Bushwick, NY to Lackawanna, NY is 378.3 miles and takes about 7h 59m via I 86, I 81, and Christopher Columbus Highway, with a fuel budget near $67 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, traveling entirely within New York State. Given the mostly highway profile and reasonable duration, it's a solid option for a single-day drive. You'll encounter a significant amount of highway driving, making it efficient for covering ground. Plan for about 2 stops along the way to break up the roughly 8-hour transit.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
189.2 miles from Bushwick, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 86
100 mi
1h 56m
I 81
58.1 mi
1h 9m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
Genesee Expressway
32.9 mi
37m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
Aurora Expressway
12.5 mi
14m
Varysburg Road
10.9 mi
15m
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 100 mi, about 1h 56m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 123 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
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Lackawanna, 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 left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
100 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 390
33 mi·37 min·Genesee Expressway
Toward I 390: Rochester
36
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 6Toward NY 36: Mount Morris, Letchworth Park
37
Turn left onto NY 36
4.3 mi·7 min·Sonyea Road
38
Continue on NY 36
1.8 mi·4 min·Main Street
39
Continue on NY 36
1.3 mi·1 min·Mount Morris Road
40
Turn left onto CR 64
2.3 mi·3 min·Perry Road
41
Continue on US 20A
7.4 mi·10 min·Leicester Road
42
Continue on US 20A
4.6 mi·8 min·East Buffalo Street
43
Continue on US 20A
1.7 mi·2 min·West Buffalo Road
44
Continue on US 20A
11 mi·15 min·Varysburg Road
45
Continue on US 20A
11 mi·15 min·Big Tree Road
46
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
47
Merge onto NY 400
13 mi·14 min·Aurora Expressway
48
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·44 sec
Toward I 90 West: Erie
49
Merge onto I 90
0.8 mi·1 min·New York State Thruway
50
Keep slight right at fork onto US 219
0.4 mi·43 sec·US 219
Toward US 219: Orchard Park, Springville
51
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward Lackawanna, Ridge Road WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
52
Turn slight right onto Ridge Road
1.6 mi·3 min·Ridge Road
Use the straight lane.
53
Arrive at destination
Ridge Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour, 59-minute drive, consider departing from Bushwick in the early morning to maximize daylight. With only 2 recommended stops, you can easily complete this trip in one day. The longest stretch without a major break is 100 miles on I 86, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the $67 estimated cost, and be aware that highway driving can make it easy to cover distance quickly, so pace yourself to avoid fatigue.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 189.2 miles from Bushwick, NY, or about 3h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100 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 83 miles or 1h 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 189.2 miles or 3h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lackawanna, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bushwick, NY
This is one driving day of about 378.3 miles and 7h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Bushwick, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 86 for about 100 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 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.4 and 376.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
3.4 mi into trip|~8m in|Williamsburg Bridge
Keep slight left at fork onto Williamsburg Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
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
376.4 mi into trip|~7h 55m in
Take the exit toward Lackawanna, Ridge Road West
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.
Toward Lackawanna, Ridge Road West
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.20 one way
$122.40 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg132 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$66.41
$132.82
premium
$4.85
$72.20
$144.41
diesel
$4.80
$71.43
$142.86
Estimated Tolls: $16.04
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(0.8 mi)$0.04
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
$61
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$102–$127
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 132.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
113.5
1
$39.72
$18.16
Efficient EV
94.6
1
$33.10
$15.13
EV Truck/SUV
151.3
1
$52.96
$24.21
Gas CO2
132 kg
EV CO2
44 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Bushwick, NY
Late night
in Bushwick on Sunday
Local time
3:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Smoke
N 6 to 12 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Lackawanna, NY
Late night
in Lackawanna on Sunday
Local time
3:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Smoke
E 1 to 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
84°F
Barton, NY
189 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
9 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
7h 59m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The majority of this 378.3-mile drive is on highways, accounting for 68% of the total distance. You'll experience a consistent stretch of 100 miles on I 86, offering a good opportunity for steady cruising. Beyond the highway segments, you'll transition to surface roads, which will likely feature more local traffic and varied speed limits. Expect frequent exits and entrances as you navigate through different sections of the state.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
53 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100 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 3.4 miles in near Williamsburg Bridge.
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 33 significant decision points across 378.3 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 3.4 miles (Williamsburg Bridge): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,919 ft35 ft
Total Climb
3,887 ft
Total Descent
3,300 ft
Highest Point
1,919 ft
~108.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,885 ft
Notable High Points
832 ft at ~54 miles+500 ft prominence
1,568 ft at ~297.2 miles+531 ft prominence
1,354 ft at ~351.3 miles+732 ft prominence
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 Lackawanna, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Letchworth Park.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 59m. Total distance: 378.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 59m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 100 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.04 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 41 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 Lackawanna, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 41 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.4 miles (Williamsburg Bridge): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; 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.
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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 16.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lackawanna, NY before the return drive.
