If you are planning to head from Beacon down to New York City, you can expect a manageable 72.1-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, it works perfectly as a straightforward day trip, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate a combination of the New York State Thruway, I-84, and NJ-17 to reach your destination. Budgeting approximately $11 for fuel should cover your travel costs for this Northeast corridor transit. This route offers a direct transition from the Hudson Valley region into the heart of the city, making it a functional choice for travelers who value efficiency over a slow-paced scenic tour.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36 miles from Beacon, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
29 mi
33m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
I 84
4.6 mi
5m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
2 mi
4m
NY 17
0.9 mi
<1m
Conrail Viaduct
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 29 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Beacon, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 52 Bus
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
2
Turn right onto NY 9D; NY 52 Bus
0.6 mi·1 min·North Avenue
3
Continue on NY 9D; NY 52 Bus
0.2 mi·30 sec·North Road
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward I 84 West, NY 52 West: Newburgh Beacon Bridge, NewburghUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 84; NY 52
4.6 mi·5 min·I 84; NY 52
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 36AToward I 87: New York City, Albany, New York State ThruwayUse the slight right lane.
7
Continue on this road
427 ft·10 sec·this road
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·40 sec
Toward I 87 South: New York City
9
Merge onto I 87
29 mi·33 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
12
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.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
14
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
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
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
18
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
19
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
20
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
22
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
24
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
26
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick 72.1-mile trip, you have the advantage of total flexibility in your departure schedule. You won't need to plan for any mandatory stops given the short duration, so you can easily complete the drive in one go. Keep in mind that traffic patterns near New York City can be unpredictable, so check your navigation app before you pull out of Beacon to account for any potential congestion on the state highways. Since your fuel cost is estimated at a modest $11, ensure your tank is topped off before you leave to avoid paying higher prices near the city center. Staying focused on the flow of the New York State Thruway and I-84 will help you maintain a steady pace toward your destination.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 36 miles from Beacon, NY, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29 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 16 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36 miles or 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 17m
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 Beacon, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Beacon, NY
This is one driving day of about 72.1 miles and 1h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Beacon, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New York State Thruway for about 29 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 67.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
1.3 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the ramp toward I 84 West, NY 52 West: Newburgh Beacon Bridge, Newburgh
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 84 West, NY 52 West: Newburgh Beacon B...
8
6.2 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 87: New York City, Albany, New York State Thruway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 36A
Toward I 87: New York City, Albany, New York St...
9
36.5 mi into trip|~45m 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
37.9 mi into trip|~47m 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
67.8 mi into trip|~1h 25m 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
$11.87 one way
$23.74 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$12.83
$25.67
premium
$4.92
$13.97
$27.95
diesel
$5.61
$15.92
$31.84
Estimated Tolls: $17.45
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(29 mi)$1.45
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
$12
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
21.6
0
$7.57
$3.46
Efficient EV
18
0
$6.31
$2.88
EV Truck/SUV
28.8
0
$10.09
$4.61
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 19, 2026
Origin
Beacon, NY
Afternoon
in Beacon on Sunday
Local time
12:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
New York City, NY
Afternoon
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
12:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Cloudy then Patchy Fog
SE 10 mph46% 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.
Road read
1h 36m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 profile that keeps the pace varied as you transition between different road types. Highway travel accounts for 46% of your total mileage, providing a balance between high-speed transit and local navigation. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the New York State Thruway, where you will cover 29 miles of roadway. As you move toward the city, the road personality shifts from more open highway segments to the denser traffic patterns characteristic of the approach into New York City. Staying alert is essential, as the changing road conditions require you to remain engaged behind the wheel throughout the entire 1-hour and 36-minute duration.
46% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 1.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 72.1 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.5 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
502 ft8 ft
Total Climb
270 ft
Total Descent
589 ft
Highest Point
502 ft
~21 mi in
Elevation Range
494 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Beacon, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York State Thruway, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken.
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 — American icon in New York, United States
•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 72.1-mile drive is a perfect easy same-day round trip, especially since it's only about 1.5 hours each way. You'll be back before sunset, no problem.
Family Friendly
This 72.1-mile trip is short enough for kids, but the 10/10 complexity means you'll be doing a lot of navigating, which might not be ideal with little ones in tow.
Solo Traveler
At just 72.1 miles and 1.5 hours, this is a comfortable solo distance. However, the 10/10 complexity might be a bit much if you're looking for a truly *engaging* drive.
First-Time Driver
The 1.5-hour duration is manageable for a first-time driver, but the 10/10 complexity makes this route challenging. Stick to the 46% highway portion as much as possible.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 29 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $17.45 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.
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.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.5 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at New York City, NY before heading back.
