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Trip from Babylon, NY to Keene, 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 16m

Distance

305 mi

491 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$50

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
6h 4m ★
6 AM
6h 16m
8 AM
6h 42m
10 AM
6h 25m
12 PM
6h 23m
3 PM
6h 26m
5 PM
6h 40m
8 PM
6h 9m

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

town in Long Island, New York, United States

Babylon, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Keene, NY, NY

Keene, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 305-mile drive from Babylon, NY, to Keene, NY, is designed for a single day, estimated to take about 6 hours and 16 minutes. With 64% of the journey on highways, primarily utilizing the Southern State Parkway, NY 17, and the Adirondack Northway, you'll cover a significant distance efficiently. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $50, making it a budget-friendly option for a full day's travel. This route focuses on getting you from the Northeast region of New York to another part of the Northeast, emphasizing a highway-focused experience. It's a practical choice if you're looking to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.

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

152.5 miles from Babylon, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 111.7 mi 2h 8m
Adirondack Northway 97.7 mi 1h 53m
Southern State Parkway 17.9 mi 22m
NJ 17 14.7 mi 18m
State Highway 73 11.5 mi 16m
I 787 9 mi 12m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Babylon, NY and Keene, NY.

1

Start on South Carll Avenue

68 ft · 11 sec · South Carll Avenue
2

Turn left onto NY 27A

0.5 mi · 51 sec · West Main Street
3

Turn right onto NY 109

0.9 mi · 1 min · Little East Neck Road North
4

Continue on NY 109

3.6 mi · 5 min · Farmingdale Road
Use the left lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward SO West: New York
6

Merge onto SO

18 mi · 22 min · Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto CI

1.3 mi · 1 min · Cross Island Parkway
9

Take the exit

317 ft · 9 sec
Exit 26B Toward NY 24: UBS Arena-Belmont Park Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

437 ft · 12 sec
Toward NY 24 West: Hempstead Avenue Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West
12

Keep slight right at fork

266 ft · 8 sec
Toward Hempstead Avenue West Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 13 sec · this road
Toward Grandstand, Hempstead Avenue West
14

Keep slight left at fork

100 ft · 4 sec
Toward Hempstead Avenue
15

Turn right onto NY 24

1.0 mi · 2 min · Hempstead Avenue
Use the right lane.
16

Turn left onto Jamaica Avenue

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Jamaica Avenue
17

Turn right onto NY 24

0.7 mi · 1 min · 212th Street
18

Continue on I 295

5.0 mi · 5 min · Clearview Expressway
Toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Through Neck Bridge Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on I 295

2.0 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge
20

Continue on I 295

0.7 mi · 1 min · Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 295

6.6 mi · 8 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
23

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.6 mi · 59 sec · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
24

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
25

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.
26

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP

0.1 mi · 8 sec · I 95 EXPR; NJTP
27

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 72A Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
29

Merge onto NJ 4

6.7 mi · 9 min · NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
30

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, Mahwah Use the straight lane.
31

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Merge onto NJ 17

3.3 mi · 4 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Continue on NJ 17

7.3 mi · 9 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
34

Continue on NJ 17

0.7 mi · 50 sec · NJ 17
35

Continue on NJ 17

3.3 mi · 4 min · NJ 17
36

Continue on I 287; NY 17

0.2 mi · 10 sec · I 287; NY 17
37

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17

112 mi · 2 hr 8 min · NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 50 sec
Exit 23 Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy Use the slight right lane.
39

Continue on I 787

9.0 mi · 12 min · I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 787

0.4 mi · 29 sec · NY 787
41

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 50 sec
Exit 9W Toward NY 7 West: Schenectady, Saratoga Springs Use the right lane.
42

Merge onto NY 7

3.1 mi · 3 min · NY 7
43

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 87 North: Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls
44

Merge onto I 87

98 mi · 1 hr 53 min · Adirondack Northway
45

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 31 sec
Exit 30 Toward US 9, NY 73: Keene, Keene Valley
46

Turn left onto US 9

2.2 mi · 2 min · US Highway 9
47

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 73

11 mi · 16 min · State Highway 73
48

Continue on NY 9N; NY 73

1.8 mi · 3 min · State Highway 9N
49

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 9N

4 ft · State Highway 9N
50

Arrive at destination

NY 9N

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour, 16-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Babylon, NY, to avoid potential traffic and maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself; however, be mindful of the 111.7-mile longest stretch on NY 17, and plan a break before or after this segment if needed. The estimated $50 fuel cost is manageable, but it's always wise to top off your tank before heading into more rural areas, especially as you approach the Adirondack region. This is a route that's well-suited for a single day, allowing you to arrive at your destination in Keene, NY, without the need for an overnight stay.

