Bushwick, NY to Clay, NY is 269.3 miles and takes about 5h 33m via I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. You'll primarily be on highways for this relatively short, single-day drive. It's a straightforward route that gets you from one part of the state to another efficiently. Consider this a practical option when you need to cover ground without a lot of 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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
134.7 miles from Bushwick, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
139.6 mi
2h 45m
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
US 46
10.8 mi
12m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
State Route 31
2.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 139.6 mi, about 2h 45m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 246 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,393 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,118
Quietest
1 AM
~445 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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Averaged across 52 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 Bushwick, NY and Clay, NY.
1
Start on Linden Street
0.1 mi·34 sec·Linden Street
2
Turn left onto Wilson Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·Wilson Avenue
3
Turn left onto Myrtle Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Myrtle Avenue
4
Turn right onto Bushwick Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Bushwick Avenue
5
Turn left onto Grand Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Grand Street
6
Continue on Borinquen Place
0.4 mi·1 min·Borinquen Place
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward Williamsburg BridgeUse the straight / right lanes.
8
Merge onto Williamsburg Bridge
0.2 mi·21 sec·Williamsburg Bridge
9
Keep slight left at fork onto Williamsburg Bridge
1.2 mi·2 min·Williamsburg Bridge
Use the slight left lane.
10
Continue on Delancey Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Delancey Street
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on Kenmare Street
0.2 mi·57 sec·Kenmare Street
12
At end of road, turn left onto Lafayette Street
222 ft·11 sec·Lafayette Street
Use the left lane.
13
Turn right onto Broome Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Broome Street
Use the right lane.
14
Continue on Watts Street
0.2 mi·38 sec·Watts Street
15
Take the exit
383 ft·13 sec
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto I 78
1.8 mi·3 min·Holland Tunnel
17
Continue on I 78
0.4 mi·1 min·14th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
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
19
Continue on NJ 139
0.8 mi·1 min·NJ 139 Lower Level
20
Continue on NJ 139
406 ft·7 sec·Pulaski Skyway
21
Take the exit
420 ft·14 sec
Toward US 1-9 North: SecaususUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
2.6 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Turn straight onto NJ 3
11 mi·13 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto US 46
11 mi·12 min·US 46
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap
26
Continue on I 80W
1.6 mi·1 min·Interstate 80 West
Toward I 287: Morristown, MahwahUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water GapUse the straight / slight left lanes.
28
Merge onto I 80
45 mi·52 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
31
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
32
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
33
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
34
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi·2 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
66 mi·1 hr 17 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: SyracuseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
0.2 mi·17 sec·I 81
Toward SyracuseUse the straight lane.
37
Continue on I-81
0.4 mi·26 sec·I-81
38
Continue on I 81
13 mi·16 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
39
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 30Toward NY 31: Cicero, BridgeportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Turn left onto NY 31
0.9 mi·1 min·East Seymour Street
Use the left lane.
41
Continue on NY 31
2.2 mi·2 min·State Route 31
42
Arrive at destination
NY 31
Trip Plan
For this 5.5-hour drive, leaving Bushwick in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and avoid peak traffic. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but planning for one stop around the halfway point is wise for stretching your legs and refueling. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is over 139 miles on I 81, so make sure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the more rural sections of I 81, as services might be less frequent compared to closer to the start.
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 134.7 miles from Bushwick, NY, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 139.6 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 59 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.7 miles or 2h 53m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clay, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bushwick, 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 Bushwick, NY
This is one driving day of about 269.3 miles and 5h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Bushwick, 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 81 for about 139.6 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.3 and 266 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
5.3 mi into trip|~14m in|Lafayette Street
At end of road, turn left onto Lafayette Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
5.8 mi into trip|~16m 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 slight right lane.
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
7
9.2 mi into trip|~23m in
Take the exit toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
7
185.8 mi into trip|~3h 54m in|I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 North: Syracuse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
8
266 mi into trip|~5h 29m in
Take the exit toward NY 31: Cicero, Bridgeport
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 30
Toward NY 31: Cicero, Bridgeport
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.57 one way
$87.13 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$47.28
$94.55
premium
$4.85
$51.40
$102.80
diesel
$4.80
$50.85
$101.70
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
$44
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.8
0
$28.28
$12.93
Efficient EV
67.3
0
$23.56
$10.77
EV Truck/SUV
107.7
1
$37.70
$17.24
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Bushwick, NY
Late night
in Bushwick on Monday
Local time
2:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Smoke
S 7 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 2:45PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
Clay, NY
Late night
in Clay on Monday
Local time
2:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Mostly Cloudy
SE 5 mph11% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 2:45PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
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
5h 33m 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.
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...
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...
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 mostly highway, with 72% of it on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 139.6 miles on I 81, which means you can settle into a cruising pace for a significant portion of the trip. Expect frequent exits as you navigate the urban areas near the start, transitioning to more open cruising on the interstate for the majority of the drive. The road profile is mostly highway, so prepare for consistent speeds and limited surface street driving.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 139.6 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.3 miles in near Lafayette Street.
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 27 significant decision points across 269.3 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 5.3 miles (Lafayette Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,874 ft35 ft
Total Climb
2,595 ft
Total Descent
2,233 ft
Highest Point
1,874 ft
~115.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,839 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bushwick, NY and Clay, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah, Albany and Syracuse.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 33m. Total distance: 269.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 139.6 miles on I 81. 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 32 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 Clay, 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 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.3 miles (Lafayette Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Stonewall National Monument, African Burial Ground 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Clay, NY before the return drive.
