Trip from Cedarhurst, NY to Syracuse, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 35m

Distance

268.1 mi

431 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 22m ★

6 AM

5h 36m

8 AM

6h 2m

10 AM

5h 45m

12 PM

5h 42m

3 PM

5h 46m

5 PM

6h 1m

8 PM

5h 28m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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village in Nassau County, New York, United States of America, suburb of NYC

Cedarhurst, NY

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States

Syracuse, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 268.1-mile drive from Cedarhurst, NY, to Syracuse, NY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes of pure driving time. The majority of this trip, 73% to be exact, is spent on highways, making it a focused journey through New York State. With a fuel cost estimated at $44, this route is an efficient option for traversing from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. You'll primarily be on I-81, the Christopher Columbus Highway, and I-380. This straightforward itinerary is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.

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

134 miles from Cedarhurst, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	128.5 mi	2h 31m
Christopher Columbus Highway	44.6 mi	52m
I 380	27.7 mi	30m
Keystone Shortway	17.3 mi	24m
US 46	10.8 mi	12m
NJ 3	10.2 mi	12m
Van Wyck Expressway	5 mi	6m
Long Island Expressway	4.8 mi	7m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 128.5 mi, about 2h 31m

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

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

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 Cedarhurst, NY and Syracuse, NY.

Start on Cedarhurst Avenue

0.3 mi · 1 min · Cedarhurst Avenue

Turn left onto West Broadway

0.4 mi · 51 sec · West Broadway

Turn right onto Rockaway Turnpike

0.8 mi · 1 min · Rockaway Turnpike

Use the right lane.

Continue on Rockaway Boulevard

2.5 mi · 6 min · Rockaway Boulevard

Use the straight lane.

Turn straight onto NY 878

1.2 mi · 1 min · Nassau Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway, Bronx

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 25 sec

Continue on I 678

5.0 mi · 6 min · Van Wyck Expressway

Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 58 sec

Exit 12B Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 495

3.4 mi · 5 min · Long Island Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min

Exit 17W Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 49 sec

Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 495

1.4 mi · 2 min · Long Island Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

1.3 mi · 2 min · Queens-Midtown Tunnel

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 18 sec

Toward Crosstown, 37th Street Use the slight left lane.

Turn slight left onto East 37th Street

1.1 mi · 3 min · East 37th Street

Use the slight left lane.

Take the ramp

474 ft · 11 sec

Toward Lincoln Tunnel

Turn right

342 ft · 11 sec

Use the right lane.

Merge onto NY 495

105 ft · 4 sec · Lincoln Tunnel Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 495

3.7 mi · 6 min · Lincoln Tunnel Expressway

Toward Lincoln Tunnel Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 29 sec

Toward NJ 3 West: Secaucus Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

453 ft · 7 sec

Toward NJ 3 West: Clifton Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto NJ 3

10 mi · 12 min · NJ 3

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto US 46

11 mi · 12 min · US 46

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap

Continue on I 80W

1.6 mi · 1 min · Interstate 80 West

Toward I 287: Morristown, Mahwah Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 21 sec

Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water Gap Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 80

45 mi · 52 min · Christopher Columbus Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

5.5 mi · 8 min · Keystone Shortway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

12 mi · 15 min · Keystone Shortway

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 46 sec

Exit 293 Toward I 380 North: Scranton

Continue on I 380

28 mi · 30 min · I 380

Use the straight lane.

Merge onto I 81

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 81

Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

66 mi · 1 hr 17 min · I 81

Toward I 81 North: Syracuse Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

0.2 mi · 17 sec · I 81

Toward Syracuse Use the straight lane.

Continue on I-81

0.4 mi · 26 sec · I-81

Continue on I 81

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 81

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Toward Adams Street, Harrison Street Use the slight right lane.

Continue on Almond Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Almond Street

Use the left / slight left / straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto NY 92

0.3 mi · 36 sec · East Genesee Street

At end of road, turn right onto US 11

10 ft · 0 sec · South State Street

Arrive at destination

US 11

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 35-minute estimated duration, starting your trip from Cedarhurst, NY, earlier in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. While you'll only need one planned stop, consider breaking up the 128.5-mile stretch on I-81 for a fuel or rest break. The $44 fuel cost is a reasonable estimate, but always factor in potential fluctuations. This route is manageable in one day, so you have flexibility in your departure time. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you approach more populated areas within New York.

