Boston, NY to Washington Heights, NY is 367.4 miles and takes about 7h 37m via Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, and I 81, with a fuel budget near $60 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York State, traversing the Northeast region. The majority of your travel will be on well-maintained expressways, making for a straightforward trip. With only two recommended stops and a mostly highway profile, this route is ideal for a single-day transit when you need to get from point A to point B efficiently.
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
183.7 miles from Boston, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 56m into the drive
.
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 168 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,210 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,900
Quietest
1 AM
~430 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Boston, NY and Washington Heights, NY.
1
Start on Boston Cross Road
33 ft·8 sec·Boston Cross Road
2
Turn sharp left onto Boston State Road
1.7 mi·2 min·Boston State Road
3
Continue on Springville Boston Road
6.4 mi·9 min·Springville Boston Road
4
Turn left onto CR 410
1.6 mi·3 min·Middle Road
5
Turn right onto NY 240
1.5 mi·2 min·Vaughn Street
6
Turn left onto NY 39
7.7 mi·8 min·Springville Sardinia Highway
7
Continue on NY 39
0.2 mi·10 sec·State Highway 39
8
Continue on NY 39
1.4 mi·1 min·Schutt Road
9
Turn right onto NY 16; NY 39
0.6 mi·56 sec·State Highway 16
10
Continue on NY 16; NY 39
0.2 mi·26 sec·Olean Road
11
Turn left onto NY 39
1.1 mi·2 min·State Route 39
12
Continue on NY 39
2.3 mi·5 min·West Main Street
13
Continue on NY 39
18 mi·25 min·State Highway 39
14
Turn right onto NY 436
1.8 mi·2 min·Denton Corners Road
15
Turn right onto NY 19A; NY 436
2.2 mi·3 min·NY 19A; NY 436
16
Turn left onto NY 436
0.3 mi·46 sec·Hamilton Street
17
Turn left onto NY 436
360 ft·8 sec·Main Street
18
Continue on NY 436
5.6 mi·8 min·Portage Street
19
Continue on NY 436
1.0 mi·1 min·Mill Street
20
Continue on NY 436
12 mi·16 min·Nunda-Dansville Road
21
Continue on NY 436
0.7 mi·1 min·Ossian Street
22
Turn right onto Spruce Street
0.1 mi·32 sec·Spruce Street
23
Turn slight right onto NY 36
0.9 mi·1 min·Clara Barton Street
24
Continue on NY 36
0.1 mi·11 sec·Hornell Road
25
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
26
Merge onto I 390
22 mi·25 min·Genesee Expressway
27
Merge onto I 86
105 mi·2 hr 2 min·Southern Tier Expressway
28
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
31
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
32
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
33
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·5 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
35
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
37
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
39
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
40
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
41
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
42
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
44
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
46
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.5 mi·45 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
47
Take the exit onto US 9
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 9
Exit 1AToward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Keep slight left at fork onto US 9
0.2 mi·42 sec·US 9
Toward West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
49
Turn left onto US 9
0.2 mi·34 sec·Broadway
Use the straight / left lanes.
50
Arrive at destination
US 9
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7h 37m drive, consider leaving Boston, NY early in the morning to maximize daylight. With only two stops planned, you can efficiently cover the 367.4 miles. The longest stretch without services is 104.5 miles on the Southern Tier Expressway, so ensure you have adequate fuel before entering this segment. Given the $60 fuel cost estimate, it's wise to fill up before you depart or at one of your planned stops to avoid unexpected price differences. Since this is a one-day route, you have flexibility, but be mindful of the 62% highway share which can lead to fatigue if not managed with short breaks.
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 183.7 miles from Boston, NY, or about 3h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.5 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 81 miles or 1h 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 183.7 miles or 3h 56m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington Heights, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Boston, 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 Boston, NY
This is one driving day of about 367.4 miles and 7h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from Boston, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 104.5 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 32
5 decision points cluster between mile 248.2 and 367 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
248.2 mi into trip|~5h 13m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
8
362.8 mi into trip|~7h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Ne...
9
363.1 mi into trip|~7h 29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
8
366.9 mi into trip|~7h 36m in|US 9
Take the exit onto US 9 toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th Street
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 1A
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th...
8
367 mi into trip|~7h 36m in|US 9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 9 toward West 178th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward West 178th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.16 one way
$122.31 round trip
$4.23/gal25.4 MPG avg129 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.55
$65.83
$131.66
premium
$4.99
$72.13
$144.27
diesel
$5.35
$77.40
$154.80
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
George Washington Bridge
$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
$61
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$102–$127
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 128.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-27.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
110.2
1
$38.58
$17.64
Efficient EV
91.9
1
$32.15
$14.70
EV Truck/SUV
147
1
$51.44
$23.51
Gas CO2
129 kg
EV CO2
43 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 Apr 27, 2026
Origin
Boston, NY
Late night
in Boston on Wednesday
Local time
3:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Washington Heights, NY
Late night
in Washington Heights on Wednesday
Local time
3:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°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
3 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 37m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 367.4
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 367.4
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
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 367.4
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
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 367.4
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
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 367.4
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 367.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 62% of this 367.4-mile trip on highways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 104.5 miles along the Southern Tier Expressway. After the highway portions conclude, expect a shift to surface roads for the remainder of your drive. Drivers will notice a significant number of exits and interchanges during the highway segments, requiring attention as you navigate.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
50 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.5 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 248.2 miles in near US 6.
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 32 significant decision points across 367.4 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 248.2 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 362.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 363.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Boston, NY and Washington Heights, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono and Milford.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 37m. Total distance: 367.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 37m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104.5 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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 32 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 Washington Heights, 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. There are 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 248.2 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 362.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 363.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant 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 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Washington Heights, NY before the return drive.
