Traveling from Bangor to New York City covers 345.3 miles and typically takes about 7 hours and 18 minutes of driving time. Because this journey stays within the Northeast region, you will experience a transition from the northern reaches of New York State down to the metropolitan hub. Expect to spend roughly $55 on fuel for this one-day trek, which is manageable if you start early. Since the route is a single-day commitment, it works well for a direct push, though you should factor in at least two stops to stay refreshed. This trip is straightforward for those comfortable with a mixed driving profile, balancing rural stretches with the busier transition into the city.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
172.6 miles from Bangor, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Adirondack Northway
103.7 mi
2h 1m
Adirondack Trail
31 mi
42m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
State Highway 73
18.7 mi
27m
Cascade Road
5.3 mi
7m
NY 11B
5.3 mi
7m
Saranac-Placid Road
4.9 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-87
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 60 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,467 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,399
Quietest
1 AM
~114 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
21.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 79 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 Bangor, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 11B
5.3 mi·7 min·NY 11B
2
Turn sharp right onto NY 30
0.4 mi·1 min·Finney Boulevard
3
Continue on NY 30
31 mi·42 min·Adirondack Trail
4
Turn left onto NY 86
3.7 mi·5 min·Easy Street
5
Continue on NY 86
1.9 mi·2 min·State Highway 86
6
Continue on NY 86
2.8 mi·4 min·Harrietstown Road
7
Continue on NY 86
3.0 mi·4 min·State Highway 86
8
Continue on NY 86
0.5 mi·56 sec·Broadway Street
9
Turn left onto NY 86
490 ft·12 sec·Bloomingdale Avenue
10
Turn right onto NY 3; NY 86
0.4 mi·50 sec·Church Street
11
At end of road, turn left onto NY 86
0.2 mi·32 sec·River Street
12
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 86
304 ft·8 sec·River Street
13
Turn slight right onto NY 86
1.1 mi·2 min·Lake Flower Avenue
14
Continue on NY 86
4.9 mi·7 min·Saranac-Placid Road
15
Turn right onto CR 35
3.6 mi·6 min·Old Military Road
16
Turn straight onto NY 73
5.3 mi·7 min·Cascade Road
17
Continue on NY 73
7.2 mi·10 min·State Highway 73
18
Turn straight onto NY 9N; NY 73
1.8 mi·3 min·State Highway 9N
19
Continue on NY 73
11 mi·16 min·State Highway 73
20
Turn straight onto US 9
2.1 mi·2 min·US 9
21
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward I 87 South
22
Merge onto I 87
104 mi·2 hr 1 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi·31 sec·I 87
Exit 1E-WToward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
24
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·I 87
Toward I 87 South: New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
27
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
28
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
30
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
34
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
35
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
36
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
37
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
38
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
40
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
42
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
Planning for this 7-hour and 18-minute drive requires a strategic departure to avoid the worst of urban congestion upon your arrival. Aim to leave Bangor early in the morning to maximize daylight and ensure you aren't fighting peak traffic during the final leg of the trip. Since you have two planned stops, use them to break up the long 118.6-mile stretch on I-87, which helps maintain your focus behind the wheel. Budgeting $55 for fuel is a solid baseline, but keep a little extra set aside for potential price fluctuations near the city. Because this is a one-day trip, your primary goal should be steady pacing to arrive in New York City feeling energized rather than exhausted.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 172.6 miles from Bangor, NY, or about 3h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 76 miles or 1h 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 172.6 miles or 3h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bangor, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bangor, NY
This is one driving day of about 345.3 miles and 7h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Bangor, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 87 for about 118.6 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 191.1 and 341 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
191.1 mi into trip|~4h 10m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1E-W
Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
7
191.9 mi into trip|~4h 12m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 South: New York
9
309.7 mi into trip|~6h 28m in|NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
311.1 mi into trip|~6h 30m in|NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
341 mi into trip|~7h 8m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.44 one way
$120.88 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg121 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$65.50
$131.00
premium
$5.23
$71.10
$142.20
diesel
$6.28
$85.32
$170.64
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Holland Tunnel
$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
$60
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$101–$126
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 120.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
103.6
1
$36.26
$16.57
Efficient EV
86.3
0
$30.21
$13.81
EV Truck/SUV
138.1
1
$48.34
$22.10
Gas CO2
121 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (67% 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Bangor, NY
Late night
in Bangor on Thursday
Local time
5:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
W 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Late night
in New York City on Thursday
Local time
5:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
NE 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
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
1 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
7h 18m 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.
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...
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 345.3
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 345.3
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 345.3
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 345.3
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 345.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience that shifts as you move south from Bangor. With highway driving accounting for 50% of the journey, you will spend significant time on I-87 and the Adirondack Northway. The longest uninterrupted stretch hits 118.6 miles on I-87, offering a consistent rhythm before the route transitions onto the Adirondack Trail. This road personality fluctuates between open highway cruising and more varied local road conditions. You will find that the character of the drive evolves from quiet, northern stretches into the higher-traffic density required to reach New York City.
50% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 191.1 miles in near I 87.
Driving Effort9/10
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 24 significant decision points across 345.3 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 191.1 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191.9 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 309.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,587 ft34 ft
Total Climb
1,377 ft
Total Descent
2,113 ft
Highest Point
1,587 ft
~24.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,553 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bangor, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York and Buffalo.
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation.
From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.
Top landmarks
•Statue of Liberty — monument in New York
•National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
•Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City
This route is a solid option for a weekend trip, as the 7h 18m driving time fits within a single day. Just be aware that the 9/10 complexity means you'll need to stay focused, and the 50% highway driving means you won't be on autopilot the whole time.
Family Friendly
While doable in one day at 345.3 miles, this route's 9/10 complexity might be stressful with kids. Plan for entertainment for the 7h 18m of driving, and utilize the 2 natural rest stops strategically.
Solo Traveler
This 345.3-mile drive is manageable for a solo traveler, especially with 2 planned breaks to break up the 7h 18m of driving. The 9/10 complexity might be engaging rather than daunting for an experienced solo driver.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 118.6 miles on I 87. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Holland Tunnel. 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 New York City, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 191.1 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191.9 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 309.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall 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 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New York City, NY before the return drive.
