Cheektowaga, NY to Astoria, NY is 377.6 miles and takes about 7h 54m via Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, and I 81, with a fuel budget near $67 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, entirely within New York. The route is primarily highway driving, making it efficient for a single-day transit. You'll cover a significant distance, so plan for a full day of driving. It's a straightforward path connecting two points in the same state, ideal for when you need to get from A to B without much fuss.
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
188.8 miles from Cheektowaga, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 2m into the drive
.
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 168 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,210 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,900
Quietest
1 AM
~430 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Cheektowaga, NY and Astoria, NY.
1
Start on this road
49 ft·5 sec·this road
2
Turn right
66 ft·9 sec
3
Take the ramp
425 ft·12 sec
4
Turn right onto NY 277
4.2 mi·8 min·Union Road
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the ramp
264 ft·6 sec
Toward NY 400
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward NY 400 South: East AuroraUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto NY 400
11 mi·12 min·Aurora Expressway
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward US 20A, NY 78: East Aurora
9
Turn left onto US 20A; NY 78
0.1 mi·12 sec·Main Street
10
Continue on US 20A; NY 78
11 mi·15 min·Big Tree Road
11
Continue on US 20A
11 mi·15 min·Varysburg Road
12
Continue on US 20A
1.7 mi·2 min·West Buffalo Road
13
Continue on US 20A
4.6 mi·8 min·West Buffalo Street
14
Continue on US 20A
7.4 mi·10 min·Perry Center Road
15
Continue on CR 64
2.3 mi·3 min·Perry Road
16
Turn right onto NY 36
1.3 mi·1 min·Mount Morris Road
17
Continue on NY 36
1.8 mi·4 min·North Main Street
18
Continue on NY 36
4.1 mi·7 min·Sonyea Road
19
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
20
Merge onto I 390
33 mi·37 min·Genesee Expressway
21
Merge onto I 86
105 mi·2 hr 2 min·Southern Tier Expressway
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
23
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.
24
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.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
26
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
27
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
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.
29
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.
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
31
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
33
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
35
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
36
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
38
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
40
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.8 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
42
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 1C-DToward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany, Yankee StadiumUse the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 1DToward I 87 South: QueensUse the slight left lane.
44
Merge onto I 87
2.8 mi·4 min·Major Deegan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward I 278 West: RFK Bridge, Manhattan, QueensUse the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Continue on I 278
2.3 mi·4 min·Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Take the exit onto I 278 Truck
98 ft·2 sec·I 278 Truck
Exit 45Toward 31st Street, Astoria BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
48
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward 31st Street, Astoria Boulevard
49
Turn right onto 29th Street
315 ft·8 sec·29th Street
Use the right lane.
50
Turn right onto Astoria Boulevard
0.4 mi·1 min·Astoria Boulevard
Use the right lane.
51
Turn left onto 21st Street
0.2 mi·27 sec·21st Street
52
Turn right onto 30th Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·30th Avenue
53
Turn sharp right onto 12th Street
386 ft·18 sec·12th Street
54
Arrive at destination
12th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7h 54m drive, aim for an early morning departure from Cheektowaga to maximize daylight. With a fuel cost estimated at $67, be mindful of your fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch of 104.5 miles on the Southern Tier Expressway where services might be spaced out. You have two recommended stops, which can be strategically placed to break up the drive. Given it's a single-day trip, flexibility is key, but having a plan for where you'll refuel and take breaks will ensure a smoother arrival in Astoria.
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 188.8 miles from Cheektowaga, NY, or about 4h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.5 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 83 miles or 1h 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 188.8 miles or 4h 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 6h 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Astoria, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cheektowaga, 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 Cheektowaga, NY
This is one driving day of about 377.6 miles and 7h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Cheektowaga, 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 104.5 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 37
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.3 and 370.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
4.3 mi into trip|~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 400 South: East Aurora
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NY 400 South: East Aurora
9
250.8 mi into trip|~5h 16m 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
365.4 mi into trip|~7h 32m 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
365.7 mi into trip|~7h 32m 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
370.5 mi into trip|~7h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany, Yankee Stadium
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 1C-D
Toward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.08 one way
$122.17 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg132 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$66.29
$132.58
premium
$4.85
$72.07
$144.14
diesel
$4.80
$71.30
$142.60
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
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
$61
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$102–$127
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 132.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
113.3
1
$39.65
$18.12
Efficient EV
94.4
1
$33.04
$15.10
EV Truck/SUV
151
1
$52.86
$24.17
Gas CO2
132 kg
EV CO2
44 kg (67% 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 17, 2026
Origin
Cheektowaga, NY
Late night
in Cheektowaga on Sunday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Smoke
N 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Astoria, NY
Late night
in Astoria on Sunday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Smoke
NW 6 to 12 mph7% chanceLive forecast
84°F
Barton, NY
189 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 54m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 377.6
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 377.6
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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 377.6
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 377.6
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 377.6
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...
7 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 377.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 62% of the 377.6 miles on expressways. You'll experience a longest stretch of 104.5 miles on the Southern Tier Expressway, offering extended periods of consistent cruising. Expect plenty of exits as you transition between roads like the Southern Tier Expressway and I 81. The profile suggests a generally smooth driving experience with minimal rural transitions over long distances.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
54 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.5 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 4.3 miles in.
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 37 significant decision points across 377.6 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 4.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 250.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 365.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,973 ft24 ft
Total Climb
3,346 ft
Total Descent
3,974 ft
Highest Point
1,973 ft
~269.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,949 ft
Notable High Points
1,325 ft at ~27 miles+673 ft prominence
1,583 ft at ~80.9 miles+558 ft prominence
863 ft at ~323.7 miles+535 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cheektowaga, NY and Astoria, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono and Milford.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 54m. Total distance: 377.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 54m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104.5 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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 34 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 Astoria, 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 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 250.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 365.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange 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 7.9 hours each way, a round trip means 15.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Astoria, NY before the return drive.