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 152.5 miles from Babylon, NY, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 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 67 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 152.5 miles or 3h 10m 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 7m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Babylon, 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 Babylon, NY

This is one driving day of about 305 miles and 6h 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Babylon, 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 111.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

153 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Stockport, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 152.5 miles from Babylon, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.7 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

Rumba Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Leonia, New Jersey

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 43.6

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12013630008

Cafe Adirondack Restaurant & Wine Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pottersville, New York

1.6 mi

Gracie's Luncheonette

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Leeds, New York

2.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 43.6

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

2.3 mi

Rumba Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 43.6

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12013630008

Cafe Adirondack Restaurant & Wine Room

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $30 to $40 mile 261.4

Pottersville, New York

Hours: 3–8:30 pm

+15184945800

Visit website

Gracie's Luncheonette

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 152.5

Leeds, New York

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+15189439363

Visit website

Piccolo Trattoria

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 152.5

Leeds, New York

Hours: 4–9 pm

+15187193430

Visit website

Barnwood Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 152.5

Catskill, New York

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15189432200

Visit website

Manche Pani

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 65.4

Airmont, New York

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+18455334174

Visit website

Crabtree's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 21.8

Floral Park, New York

Hours: 12–10 pm

+15163267769

Visit website

Giovanna's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 65.4

Ramsey, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12018255835

Visit website

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 43.6

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.6

New York, New York

+19172614093

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.6

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.6

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 43.6

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 65.4

Mahwah, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 87.1

Mountainville, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charge Point

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 43.6

New York, New York

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 43.6

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

1.7 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 87.1

Cornwall, New York

+18455343899

Visit website

ViaLynk Charging Station

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 87.1

Cornwall, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15186913119

Visit website

Fort Lee Historic Park, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 43.6

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4:45 pm

+12014611776

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 43.6

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Firemen's Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 43.6

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015923750

Visit website

Overpeck County Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 43.6

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12013367275

Visit website

Overpeck Park Playground

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 43.6

Ridgefield Park, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

J. Hood Wright Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 43.6

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Bennett Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 43.6

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Englewood Picnic Area

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 43.6

Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 36

5 decision points cluster between mile 24.7 and 50.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
24.7 mi into trip | ~33m in

Keep slight left at fork toward NY 24 West: Hempstead Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward NY 24 West: Hempstead Avenue
8
24.9 mi into trip | ~34m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Hempstead Avenue West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward Hempstead Avenue West
8
43.7 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

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. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
9
43.9 mi into trip | ~1h 1m 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
8
50.9 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$50.20 one way

$100.41 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 107 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $54.29 $108.58
premium $4.92 $59.11 $118.23
diesel $5.61 $67.34 $134.68

Estimated Tolls: $22.55

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55

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

$50

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$98–$123

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 106.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 91.5 1 $32.03 $14.64
Efficient EV 76.3 0 $26.69 $12.20
EV Truck/SUV 122 1 $42.70 $19.52

Gas CO2

107 kg

EV CO2

36 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Babylon, NY

Morning in Babylon on Sunday

Local time

10:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Partly Cloudy

NE 5 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT

Destination

Keene, NY

Morning in Keene on Sunday

Local time

10:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

35°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Ramapo, NY

153 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

15 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 16m 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.

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 42.1
View on nps.gov
General Grant National Memorial

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 42.1
View on nps.gov
Saratoga National Historical Park

Saratoga National Historical Park

National Historical Park

In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...

8 mi from route ~20 min detour Free near mile 210.4
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...

9 mi from route ~21 min detour Free near mile 42.1
View on nps.gov
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...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 42.1
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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 42.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 305-mile trip, with 64% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience stretches of faster driving, including a notable 111.7-mile segment on NY 17, which offers the longest uninterrupted driving period. The journey begins with parkways and transitions to more substantial highway routes like NY 17 and the Adirondack Northway. This blend means you'll have opportunities for consistent speed, interspersed with the varied character of different highway systems as you head north.

64% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
50 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.7 mi on NY 17.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and Adirondack Northway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.7 miles in.

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 36 significant decision points across 305 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 24.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 24.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 43.7 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 Babylon, NY and Keene, NY, road signs point toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West, Grandstand, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Gsp South - among others.

Cross Island Parkway North

23 mi in | ~31m

Hempstead Avenue West

24.8 mi in | ~34m

Grandstand

24.9 mi in | ~34m

Upper Level

41.2 mi in | ~57m | via I 95; US 1

Njtp South: Hackensack

43.7 mi in | ~1h 1m

Gsp South

50.8 mi in | ~1h 11m

Gsp North

50.8 mi in | ~1h 11m

Newark

50.8 mi in | ~1h 11m

Mahwah

50.8 mi in | ~1h 11m

New York State Thruway North: Albany

66 mi in | ~1h 31m | via NY 17

Troy

177.7 mi in | ~3h 39m

Saratoga Springs

187.3 mi in | ~3h 53m

About the Cities

Starting in Babylon, NY

Full guide →

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 16m. Total distance: 305 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.7 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $22.55 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 Keene, 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 24.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 24.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 43.7 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 Saratoga National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Keene, 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.

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Explore more options from Babylon, NY or browse trips ending in Keene, NY.

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