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Trip from Babylon, NY to Lansing, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 41m

Distance

270.7 mi

436 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$45

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 28m ★
6 AM
5h 42m
8 AM
6h 8m
10 AM
5h 51m
12 PM
5h 48m
3 PM
5h 52m
5 PM
6h 7m
8 PM
5h 34m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in Long Island, New York, United States

Babylon, NY

Wikimedia Commons

city in Ingham County, Eaton County and Clinton County, Michigan, USA and Michigan federated state capital city

Lansing, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 270.7-mile drive from Babylon, NY, to Lansing, NY, is a straightforward trip that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours and 41 minutes. Given its manageable duration, it's an ideal candidate for a single-day journey, avoiding the need for an overnight stop. You'll primarily be on major highways like I-81 and I-380, making for a generally efficient travel experience. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $45, which is quite reasonable for the distance covered. This route stays within the Northeast region, offering a consistent travel feel from start to finish.

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

135.3 miles from Babylon, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 73.8 mi 1h 28m
Christopher Columbus Highway 68.2 mi 1h 20m
I 380 27.7 mi 30m
US 11 23.2 mi 27m
Southern State Parkway 17.9 mi 22m
Keystone Shortway 17.3 mi 24m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
Clearview Expressway 5 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 73.8 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Babylon, NY and Lansing, 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 left at fork

0.4 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
29

Merge onto I 95; NJTP

2.0 mi · 2 min · New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 69 Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31

Continue on I 80

68 mi · 1 hr 20 min · Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

5.5 mi · 8 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

12 mi · 15 min · Keystone Shortway
34

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 46 sec
Exit 293 Toward I 380 North: Scranton
35

Continue on I 380

28 mi · 30 min · I 380
Use the straight lane.
36

Merge onto I 81

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
37

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
38

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

14 mi · 16 min · I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
39

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 8 Toward NY 26 North: Whitney Point, Lisle
40

Turn right onto NY 26

0.5 mi · 43 sec · NY 26
41

At end of road, turn left onto US 11; NY 26

0.1 mi · 9 sec · US 11; NY 26
42

Continue on US 11; NY 79

23 mi · 27 min · US 11; NY 79
43

Turn right onto CR 164

2.4 mi · 5 min · Ellis Hollow Road
44

Turn right onto CR 164

3.0 mi · 5 min · Ellis Hollow Creek Road
45

At end of road, turn right onto CR 161

1.3 mi · 2 min · Turkey Hill Road
46

Turn right onto NY 366

1.1 mi · 1 min · Dryden Road
47

Continue on NY 366

124 ft · 9 sec · Dryden Road
48

Turn left onto NY 13

3.3 mi · 4 min · State Route 13
49

Turn right onto Warren Road

381 ft · 13 sec · Warren Road
Use the right lane.
50

Turn left onto Dart Drive

0.8 mi · 2 min · Dart Drive
Use the left lane.
51

Arrive at destination

Dart Drive

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour, 41-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Babylon to bypass potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 73.8 miles, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to pull over. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the $45 estimated cost suggests a need for at least one fill-up. A practical tip for this route: as you approach your destination in Lansing, pay attention to the transition from interstate to local roads, as this can sometimes add a few minutes to your final arrival time.

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 135.3 miles from Babylon, NY, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.8 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 60 miles or 1h 21m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 135.3 miles or 2h 53m 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 35m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lansing, 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 270.7 miles and 5h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 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 I 81 for about 73.8 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

135 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 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Scranton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 135.3 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 I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.8 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

Fusion 27 restaurant and catering services

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Totowa, New Jersey

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 58

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+19735955595

Visit website

Mocha Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bronx, New York

2.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.7

+19172614093

Fusion 27 restaurant and catering services

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 58

Totowa, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+19735955595

Visit website

Mocha Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.7

Bronx, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13472027123

Visit website

An Beal Bocht Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.7

Bronx, New York

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17188847127

Visit website

Crabtree's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 19.3

Floral Park, New York

Hours: 12–10 pm

+15163267769

Visit website

Juany's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58

Fair Lawn, New Jersey

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15512248030

Visit website

Hapgoods Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 77.3

Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19732993399

Visit website

Triplets Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 116

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+15704216566

Visit website

Sage Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately mile 58

Fair Lawn, New Jersey

Hours: 4–9 pm

+12017970500

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.7

New York, New York

+19172614093

Eagle Rock Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 58

Montclair, New Jersey

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+19733586543

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.7

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 77.3

Rockaway, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 193.3

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 193.3

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 135.3

Mt Pocono, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 77.3

Denville, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 212.7

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 270.7

Ithaca, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 77.3

Denville, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Claremont Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 38.7

Bronx, NY

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 38.7

Bronx, New York

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+17186816000

Visit website

Venetian Shores Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Lindenhurst, New York

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+16317861136

Visit website

Yankee Stadium

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 38.7

Bronx, New York

+12129265337

Visit website

Roberto Clemente State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 38.7

Bronx, New York

Hours: 8:30 am–8:30 pm

+17182998750

Visit website

Cornell Botanic Gardens

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 270.7

Ithaca, New York

+16072552400

Visit website

Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 38.7

Bronx, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Franz Sigel Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 38.7

Bronx, NY

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 39

5 decision points cluster between mile 24.7 and 46.3 — 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
8
43.9 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
46.3 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in

Take the exit toward I 80 West: Paterson, 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. Exit 69 Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$44.56 one way

$89.12 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 95 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $48.18 $96.36
premium $4.92 $52.47 $104.93
diesel $5.61 $59.77 $119.53

Estimated Tolls: $22.83

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55
New Jersey Turnpike (2 mi) $0.28

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

$45

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$92–$117

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 94.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 81.2 1 $28.42 $12.99
Efficient EV 67.7 0 $23.69 $10.83
EV Truck/SUV 108.3 1 $37.90 $17.32

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 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

Late night in Babylon on Sunday

Local time

4:45 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

Lansing, NY

Late night in Lansing on Sunday

Local time

4:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

42°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Ramapo, NY

135 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

8 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

5h 41m 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.

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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 46.7
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
View on nps.gov
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...

5 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 46.7
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 ~23 min detour Free near mile 46.7
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 ~26 min detour Free near mile 46.7
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Monument

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...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 46.7
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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 46.7
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, with 61% of the journey taking place on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 73.8 miles on I-81, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While primarily interstate, the route does incorporate parts of Christopher Columbus Highway, offering some variation. The character leans towards efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways, so if you're looking for a quick and direct path, this route delivers.

61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
51 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.8 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. 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 39 significant decision points across 270.7 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 Lansing, NY, road signs point toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West, Grandstand, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Hackensack - 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

Hackensack

46.3 mi in | ~1h 4m

Albany

219 mi in | ~4h 31m | via I 81

Lisle

234.8 mi in | ~4h 50m

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 5h 41m. Total distance: 270.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 73.8 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $22.83 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 Lansing, 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 — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lansing, 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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