Caneadea to Hempstead is 348.5 miles and takes about 7h 6m via Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, and I 81, with a fuel budget near $57 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This journey stays within the Northeast region, taking you across New York State. Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. With a recommended one-day duration and a manageable distance, this route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points.
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
174.3 miles from Caneadea, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 29m into the drive
.
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 336 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,190 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,979
Quietest
1 AM
~446 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Caneadea, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on Cemetery Road
55 ft·3 sec·Cemetery Road
2
Turn right onto NY 19
8.1 mi·12 min·NY 19
3
Turn left onto CR 16
2.3 mi·4 min·County Highway 16
4
Continue on West Main Street
1.2 mi·2 min·West Main Street
5
Enter roundabout onto East Main Street
0.1 mi·14 sec·East Main Street
6
Continue on East Main Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·East Main Street
7
Turn right onto Peacock Hill Road
0.4 mi·43 sec·Peacock Hill Road
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
9
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
141 mi·2 hr 44 min·Southern Tier Expressway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
15
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·5 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
21
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
23
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
24
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
26
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
28
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
30
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
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.
32
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
33
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
36
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi·2 min·Braddock Avenue
37
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi·34 sec·Jamaica Avenue
38
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi·56 sec·Jericho Turnpike
39
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi·3 min·Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
40
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi·56 sec·New Hyde Park Road
41
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi·3 min·Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
42
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi·1 min·Front Street
Use the right lane.
43
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
44
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi·26 sec·Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 6m estimated duration, leaving in the morning is your best bet to complete this 348.5-mile drive before dark. With only 2 planned stops, you can space them out, perhaps one after a couple of hours and another midway. Keep an eye on fuel, especially as you transition from the Southern Tier Expressway to I 81, ensuring you have enough to reach your next refueling point. Since this is a feasible one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your stops based on how you feel, but aim to make them efficient to maintain your schedule.
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 174.3 miles from Caneadea, NY, or about 3h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 140.6 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 77 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 174.3 miles or 3h 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Caneadea, 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 Caneadea, NY
This is one driving day of about 348.5 miles and 7h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Caneadea, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 140.6 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 32
5 decision points cluster between mile 153.2 and 330.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
153.2 mi into trip|~3h 4m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
206.6 mi into trip|~4h 7m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
8
321.1 mi into trip|~6h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Ne...
9
321.4 mi into trip|~6h 24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
8
330.8 mi into trip|~6h 38m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$57.75 one way
$115.50 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.57
$62.63
$125.27
premium
$4.99
$68.47
$136.93
diesel
$5.13
$70.44
$140.88
Estimated Tolls: $22.73
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
Hempstead Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
Jericho Turnpike
(0.5 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
$58
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$105–$130
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-20.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.6
1
$36.59
$16.73
Efficient EV
87.1
0
$30.49
$13.94
EV Truck/SUV
139.4
1
$48.79
$22.30
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% 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 21, 2026
Origin
Caneadea, NY
Night
in Caneadea on Wednesday
Local time
10:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Night
in Hempstead on Wednesday
Local time
10:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 12 to 15 mph96% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 21 at 7:33PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 21 at 7:12PM EDT until July 22 at 7:15AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
81°F
Barton, NY
174 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
10 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 6m 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.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 324.5
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 324.5
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...
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 324.5
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 324.5
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 324.5
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 324.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is a highway-focused drive, with 71% of it being on major highways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Southern Tier Expressway, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 140.6 miles. The use of the Keystone Shortway and I 81 indicates a predominantly fast-paced journey. While the highway share is high, expect some variation as you transition between these major arteries, but the overall character remains geared towards efficient travel.
71% 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: 140.6 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 153.2 miles in near I 81.
Driving Effort9/10
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 32 significant decision points across 348.5 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 153.2 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 321.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,953 ft55 ft
Total Climb
2,208 ft
Total Descent
3,393 ft
Highest Point
1,953 ft
~224.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,898 ft
Notable High Points
1,953 ft at ~224.1 miles+542 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Caneadea, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level.
Mt Pocono
206.6 mi in|~4h 7m|via US 6
Milford
207.3 mi in|~4h 8m|via I 84; I 380
New York City
321.1 mi in|~6h 23m
Leonia
321.4 mi in|~6h 24m
Teaneck
321.4 mi in|~6h 24m
George Washington Bridge Upper Level
323.6 mi in|~6h 28m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods.
Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.
Top landmarks
•Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 6m. Total distance: 348.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 6m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 140.6 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.73 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 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 Hempstead, 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 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 153.2 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 321.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Stonewall 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 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hempstead, NY before the return drive.
