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Trip from Brookhaven, NY to South Bristol, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 39m

Distance

369.7 mi

595 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$61

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
7h 30m ★
6 AM
7h 40m
8 AM
7h 59m
10 AM
7h 47m
12 PM
7h 45m
3 PM
7h 48m
5 PM
7h 58m
8 PM
7h 34m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown South Bristol, NY, NY

South Bristol, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

Brookhaven, NY to South Bristol, NY is 369.7 miles and takes about 7h 39m via I 86 and I 81, with a fuel budget near $61 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. Expect a drive that's primarily on highways, making it a straightforward, albeit long, single-day journey. If you're looking for an efficient way to get from Long Island to the Finger Lakes area, this route gets you there 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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

184.8 miles from Brookhaven, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 86 100 mi 1h 56m
Christopher Columbus Highway 68.2 mi 1h 20m
I 81 58.1 mi 1h 9m
Long Island Expressway 41.4 mi 55m
I 380 27.7 mi 30m
Keystone Shortway 17.3 mi 24m
State Highway 21 10.6 mi 15m
Genesee Expressway 10.6 mi 12m
Longest stretch: I 86 — 100 mi, about 1h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Brookhaven, NY and South Bristol, 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-S Toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy Airport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 31N Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge Use 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 33 Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England Use 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: Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use 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 69 Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack Use 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 293 Toward 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 left at fork onto I 86; NY 17

100 mi · 1 hr 56 min · I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
31

Keep slight left at fork onto I 390

11 mi · 12 min · Genesee Expressway
Toward I 390: Rochester
32

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Exit 2 Toward Cohocton, Naples
33

Turn right onto Cohocton Loon Lake Road

0.4 mi · 59 sec · Cohocton Loon Lake Road
34

At end of road, turn right onto NY 415

0.6 mi · 1 min · Maple Avenue
35

Turn left onto NY 371

4.3 mi · 6 min · North Main Street
36

Continue on NY 371

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Cohocton Street
37

Continue on NY 21

0.6 mi · 56 sec · Naples Street
38

Continue on NY 21

4.5 mi · 6 min · State Highway 21
39

Continue on NY 21

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
40

Continue on NY 21

6.1 mi · 8 min · State Highway 21
41

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 21

184 ft · 3 sec · State Highway 21
42

Turn straight onto NY 64

2.3 mi · 3 min · Bristol Valley Road
43

Arrive at destination

NY 64

Trip Plan

Given the 7h 39m estimated duration, starting your drive from Brookhaven early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. With only 2 recommended stops and a longest stretch of 100 miles, you can plan your breaks strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the 100-mile mark on I 86, to ensure you don't need to deviate from the main roads for service. This route is well-suited for a single day, so you have flexibility in when and where you choose to take your brief pauses.

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 184.8 miles from Brookhaven, NY, or about 3h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100 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 50m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 184.8 miles or 3h 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 6h 22m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Bristol, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Brookhaven, NY

This is one driving day of about 369.7 miles and 7h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from Brookhaven, 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 I 86 for about 100 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

185 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 81 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cortland, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 184.8 miles from Brookhaven, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 86 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 100 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 28

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

$60.85 one way

$121.71 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 129 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $65.80 $131.61
premium $4.92 $71.65 $143.31
diesel $5.61 $81.63 $163.25

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

$61

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$109–$134

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 129.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 110.9 1 $38.82 $17.75
Efficient EV 92.4 1 $32.35 $14.79
EV Truck/SUV 147.9 1 $51.76 $23.66

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 15, 2026

Origin

Brookhaven, NY

Late night in Brookhaven on Tuesday

Local time

5:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

South Bristol, NY

Late night in South Bristol on Tuesday

Local time

5:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

63°F

Ramapo, NY

185 mi in

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

13 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 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 71% of the journey utilizing major interstates like I 86 and I 81. You'll experience stretches where the driving is fast and uninterrupted, including a significant 100-mile segment on I 86. While the majority is highway, the route does incorporate parts of the Christopher Columbus Highway, offering a slightly different feel before merging back onto faster roads. Overall, anticipate a consistent pace for most of the approximately 7.5-hour trip.

71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100 mi on I 86.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 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 Effort 10/10

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 28 significant decision points across 369.7 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 South Bristol, NY, road signs point toward Kennedy Airport, Cross Island Parkway North, Bronx, New England, Upper Level and Njtp South: Hackensack - among others.

Kennedy Airport

47.3 mi in | ~1h 4m

Cross Island Parkway North

47.5 mi in | ~1h 5m

Bronx

50.9 mi in | ~1h 10m

New England

50.9 mi in | ~1h 10m

Upper Level

60.6 mi in | ~1h 24m | via I 95; US 1

Njtp South: Hackensack

63.1 mi in | ~1h 28m

Hackensack

65.7 mi in | ~1h 32m

Cohocton

349 mi in | ~7h 7m

Naples

349 mi in | ~7h 7m

About the Cities

Starting in Brookhaven, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1655

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
  • Stony Brook Grist Mill — watermill

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 39m. Total distance: 369.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 39m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 100 miles on I 86. 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 South Bristol, 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. 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 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 South Bristol, NY before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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