Traveling from Beekman to Elmhurst covers 76.8 miles of Northeast terrain, typically taking about 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete. Because the duration is relatively short, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day journey without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize I-84, I-684, and the Hutchinson River Parkway to navigate toward your destination. With an estimated fuel cost of only $13, this route is an economical choice for those looking to reach the city quickly. It is an ideal path for travelers who prioritize efficiency over leisurely detours, as there are no planned stops along the way.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.4 miles from Beekman, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 684
26.8 mi
31m
Hutchinson River Parkway
15.9 mi
23m
I 84
15.5 mi
18m
Taconic State Parkway
4.3 mi
5m
Beekman Road
3 mi
5m
Whitestone Expressway
2.3 mi
3m
Van Wyck Expressway
1.4 mi
2m
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
1.3 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 684
— 26.8 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Beekman, NY and Elmhurst, NY.
1
Start on this road
42 ft·6 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto CR 9
3.0 mi·5 min·Beekman Road
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto Taconic State Parkway
4.3 mi·5 min·Taconic State Parkway
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Toward I 84 East: Danbury
6
Merge onto I 84
15 mi·18 min·I 84
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 68AToward I 684 South: White PlainsUse the right lane.
8
Merge onto I 684
27 mi·31 min·I 684
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.5 mi·2 min
Exit 1Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York CityUse the straight lane.
10
Merge onto Hutchinson River Parkway
7.7 mi·10 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway
8.2 mi·12 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Toward Whitestone BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 678
1.2 mi·1 min·Hutchinson River Expressway
13
Continue on I 678
1.3 mi·2 min·Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
14
Continue on I 678
2.3 mi·3 min·Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 678
1.4 mi·2 min·Van Wyck Expressway
Toward I 678 South: Kennedy AirportUse the slight left lane.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·48 sec
Exit 12BToward I 495 West: Long Island Expressway, Midtown TunnelUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 495
0.9 mi·1 min·Long Island Expressway
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 19Toward NY 25: Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways, 69th Street, Grand AvenueUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·47 sec
Toward NY 25: Queens BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
20
Turn right onto Queens Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Queens Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
137 ft·8 sec·Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Arrive at destination
Grand Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a straightforward 1-hour and 43-minute trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. However, given the heavy reliance on major highways like the Hutchinson River Parkway, try to avoid peak rush hours to ensure you maintain your expected travel time. You won't need to worry about extensive refueling stops, as the $13 fuel budget covers the distance comfortably with a standard tank. If you plan to make any adjustments to your pace, remember that the lack of scheduled stops means you should handle any personal needs before you get on the road. A helpful tip for this specific drive is to keep a close watch on real-time traffic updates for the Hutchinson River Parkway, as this segment is often the most susceptible to congestion.
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 38.4 miles from Beekman, NY, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.8 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 17 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.4 miles or 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 1h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elmhurst, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Beekman, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Beekman, NY
This is one driving day of about 76.8 miles and 1h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Beekman, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 684 for about 26.8 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 23.2 and 75.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
23.2 mi into trip|~30m in
Take the exit toward I 684 South: White Plains
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 68A
Toward I 684 South: White Plains
9
50.6 mi into trip|~1h 2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1
Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
7
59.8 mi into trip|~1h 15m in|Hutchinson River Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway toward Whitestone Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Whitestone Bridge
8
74.2 mi into trip|~1h 37m in
Take the exit toward I 495 West: Long Island Expressway, Midtown Tunnel
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 12B
Toward I 495 West: Long Island Expressway, Midt...
8
75.6 mi into trip|~1h 39m in
Take the exit toward NY 25: Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways, 69th Street, Grand Avenue
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 19
Toward NY 25: Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways, 6...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.64 one way
$25.28 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$13.67
$27.34
premium
$4.92
$14.89
$29.77
diesel
$5.61
$16.96
$33.91
Estimated Tolls: $6.55
Whitestone 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
$13
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23
0
$8.06
$3.69
Efficient EV
19.2
0
$6.72
$3.07
EV Truck/SUV
30.7
0
$10.75
$4.92
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (67% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Beekman, NY
Late night
in Beekman on Sunday
Local time
3:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Elmhurst, NY
Late night
in Elmhurst on Sunday
Local time
3:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live 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
17 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
1h 43m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 68.9
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 76.8
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 76.8
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 76.8
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 68.9
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...
8 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 76.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a fast-paced experience, as 89% of this trip is dedicated to highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on major thoroughfares, including a notable 26.8-mile stretch on I-684 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the journey. The drive is distinctly highway-focused, prioritizing speed and directness over the slower, winding roads found in rural areas. As you transition from Beekman toward the denser environment of Elmhurst, the road personality remains consistently high-speed and transit-oriented. You should be prepared for a steady, focused drive that demands your full attention on navigating these interconnected parkways and interstates.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 26.8 mi on I 684.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 684 and Hutchinson River Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.2 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 76.8 miles you will encounter 17 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 23.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.8 miles (Hutchinson River Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Beekman, NY to Elmhurst, NY, road signs begin pointing toward New York City along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 76.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 26.8 miles on I 684. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.55 in tolls one way, starting with Whitestone 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.
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 Elmhurst, 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 23.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.8 miles (Hutchinson River Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, Stonewall National Monument and African Burial Ground National Monument (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 Elmhurst, NY before heading back.
