Bushwick, NY to Thompson, NY is 285.9 miles and takes about 6h 19m 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 bustling Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. With over 65% of the drive on highways, expect a fairly direct path. This route is suitable for a single-day adventure if you're looking for an efficient way to cover the distance.
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
142.9 miles from Bushwick, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
73.8 mi
1h 28m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
US 11
30.6 mi
40m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
State Highway 96
16.2 mi
23m
NJ 3
10.9 mi
13m
US 46
10.8 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 73.8 mi, about 1h 28m
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
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 Thompson, 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
14 mi·16 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
36
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 8Toward NY 26 North: Whitney Point, Lisle
37
Turn right onto NY 26
0.5 mi·43 sec·NY 26
38
At end of road, turn left onto US 11; NY 26
0.1 mi·9 sec·US 11; NY 26
39
Continue on US 11; NY 79
31 mi·39 min·US 11; NY 79
40
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 79
0.1 mi·19 sec·Seneca Way
41
Continue on NY 79
0.9 mi·2 min·East Seneca Street
Use the straight lane.
42
Turn right onto Taughannock Boulevard
338 ft·15 sec·Taughannock Boulevard
43
Turn left onto NY 96
0.2 mi·21 sec·West Buffalo Street
44
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi·2 min·Cliff Street
45
Continue on NY 96
8.7 mi·12 min·Trumansburg Road
46
Continue on NY 96
1.4 mi·2 min·East Main Street
47
Continue on NY 96
0.1 mi·11 sec·Trumansburg Road
48
Continue on NY 96
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 96
49
Turn right onto CR 141A
1.5 mi·2 min·Powell Road
50
Continue on CR 141
0.9 mi·1 min·County Road 141
51
Turn left onto NY 89
10 mi·13 min·State Highway 89
52
Turn left onto CR 128
2.4 mi·4 min·Ernsberger Road
53
At end of road, turn right onto NY 414
2.8 mi·4 min·Ovid Street
54
Turn left onto NY 336
1.8 mi·3 min·Townline Road
55
Turn right onto NY 96
6.2 mi·8 min·State Highway 96
56
Continue on NY 96
0.2 mi·36 sec·Fayette Street
57
Turn right onto NY 96
354 ft·16 sec·West River Street
58
Turn left onto NY 96
0.3 mi·27 sec·Washington Street
59
Continue on NY 96
0.9 mi·1 min·South Virginia Street
60
Turn left onto NY 96
0.2 mi·15 sec·North Road
61
Continue on NY 96
6.0 mi·8 min·State Highway 96
62
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 90: Lyons, Thruway
63
Merge onto NY 14
2.9 mi·4 min·NY 14
Use the straight / right lanes.
64
Turn right onto Avery Road
0.7 mi·2 min·Avery Road
65
Turn left onto Townline Road
0.9 mi·3 min·Townline Road
66
Arrive at destination
Townline Road
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour drive time, leaving Bushwick in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight. You'll have one recommended stop, so plan for a brief break to stretch your legs. The longest stretch without a major exit is 73.8 miles on I 81, so ensure you have enough fuel before entering that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition from the main highways to more rural roads.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 142.9 miles from Bushwick, NY, or about 3h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.8 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 63 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.9 miles or 3h 3m 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 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Thompson, 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 285.9 miles and 6h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 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 73.8 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 43
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.4 and 9.2 — 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.
6
5.4 mi into trip|~14m in|Broome Street
Turn right onto Broome Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.25 one way
$92.50 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$50.19
$100.38
premium
$4.85
$54.57
$109.14
diesel
$4.80
$53.98
$107.97
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: 100 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.8
1
$30.02
$13.72
Efficient EV
71.5
0
$25.02
$11.44
EV Truck/SUV
114.4
1
$40.03
$18.30
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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 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
Thompson, NY
Late night
in Thompson on Monday
Local time
2:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Partly Cloudy
E 2 to 7 mph5% 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
8 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
6h 19m 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.
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 65% of the drive on the freeway. You'll experience a long stretch of 73.8 miles on I 81, which means you can settle in for some consistent cruising. The highway driving will eventually give way to surface roads as you near your destination.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
66 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.8 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 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 43 significant decision points across 285.9 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 5.4 miles (Broome Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,844 ft35 ft
Total Climb
2,228 ft
Total Descent
1,822 ft
Highest Point
1,844 ft
~102.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,809 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 Thompson, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah, Albany and Lisle.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 19m. Total distance: 285.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 19m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.8 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 34 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 Thompson, 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 34 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 5.4 miles (Broome Street): 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 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Thompson, NY before the return drive.
