Traveling from Alden to Hempstead covers 380.4 miles, a journey that typically takes 7 hours and 50 minutes of driving time. Because this route is highway-focused, you can expect a steady pace as you head across New York state. While it is technically possible to complete this trip in a single day, it is a significant stretch that requires stamina, so plan for at least two stops to keep yourself refreshed. Budgeting approximately $62 for fuel will cover your primary costs for the transit. Since both points are within the Northeast region, the transition is smooth, though you should prepare for the shift from Western New York to the high-density environment of the Hempstead area.
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
190.2 miles from Alden, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 54m into the drive
.
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 168 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,210 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,900
Quietest
1 AM
~430 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alden, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on US 20
1.4 mi·2 min·Broadway Street
2
Continue on US 20
14 mi·19 min·Broadway Road
3
Continue on US 20
6.5 mi·8 min·Telephone Road
4
Turn right onto NY 63
3.0 mi·4 min·Ellicott Street Road
5
Continue on NY 63
4.1 mi·6 min·Big Tree Road
6
Continue on NY 63
0.7 mi·54 sec·State Highway 63
7
Continue on NY 63
7.5 mi·11 min·Genesee Street
8
Enter roundabout onto NY 63
108 ft·1 sec·Genesee Street
9
Continue on NY 63
1.3 mi·1 min·Genesee Street
10
Merge onto US 20A; NY 39; NY 63
3.3 mi·4 min·Geneseo-Mount Morris Road
11
Continue on NY 408
0.3 mi·32 sec·Mount Morris-Geneseo Road
12
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·53 sec
13
Merge onto I 390
38 mi·44 min·Genesee Expressway
14
Merge onto I 86
105 mi·2 hr 2 min·Southern Tier Expressway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
16
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.
17
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.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
19
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
20
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
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.
22
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.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
24
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
26
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
28
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
29
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
31
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
33
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
35
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
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.
37
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
38
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
41
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi·2 min·Braddock Avenue
42
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi·34 sec·Jamaica Avenue
43
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi·56 sec·Jericho Turnpike
44
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi·3 min·Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
45
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi·56 sec·New Hyde Park Road
46
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi·3 min·Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
47
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi·1 min·Front Street
Use the right lane.
48
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
49
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi·26 sec·Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
50
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
To manage the 7-hour and 50-minute travel time effectively, consider departing early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic as you approach Hempstead. Since you have two recommended stops, use them to break up the monotony of the long highway segments and manage your fuel budget of $62. Because this is a high-mileage day, keep your hydration and snack supplies stocked before leaving Alden to minimize unnecessary detours. Pay close attention to your mileage markers during the 104.5-mile stretch on the Southern Tier Expressway to ensure you are timing your breaks effectively. Flexibility is key here; if you find the 380.4-mile trek too taxing, adjusting your speed or adding an extra short rest can make the final arrival much more comfortable.
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 190.2 miles from Alden, NY, or about 3h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.5 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 84 miles or 1h 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 190.2 miles or 3h 54m 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 29m
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 Alden, 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 Alden, NY
This is one driving day of about 380.4 miles and 7h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Alden, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 104.5 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 185.1 and 362.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
185.1 mi into trip|~3h 48m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
238.5 mi into trip|~4h 52m 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
353 mi into trip|~7h 7m 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
353.3 mi into trip|~7h 8m 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
8
362.7 mi into trip|~7h 22m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.54 one way
$123.08 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg133 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$66.78
$133.56
premium
$4.85
$72.61
$145.21
diesel
$4.80
$71.83
$143.65
Estimated Tolls: $22.73
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
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
$62
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$109–$134
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 133.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
114.1
1
$39.94
$18.26
Efficient EV
95.1
1
$33.29
$15.22
EV Truck/SUV
152.2
1
$53.26
$24.35
Gas CO2
133 kg
EV CO2
45 kg (66% 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Alden, NY
Afternoon
in Alden on Sunday
Local time
1:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Smoke
SE 2 to 8 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Afternoon
in Hempstead on Sunday
Local time
1:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Smoke
NW 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
84°F
Barton, NY
190 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
12 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 50m 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.
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 354.2
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 354.2
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
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 354.2
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
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 354.2
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 354.2
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 354.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is defined by its highway-focused nature, with 63% of your journey spent on major interstates. You will navigate a combination of the Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, and I-81 to bridge the distance. The longest uninterrupted portion of the trip is a 104.5-mile stretch along the Southern Tier Expressway, which allows for consistent highway speeds. As you move between these thoroughfares, the road character remains functional and efficient rather than technical. Expect a straightforward driving experience that prioritizes speed and directness over winding scenic side roads.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
50 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.5 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 185.1 miles in near I 81.
Driving Effort9/10
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 31 significant decision points across 380.4 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 185.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 238.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 353 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,775 ft9 ft
Total Climb
1,797 ft
Total Descent
2,604 ft
Highest Point
1,775 ft
~244.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,766 ft
Notable High Points
1,775 ft at ~244.6 miles+660 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Alden, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 50m. Total distance: 380.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 50m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104.5 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.73 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.
Yes — we found about 34 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 185.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 238.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 353 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall 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 15.7 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.
