Origin
Altona, NY
Morning in Altona on Tuesday
Local time
10:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Altona, NY to Queens, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 49m
Distance
332 mi
534 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$55
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 38m
★
6 AM
6h 49m
8 AM
7h 13m
10 AM
6h 57m
12 PM
6h 55m
3 PM
6h 59m
5 PM
7h 11m
8 PM
6h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Altona, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Queens, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Altona, NY to Queens, NY is 332 miles and takes about 6h 49m via Adirondack Northway/I-87, with a fuel budget near $55 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, traversing from the Northeast region of the state down towards the heavily populated Northeast. Expect a mix of highway driving and surface roads as you make your way south. It's a solid option if you're looking for a straightforward drive connecting two points in the Empire 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
166 miles from Altona, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 21m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Northway | 152 mi | 2h 57m |
| I 87 | 118.6 mi | 2h 17m |
| Military Turnpike | 14.7 mi | 20m |
| NJ 17 | 14.1 mi | 18m |
| NJ 4 | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| Cross Bronx Expressway | 4.4 mi | 5m |
| Van Wyck Expressway | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| Devils Den Road | 2.3 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
Adirondack Northway
— 152 mi, about 2h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altona, NY and Queens, 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
14 mi
·
18 min
·
NJ 17
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
16
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
NJ 4
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi
·
54 sec
·
I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95 EXPR
21
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Trans-Manhattan Expressway
23
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
2 min
Exit 6A
Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto I 678
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Hutchinson River Expressway
26
Continue on I 678
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
27
Continue on I 678
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 678
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Van Wyck Expressway
Toward I 678 South: Kennedy Airport
Use the slight left lane.
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 6
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue
Use the right lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
31
Turn straight onto Van Wyck Expressway West
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Van Wyck Expressway West
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
1.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Liberty Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Turn left onto 104th Street
205 ft
·
9 sec
·
104th Street
34
Arrive at destination
104th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour 49-minute duration, you can comfortably complete this drive in one day. Aim for an early morning departure from Altona to maximize daylight and minimize traffic encountered near Queens. With a fuel cost estimate of $55, plan your fill-ups accordingly, especially before heading into potentially more expensive service areas. The longest stretch is 152 miles, so consider a quick stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs before the final push.
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 166 miles from Altona, NY, or about 3h 21m 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 73 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 166 miles or 3h 21m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Queens, 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 332 miles and 6h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 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
166 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 73 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 166 miles from Altona, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 255 decision points cluster between mile 170.7 and 329.3 — 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...
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
319.5 mi into trip
|
~6h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
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 6A
Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
9
329.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.65 one way
$109.30 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
116 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $59.09 | $118.19 |
| premium | $4.92 | $64.35 | $128.70 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $73.30 | $146.60 |
Estimated Tolls: $23.58
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Whitestone Bridge
$6.55
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
$55
Tolls
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$103–$128
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 116.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 99.6 | 1 | $34.86 | $15.94 |
| Efficient EV | 83 | 0 | $29.05 | $13.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 132.8 | 1 | $46.48 | $21.25 |
Gas CO2
116 kg
EV CO2
39 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.
Destination
Queens, NY
Morning in Queens on Tuesday
Local time
10:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°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
14 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 49m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This 332-mile route has 52% highway, meaning you'll spend roughly half the trip on high-speed roads like the Adirondack Northway and I-87. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 152 miles, so you'll have extended periods of cruising. You'll notice the transition from more rural highway to denser traffic and more frequent exits as you approach your destination in Queens.
52% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 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?
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 170.7 miles in near I 87.
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 25 significant decision points across 332 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 289.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.7 miles (NJ 17): 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 Altona, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Gsp South: Paterson and Fort Lee.
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
Gsp South: Paterson
304.8 mi in
|
~6h 4m
Fort Lee
304.8 mi in
|
~6h 4m
About the Cities
Arriving in Queens, NY
Full guide →Founded 1683
Queens is a crescent-shaped (with a tail) borough traversing the north-to-south width of Long Island and including two of the major New York City area airports, LaGuardia (LGA IATA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK IATA). It also carries the largest ethnic diversity in its area of any region in the world, with many small enclaves. Jackson Heights, for example, includes a huge Indian area, followed by a Colombian area, and then a Mexican area. Each offers a wide array of authentic shops, native-style cuisine, and festivals modified only slightly by the generally colder New York City experience.
Top landmarks
- • Queensboro Bridge — bridge in New York City
- • Unisphere — Steel structure in Queens, 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 6h 49m. Total distance: 332 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 49m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
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 $23.58 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 Queens, 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 289.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.7 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Queens, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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