This 249.4-mile journey from Babylon, NY to Smyrna, NY is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 5 hours and 21 minutes. It's a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 90% of the route utilizing major roads like the Southern State Parkway, NY 17, and State Highway 8. Given its manageable duration and highway nature, it's well-suited for a day trip, though you could certainly break it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Expect a fuel cost of around $41 for this trip, which traverses the Northeast region entirely within New York State.
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
124.7 miles from Babylon, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
119.5 mi
2h 27m
State Highway 8
36.8 mi
42m
Southern State Parkway
17.9 mi
22m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
State Highway 12
10.2 mi
15m
West Street
8.3 mi
9m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 119.5 mi, about 2h 27m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 13 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~4,026 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~1,234 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
3.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 21 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 Babylon, NY and Smyrna, 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 BridgeUse 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 26BToward NY 24: UBS Arena-Belmont ParkUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
437 ft·12 sec
Toward NY 24 West: Hempstead AvenueUse 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 WestUse 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 BridgeUse 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: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse 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, MahwahUse the straight lane.
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse 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
14 mi·16 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
38
Take the exit
1.5 mi·3 min
Exit 16Toward US 6, NY 17: HarrimanUse the slight right lane.
39
Continue on this road
152 ft·3 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward NY 17 West: BinghamtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 84Toward NY 8, NY 10: Deposit, Walton
43
Turn right onto NY 8; NY 10
0.2 mi·14 sec·State Highway 10
44
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
45
Turn straight onto NY 8; NY 10
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
46
Continue on NY 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·Airport Road
47
Continue on NY 8
18 mi·20 min·State Highway 8
48
Turn left onto NY 23
8.3 mi·9 min·West Street
49
Turn right onto NY 12
0.6 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
50
Continue on NY 12
10 mi·15 min·State Highway 12
51
Continue on NY 12
0.5 mi·53 sec·South Main Street
52
Turn left onto NY 80
528 ft·10 sec·West State Street
53
Continue on NY 80
3.7 mi·6 min·State Route 80
54
Continue on NY 80
0.4 mi·41 sec·East Main Street
55
Arrive at destination
NY 80
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour and 21-minute drive, leaving Babylon, NY early in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 119.5 miles on NY 17, plan your breaks strategically. The estimated fuel cost is $41, so ensure your tank is full before you depart. Given it's a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your timing, but staying aware of your progress on NY 17 will help you manage your journey effectively.
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 124.7 miles from Babylon, NY, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.5 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 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.7 miles or 2h 44m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Smyrna, 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 249.4 miles and 5h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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 119.5 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 33
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
$40.53 one way
$81.06 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$43.87
$87.74
premium
$4.87
$47.78
$95.56
diesel
$5.40
$53.05
$106.10
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
$41
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$88–$113
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.3 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
74.8
0
$26.19
$11.97
Efficient EV
62.4
0
$21.82
$9.98
EV Truck/SUV
99.8
1
$34.92
$15.96
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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Babylon, NY
Late night
in Babylon on Sunday
Local time
12:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Smyrna, NY
Late night
in Smyrna on Sunday
Local time
12:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
43°F
Montgomery, NY
125 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
6 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 21m 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
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 43
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
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?
Expect a driving experience that is heavily highway-oriented, making up 90% of the 249.4-mile trip. You'll spend most of your time on the Southern State Parkway, NY 17, and State Highway 8. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 119.5 miles on NY 17, offering a significant period of consistent driving. This profile suggests a journey characterized by relatively high speeds and efficient travel, rather than winding scenic byways.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
55 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.5 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. 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 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 33 significant decision points across 249.4 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 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 Smyrna, NY, road signs point toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West, Grandstand, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Gsp South - among others.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 21m. Total distance: 249.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 119.5 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 Smyrna, 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 5.4 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 Smyrna, NY before the return drive.
