This 66.2-mile drive from Brooklyn, NY, to Cold Spring, NY, is a manageable 1 hour and 42 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, with about 75% of the journey on major roadways. You'll navigate through the Northeast region, staying within New York State for the entire trip. With an estimated fuel cost of just $11, this journey is quite economical. It's a straightforward drive that allows for a quick escape from the city.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
33.1 miles from Brooklyn, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Palisades Interstate Parkway
37.4 mi
47m
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
5.4 mi
9m
Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway
5.3 mi
9m
State Highway 9D
3 mi
5m
Washington Avenue
2.6 mi
6m
Harlem River Drive
2.3 mi
3m
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
1.9 mi
3m
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Palisades Interstate Parkway
— 37.4 mi, about 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brooklyn, NY and Cold Spring, NY.
1
Start on Nostrand Avenue
432 ft·21 sec·Nostrand Avenue
2
Turn right onto Snyder Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·Snyder Avenue
3
Turn right onto Rogers Avenue
0.3 mi·59 sec·Rogers Avenue
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn left onto NY 27
0.2 mi·14 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
5
Turn slight right onto NY 27
0.2 mi·16 sec·Caton Avenue
6
Turn right onto Flatbush Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Flatbush Avenue
7
Keep slight right at fork onto Washington Avenue
2.6 mi·6 min·Washington Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
8
Turn right onto Flushing Avenue
0.3 mi·37 sec·Flushing Avenue
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn left onto Classon Avenue
0.1 mi·19 sec·Classon Avenue
Use the left lane.
10
Turn left onto Kent Avenue
227 ft·5 sec·Kent Avenue
11
Turn right onto Williamsburg Street East
0.1 mi·14 sec·Williamsburg Street East
Use the right lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward I 278 East: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, La Guardia Airport
13
Merge onto I 278
2.0 mi·3 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
3.5 mi·5 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
1.1 mi·2 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
Toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan, BronxUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto GCP; I 278
0.7 mi·1 min·Grand Central Parkway
17
Continue on I 278
1.6 mi·2 min·Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 46Toward Manhattan, Randalls IslandUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 46Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
20
Continue on Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
0.4 mi·41 sec·Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
21
Keep slight right at fork
127 ft·3 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street, 2nd AvenueUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive NorthUse the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto HRD
2.3 mi·3 min·Harlem River Drive
24
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 24Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge, Amsterdam Avenue, West 179 StreetUse the slight left lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington BridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge (Upper Level)Use the slight left lane.
27
Merge onto I 95; US 1
0.4 mi·42 sec·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
28
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
29
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
30
Keep slight right at fork onto Palisades Interstate Parkway
37 mi·47 min·Palisades Interstate Parkway
Exit 74Toward Palisades ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Enter roundabout onto US 6; US 202
260 ft·3 sec·US 6; US 202
32
Continue on US 6; US 202
0.6 mi·1 min·US 6; US 202
33
Turn left onto NY 9D
2.6 mi·4 min·Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway
Use the left lane.
34
Continue on NY 9D
1.4 mi·2 min·State Highway 9D
35
Continue on NY 9D
358 ft·7 sec·Route 9D
36
Continue on NY 9D
1.3 mi·2 min·State Highway 9D
37
Continue on NY 9D
2.7 mi·4 min·Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway
38
Continue on NY 9D
0.3 mi·34 sec·State Highway 9D
39
Continue on NY 9D
0.2 mi·28 sec·Chestnut Street
40
Turn right onto NY 301
52 ft·1 sec·Main Street
41
Arrive at destination
NY 301
Trip Plan
Given the short 1 hour and 42-minute duration and 66.2-mile distance, this trip offers a lot of flexibility. Leaving Brooklyn in the morning, perhaps after the initial rush hour, will allow you to maximize your time in Cold Spring. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, you won't need to worry extensively about refueling stops. The Palisades Interstate Parkway is your longest uninterrupted stretch at 37.4 miles, so plan any quick breaks before or after this section. This is a straightforward drive that doesn't require extensive planning, making it easy to depart on a whim.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 33.1 miles from Brooklyn, NY, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.4 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 15 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 33.1 miles or 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 1h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cold Spring, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brooklyn, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Brooklyn, NY
This is one driving day of about 66.2 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Brooklyn, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Palisades Interstate Parkway for about 37.4 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.1 and 18 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
10.1 mi into trip|~21m in|I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan, Bronx
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan...
8
13.6 mi into trip|~27m in
Take the exit toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 46
Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
8
14.6 mi into trip|~29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street, 2nd Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street,...
8
17.3 mi into trip|~34m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge, Amsterdam Avenue, West 179 Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 24
Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washingto...
9
18 mi into trip|~35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge (Upper Level)
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washingto...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.90 one way
$21.79 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg23 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$11.78
$23.57
premium
$4.92
$12.83
$25.66
diesel
$5.61
$14.62
$29.23
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
$11
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
19.9
0
$6.95
$3.18
Efficient EV
16.6
0
$5.79
$2.65
EV Truck/SUV
26.5
0
$9.27
$4.24
Gas CO2
23 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (65% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Brooklyn, NY
Morning
in Brooklyn on Tuesday
Local time
8:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SW 6 to 10 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Cold Spring, NY
Morning
in Cold Spring on Tuesday
Local time
8:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°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
1h 42m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 66.2-mile trip, with 75% of the drive utilizing major roads like the Palisades Interstate Parkway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 37.4 miles on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, offering a good opportunity to maintain a steady pace. While predominantly highway, the route may offer some transitions as you approach your destination. This drive is designed for efficiency and consistent speed.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37.4 mi on Palisades Interstate Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Palisades Interstate Parkway and Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in near I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 66.2 miles you will encounter 28 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 10.1 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.6 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 Brooklyn, NY and Cold Spring, NY, road signs point toward La Guardia Airport, Manhattan, Bronx, Randalls Island and Harlem River Drive North.
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 1h 42m. Total distance: 66.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 37.4 miles on Palisades Interstate Parkway. 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.
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 Cold Spring, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.1 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, African Burial Ground National Monument and General Grant National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cold Spring, NY before heading back.
