Albany, NY to South Nyack, NY is 128.6 miles and takes about 2h 34m via New York State Thruway and I 787, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a local drive with a higher number of turns, rather than a straightforward highway cruise. It's a manageable trip, perfect for a single day, and the route is fairly direct.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
64.3 miles from Albany, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 17m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
123.9 mi
2h 24m
I 787
1.7 mi
2m
Hillside Avenue
0.5 mi
<1m
Broadway
0.5 mi
1m
Route 59
0.4 mi
<1m
Pine Street
0.3 mi
<1m
South Highland Avenue
0.2 mi
<1m
US 9W
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 123.9 mi, about 2h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Albany, NY and South Nyack, 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 1Toward 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 left at fork onto I 87
13 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·38 sec
Exit 11Toward US 9W: Nyack, South NyackUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn slight left onto NY 59
0.4 mi·39 sec·Route 59
15
Turn right onto US 9W
0.2 mi·17 sec·South Highland Avenue
16
Turn straight onto US 9W
0.5 mi·50 sec·Hillside Avenue
17
Turn left onto US 9W
0.1 mi·12 sec·US 9W
Use the left lane.
18
Turn left onto South Franklin Street
159 ft·13 sec·South Franklin Street
19
Turn right onto Clinton Avenue
473 ft·29 sec·Clinton Avenue
20
Turn left onto South Broadway
11 ft·0 sec·South Broadway
21
Arrive at destination
South Broadway
Trip Plan
With a drive duration of under 3 hours, this trip offers great flexibility; you can leave anytime and still arrive with plenty of daylight. The fuel cost is estimated at around $21, so plan accordingly. Since it's a relatively short drive with only one recommended stop, you can easily make the entire journey in one day. Pay attention to the 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile and be ready to navigate some winding sections, especially as you get closer to South Nyack, NY, on roads like Hillside Avenue.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 64.3 miles from Albany, NY, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.9 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 28 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.3 miles or 1h 17m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Nyack, 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 128.6 miles and 2h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 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 123.9 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 127.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|NY 5 / Washington Avenue
Turn right onto NY 5 / Washington Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|Broadway
At end of road, turn right onto Broadway
Navigation decision point
5
0.6 mi into trip|~1m in|Broadway
Keep slight right at fork onto Broadway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
2.7 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turn...
8
127.1 mi into trip|~2h 30m in
Take the exit toward US 9W: Nyack, South Nyack
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 11
Toward US 9W: Nyack, South Nyack
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.17 one way
$42.34 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg45 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$22.89
$45.78
premium
$4.92
$24.93
$49.85
diesel
$5.61
$28.39
$56.79
Estimated Tolls: $6.19
New York State Thruway
(123.9 mi)$6.19
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
$21
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
38.6
0
$13.50
$6.17
Efficient EV
32.2
0
$11.25
$5.14
EV Truck/SUV
51.4
0
$18.00
$8.23
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Albany, NY
Morning
in Albany on Tuesday
Local time
6:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
31°F
Mostly Clear
SW 3 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 20 at 4:24AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 20 at 2:14AM EDT until April 21 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
South Nyack, NY
Morning
in South Nyack on Tuesday
Local time
6:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
NW 2 to 9 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 20 at 4:24AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 20 at 2:14AM EDT until April 21 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
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
20 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
2h 34m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
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...
18 mi from route
~46 min detour
Free
near mile 128.6
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...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
near mile 128.6
In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...
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...
25 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 128.6
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...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 128.6
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...
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 128.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting you'll encounter more frequent adjustments in direction than on a typical interstate. While a significant portion of the journey, 123.9 miles, is spent on the New York State Thruway, the overall profile indicates a less monotonous experience. The highway share is noted as 2, implying a balanced mix of faster road sections and more intricate local road navigation. Be prepared for the road to change character as you progress toward your destination.
Only 2% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 123.9 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 early in the drive near NY 5 / Washington Avenue.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 128.6 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: near the start (NY 5 / Washington Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (Broadway): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Broadway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
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
Nyack is in Rockland County, New York. This article also covers the nearby towns of Upper Nyack and South Nyack, immediately to the north and south of Nyack, respectively.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 34m. Total distance: 128.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 123.9 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.19 in tolls one way, starting with New York State Thruway. 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.
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 South Nyack, 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: near the start (NY 5 / Washington Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (Broadway): Navigation decision point; at 0.6 miles (Broadway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Saratoga National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at South Nyack, NY before heading back.
