This 323.4-mile journey from Amherst, NY, to Hamptonburgh, NY, is a substantial drive that can be completed in approximately 6 hours and 51 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-86 and the New York State Thruway, with a segment on I-81, this route offers a mixed driving experience across New York state. With a projected fuel cost of $53, it's an economical option for a single-day trip if you're prepared for a full day behind the wheel. This drive is well-suited for tackling in one go, but consider an early start to make the most of daylight.
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
161.7 miles from Amherst, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 86
117.8 mi
2h 26m
New York State Thruway
99.4 mi
1h 54m
I 81
45.4 mi
54m
East Lake Road
9.9 mi
14m
State Highway 41
9.8 mi
13m
Clark Street Road
9.6 mi
11m
Genesee Street
5.5 mi
9m
State Route 41
4.8 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 117.8 mi, about 2h 26m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~952 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,382
Quietest
2 AM
~95 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 17 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 Amherst, NY and Hamptonburgh, NY.
1
Start on NY 263
0.4 mi·50 sec·Millersport Highway
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 290 E
3
Merge onto I 290
2.4 mi·3 min·Youngmann Expressway
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·57 sec
Exit 1-49Toward I 90 East: AlbanyUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 90
99 mi·1 hr 54 min·New York State Thruway
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 41Toward NY 414: Waterloo, ClydeUse the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
327 ft·7 sec
8
Continue on NY 414
0.3 mi·35 sec·State Route 414
9
Turn left onto NY 318
4.1 mi·7 min·NY 318
Use the left lane.
10
At end of road, turn left onto US 20; NY 5
1.9 mi·2 min·Auburn Road
11
Continue on US 20; NY 5
9.6 mi·11 min·Clark Street Road
Use the straight lane.
12
Turn right onto State Street
226 ft·12 sec·State Street
13
Turn left onto Dill Street
0.1 mi·21 sec·Dill Street
14
Continue on Loop Road
458 ft·16 sec·Loop Road
15
Turn left onto Genesee Street
5.5 mi·9 min·Genesee Street
16
Continue on US 20
2.2 mi·4 min·West Genesee Street Road
17
Turn right onto NY 41
0.5 mi·45 sec·East Lake Street
18
Continue on NY 41
9.4 mi·13 min·East Lake Road
19
Continue on NY 41
4.8 mi·7 min·State Route 41
20
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi·49 sec·East Lake Road
21
Continue on NY 41
9.8 mi·13 min·State Highway 41
22
Turn right onto NY 281
1.2 mi·2 min·North West Street
23
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Use the left lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
25
Merge onto I 81
45 mi·54 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
118 mi·2 hr 26 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit onto NY 17M
0.3 mi·42 sec·NY 17M
Exit 124Toward NY 17A, NY 207: Florida, Goshen
28
Continue on NY 17A; NY 17M
0.2 mi·25 sec·Greenwich Avenue
29
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17A
0.7 mi·1 min·Greenwich Avenue
30
Continue on NY 207
0.9 mi·1 min·Main Street
31
Turn right onto CR 8
0.2 mi·25 sec·Sarah Wells Trail
32
Keep slight left at fork onto CR 8
3.3 mi·7 min·Sarah Wells Trail
33
Arrive at destination
CR 8
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour 51-minute duration, departing early in the morning from Amherst will allow you to arrive in Hamptonburgh with ample daylight remaining. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of nearly 118 miles, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point. The $53 fuel cost is manageable, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially before entering longer stretches like the one on I-86. Since this is a feasible day trip, flexibility is your friend; adjust your departure time based on traffic and weather forecasts.
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 161.7 miles from Amherst, NY, or about 3h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.8 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 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 161.7 miles or 3h 28m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hamptonburgh, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Amherst, 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 Amherst, NY
This is one driving day of about 323.4 miles and 6h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Amherst, 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 I 86 for about 117.8 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.1 and 317.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
3.1 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 East: Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 1-49
Toward I 90 East: Albany
8
103.1 mi into trip|~2h in
Take the exit toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
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 41
Toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
6
153.7 mi into trip|~3h 17m in
Take the ramp
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
200 mi into trip|~4h 13m in|I 86; NY 17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17 toward New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward New York
6
317.8 mi into trip|~6h 39m in|NY 17M
Take the exit onto NY 17M toward NY 17A, NY 207: Florida, Goshen
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 124
Toward NY 17A, NY 207: Florida, Goshen
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$57.13 one way
$114.26 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg113 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.86
$61.82
$123.63
premium
$5.28
$67.18
$134.35
diesel
$3.75
$47.75
$95.49
Estimated Tolls: $4.97
New York State Thruway
(99.4 mi)$4.97
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
$57
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 113.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
EV Charging Along Route
27 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
ChargePoint Charging Station
Williamsville, New York
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
EVolve NY Charging Station
Phelps, New York
Other
1 DCFC
ChargeSmart EV Charging Station
Auburn, New York
Other
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Williamsville, New York
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ViaLynk Charging Station
Goshen, New York
ViaLynk
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Auburn, New York
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Flying J EV Charging Station
Pembroke, New York
Other
1 DCFC
ViaLynk Charging Station
Goshen, New York
ViaLynk
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 11
Other: 9
ViaLynk: 4
EV Connect: 3
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
97
1
$33.96
$15.52
Efficient EV
80.9
0
$28.30
$12.94
EV Truck/SUV
129.4
1
$45.28
$20.70
Gas CO2
113 kg
EV CO2
38 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Amherst, NY
Morning
in Amherst on Monday
Local time
10:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
SW 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Hamptonburgh, NY
Morning
in Hamptonburgh on Monday
Local time
10:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
N 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
61°F
Hamilton, NY
162 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
1 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 51m 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.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...
3 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 122.7
Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human r...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 100.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 57% highway share on this route, meaning a good portion involves faster-paced driving on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 117.8 miles on I-86, so be ready for extended periods of consistent speed. The 'mixed drive' profile suggests you'll transition between these major arteries and potentially some other road types as you progress through the state. This blend means a dynamic driving experience, shifting from open highway cruising to more varied road conditions.
57% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.8 mi on I 86.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 3.1 miles in.
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 20 significant decision points across 323.4 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 3.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 103.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,713 ft457 ft
Total Climb
2,002 ft
Total Descent
2,142 ft
Highest Point
1,713 ft
~138.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,256 ft
Notable High Points
1,713 ft at ~138.6 miles+512 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Amherst, NY and Hamptonburgh, NY, road signs point toward Clyde and New York.
Clyde
103.1 mi in|~2h
New York
200 mi in|~4h 13m|via I 86; NY 17
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 51m. Total distance: 323.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 51m 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 117.8 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.97 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.
Yes — we found about 24 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 Hamptonburgh, 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. There are 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 103.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and Women's Rights National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hamptonburgh, NY before the return drive.
