Astoria, NY to Rockland, NY is 118.3 miles and takes about 2h 33m via NY 17 and NJ 17, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within the Northeast region, traveling from New York into New Jersey and back into New York. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip designed for efficiency, making it a good option when you need to get from point A to point B without much fuss. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, so expect a steady pace for the majority of the journey.
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
59.1 miles from Astoria, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
83.4 mi
1h 39m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Harlem River Drive
2.3 mi
3m
I 278 Truck
1.6 mi
3m
I 95 EXPR
1.2 mi
1m
Astoria Boulevard
0.7 mi
2m
Rockland Road
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 83.4 mi, about 1h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Astoria, NY and Rockland, NY.
1
Start on 12th Street
23 ft·4 sec·12th Street
2
Turn right onto Astoria Boulevard
0.7 mi·2 min·Astoria Boulevard
3
Turn left onto 33rd Street
206 ft·13 sec·33rd Street
4
At end of road, turn left onto Astoria Boulevard North
262 ft·8 sec·Astoria Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on Hoyt Avenue North
366 ft·14 sec·Hoyt Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the ramp
504 ft·12 sec
Toward I 278 East
7
Continue on I 278 Truck
1.6 mi·3 min·I 278 Truck
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 46Toward Manhattan, Randalls IslandUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 46Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
10
Continue on Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
0.4 mi·41 sec·Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
11
Keep slight right at fork
127 ft·3 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street, 2nd AvenueUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive NorthUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto HRD
2.3 mi·3 min·Harlem River Drive
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 24Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge, Amsterdam Avenue, West 179 StreetUse the slight left lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington BridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge (Upper Level)Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 95; US 1
0.4 mi·42 sec·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
18
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
19
Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.5 mi·48 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.6 mi·39 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, MahwahUse the straight lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
30
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
31
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
32
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
14 mi·16 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
33
Take the exit
1.5 mi·3 min
Exit 16Toward US 6, NY 17: HarrimanUse the slight right lane.
34
Continue on this road
152 ft·3 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward NY 17 West: BinghamtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Continue on NY 17
69 mi·1 hr 22 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.1 mi·27 sec
Exit 94Toward NY 206: Roscoe, Walton
38
Turn left onto NY 206; CR 179
0.5 mi·53 sec·Old Route 17
39
Continue on NY 206; CR 91
0.6 mi·1 min·Rockland Road
40
Turn left onto Wilcox Avenue
33 ft·1 sec·Wilcox Avenue
41
Arrive at destination
Wilcox Avenue
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over 2.5 hours and a fuel cost around $19, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider leaving in the morning to take advantage of daylight and avoid potential rush hour congestion as you depart Astoria. The longest stretch is 83.4 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or before you begin that long segment on NY 17. Given the highway focus, be mindful of typical highway traffic patterns, especially as you approach urban and suburban areas in New Jersey.
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 59.1 miles from Astoria, NY, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.4 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 26 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.1 miles or 1h 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 2h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rockland, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Astoria, 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 Astoria, NY
This is one driving day of about 118.3 miles and 2h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Astoria, 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 NY 17 for about 83.4 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.6 and 9.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.6 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the exit toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
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 46
Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
8
3.6 mi into trip|~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street, 2nd Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street,...
8
6.3 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge, Amsterdam Avenue, West 179 Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 24
Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washingto...
9
7 mi into trip|~14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge (Upper Level)
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washingto...
9
9.5 mi into trip|~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.47 one way
$38.95 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg41 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$21.06
$42.11
premium
$4.92
$22.93
$45.86
diesel
$5.61
$26.12
$52.24
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
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
$19
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
35.5
0
$12.42
$5.68
Efficient EV
29.6
0
$10.35
$4.73
EV Truck/SUV
47.3
0
$16.56
$7.57
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (66% 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
Astoria, NY
Late night
in Astoria on Tuesday
Local time
5:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Rockland, NY
Late night
in Rockland on Tuesday
Local time
5:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Ramapo, NY
59 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
21 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
2h 33m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 92% of the route utilizing major roadways like NY 17 and NJ 17. You'll experience a consistent, fast pace for most of the 118.3 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 83.4 miles on NY 17, meaning you can settle in for a significant period without needing to navigate complex intersections or slower local traffic. The character of the drive remains largely consistent, prioritizing direct travel over scenic detours.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 83.4 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 28 significant decision points across 118.3 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 2.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Astoria, NY and Rockland, NY, road signs point toward Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South, Gsp North, Newark, Mahwah and New York State Thruway North: Albany.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 33m. Total distance: 118.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 83.4 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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.
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 Rockland, 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 2.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (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 Rockland, NY before heading back.
