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Trip from Charleston, NY to Staten Island, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 14m

Distance

202.3 mi

326 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 2m ★
6 AM
4h 15m
8 AM
4h 41m
10 AM
4h 24m
12 PM
4h 21m
3 PM
4h 25m
5 PM
4h 40m
8 PM
4h 7m

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

Downtown Charleston, NY, NY

Charleston, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

Charleston, NY to Staten Island, NY is 202.3 miles and takes about 4h 14m via New York State Thruway and NJ 17, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. Expect a drive with a significant number of turns, suggesting it's not a straightforward highway cruise for the entire journey. With a recommended one-day duration, it's a manageable trip for most drivers looking to cover this distance efficiently.

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

101.2 miles from Charleston, NY

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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New York State Thruway 127.7 mi 2h 27m
NJ 17 22.7 mi 29m
Main Street 7.8 mi 11m
I 88 4.9 mi 5m
New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension 4.7 mi 5m
NJ 440 4.5 mi 6m
State Highway 30A 4.5 mi 6m
NJ 3 4.2 mi 4m
Longest stretch: New York State Thruway — 127.7 mi, about 2h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Charleston, NY and Staten Island, NY.

1

Start on NY 30A

1.0 mi · 1 min · Oak Ridge Road
2

Continue on NY 30A

1.6 mi · 2 min · Oak Ridge Road
3

Continue on NY 30A

4.5 mi · 6 min · State Highway 30A
4

Turn left onto US 20

3.4 mi · 4 min · United States Highway 20
5

Continue on US 20

7.8 mi · 11 min · Main Street
6

Turn left

431 ft · 6 sec
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
8

Merge onto I 88

4.9 mi · 5 min · I 88
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 44 sec
Toward I 90 East: Albany
10

Merge onto I 90

9.6 mi · 11 min · New York State Thruway
11

Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway

118 mi · 2 hr 16 min · New York State Thruway
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17

0.9 mi · 59 sec · NY 17
Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey Use the slight right lane.
13

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
14

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

23 mi · 29 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
16

Merge onto NJ 3

4.2 mi · 4 min · NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Continue on US 1; US 9

2.5 mi · 3 min · Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9

0.1 mi · 9 sec · Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel Use the left lane.
20

Merge onto NJ 139

0.7 mi · 1 min · Conrail Viaduct
21

Continue on NJ 139

0.3 mi · 27 sec · 12th Street Viaduct
22

Take the exit

236 ft · 9 sec
Use the left lane.
23

Turn left onto Jersey Avenue

463 ft · 23 sec · Jersey Avenue
Use the left lane.
24

Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139

408 ft · 5 sec · 14th Street Viaduct
Use the left lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork onto I 78; NJTP

4.7 mi · 5 min · New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
Toward NJTP: New Jersey Turnpike Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 14A Toward NJ 440: Bayonne Use the right lane.
27

Continue on Port Jersey Boulevard

0.3 mi · 17 sec · Port Jersey Boulevard
Toward NJ 440
28

Take the exit

357 ft · 8 sec
Toward NJ 440 South: Chosin Few Way Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ 440 South Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
30

Merge onto NJ 440

4.5 mi · 6 min · NJ 440
31

Continue on NY 440

1.4 mi · 2 min · Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
32

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 55 sec
Exit 10E Toward I 278 East: Verrazano Bridge, Brooklyn
33

Merge onto I 278

0.8 mi · 1 min · Staten Island Expressway
34

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 11 Toward I 278 West: Bradley Avenue Use the slight right lane.
35

Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue

198 ft · 8 sec · South Gannon Avenue
36

Turn right onto Bradley Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
37

Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue

0.8 mi · 2 min · Brielle Avenue
38

Turn left onto Rockland Avenue

1.2 mi · 2 min · Rockland Avenue
39

Continue on Richmond Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Richmond Road
40

Turn left onto Kensico Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Kensico Street
41

At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue

284 ft · 13 sec · Clarke Avenue
42

Turn right onto Cotter Avenue

0.3 mi · 54 sec · Cotter Avenue
43

Continue on Corona Avenue

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Corona Avenue
44

Turn right onto Croft Court

147 ft · 6 sec · Croft Court
45

Arrive at destination

Croft Court

Trip Plan

Given the 4h 14m estimated duration and 202.3-mile distance, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Consider leaving Charleston, NY in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, you can plan for a brief pause for fuel or a quick break. Pay attention as you approach Staten Island, as the "Turn-heavy local drive" profile suggests the final leg might require careful navigation through local streets.

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 101.2 miles from Charleston, NY, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.7 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 45 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 101.2 miles or 2h 2m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 19m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Charleston, 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 Charleston, NY

This is one driving day of about 202.3 miles and 4h 14m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Charleston, 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 127.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

101 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Albany, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Poughkeepsie, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 101.2 miles from Charleston, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 127.7 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 31

5 decision points cluster between mile 33.7 and 184.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
33.7 mi into trip | ~44m in | New York State Thruway

Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway toward I 87 South: New York, Boston

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
9
151.9 mi into trip | ~3h 1m 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
153.3 mi into trip | ~3h 2m 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
183.2 mi into trip | ~3h 40m in

Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
7
184.6 mi into trip | ~3h 43m in | I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct

Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.30 one way

$66.60 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 71 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $36.01 $72.02
premium $4.92 $39.21 $78.42
diesel $5.61 $44.67 $89.33

Estimated Tolls: $7.04

New York State Thruway (127.7 mi) $6.39
New Jersey Turnpike (4.7 mi) $0.65

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

$33

Tolls

$7

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 70.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 60.7 0 $21.24 $9.71
Efficient EV 50.6 0 $17.70 $8.09
EV Truck/SUV 80.9 1 $28.32 $12.95

Gas CO2

71 kg

EV CO2

24 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 Jun 20, 2022

Origin

Charleston, NY

Evening in Charleston on Sunday

Local time

5:04 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Staten Island, NY

Evening in Staten Island on Sunday

Local time

5:04 PM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Ramapo, NY

101 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

14 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

4h 14m 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.

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

National Monument

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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 188.4
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument

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...

3 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 188.4
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

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...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 181.4
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

African Burial Ground National Monument

National Monument

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...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 181.4
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Monument

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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 188.4
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 188.4
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This route offers a "Turn-heavy local drive" profile, meaning you'll encounter numerous turns and changes in road type. While 26% of the drive is on highways, the majority will involve navigating local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 127.7 miles on the New York State Thruway, offering a period of more consistent travel before you transition to more complex sections. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience where you'll be actively steering and making decisions frequently.

Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.7 mi on New York State Thruway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 33.7 miles in near New York State Thruway.

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 31 significant decision points across 202.3 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 33.7 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.3 miles (NJ 17): 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 Charleston, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Boston, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike.

Boston

33.7 mi in | ~44m | via New York State Thruway

Jersey City

183 mi in | ~3h 40m | via US 1; US 9

Pulaski Skyway

183 mi in | ~3h 40m | via US 1; US 9

Hoboken

183.2 mi in | ~3h 40m

Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike

184.7 mi in | ~3h 43m | via I 78; NJTP

About the Cities

Starting in Charleston, NY

Full guide →

Arriving in Staten Island, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1683

Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.

Top landmarks

  • Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
  • Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
  • Fort Wadsworth — United States military base

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 4h 14m. Total distance: 202.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 127.7 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $7.04 in tolls one way, starting with New York State Thruway. 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 Staten Island, 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 33.7 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.3 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Statue Of Liberty National Monument, Governors Island National Monument and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Staten Island, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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