This 240-mile journey from Cambridge, NY to Brookhaven, NY is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 4 hours and 27 minutes of driving time. You'll primarily navigate local roads, as this route has a 0% highway share, making it a more engaging, turn-heavy experience. Budget approximately $39 for fuel for this trip. Given the duration and the nature of the drive, it's well-suited for a single day without the need for an overnight stay. The route stays within the Northeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout your drive.
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
120.2 miles from Cambridge, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
111.2 mi
2h 8m
Long Island Expressway
43.5 mi
59m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
State Highway 67
10.9 mi
17m
I 787
10.5 mi
15m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
South Park Street
5.3 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 111.2 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cambridge, NY and Brookhaven, NY.
1
Start on Broad Street
56 ft·9 sec·Broad Street
2
Turn left onto 372
0.3 mi·42 sec·West Main Street
3
Turn right onto NY 22
5.3 mi·8 min·South Park Street
4
Turn right onto NY 67
11 mi·17 min·State Highway 67
5
Turn left onto CR 117
0.6 mi·1 min·State Street
6
Continue on CR 117
2.4 mi·4 min·Melrose-Valley Falls Road
7
Continue on CR 119
1.4 mi·1 min·CR 119 - Madigan Road
8
Turn slight right onto CR 117
1.5 mi·2 min·Melrose-Valley Falls Road
9
Turn straight onto NY 40
2.6 mi·4 min·State Highway 40
10
Continue on NY 40
1.1 mi·2 min·Speigletown Road
11
Continue on NY 40
518 ft·13 sec·Brickyard Road
12
Continue on NY 40
0.6 mi·1 min·Leversee Road
13
Turn right onto NY 40; NY 142
465 ft·18 sec·Plank Road
14
Turn left onto NY 40
3.4 mi·7 min·Oakwood Avenue
15
Continue on NY 40
392 ft·14 sec·10th Street
16
Turn right onto NY 7
513 ft·16 sec·Hoosick Street
Use the right lane.
17
Turn right onto I 787; NY 7
0.5 mi·42 sec·I 787; NY 7
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 787
9.4 mi·13 min·I 787
Use the slight right lane.
19
Continue on I 787
0.6 mi·1 min·I 787
Exit 1Toward I 87 Toll: New York State Thruway
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1
21
Merge onto I 87
111 mi·2 hr 8 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
23
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
24
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
27
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
28
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
30
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
32
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
34
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
36
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
37
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Continue on I 295
3.2 mi·3 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 4E-WToward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long IslandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 4EToward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island
41
Merge onto I 495
43 mi·59 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 65Toward CR 16: Horse Block Road, Centereach, ShirleyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Turn straight onto Express Drive South
0.2 mi·21 sec·Express Drive South
Toward I 495, CR 101: Yaphank, Riverhead
44
Turn slight right onto CR 16
4.1 mi·6 min·Horseblock Road
Use the right lane.
45
At end of road, turn right onto CR 80
0.9 mi·1 min·Montauk Highway
Use the right lane.
46
Turn left onto CR 36
0.4 mi·50 sec·South Country Road
Use the left lane.
47
Arrive at destination
CR 36
Trip Plan
For this 240-mile drive, leaving Cambridge, NY in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid potential evening traffic as you approach Brookhaven, NY. With a 4-hour 27-minute estimated duration and a turn-heavy profile, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel if needed, even though the longest stretch isn't specified. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads can sometimes mean less frequent gas stations compared to major highways. The approximate $39 fuel cost should be factored into your budget before you depart.
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 120.2 miles from Cambridge, NY, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.2 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 53 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.2 miles or 2h 39m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brookhaven, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, NY
This is one driving day of about 240.4 miles and 5h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Cambridge, 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 New York State Thruway for about 111.2 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 152.6 and 190.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
152.6 mi into trip|~3h 16m in|NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
154 mi into trip|~3h 18m in|NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
183 mi into trip|~3h 58m in|I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
8
190.8 mi into trip|~4h 9m in
Take the exit toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
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 4E-W
Toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
8
190.9 mi into trip|~4h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 4E
Toward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, East...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.57 one way
$79.14 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$42.79
$85.58
premium
$4.92
$46.59
$93.19
diesel
$5.61
$53.08
$106.15
Estimated Tolls: $28.11
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(111.2 mi)$5.56
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
$40
Tolls
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$93–$118
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.1
0
$25.24
$11.54
Efficient EV
60.1
0
$21.04
$9.62
EV Truck/SUV
96.2
1
$33.66
$15.39
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Cambridge, NY
Late night
in Cambridge on Tuesday
Local time
4:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brookhaven, NY
Late night
in Brookhaven on Tuesday
Local time
4:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Ramapo, NY
120 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
19 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 18m 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.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 174.1
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 174.1
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 240.4
In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 16.6
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 174.1
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 182.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly local driving experience on this 240-mile route, with a 0% highway share and a "turn-heavy local drive" profile. You'll be spending your time on roads like West Main Street, South Park Street, and Highway 67, which means frequent turns and varying speed limits. There isn't a single longest uninterrupted stretch of road provided, suggesting constant engagement with your surroundings and the need to stay alert. This drive is less about covering distance quickly and more about the nuances of navigating local thoroughfares.
43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.2 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 152.6 miles in near NY 17.
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 28 significant decision points across 240.4 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 152.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 183 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cambridge, NY and Brookhaven, NY, road signs point toward Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York and Eastern Long Island.
Brookhaven is the largest town in Suffolk County, part of Long Island, New York. With 485,000 residents (2020). It includes a patchwork of villages and other communities, and is the only town on the island to touch both the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. The villages of Belle Terre, Bellport, Lake Grove, Mastic Beach, Old Field, Patchogue, Poquott, Port Jefferson, and Shoreham are semi-autonomous, and provide their own services in addition to those provided by the town. Other prominent communities include Mount Sinai, Stony Brook, and Fire Island, a long and car-free resort island off the south coast of the town.
Top landmarks
•Wardenclyffe Tower — early experimental wireless transmission station designed and built by Nikola Te...
•West Meadow Beach Historic District — historic district in the United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 18m. Total distance: 240.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111.2 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $28.11 in tolls one way, starting with George Washington Bridge. 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 16 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 Brookhaven, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 152.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 183 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Fire Island National Seashore (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brookhaven, NY before the return drive.
