This 269.1-mile drive from Bridgeport, NY, to Brooklyn, NY, is a straightforward journey that can comfortably be completed in a single day, with an estimated duration of 5 hours and 53 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-81 and I-380, with a segment on the Keystone Shortway, this route keeps you on major highways for about 60% of the trip. The estimated fuel cost for this Northeast corridor trek is around $44, making it a budget-friendly option. With only one recommended stop, it's designed for efficiency, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. The mixed drive profile suggests a blend of highway speeds and potentially some varied conditions as you get closer to your destination.
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
134.5 miles from Bridgeport, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
73.5 mi
1h 28m
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
State Highway 89
21.1 mi
28m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
State Highway 79
15.2 mi
17m
Slaterville Road
11.1 mi
16m
Trumansburg Road
8.8 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 73.5 mi, about 1h 28m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 98 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,254 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,020
Quietest
1 AM
~471 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
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 Bridgeport, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on NY 89
21 mi·28 min·State Highway 89
2
Turn right onto CR 141
0.9 mi·1 min·County Road 141
3
Continue on CR 141A
1.5 mi·2 min·Powell Road
4
Turn left onto NY 96
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 96
5
Continue on NY 96
0.1 mi·11 sec·Trumansburg Road
6
Continue on NY 96
1.4 mi·2 min·West Main Street
7
Continue on NY 96
8.7 mi·12 min·Trumansburg Road
8
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi·2 min·Cliff Street
9
Continue on NY 96
0.2 mi·22 sec·West Buffalo Street
10
Turn right onto Taughannock Boulevard
523 ft·24 sec·Taughannock Boulevard
11
Turn left onto NY 79
510 ft·11 sec·West State Street
12
Turn right onto NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79
345 ft·12 sec·South Fulton Street
Use the right lane.
13
Turn left onto NY 79
0.8 mi·2 min·West Green Street
Use the slight left lane.
14
Continue on NY 79
1.1 mi·2 min·East State Street
15
Continue on NY 79
11 mi·16 min·Slaterville Road
16
Continue on NY 79
15 mi·17 min·State Highway 79
17
Continue on NY 79
3.1 mi·3 min·Main Street
18
Turn right onto NY 26
0.6 mi·47 sec·NY 26
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 81 South
20
Merge onto I 81
20 mi·24 min·I 81
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
22
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.
23
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.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
25
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
26
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
28
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
30
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
33
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
34
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
35
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
36
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
37
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
39
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
40
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
41
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
42
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
43
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
44
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
45
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
46
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
47
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
48
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
49
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour, 53-minute drive, aiming for an early morning departure from Bridgeport, NY, will help you avoid potential traffic as you approach Brooklyn. With a total distance of 269.1 miles and only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Consider breaking up the drive with a brief rest stop around the halfway point or when you feel the need, rather than adhering to a strict schedule. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially on the longest stretch of 73.5 miles on I-81, to ensure you don't need to deviate unexpectedly for gas. This is a manageable one-day trip, so focus on a smooth and efficient journey.
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 134.5 miles from Bridgeport, NY, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.5 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 59 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.5 miles or 2h 55m 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 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bridgeport, 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 Bridgeport, NY
This is one driving day of about 269.1 miles and 5h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Bridgeport, 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 I 81 for about 73.5 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 91.7 and 262.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
91.7 mi into trip|~2h 5m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
145.1 mi into trip|~3h 8m 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...
7
257.2 mi into trip|~5h 27m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
257.4 mi into trip|~5h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
262.4 mi into trip|~5h 40m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.73 one way
$87.47 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$47.34
$94.67
premium
$4.87
$51.55
$103.11
diesel
$5.40
$57.24
$114.48
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$44
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.7
0
$28.26
$12.92
Efficient EV
67.3
0
$23.55
$10.76
EV Truck/SUV
107.6
1
$37.67
$17.22
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 25, 2026
Origin
Bridgeport, NY
Night
in Bridgeport on Saturday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Rain Showers
SE 9 mph98% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 12:05AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Night
in Brooklyn on Saturday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Rain Showers
E 9 to 13 mph89% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 12:05AM EDT by NWS Binghamton 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
5 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
5h 53m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 259.8
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 259.8
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 259.8
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 259.8
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 259.8
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 259.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed drive experience on this route, with a significant 60% share of highway travel. You'll encounter longer, uninterrupted stretches, including a notable 73.5-mile segment on I-81, which allows for steady progress. The routing through I-81, Keystone Shortway, and I-380 indicates a primarily interstate experience, designed for efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways. While the overall profile is 'mixed,' the emphasis on major highways suggests a drive that is generally fast-paced, with opportunities to maintain consistent speeds for extended periods.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.5 mi on I 81.
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 91.7 miles in near I 81.
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 31 significant decision points across 269.1 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 91.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Bridgeport, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city.
Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest.
Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
Top landmarks
•Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
•Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 53m. Total distance: 269.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 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.
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 Brooklyn, 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 91.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brooklyn, NY before the return drive.
