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Trip from Brooklyn, NY to Jefferson Heights, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 43m

Distance

127 mi

204 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 33m ★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 5m
10 AM
2h 51m
12 PM
2h 49m
3 PM
2h 52m
5 PM
3h 4m
8 PM
2h 37m

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

borough of New York City, New York, United States

Brooklyn, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Jefferson Heights, NY, NY

Jefferson Heights, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 127-mile drive from Brooklyn, NY, to Jefferson Heights, NY, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 90% of the journey on major roads like NY 17 and NJ 17. Expect a fuel cost of around $21 for this journey. Given its relatively short distance and highway nature, it's an efficient way to travel within the Northeast region. You'll find one recommended stop along the way, making it a straightforward excursion with minimal planning needed.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

63.5 miles from Brooklyn, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 83.7 mi 1h 36m
NJ 17 22.9 mi 28m
NJ 3 4.3 mi 5m
Tonnelle Avenue 2.6 mi 3m
Holland Tunnel 1.8 mi 3m
Prospect Expressway 1.3 mi 2m
West Street 1.1 mi 3m
CR 23B 0.9 mi 2m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 83.7 mi, about 1h 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Brooklyn, NY and Jefferson Heights, 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

0.4 mi · 40 sec · Caton Avenue
6

Turn right onto Saint Pauls Place

0.2 mi · 51 sec · Saint Pauls Place
7

At end of road, turn left onto Parkside Avenue

0.5 mi · 53 sec · Parkside Avenue
8

Enter roundabout onto Fort Hamilton Parkway

266 ft · 5 sec · Fort Hamilton Parkway
9

Continue on Fort Hamilton Parkway

33 ft · 0 sec · Fort Hamilton Parkway
10

Keep slight right at fork onto Ocean Parkway

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Ocean Parkway
Toward Prospect Avenue, Prospect Expressway North
11

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward NY 27 West: Prospect Expressway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
12

Merge onto NY 27

1.3 mi · 2 min · Prospect Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 27

0.4 mi · 46 sec · NY 27
Toward I 278 East: Queens, Bronx
14

Merge onto I 278

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Gowanus Expressway
15

Keep slight left at fork

2.3 mi · 4 min
Exit 25 Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork

230 ft · 10 sec
Toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge Use the right lane.
17

At end of road, turn right onto NY 9A

1.1 mi · 3 min · West Street
Use the right lane.
18

Turn right onto Vestry Street

0.2 mi · 47 sec · Vestry Street
19

Turn left onto Hudson Street

374 ft · 18 sec · Hudson Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
20

Take the exit

406 ft · 14 sec
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey Use the straight / left lanes.
21

Merge onto I 78

1.8 mi · 3 min · Holland Tunnel
22

Continue on I 78

0.4 mi · 1 min · 14th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
23

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139

0.3 mi · 24 sec · 14th Street Viaduct
Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
24

Continue on NJ 139

0.8 mi · 1 min · NJ 139 Lower Level
25

Continue on NJ 139

406 ft · 7 sec · Pulaski Skyway
26

Take the exit

420 ft · 14 sec
Toward US 1-9 North: Secausus Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Turn right onto US 1; US 9

2.6 mi · 3 min · Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
28

Turn straight onto NJ 3

4.3 mi · 5 min · NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
31

Merge onto NJ 17

3.3 mi · 3 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Continue on NJ 17

4.2 mi · 4 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Continue on NJ 17

4.1 mi · 5 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Continue on NJ 17

7.3 mi · 9 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
35

Continue on NJ 17

0.7 mi · 50 sec · NJ 17
36

Continue on NJ 17

3.3 mi · 4 min · NJ 17
37

Continue on I 287; NY 17

0.2 mi · 10 sec · I 287; NY 17
38

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17

84 mi · 1 hr 36 min · NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
39

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 21 Toward NY 23: Catskill, Cairo Use the slight right lane.
40

Continue on this road

519 ft · 14 sec · this road
41

Keep slight left at fork

156 ft · 11 sec
Toward Catskill, Hudson, Tannersville, Hunter, Windham
42

Turn left onto CR 23B

0.9 mi · 2 min · CR 23B
43

Arrive at destination

CR 23B

Trip Plan

For this 127-mile trip, departing Brooklyn in the morning should help you avoid the heaviest traffic. Since the total duration is under 3 hours, you can complete it in one go, but the single recommended stop provides a good opportunity to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 83.7-mile stretch on NY 17, as services might be more spread out. Planning your refueling before entering this longer segment could be a smart move.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63.5 miles from Brooklyn, NY, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.7 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 28 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.5 miles or 1h 28m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jefferson Heights, 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.

+

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 Brooklyn, NY

This is one driving day of about 127 miles and 2h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Brooklyn, 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 NY 17 for about 83.7 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

64 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

Yonkers, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.5 miles from Brooklyn, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.7 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 29

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.2 and 125.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
4.2 mi into trip | ~9m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 25 Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan
8
6.5 mi into trip | ~13m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel...
8
7.9 mi into trip | ~17m in

Take the exit toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / left lanes. Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
8
18.4 mi into trip | ~34m in

Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
8
125.4 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in

Take the exit toward NY 23: Catskill, Cairo

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 21 Toward NY 23: Catskill, Cairo

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.91 one way

$41.81 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $22.61 $45.21
premium $4.92 $24.62 $49.23
diesel $5.61 $28.04 $56.08

Estimated Tolls: $16.00

Holland Tunnel $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

$21

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.1 0 $13.33 $6.10
Efficient EV 31.8 0 $11.11 $5.08
EV Truck/SUV 50.8 0 $17.78 $8.13

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (66% 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 Sunday

Local time

6:04 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Jefferson Heights, NY

Morning in Jefferson Heights on Sunday

Local time

6:04 AM

EDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Ramapo, NY

64 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

8 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

2h 43m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 8.8
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

1 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 8.8
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 4.4
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

Stonewall National Monument

National Monument

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 8.8
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Monument

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 ~4 min detour Free near mile 8.8
View on nps.gov
Statue Of Liberty National Monument

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

National Monument

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 4.4
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is largely a highway-focused drive, designed for efficient travel. With 90% of the route on major highways, you'll experience a consistent pace for much of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 83.7 miles, primarily on NY 17, so be prepared for extended periods of higher-speed driving. While the profile is highway-centric, the transition between routes like NJ 3, NJ 17, and NY 17 will offer some variation as you progress toward your destination.

90% 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: 83.7 mi on NY 17.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.2 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 29 significant decision points across 127 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 4.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.9 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 Brooklyn, NY and Jefferson Heights, NY, road signs point toward New Jersey, Jersey City and New York State Thruway North: Albany.

New Jersey

7.9 mi in | ~17m

Jersey City

10.2 mi in | ~23m | via NJ 139

New York State Thruway North: Albany

41.8 mi in | ~1h 3m | via NY 17

About the Cities

Starting in Brooklyn, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1634

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

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 2h 43m. Total distance: 127 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 83.7 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $16.00 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.

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 Jefferson 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 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 4.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.9 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, Federal Hall National Memorial and Governors Island National Monument (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 Jefferson Heights, NY before heading back.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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