Traveling from Chemung to Brooklyn covers 226.2 miles and takes approximately 4 hours and 7 minutes of drive time. This journey is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach the city without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend about $36 on fuel for the trek, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Because the route stays entirely within New York, you will transition from the rural landscapes of the Southern Tier into the dense urban environment of the Northeast. Planning for a full day of travel ensures you arrive in Brooklyn comfortably, as the route demands your full attention.
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
113.1 miles from Chemung, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 81
53.4 mi
1h 3m
Southern Tier Expressway
48 mi
57m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
2 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 63.3 mi, about 1h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chemung, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on CR 60
0.1 mi·17 sec·Main Street
2
Turn left onto CR 3
0.3 mi·39 sec·Wyncoop Creek Road
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
4
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
48 mi·57 min·Southern Tier Expressway
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
6
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.
7
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.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
10
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
12
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
14
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
19
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
20
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
21
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
23
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
24
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
25
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
26
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
27
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
28
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
29
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
30
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
32
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a 4-hour and 7-minute commitment on local roads, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue. Because there are no designated stops listed, you should map out your own breaks in advance to manage the duration effectively. Keep in mind that the $36 fuel budget is an estimate, so fill your tank before leaving Chemung to avoid searching for stations in unfamiliar areas. Given the turn-heavy nature of this route, ensure your GPS is updated and reliable before heading out. This flexibility allows you to pace your travel according to your own energy levels throughout the day.
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 113.1 miles from Chemung, NY, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.3 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 50 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.1 miles or 2h 14m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chemung, 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 Chemung, NY
This is one driving day of about 226.2 miles and 4h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Chemung, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 63.3 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 48.8 and 219.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
48.8 mi into trip|~58m 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
102.2 mi into trip|~2h 2m 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...
7
214.3 mi into trip|~4h 21m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
214.5 mi into trip|~4h 22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
219.5 mi into trip|~4h 34m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.23 one way
$74.47 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$40.26
$80.52
premium
$4.92
$43.84
$87.68
diesel
$5.61
$49.94
$99.88
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$37
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.9
0
$23.75
$10.86
Efficient EV
56.6
0
$19.79
$9.05
EV Truck/SUV
90.5
1
$31.67
$14.48
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Chemung, NY
Late night
in Chemung on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night
in Brooklyn on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
49°F
Ramapo, NY
113 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
11 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
4h 47m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 218.4
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 218.4
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 218.4
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 218.4
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 218.4
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 218.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route features no highway stretches, meaning you will navigate surface roads for the entirety of the 226.2-mile journey. The lack of high-speed highway miles requires consistent focus on navigation and local road conditions. As you make your way toward the metropolitan area, the road character shifts from quiet, winding rural paths to the increasingly complex traffic patterns of the city. Expect a drive that prioritizes steady, technical maneuvering over high-speed cruising.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.3 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Keystone Shortway and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 48.8 miles in near I 81.
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 25 significant decision points across 226.2 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 48.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.2 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 214.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Chemung, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city.
Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest.
Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
Top landmarks
•Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
•Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 47m. Total distance: 226.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.3 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 in tolls one way, starting with Holland 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.
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 Brooklyn, 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 48.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.2 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 214.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Brooklyn, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
