This 279.5-mile drive from Bohemia, NY, to Utica, NY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 65% of it on major roads like the Long Island Expressway, NY 17, and the New York State Thruway. With an estimated fuel cost of $46, it's a manageable trip for most budgets. You'll be traveling within New York State for the entirety of this journey, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. It's a straightforward drive that gets you from point A to point B efficiently, making it a solid option for a day trip.
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
139.7 miles from Bohemia, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
117.5 mi
2h 15m
New York State Thruway
85.1 mi
1h 38m
Long Island Expressway
30 mi
40m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Veterans Memorial Highway
4.2 mi
6m
Cross Island Parkway
3.1 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 15m
Traffic on I-495
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~4,880 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~521 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 24 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 Bohemia, NY and Utica, NY.
1
Start on Church Street
50 ft·5 sec·Church Street
2
Turn right onto Locust Avenue
1.2 mi·3 min·Locust Avenue
3
Turn left onto NY 454
4.2 mi·6 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left onto Express Drive North
0.5 mi·1 min·Express Drive North
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 495 West
6
Merge onto I 495
30 mi·40 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 31N-SToward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 31NToward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone BridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto CI
3.1 mi·4 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 33Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New EnglandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 295
1.8 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
12
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi·1 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
6.6 mi·8 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
15
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
16
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
17
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.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
22
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.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
27
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
28
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
29
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
118 mi·2 hr 15 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
85 mi·1 hr 38 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
31
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 790, NY 8, NY 12: UticaUse the slight right lane.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
33
Keep slight right at fork
159 ft·3 sec
34
Turn slight right onto North Genesee Street
1.0 mi·1 min·North Genesee Street
35
Continue on Genesee Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·Genesee Street
36
Turn right onto Washington Lane
63 ft·2 sec·Washington Lane
37
Arrive at destination
Washington Lane
Trip Plan
Given the 5 hour and 43 minute duration, starting your trip from Bohemia, NY, early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially if you encounter any on the Long Island Expressway. The route includes one stop, and the longest stretch without a break is 117.5 miles on NY 17, so plan your refueling and rest stops accordingly. With a fuel cost estimate of $46, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is a good idea. Since this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility, but consider that the New York State Thruway is a toll road, so be prepared for potential toll expenses beyond the estimated fuel cost.
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 139.7 miles from Bohemia, NY, or about 3h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 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 61 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.7 miles or 3h 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Utica, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bohemia, 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 Bohemia, NY
This is one driving day of about 279.5 miles and 5h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Bohemia, 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 117.5 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 36.1 and 52.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
36.1 mi into trip|~51m in
Take the exit toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy Airport
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 31N-S
Toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge,...
10
36.4 mi into trip|~51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 31N
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone B...
8
39.7 mi into trip|~56m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England
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 33
Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx,...
8
51.9 mi into trip|~1h 14m 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
52.2 mi into trip|~1h 15m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.22 one way
$90.43 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$49.07
$98.13
premium
$4.85
$53.35
$106.69
diesel
$4.80
$52.77
$105.55
Estimated Tolls: $26.80
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(85.1 mi)$4.25
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
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$97–$122
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83.9
1
$29.35
$13.42
Efficient EV
69.9
0
$24.46
$11.18
EV Truck/SUV
111.8
1
$39.13
$17.89
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Bohemia, NY
Afternoon
in Bohemia on Sunday
Local time
12:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Smoke
S 6 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 2:45PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
Utica, NY
Afternoon
in Utica on Sunday
Local time
12:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Cloudy then Patchy Smoke
S 3 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 2:45PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
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 43m 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.
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...
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...
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
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 48.2
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 48.2
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 48.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 279.5-mile journey. With 65% of the drive on major highways, you'll encounter stretches designed for sustained speed. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll navigate is 117.5 miles on NY 17, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the profile is largely highway, the transition between the Long Island Expressway, NY 17, and the New York State Thruway will offer some variety in road conditions and speed limits. This route prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.5 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and New York State Thruway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 36.1 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 26 significant decision points across 279.5 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 36.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
597 ft17 ft
Total Climb
1,409 ft
Total Descent
1,017 ft
Highest Point
597 ft
~259.5 mi in
Elevation Range
581 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bohemia, NY and Utica, NY, road signs point toward Kennedy Airport, Cross Island Parkway North, Bronx, New England, Upper Level and Njtp South: Hackensack - among others.
Utica is the heart of the Mohawk Valley and the seat of Oneida County in Central New York State. Utica offers the charm of small-city living balanced with the cultural and ethnic diversity of an international urban center. At the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a truly scenic city that offers the pleasures of both a rural and urban setting.
Top landmarks
•Utica Memorial Auditorium — multi-purpose arena
•Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute — arts center in Utica, New York
•Union Station — railway station in Utica, New York, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 43m. Total distance: 279.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 117.5 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $26.80 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.
Yes — we found about 28 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Utica, 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. There are 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 36.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Fire Island National Seashore (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 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Utica, NY before the return drive.
