Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Altona, NY to New York City, NY

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

Drive Time

6h 34m

Distance

324.9 mi

523 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$53

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 23m ★
6 AM
6h 35m
8 AM
6h 59m
10 AM
6h 43m
12 PM
6h 41m
3 PM
6h 45m
5 PM
6h 58m
8 PM
6h 28m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Altona, NY, NY

Altona, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

most populous city in the United States

New York City, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking from Altona, NY, to the bustling energy of New York City, NY, covers a substantial 324.9 miles. This journey is designed for a single day, with an estimated driving time of 6 hours and 34 minutes, though you'll want to factor in a stop or two. The route primarily utilizes the Adirondack Northway and I-87, with a portion on NJ 17, making for a roughly 50% highway drive. Expect a fuel cost around $53 for this trip. This drive offers a straightforward transition from New York's northern region to its major metropolitan hub, providing a practical way to connect these two distinct parts of the state.

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

162.4 miles from Altona, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Adirondack Northway 152 mi 2h 57m
I 87 118.6 mi 2h 17m
NJ 17 22.7 mi 29m
Military Turnpike 14.7 mi 20m
NJ 3 4.2 mi 4m
Tonnelle Avenue 2.6 mi 3m
Devils Den Road 2.3 mi 5m
Holland Tunnel 2 mi 4m
Longest stretch: Adirondack Northway — 152 mi, about 2h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Altona, NY and New York City, NY.

1

Start on CR 23

18 ft · 6 sec · Miner Farm Road
2

Turn left onto CR 16

2.3 mi · 5 min · Devils Den Road
3

At end of road, turn left onto NY 190

15 mi · 20 min · Military Turnpike
4

Turn left onto NY 3

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Route 3
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
6

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 51 sec
7

Merge onto I 87

152 mi · 2 hr 57 min · Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87

0.3 mi · 31 sec · I 87
Exit 1E-W Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo Use the slight right lane.
9

Continue on I 87

0.5 mi · 51 sec · I 87
Exit 1W Toward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87

118 mi · 2 hr 16 min · I 87
Toward I 87 South: New York Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

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.
12

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
13

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

23 mi · 29 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
15

Merge onto NJ 3

4.2 mi · 4 min · NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on US 1; US 9

2.5 mi · 3 min · Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9

0.1 mi · 9 sec · Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel Use the left lane.
19

Merge onto NJ 139

0.7 mi · 1 min · Conrail Viaduct
20

Continue on NJ 139

0.4 mi · 32 sec · 12th Street Viaduct
21

Continue on I 78

0.3 mi · 54 sec · 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 78

2.0 mi · 4 min · Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
23

Take the exit

305 ft · 10 sec
Toward Brooklyn Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Continue on Beach Street

121 ft · 7 sec · Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker Street Use the straight lane.
25

Turn slight right onto Walker Street

0.2 mi · 1 min · Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Turn right onto Broadway

0.4 mi · 1 min · Broadway
Use the straight lane.
27

Arrive at destination

Broadway

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour, 34-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Altona to navigate potential traffic as you get closer to New York City. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility, but plan for breaks to stay refreshed. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 152 miles on the Adirondack Northway, so be sure to fuel up before this segment if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $53, and plan your refueling accordingly before entering more densely populated areas.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 162.4 miles from Altona, NY, or about 3h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 152 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 71 miles or 1h 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 162.4 miles or 3h 16m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 18m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Altona, 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 Altona, NY

This is one driving day of about 324.9 miles and 6h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Altona, 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 Adirondack Northway for about 152 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Albany, NY

162 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.

Popular next leg

Albany, NY to New York City, NY

150 mi · 3h 5m

Pacing Suggestions

Port Henry, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Watervliet, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 162.4 miles from Altona, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Adirondack Northway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 152 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 Restaurant

Le Coucou

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $100 or ab mile 324.9

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+12122714252

Visit website

Coppola Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

1.3 mi

Veselka

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

1.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Amano Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 324.9

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15858883232

Visit website

Le Cafe Coffee

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

New York, New York

1.6 mi

Aleef Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

3 mi

Le Coucou

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $100 or ab mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+12122714252

