Catskill, NY to Islip, NY is 160.1 miles and takes about 3h 25m via New York State Thruway and Southern State Parkway, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York, taking you from the Northeast region of the state down towards Long Island. It's a fairly straightforward journey, mostly on well-traveled parkways and the Thruway, making it a convenient option for a single-day trip. Plan for a mixed driving experience that balances highway speeds with some parkway cruising.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
80.1 miles from Catskill, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
83.1 mi
1h 35m
Southern State Parkway
24.7 mi
31m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Throgs Neck Bridge
2 mi
3m
I 95 EXPR
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 83.1 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Catskill, NY and Islip, NY.
1
Start on Main Street
134 ft·8 sec·Main Street
2
Turn right onto NY 385
0.2 mi·26 sec·Bridge Street
3
Turn left onto NY 385
0.6 mi·1 min·Spring Street
4
Turn left onto NY 23
1.5 mi·2 min·State Highway 23
Use the left lane.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward NYST, I 87: Jefferson Heights, Leeds
6
Turn right onto CR 23B
0.3 mi·44 sec·CR 23B
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward NYST, I 87
8
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·28 sec·this road
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 South: NY City
10
Merge onto I 87
83 mi·1 hr 35 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
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.
12
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
13
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.
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
16
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
21
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
23
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
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.
25
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
26
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
29
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
30
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
31
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft·9 sec·225th Street
Use the right lane.
32
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
33
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi·1 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 25AToward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long IslandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
35
Merge onto SO
25 mi·31 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Keep slight left at fork onto SO
0.2 mi·16 sec·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 41SToward Bay Shore Road South, Bay ShoreUse the slight right lane.
38
Turn straight onto CR 57
0.5 mi·1 min·Bay Shore Road
39
Continue on CR 57
0.3 mi·43 sec·Howells Road
40
Turn straight onto CR 57
341 ft·6 sec·Sunrise Highway
41
Keep slight right at fork onto CR 57
0.6 mi·1 min·Howells Road
Toward Howells Road SouthUse the right lane.
42
Continue on CR 57
0.2 mi·24 sec·Roosevelt Street
43
Continue on CR 57
0.7 mi·1 min·3rd Avenue
44
At end of road, turn left onto NY 27A
1.1 mi·1 min·East Main Street
45
Continue on Montauk Highway
0.2 mi·17 sec·Montauk Highway
46
Continue on NY 27A
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
47
Arrive at destination
NY 27A
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 25m estimated duration, this route is easily manageable as a single-day trip. Aim to depart Catskill in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you approach the Long Island area. The $26 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility to take breaks as needed, perhaps during the 83.1-mile stretch on the New York State Thruway if you need to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on traffic reports, particularly as you get closer to Islip, as parkways in that region can experience congestion.
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 80.1 miles from Catskill, NY, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.1 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 35 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.1 miles or 1h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Islip, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Catskill, 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 Catskill, NY
This is one driving day of about 160.1 miles and 3h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Catskill, 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 83.1 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 86.9 and 155.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
86.9 mi into trip|~1h 43m 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
88.3 mi into trip|~1h 44m 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
117.4 mi into trip|~2h 25m 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
130.3 mi into trip|~2h 43m in
Take the exit toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 25A
Toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Lon...
9
155.5 mi into trip|~3h 16m in
Take the exit toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 41S
Toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.35 one way
$52.71 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg56 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$28.50
$56.99
premium
$4.92
$31.03
$62.06
diesel
$5.61
$35.35
$70.70
Estimated Tolls: $26.71
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(83.1 mi)$4.16
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
$26
Tolls
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
48
0
$16.81
$7.68
Efficient EV
40
0
$14.01
$6.40
EV Truck/SUV
64
0
$22.41
$10.25
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Catskill, NY
Late night
in Catskill on Sunday
Local time
3:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Islip, NY
Late night
in Islip on Sunday
Local time
3:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
13 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
3h 25m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip offers a mixed drive experience, with about 40% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter the New York State Thruway for a significant portion, including a longest stretch of 83.1 miles, which allows for steady progress. As you transition to roads like the Southern State Parkway, the character shifts to a more parkway-style drive, often with multiple lanes and controlled access. Expect a blend of faster interstates and well-maintained parkways, keeping the driving engaging without being overly demanding.
40% 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: 83.1 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 86.9 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 29 significant decision points across 160.1 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 86.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.3 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.4 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 Catskill, NY and Islip, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York, Cross Island Parkway South, Southern State Parkway East and Eastern Long Island.
Islip (pronounced "ICE-lip") is a town on Long Island in the state of New York. Located within Suffolk County, the Town of Islip includes the villages of Brightwaters, Islandia, Ocean Beach and Saltaire. It also includes numerous hamlets including Bay Shore and Sayville which are ferry terminals for Fire Island. Other prominent communities are Bayport, Brentwood, Central Islip, Hauppauge, Islip village (the town seat), and Ronkonkoma.
Top landmarks
•Bayport Aerodrome — airport in Suffolk County, New York, United States
•Connetquot River State Park Preserve — state park in New York
•Modesty — oyster-dredging sloop built in Long Island
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 25m. Total distance: 160.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 83.1 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $26.71 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Islip, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 86.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.3 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.4 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Islip, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
