Brooklyn, NY to Montour Falls, NY is 261.2 miles and takes about 5h 25m via I 86, I 81, and Christopher Columbus Highway, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York, transitioning from the bustling Northeast region to a more serene setting as you head upstate. It's a highway-focused trip, making it a straightforward option if you're looking for a direct route. The majority of the journey is on interstates, so expect a relatively fast pace and consistent driving conditions. Consider this route for a single-day journey when you need to get from NYC to the Finger Lakes region efficiently.
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
130.6 miles from Brooklyn, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 86
60.9 mi
1h 11m
I 81
58.1 mi
1h 9m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
NJ 3
10.9 mi
13m
Watkins Road
10.8 mi
13m
US 46
10.8 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 60.9 mi, about 1h 11m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 246 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,353 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,201
Quietest
1 AM
~459 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Brooklyn, NY and Montour Falls, 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 25Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, ManhattanUse 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 BridgeUse 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 JerseyUse 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: SecaususUse 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
11 mi·13 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto US 46
11 mi·12 min·US 46
Use the straight lane.
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap
31
Continue on I 80W
1.6 mi·1 min·Interstate 80 West
Toward I 287: Morristown, MahwahUse the straight / slight left lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water GapUse the straight / slight left lanes.
33
Merge onto I 80
45 mi·52 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
36
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
37
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
38
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
61 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
40
Take the exit
0.2 mi·37 sec
Exit 52AToward NY 14 North, CR 64: Watkins Glen
41
Turn left onto CR 64
0.1 mi·9 sec·County Road 64
42
Take the exit
0.1 mi·22 sec
43
Merge onto NY 14
1.4 mi·1 min·Westinghouse Road
44
At end of road, turn left onto NY 14
5.6 mi·7 min·Watkins Road
45
Continue on NY 14
1.5 mi·3 min·Main Street
46
Continue on NY 14
5.2 mi·5 min·Watkins Road
47
Arrive at destination
NY 14
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 25m estimated duration, this trip is comfortably achievable in a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Brooklyn in the morning, perhaps around 9 AM, should get you to Montour Falls by mid-afternoon, allowing time to settle in. Plan for one stop along the way, perhaps during the longest stretch on I 86, to refuel and stretch your legs. The fuel cost is estimated at $43, so check current prices before you depart. Keep an eye out for potential traffic delays as you leave the NYC metropolitan area, especially if departing during peak hours.
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 130.6 miles from Brooklyn, NY, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.9 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 57 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130.6 miles or 2h 48m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montour Falls, 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 261.2 miles and 5h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 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 I 86 for about 60.9 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 37
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 7.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1.8 mi into trip|~4m in|Ocean Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto Ocean Parkway toward Prospect Avenue, Prospect Expressway North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
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...
7
7.8 mi into trip|~17m in|Hudson Street
Turn left onto Hudson Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.43 one way
$92.86 round trip
$4.52/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.89
$50.27
$100.53
premium
$5.31
$54.64
$109.27
diesel
$6.20
$63.75
$127.49
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
$46
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-05.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78.4
0
$27.43
$12.54
Efficient EV
65.3
0
$22.86
$10.45
EV Truck/SUV
104.5
1
$36.57
$16.72
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% 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 Oct 10, 2026
Origin
Brooklyn, NY
Morning
in Brooklyn on Sunday
Local time
7:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Partly Sunny
NE 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Montour Falls, NY
Morning
in Montour Falls on Sunday
Local time
7:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
SE 0 to 6 mph0% chanceLive 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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 25m 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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely a highway-focused drive, with 66% of the trip on major interstates like I 86 and I 81. You'll encounter stretches designed for steady, higher speeds, making it easy to cover ground quickly. The longest uninterrupted segment is 60.9 miles on I 86, offering a solid period of consistent driving. While primarily interstate, the inclusion of Christopher Columbus Highway suggests a brief transition or approach segment. Overall, expect a driving experience that prioritizes efficiency over winding backroads.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60.9 mi on I 86.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in near Ocean Parkway.
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 37 significant decision points across 261.2 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 1.8 miles (Ocean Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,890 ft24 ft
Total Climb
2,599 ft
Total Descent
2,194 ft
Highest Point
1,890 ft
~111.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,866 ft
Notable High Points
1,890 ft at ~111.9 miles+1,027 ft prominence
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 Montour Falls, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Cr 64: Watkins Glen.
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 25m. Total distance: 261.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 60.9 miles on I 86. 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.
Yes — we found about 31 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 Montour Falls, 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 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles (Ocean Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Stonewall National Monument and Castle Clinton National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Montour Falls, NY before the return drive.
