Traveling from Brooklyn to Vails Gate covers approximately 69.2 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete. This trip is well-suited for a single day, as it is short enough to avoid the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend around $11 on fuel for the journey. Because you will be navigating through local streets rather than major interstates, the transit time can fluctuate based on traffic density. Both the origin and destination are located within the Northeast region, keeping the overall environment familiar as you transition out of the city. Use this route if you prefer a direct, local approach to reaching Vails Gate without the complexity of highway systems.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
34.6 miles from Brooklyn, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NJ 17
22.9 mi
28m
NY 17
14.3 mi
16m
State Route 32
11.3 mi
18m
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
Longest stretch:
NJ 17
— 22.9 mi, about 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brooklyn, NY and Vails Gate, 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
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: RutherfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse 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
14 mi·16 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
39
Take the exit
1.5 mi·3 min
Exit 16Toward US 6, NY 17: HarrimanUse the slight right lane.
40
Continue on this road
152 ft·3 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 131Toward NY 17 South, NY 32 North: Woodbury, HarrimanUse the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Keep slight right at fork
256 ft·8 sec
Toward NY 32 North, CR 64: Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, Nininger RoadUse the right lane.
43
Turn straight onto NY 32
11 mi·18 min·State Route 32
Use the straight lane.
44
Turn left onto NY 94
71 ft·1 sec·NY 94
45
Arrive at destination
NY 94
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours is always wise when navigating local streets. You will not need to plan for any formal stops, as the 1 hour and 42 minute duration is manageable in one go. Keep in mind that your fuel budget of $11 is an estimate, so consider filling up your tank before you leave Brooklyn to avoid having to search for gas stations in unfamiliar areas. Pay close attention to navigation apps, as the reliance on local roads like Church and Rogers Avenues means you will encounter numerous intersections. A concrete tip for this specific drive is to stay alert for frequent turns, as the lack of highway miles means you will be making directional changes consistently until you reach your destination.
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 34.6 miles from Brooklyn, NY, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.9 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 15 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 34.6 miles or 54m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Vails Gate, 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 69.1 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 NJ 17 for about 22.9 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.2 and 57.7 — 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
10
57.6 mi into trip|~1h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 17 South, NY 32 North: Woodbury, Harriman
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 131
Toward NY 17 South, NY 32 North: Woodbury, Harr...
9
57.7 mi into trip|~1h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 32 North, CR 64: Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, Nininger Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward NY 32 North, CR 64: Woodbury Commons Pre...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.37 one way
$22.75 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg24 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$12.30
$24.60
premium
$4.92
$13.39
$26.79
diesel
$5.61
$15.26
$30.51
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
$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: 24.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
20.7
0
$7.26
$3.32
Efficient EV
17.3
0
$6.05
$2.76
EV Truck/SUV
27.6
0
$9.67
$4.42
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (67% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Brooklyn, NY
Morning
in Brooklyn on Tuesday
Local time
9:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
Destination
Vails Gate, NY
Morning
in Vails Gate on Tuesday
Local time
9:38 AM
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
10 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
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.
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...
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...
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...
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?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive as you make your way out of Brooklyn. You will spend your time navigating through city streets like Snyder Avenue, Rogers Avenue, and Church Avenue, as this route features a 0% highway share. Because the longest stretch is 0 miles on Snyder Avenue, you should prepare for constant maneuvering and frequent turns rather than long, uninterrupted stretches of road. This trip requires your full attention behind the wheel due to the persistent stop-and-go nature of local traffic. It offers a very different experience than a high-speed interstate commute, keeping you engaged with the local landscape throughout the entire 69.2-mile distance.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 22.9 mi on NJ 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NJ 17 and NY 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 Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 69.1 miles you will encounter 31 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 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 Vails Gate, NY, road signs point toward Manhattan, New Jersey, Jersey City, New York State Thruway North: Albany, Harriman and Cr 64: Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets.
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: 69.1 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 (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 22.9 miles on NJ 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 Vails Gate, 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 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, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall 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 Vails Gate, NY before heading back.
