Origin
Albany, NY
Late night in Albany on Sunday
Local time
2:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Albany, NY to Riverhead, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 34m
Distance
215.3 mi
346 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 21m
★
6 AM
4h 34m
8 AM
5h 1m
10 AM
4h 44m
12 PM
4h 41m
3 PM
4h 45m
5 PM
5h 0m
8 PM
4h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Riverhead, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Albany to Riverhead is 215.3 miles and takes about 4h 34m via New York State Thruway and Long Island Expressway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Northeast region of New York to its easternmost point on Long Island. Expect a drive that is primarily highway, making it a straightforward journey for a single day. The relatively short duration and predictable route make it a convenient option for many travelers.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
107.6 miles from Albany, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Thruway | 111.2 mi | 2h 8m |
| Long Island Expressway | 57.4 mi | 1h 18m |
| NJ 17 | 14.1 mi | 18m |
| NJ 4 | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| Cross Bronx Expressway | 6.6 mi | 8m |
| Nugent Drive | 4.1 mi | 6m |
| Clearview Expressway | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| Throgs Neck Bridge | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 111.2 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Albany, NY and Riverhead, NY.
1
Start on this road
30 ft
·
4 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto NY 5
352 ft
·
10 sec
·
Washington Avenue
3
Turn left onto Eagle Street
156 ft
·
4 sec
·
Eagle Street
4
Turn slight right onto Pine Street
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
Pine Street
5
At end of road, turn right onto Broadway
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
Broadway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto Broadway
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
Broadway
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 787 South
8
Merge onto I 787
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I 787
9
Continue on I 787
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 787
Exit 1
Toward I 87 Toll: New York State Thruway
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1
11
Merge onto I 87
111 mi
·
2 hr 8 min
·
New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi
·
59 sec
·
NY 17
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Use the slight right lane.
13
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
I 287; NJ 17
14
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi
·
18 min
·
NJ 17
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
17
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
NJ 4
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi
·
54 sec
·
I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95 EXPR
22
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Trans-Manhattan Expressway
24
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi
·
58 sec
·
Throgs Neck Expressway
27
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on I 295
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 4E-W
Toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 4E
Toward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island
31
Merge onto I 495
57 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 71
Toward NY 24: Hampton Bays, Calverton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Keep slight right at fork
230 ft
·
7 sec
Toward NY 24 East, CR 94 East: Suffolk County Center, Hampton Bays, Montauk, Riverhead
Use the right lane.
34
Turn right onto CR 94
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
Edwards Avenue
Use the right lane.
35
Continue on CR 94
4.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Nugent Drive
Use the straight lane.
36
Enter roundabout onto CR 63
343 ft
·
19 sec
·
Peconic Avenue
37
Continue on CR 63
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Peconic Avenue
38
At end of road, turn right onto NY 25
140 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Main Street
Use the right lane.
39
Arrive at destination
NY 25
Trip Plan
Given this is a single-day drive of under 5 hours, you have flexibility in when you depart. Leaving Albany in the morning will allow you ample time to reach Riverhead before evening. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $35, planning is straightforward. Keep an eye on traffic, particularly as you approach the Long Island Expressway, as it can become congested during peak times.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 107.6 miles from Albany, NY, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.2 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 47 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.6 miles or 2h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Riverhead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Albany, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Albany, NY
This is one driving day of about 215.3 miles and 4h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Albany, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on New York State Thruway for about 111.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
108 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 107.6 miles from Albany, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 265 decision points cluster between mile 114.4 and 210.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
114.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m in
|
NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
115.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
|
NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
144.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 56m in
|
I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
8
152.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
Take the exit toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 4E-W
Toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
9
210.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 24 East, CR 94 East: Suffolk County Center, Hampton Bays, Montauk, Riverhead
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward NY 24 East, CR 94 East: Suffolk County C...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.44 one way
$70.88 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
75 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $38.32 | $76.64 |
| premium | $4.92 | $41.73 | $83.46 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $47.54 | $95.07 |
Estimated Tolls: $28.11
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(111.2 mi)
$5.56
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
$35
Tolls
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 64.6 | 0 | $22.61 | $10.33 |
| Efficient EV | 53.8 | 0 | $18.84 | $8.61 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 86.1 | 1 | $30.14 | $13.78 |
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Riverhead, NY
Late night in Riverhead on Sunday
Local time
2:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
108 mi in
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
8 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
4h 34m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 141
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
National Memorial
Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 141
View on nps.gov
Fire Island National Seashore
National Seashore
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 193
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument
National Monument
Before the 1960s, almost everything about living authentically as a lesbian, a bisexual person or a gay man was illegal. The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969 is a milestone in the quest for civil r...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 141
View on nps.gov
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 141
View on nps.gov
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 141
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route offers a mixed drive, with 44% of it on highways. You'll experience the New York State Thruway for a significant portion, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 111.2 miles. Later, the Long Island Expressway continues the predominantly high-speed travel. While much of the journey involves efficient, multi-lane driving, be prepared for the character of Long Island roads as you get closer to your destination.
44% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.2 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 114.4 miles in near NY 17.
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 26 significant decision points across 215.3 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 114.4 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.8 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 144.8 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Albany, NY and Riverhead, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York and Eastern Long Island.
Gsp South: Paterson
129.8 mi in
|
~2h 35m
Fort Lee
129.8 mi in
|
~2h 35m
New York
129.8 mi in
|
~2h 35m
Eastern Long Island
152.6 mi in
|
~3h 7m
About the Cities
Starting in Albany, NY
Full guide →Founded 1686
Albany is the capital of New York. Albany is an interesting showcase of several centuries' worth of architectural styles, including the modernistic Empire State Plaza.
Top landmarks
- • New York State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of New York
- • Fort Orange — fort in New Netherland (now Albany, New York)
- • Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — historic cathedral in Albany, New York, United States
Arriving in Riverhead, NY
Full guide →Riverhead is a town on Long Island in New York. It is the western half of Long Island's North Fork. The town of Riverhead includes the following communities: Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Jamesport, Northville, & Riverhead (hamlet).
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 4h 34m. Total distance: 215.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111.2 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $28.11 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 Riverhead, 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 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 114.4 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.8 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 144.8 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Fire Island National Seashore (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Riverhead, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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