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 134 miles from Cedarhurst, NY, or about 2h 56m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.5 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 59 miles or 1h 25m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 134 miles or 2h 56m 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 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Syracuse, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Cedarhurst, 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 Cedarhurst, NY

This is one driving day of about 268.1 miles and 5h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Cedarhurst, 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 128.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

New York City, NY

134 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

New York City, NY to Syracuse, NY

250.7 mi · 5h 4m

Pacing Suggestions

New York City, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Scranton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 134 miles from Cedarhurst, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 128.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · first break window

OBAO | Midtown Thai & Vietnamese Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the start, right off the route

First break · 24min in 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+12123085588

Visit website

SHI

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Long Island City, New York

0.7 mi

Buena Vista Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

1.3 mi

Best coffee break · first break window

Grace Street Coffee & Desserts

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the start, right off the route

First break · 24min in 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19175402776

Visit website

Bryant Park Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

New York, New York

0.7 mi

51st Bakery & Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Long Island City, New York

0.9 mi

OBAO | Midtown Thai & Vietnamese Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

New York, New York

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+12123085588

Visit website

SHI

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $50 to $10

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 1–10:15 pm

+13472422448

Visit website

Buena Vista Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10

New York, New York

Hours: 3–11 pm

+12123885040

Visit website

Fusion 27 restaurant and catering services

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Totowa, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+19735955595

Visit website

Le Tout Va Bien - French Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

New York, New York

Hours: 4–11 pm

+12122650190

Visit website

Veselka

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122289682

Visit website

THEP Thai Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

New York, New York

Hours: 11:30 am–3:30 pm

+12128999995

Visit website

Casanova Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11 am–10:30 pm

+19292502076

Visit website

Grace Street Coffee & Desserts

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19175402776

Visit website

Bryant Park Café

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+12128406500

Visit website

51st Bakery & Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+17187070554

Visit website

Aleef Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12125642723

Little Armenia Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 5:30–10 PM

+13477011372

Visit website

Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+19178326726

Visit website

Café Boulud at Maison BARNES

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $100 or ab

New York, New York

Hours: 12–2:30 PM

+12127722600

Visit website

Tartinery Café - Bar | Columbus Circle

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

New York, New York

Hours: 8 AM–8 PM

+19174091991

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Dover, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Mt Pocono, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Rockaway, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charge Point

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hours: 10 am–6:30 pm

Visit website

Movement LIC

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+17187297625

Visit website

Central Park Pedicab Tours

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+19174051303

Visit website

New York Pass®

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777141999

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 36

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.1 and 24.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

11.1 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the exit toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 12B Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel

15.1 mi into trip | ~26m in

Take the exit toward I 278 West: Brooklyn

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 17W Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn

16.1 mi into trip | ~27m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan

19.3 mi into trip | ~33m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Crosstown, 37th Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward Crosstown, 37th Street

24.8 mi into trip | ~45m in

Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 3 West: Clifton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward NJ 3 West: Clifton

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.37 one way

$86.74 round trip

$4.11/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.46	$47.07	$94.13
premium	$4.85	$51.17	$102.34
diesel	$4.80	$50.62	$101.24

Estimated Tolls: $16.06

Lincoln Tunnel $16.00

Rockaway Turnpike (0.8 mi) $0.06

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

$43

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$84–$109

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 93.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	80.4	0	$28.15	$12.87
Efficient EV	67	0	$23.46	$10.72
EV Truck/SUV	107.2	1	$37.53	$17.16

Gas CO2

94 kg

EV CO2

31 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 Jul 18, 2026

Origin

Cedarhurst, NY

Morning in Cedarhurst on Monday

Local time

6:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

72°F

Smoke

S 7 mph 1% chance Live 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

Syracuse, NY

Morning in Syracuse on Monday

Local time

6:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Patchy Smoke

SE 3 to 7 mph 7% chance Live 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

7 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

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument

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...

5 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 18.5

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 268.1-mile journey, with 73% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-81 and I-380. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 128.5 miles on I-81, offering a consistent pace. This profile suggests a predominantly fast-paced experience, with fewer opportunities for leisurely exploration off the main arteries. While it's a highway-centric route, the Christopher Columbus Highway may offer some variation before you merge onto the interstates.

73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 128.5 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 11.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 36 significant decision points across 268.1 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 11.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,886 ft 25 ft

Total Climb

2,719 ft

Total Descent

2,346 ft

Highest Point

1,886 ft

~114.9 mi in

Elevation Range

1,860 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Cedarhurst, NY and Syracuse, NY, road signs point toward Manhattan, Crosstown, Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Albany.

Manhattan

16.1 mi in | ~27m

Crosstown

19.3 mi in | ~33m

Del Water Gap

45.8 mi in | ~1h 10m

Mahwah

46.1 mi in | ~1h 10m | via I 80W

Albany

196.3 mi in | ~4h 10m | via I 81

About the Cities

Starting in Cedarhurst, NY

Full guide →

Arriving in Syracuse, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1848

Syracuse is a city in Central New York. With a population of 149,000 in city proper and 662,000 in its metro area (2020), Syracuse is the fifth largest city in the state of New York, and the third largest in Upstate New York.

Top landmarks

• Oncenter War Memorial Arena — arena in Syracuse, New York
• Everson Museum of Art — art museum in Syracuse, New York
• Niagara Mohawk Building — historic commercial building in New York, United States

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 35m. Total distance: 268.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 128.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $16.06 in tolls one way, starting with Lincoln 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 33 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 Syracuse, 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 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Syracuse, NY before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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