Origin
Auburn, NY
Late night in Auburn on Sunday
Local time
2:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Auburn, NY to White Plains, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 26, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 19m
Distance
247.9 mi
399 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 6m
★
6 AM
5h 20m
8 AM
5h 46m
10 AM
5h 29m
12 PM
5h 26m
3 PM
5h 30m
5 PM
5h 45m
8 PM
5h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Auburn, NY
Wikimedia Commons
White Plains, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Auburn, NY to White Plains, NY is 247.9 miles and takes about 5h 19m via I 86, I 81, and Palisades Interstate Parkway, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York, traversing the Northeast region. With 87% of the trip on highways, expect a fairly direct route. It's a solid option for a single-day trip, especially if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground between these two points.
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
123.9 miles from Auburn, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 43m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 86 | 129.9 mi | 2h 40m |
| I 81 | 45.4 mi | 54m |
| Palisades Interstate Parkway | 15.1 mi | 17m |
| East Lake Road | 9.9 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 41 | 9.8 mi | 13m |
| New York State Thruway | 9.2 mi | 12m |
| US 6 | 7.1 mi | 9m |
| Genesee Street | 5.5 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 129.9 mi, about 2h 40m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,020 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~94 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 3 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 Auburn, NY and White Plains, NY.
1
Start on NY 34; NY 38
20 ft
·
2 sec
·
South Street
2
Turn right onto Genesee Street
5.5 mi
·
9 min
·
Genesee Street
3
Continue on US 20
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
West Genesee Street Road
4
Turn right onto NY 41
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Lake Street
5
Continue on NY 41
9.4 mi
·
13 min
·
East Lake Road
6
Continue on NY 41
4.8 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 41
7
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
East Lake Road
8
Continue on NY 41
9.8 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 41
9
Turn right onto NY 281
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North West Street
10
Take the ramp
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the left lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
12
Merge onto I 81
45 mi
·
54 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
130 mi
·
2 hr 40 min
·
I 86; NY 17
Toward New York
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto US 6
7.1 mi
·
9 min
·
US 6
Exit 130A
Toward US 6: Bear Mountain
15
Enter roundabout
346 ft
·
4 sec
Exit 18
Toward Palisades Interstate Parkway South
16
Continue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 18
Toward Palisades Interstate Parkway South
17
Merge onto Palisades Interstate Parkway
15 mi
·
17 min
·
Palisades Interstate Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 9E
Toward I 87 South, I 287 East: New York City, White Plains, New York State Thruway South
Use the right lane.
19
Merge onto I 87; I 287
9.2 mi
·
12 min
·
New York State Thruway
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 287
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Cross Westchester Expressway
Exit 8
Toward I 287 East: White Plains, Rye
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 6
Toward NY 22: North White Plains
Use the slight right lane.
22
Turn right onto NY 22
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Broadway
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Turn left onto NY 119
97 ft
·
1 sec
·
Main Street
24
Arrive at destination
NY 119
Trip Plan
Aim to depart Auburn in the morning to take advantage of the 5h 19m estimated drive time and the single recommended day. The longest stretch without a significant break is 129.9 miles on I 86, so plan a brief stop before or after this segment for fuel or a stretch. With a fuel cost estimated at $40, it's wise to fill up before leaving Auburn or at a major exit along I 81. Given it's a manageable one-day drive, you have flexibility in your departure time, but an earlier start will allow for any unforeseen traffic delays.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 123.9 miles from Auburn, NY, or about 2h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.9 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 55 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.9 miles or 2h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near White Plains, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Auburn, 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 Auburn, NY
This is one driving day of about 247.9 miles and 5h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Auburn, 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 129.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
124 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 123.9 miles from Auburn, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 86 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 129.9 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 175 decision points cluster between mile 34 and 246.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
34 mi into trip
|
~54m in
Take the ramp
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
80.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m 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
8
233 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m in
Take the exit toward I 87 South, I 287 East: New York City, White Plains, New York State Thruway South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 9E
Toward I 87 South, I 287 East: New York City, W...
9
242.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 11m in
|
I 287 / Cross Westchester Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 287 / Cross Westchester Expressway toward I 287 East: White Plains, Rye
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 8
Toward I 287 East: White Plains, Rye
7
246.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 17m in
Take the exit toward NY 22: North White Plains
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 6
Toward NY 22: North White Plains
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.29 one way
$80.58 round trip
$4.13/gal
25.4 MPG avg
87 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.47 | $43.61 | $87.21 |
| premium | $4.87 | $47.49 | $94.98 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $52.73 | $105.46 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.46
New York State Thruway
(9.2 mi)
$0.46
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
$40
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74.4 | 0 | $26.03 | $11.90 |
| Efficient EV | 62 | 0 | $21.69 | $9.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 99.2 | 1 | $34.71 | $15.87 |
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
White Plains, NY
Late night in White Plains on Sunday
Local time
2:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Rain Showers
E 8 mph
97% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 1:03PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
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
5h 19m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Women's Rights National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
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...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 239.3
View on nps.gov
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...
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 239.3
View on nps.gov
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...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 239.3
View on nps.gov
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 239.3
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 is predominantly highway, with 87% of the 247.9 miles on major roads like I 86, I 81, and the Palisades Interstate Parkway. You'll experience a long stretch of 129.9 miles on I 86, offering consistent cruising. The transition to more local roads will happen as you approach your destination, indicated by a decrease in highway percentage.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 129.9 mi on I 86.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 34 miles in.
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 17 significant decision points across 247.9 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 34 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 80.3 miles (I 86; NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 233 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Auburn, NY and White Plains, NY, road signs point toward New York, Palisades Interstate Parkway South and New York State Thruway South.
New York
80.3 mi in
|
~1h 50m
|
via I 86; NY 17
Palisades Interstate Parkway South
217.3 mi in
|
~4h 39m
New York State Thruway South
233 mi in
|
~4h 57m
About the Cities
Starting in Auburn, NY
Full guide →Founded 1793
Auburn is a city in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
Top landmarks
- • St. Peter's Episcopal Church Complex — historic church in Auburn, New York, United States
- • Harriet Tubman grave — grave of Harriet Tubman
- • Shines Auburn Theater — former movie theater in Auburn, New York, United States
Arriving in White Plains, NY
Full guide →Founded 1683
White Plains is a city of 60,000 people (2020) in Westchester County, New York. White Plains has several locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also does well-run Saint Patrick's Day parade and New Year's celebrations. The library is top notch. Liberty Park is also worth a visit.
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 5h 19m. Total distance: 247.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 129.9 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.46 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.
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 White Plains, 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 34 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 80.3 miles (I 86; NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 233 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, Women's Rights National Historical Park and General Grant 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 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at White Plains, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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