-hour duration. Given the 'turn-heavy' nature of the route, pay close attention to navigation, particularly when transitioning between the main roads like I 81 and the New York State Thruway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major change in direction is nearly 100 miles, and factor in the $60 fuel cost.

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 181 miles from Alabama, NY, or about 3h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.8 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles or 1h 35m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 181 miles or 3h 52m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 16m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Alabama, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Alabama, NY

This is one driving day of about 362 miles and 7h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Alabama, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
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.

town in Broome County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vestal, NY

181 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Thompson, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Endwell, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 181 miles from Alabama, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Lips Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brooklyn, New York

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 362

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+13472404439

Visit website

F and M coffee shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brooklyn, New York

1.3 mi

Cafe Grumpy - Park Slope

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brooklyn, New York

2 mi

Dekalb Market Hall

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour Inexpensiv mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19293596555

Visit website

Cinar Mediterranean Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 336.2

Livingston, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–8:30 pm

+19733151616

Visit website

Tabbouleh Cafe & restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+17186738301

Visit website

ACherry Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+17188664460

Visit website

18th Ave Cafe G

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $30 to $40 mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 12–10:45 pm

+16463408230

Tofubox

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+17183884232

Visit website

Triplets Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 284.4

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+15704216566

Visit website

Giorgio's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately mile 336.2

South Orange Village, New Jersey

Hours: 12–3 pm

+19737624440

Visit website

Lips Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+13472404439

Visit website

F and M coffee shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 5 am–4 pm

+17184380447

Cafe Grumpy - Park Slope

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17184994404

Visit website

Roots Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+19293015535

Visit website

Next Move Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 2 pm–12 am

+17186769679

Visit website

Just Fun for Kids | Kids Parties & Events

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+13476819102

Visit website

Healing Bean Cafe | Arts and Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13474974202

Visit website

Fairytale Island

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: Closed

+17183950835

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 103.4

Auburn, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 206.9

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

ChargeSmart EV Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 103.4

Auburn, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887174544

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 206.9

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 181

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 181

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

IONNA Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 232.7

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18334662474

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 181

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Wingate Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Cayuga Museum of History & Art

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 103.4

Auburn, New York

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13152538051

Visit website

Play Space ABC Cayuga

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 103.4

Auburn, New York

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+13152525541

Visit website

Prospect Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+17189658951

Visit website

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Basom, New York

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+15859485445

Visit website

Prospect Park Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+17183997339

Visit website

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17186237200

Visit website

Prospect Park Carousel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 362

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 12–5 pm

+17189656961

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 38

5 decision points cluster between mile 6.8 and 355.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
6.8 mi into trip | ~10m 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
87.7 mi into trip | ~1h 44m 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 mi into trip | ~5h 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
350.3 mi into trip | ~7h 20m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
355.4 mi into trip | ~7h 32m in

Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Exit 2 Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$59.59 one way

$119.17 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 127 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $64.43 $128.87
premium $4.92 $70.16 $140.32
diesel $5.61 $79.93 $159.85

Estimated Tolls: $20.18

Holland Tunnel $16.00
New York State Thruway (80.7 mi) $4.04
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike (2 mi) $0.14

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

$60

Tolls

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$105–$130

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 126.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 108.6 1 $38.01 $17.38
Efficient EV 90.5 1 $31.67 $14.48
EV Truck/SUV 144.8 1 $50.68 $23.17

Gas CO2

127 kg

EV CO2

42 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

Alabama, NY

Late night in Alabama on Sunday

Local time

12:19 AM

EDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Brooklyn, NY

Late night in Brooklyn on Sunday

Local time

12:19 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°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.

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

6 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

7h 45m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 99.4
View on nps.gov
Statue Of Liberty National Monument

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

National Monument

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 347.8
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

African Burial Ground National Monument

National Monument

The African Burial Ground stands as the oldest and largest known excavated burial site in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. It offers a profound testament to the enduring legacy of Af...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 347.8
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Monument

Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Castle Clinton marks the place where New York City began and reflects the growth of both the city and the nation. Built to defend the harbor during the War of...

5 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 347.8
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

Here at Federal Hall, George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States, marking the beginning of the American constitutional republic. This historic site served as...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 347.8
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument

From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...

5 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 360.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile for this trip, despite significant highway portions. While you'll encounter 98.8 miles of uninterrupted driving on I 81, the route generally favors less direct paths. The 46% highway share suggests a dynamic driving experience, likely shifting between faster-paced interstate travel and more involved local road navigation. This means you'll need to stay engaged as the road character evolves throughout the 7-hour-plus journey.

Only 46% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
55 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 6.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 38 significant decision points across 362 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 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 87.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Alabama, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Clyde, Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.

Clyde

87.7 mi in | ~1h 44m

Mt Pocono

238 mi in | ~5h | via US 6

Milford

238.8 mi in | ~5h 1m | via I 84; I 380

Newark

330.4 mi in | ~6h 52m

About the Cities

Starting in Alabama, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1826

Alabama is a state in the Southern United States. Alabama is known for its civil rights history and scenic beauty, and has a lot to offer those who enjoy the great outdoors, from Gulf Coast beaches to 40 National and stare parks.

Arriving in Brooklyn, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1634

Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city. Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest. Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.

Top landmarks

  • • Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
  • • Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, New York

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 45m. Total distance: 362 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 45m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 98.8 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $20.18 in tolls one way, starting with Holland Tunnel. 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 Brooklyn, 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 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 87.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, Statue Of Liberty National Monument and African Burial Ground National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brooklyn, NY before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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