This 311.4-mile drive from Brookhaven, NY, to Ovid, NY, is designed for a single day, clocking in at around 6 hours and 39 minutes of travel time. Primarily following major highways like the Long Island Expressway and I-81, it's a highway-focused journey that efficiently covers ground. With an estimated fuel cost of $51, this route offers a straightforward way to travel between two points within the Northeast region. While it's manageable in one go, consider that it's a fairly long day behind the wheel, so planning for a break or two is wise. Overall, this trip prioritizes getting you to your destination with minimal fuss.
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
155.7 miles from Brookhaven, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 22m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
73.8 mi
1h 28m
Christopher Columbus Highway
68.2 mi
1h 20m
Long Island Expressway
41.4 mi
55m
US 11
30.6 mi
40m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
Trumansburg Road
8.8 mi
13m
State Highway 96
8.6 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 73.8 mi, about 1h 28m
Traffic on I-80
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 Brookhaven, NY and Ovid, NY.
1
Start on CR 36
0.4 mi·46 sec·South Country Road
2
Continue on South Country Road
354 ft·16 sec·South Country Road
3
Turn straight onto CR 80
0.8 mi·1 min·Montauk Highway
4
Turn left onto CR 16
4.2 mi·6 min·Horseblock Road
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left onto Express Drive North
0.2 mi·14 sec·Express Drive North
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 495 WEST: New York
7
Merge onto I 495
41 mi·55 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 31N-SToward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 31NToward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone BridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto CI
3.1 mi·4 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 33Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New EnglandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 295
1.8 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
13
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi·1 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
6.6 mi·8 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
16
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
17
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
18
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.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
2.0 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 69Toward I 80 West: Paterson, HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 80
68 mi·1 hr 20 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
27
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
28
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
29
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi·2 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
14 mi·16 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
32
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 8Toward NY 26 North: Whitney Point, Lisle
33
Turn right onto NY 26
0.5 mi·43 sec·NY 26
34
At end of road, turn left onto US 11; NY 26
0.1 mi·9 sec·US 11; NY 26
35
Continue on US 11; NY 79
31 mi·39 min·US 11; NY 79
36
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 79
0.1 mi·19 sec·Seneca Way
37
Continue on NY 79
0.9 mi·2 min·East Seneca Street
Use the straight lane.
38
Turn right onto Taughannock Boulevard
338 ft·15 sec·Taughannock Boulevard
39
Turn left onto NY 96
0.2 mi·21 sec·West Buffalo Street
40
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi·2 min·Cliff Street
41
Continue on NY 96
8.7 mi·12 min·Trumansburg Road
42
Continue on NY 96
1.4 mi·2 min·East Main Street
43
Continue on NY 96
0.1 mi·11 sec·Trumansburg Road
44
Continue on NY 96
5.8 mi·7 min·State Highway 96
45
Continue on NY 96
0.8 mi·2 min·South Main Street
46
Continue on NY 96
2.9 mi·4 min·State Highway 96
47
Turn left onto CR 139
3.6 mi·4 min·County Road 139
48
Continue on CR 139
0.3 mi·44 sec·East Seneca Street
49
Arrive at destination
CR 139
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour, 39-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Brookhaven to avoid potential Long Island traffic. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch your legs. The longest stretch without a major change is 73.8 miles, so be mindful of your fuel level before embarking on such segments. The $51 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices. This route is best tackled in a single day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, splitting it with an overnight stay in a town along I-81 would be a good option.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 155.7 miles from Brookhaven, NY, or about 3h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.8 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 69 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.7 miles or 3h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ovid, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brookhaven, 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 Brookhaven, NY
This is one driving day of about 311.4 miles and 6h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Brookhaven, 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 73.8 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 47.3 and 63.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
47.3 mi into trip|~1h 4m 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
47.5 mi into trip|~1h 5m 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
50.9 mi into trip|~1h 10m 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
63.1 mi into trip|~1h 28m 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
8
63.3 mi into trip|~1h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.61 one way
$101.22 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$54.78
$109.55
premium
$4.87
$59.66
$119.31
diesel
$5.40
$66.24
$132.48
Estimated Tolls: $22.83
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New Jersey Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.28
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
$51
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$98–$123
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.4
1
$32.70
$14.95
Efficient EV
77.9
0
$27.25
$12.46
EV Truck/SUV
124.6
1
$43.60
$19.93
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 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 15, 2026
Origin
Brookhaven, NY
Evening
in Brookhaven on Sunday
Local time
7:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Ovid, NY
Evening
in Ovid on Sunday
Local time
7:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
6h 39m 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.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 64.4
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 64.4
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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 64.4
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 64.4
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 64.4
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 63% of this 311.4-mile trip. You'll spend a good portion of your time on routes like I-81 and the Christopher Columbus Highway, which are built for steady progress. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 73.8 miles, giving you ample opportunity for consistent speed. While the majority is highway driving, transitions between these major arteries will offer slight variations in scenery and traffic patterns. It's a route that generally keeps you moving forward efficiently.
63% 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: 73.8 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 47.3 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 30 significant decision points across 311.4 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 47.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.9 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 Brookhaven, NY and Ovid, NY, road signs point toward Kennedy Airport, Cross Island Parkway North, Bronx, New England, Upper Level and Njtp South: Hackensack - among others.
Brookhaven is the largest town in Suffolk County, part of Long Island, New York. With 485,000 residents (2020). It includes a patchwork of villages and other communities, and is the only town on the island to touch both the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. The villages of Belle Terre, Bellport, Lake Grove, Mastic Beach, Old Field, Patchogue, Poquott, Port Jefferson, and Shoreham are semi-autonomous, and provide their own services in addition to those provided by the town. Other prominent communities include Mount Sinai, Stony Brook, and Fire Island, a long and car-free resort island off the south coast of the town.
Top landmarks
•Wardenclyffe Tower — early experimental wireless transmission station designed and built by Nikola Te...
•West Meadow Beach Historic District — historic district in the United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 39m. Total distance: 311.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 39m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.8 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.83 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Ovid, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 47.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange 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 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ovid, NY before the return drive.