Visit website

Coppola Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+19294309955

Veselka

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122289682

Visit website

Dekalb Market Hall

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 324.9

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19293596555

Visit website

Barnwood Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 208.9

Catskill, New York

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15189432200

Visit website

Grace Street Coffee & Desserts

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19175402776

Visit website

Gracie's Luncheonette

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 208.9

Leeds, New York

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15189439363

Visit website

Piccolo Trattoria

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 208.9

Leeds, New York

Hours: 4–9 pm

+15187193430

Visit website

Amano Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15858883232

Visit website

Le Cafe Coffee

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12123651060

Visit website

Aleef Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12125642723

51st Bakery & Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 324.9

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+17187070554

Visit website

Roots Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 324.9

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+19293015535

Visit website

Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 324.9

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+19178326726

Visit website

Cafe Grumpy - Park Slope

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 324.9

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17184994404

Visit website

Artpresso Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 324.9

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+19178327021

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 324.9

Jersey City, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 324.9

Jersey City, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 324.9

Hoboken, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Greenspot Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 324.9

Jersey City, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

African Burial Ground National Monument

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12122384367

Visit website

BrainXcape Escape Room NYC

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 11 am–10:30 pm

+13476961408

Visit website

Pier 25 at Hudson River Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126272020

Visit website

Pier 15 East River Esplanade

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–12 pm

Visit website

Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier 1

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 324.9

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

New York City Fire Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 324.9

New York, New York

+12126911303

Visit website

Brooklyn Bridge Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 324.9

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

Visit website

National Museum of the American Indian

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 324.9

New York, New York

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12125143700

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 170.7 and 320.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
170.7 mi into trip | ~3h 26m in | I 87

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 1E-W Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
7
171.5 mi into trip | ~3h 27m in | I 87

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South: New York

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 87 South: New York
9
289.3 mi into trip | ~5h 44m 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
290.7 mi into trip | ~5h 46m 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
320.6 mi into trip | ~6h 24m in

Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

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

Use the left lane. Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$53.48 one way

$106.96 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 114 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $57.83 $115.66
premium $4.92 $62.97 $125.94
diesel $5.61 $71.73 $143.47

Estimated Tolls: $17.03

Holland Tunnel $16.00
Military Turnpike (14.7 mi) $1.03

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

$53

Tolls

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$96–$121

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 113.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 97.5 1 $34.11 $15.60
Efficient EV 81.2 0 $28.43 $13.00
EV Truck/SUV 130 1 $45.49 $20.79

Gas CO2

114 kg

EV CO2

38 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 18, 2026

Origin

Altona, NY

Late night in Altona on Sunday

Local time

12:51 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

New York City, NY

Late night in New York City on Sunday

Local time

12:51 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Cloudy

NE 6 to 12 mph 31% chance 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

5 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

6h 34m 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.

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...

0 mi from route Free near mile 330.6
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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Free near mile 330.6
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...

1 mi from route ~1 min detour Free near mile 330.6
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 330.6
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...

2 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 330.6
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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 330.6
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 presents a mixed driving experience, with about half of the journey on highways. You'll encounter a significant 152-mile stretch on the Adirondack Northway, offering a more continuous driving segment. As you progress south, the character of the drive shifts, incorporating parts of I-87 and then NJ 17, which can introduce more varied traffic conditions and road types. Overall, it’s a blend of efficient highway travel with moments that might require more attention as you approach the urban core.

50% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 152 mi on Adirondack Northway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 170.7 miles in near I 87.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 21 significant decision points across 324.9 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 170.7 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 171.5 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 289.3 miles (NY 17): 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 Altona, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York and Buffalo.

Albany

170.7 mi in | ~3h 26m | via I 87

New York

170.7 mi in | ~3h 26m | via I 87

Buffalo

170.7 mi in | ~3h 26m | via I 87

About the Cities

Arriving in New York City, NY

Full guide →

“The City That Never Sleeps” · Founded 1624

New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation. From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.

Top landmarks

  • • Statue of Liberty — American icon in New York, United States
  • • National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
  • • Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City

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 6h 34m. Total distance: 324.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 34m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 152 miles on Adirondack Northway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $17.03 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 New York City, 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 170.7 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 171.5 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 289.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New York City, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From New York City, NY

Youngstown, NY 403.8 mi · 8h 29m Ripley, NY 397.1 mi · 8h 31m Sheridan, NY 393.4 mi · 8h 23m Niagara Falls, NY 393 mi · 8h 15m

More from Altona, NY

Buffalo, NY 358.8 mi · 7h 23m Babylon, NY 356.2 mi · 7h 17m Huntington, NY 347.6 mi · 7h 12m Oyster Bay, NY 342.9 mi · 7h 4m

More trips to New York City, NY

Silver Creek, NY 397.1 mi Leon, NY 390.7 mi Dunkirk, NY 390.2 mi Fredonia, NY 388.9 mi Waddington, NY 388 mi Mina, NY 387.8 mi
Escape planner: Altona, NY Scenic drives in NY

Explore more options from Altona, NY or browse trips ending in New York City, NY.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.