Traveling from Chittenango to Hempstead covers 262.9 miles, typically taking about 5 hours and 44 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused drive through the Northeast, you can comfortably complete the journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $43 on fuel as you navigate primarily via NY 17, State Highway 8, and NJ 17. The route stays entirely within New York state, transitioning from the central region toward the busy corridors of Long Island. It is a straightforward trip that is best approached with a clear schedule to account for the duration behind the wheel.
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
131.5 miles from Chittenango, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
106 mi
2h 12m
State Highway 8
36.8 mi
41m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
New York State Thruway
13.7 mi
15m
County Road 16
11.8 mi
16m
State Route 80
8.8 mi
12m
Rexford Street
8.3 mi
9m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 106 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chittenango, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on NY 5; NY 13
369 ft·13 sec·Genesee Street
2
Turn left onto NY 13
4.3 mi·6 min·Falls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on NY 13
4.2 mi·5 min·Gorge Road
4
Continue on NY 13
0.4 mi·54 sec·Sweetland Street
5
Continue on NY 13
0.3 mi·53 sec·Farnham Street
6
At end of road, turn right onto US 20; NY 13
0.4 mi·1 min·Albany Street
7
Turn left onto US 20; NY 13
0.2 mi·27 sec·Forman Street
8
Continue on NY 13
5.8 mi·7 min·Rippleton Road
9
Continue on NY 13
0.2 mi·25 sec·State Route 13
10
Turn left onto NY 13; NY 80
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
11
Continue on NY 13; NY 80
1.1 mi·1 min·McKinley Street
12
Continue on NY 13; NY 80
1.9 mi·2 min·State Route 13
13
Continue on NY 80
6.1 mi·8 min·State Route 80
14
Continue on NY 26; NY 80
2.7 mi·3 min·State Route 80
15
Continue on NY 26; NY 80
2.2 mi·3 min·State Highway 26
16
Turn left onto CR 16
12 mi·16 min·County Road 16
17
Turn left onto NY 23
1.2 mi·1 min·NY 23
18
Turn left onto CR 44
2.8 mi·3 min·County Road 44
19
Turn right onto NY 12
1.2 mi·1 min·State Highway 12
20
Continue on NY 12
0.6 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
21
Turn left onto NY 23
8.3 mi·9 min·Rexford Street
22
Turn right onto NY 8
18 mi·20 min·State Highway 8
23
Continue on NY 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·Airport Road
24
Continue on NY 8
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
25
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
26
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.4 mi·44 sec·State Highway 10
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
28
Merge onto NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
31
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
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.
33
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
34
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.
35
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
36
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
37
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
38
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
40
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
42
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
44
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
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.
46
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
47
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
49
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
50
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi·2 min·Braddock Avenue
51
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi·34 sec·Jamaica Avenue
52
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi·56 sec·Jericho Turnpike
53
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi·3 min·Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
54
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi·56 sec·New Hyde Park Road
55
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi·3 min·Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
56
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi·1 min·Front Street
Use the right lane.
57
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
58
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi·26 sec·Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
59
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 262.9-mile journey, aim to hit the road early to avoid the peak congestion often found near the destination. Since the itinerary includes at least one planned stop, use that time to stretch and refuel while keeping your $43 budget in mind. Given that you have a 106-mile stretch on NY 17, try to time your break either just before or after this segment to maintain your momentum. Because this is a one-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility; plan your departure to ensure you aren't arriving in the Hempstead area during the height of local rush hour.
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 131.5 miles from Chittenango, NY, or about 2h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106 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 58 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.5 miles or 2h 50m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chittenango, 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 Chittenango, NY
This is one driving day of about 262.9 miles and 5h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Chittenango, 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 NY 17 for about 106 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 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 199.5 and 245.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
199.5 mi into trip|~4h 16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
7
200.2 mi into trip|~4h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 87 Toll South: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York City
9
214.8 mi into trip|~4h 34m 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
216.1 mi into trip|~4h 36m 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
245.2 mi into trip|~5h 16m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.27 one way
$86.55 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$46.79
$93.59
premium
$4.92
$50.95
$101.91
diesel
$5.61
$58.05
$116.09
Estimated Tolls: $23.41
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
Hempstead Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
Jericho Turnpike
(0.5 mi)$0.04
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
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78.9
0
$27.60
$12.62
Efficient EV
65.7
0
$23.00
$10.52
EV Truck/SUV
105.2
1
$36.81
$16.83
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Chittenango, NY
Morning
in Chittenango on Tuesday
Local time
9:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Morning
in Hempstead on Tuesday
Local time
9:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 6 to 12 mph3% chanceLive 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
39 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
5h 44m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is defined by its reliance on major thoroughfares, with approximately 75% of your travel occurring on highways. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, as the longest uninterrupted stretch spans 106 miles along NY 17. While the drive starts with the efficiency of high-speed transit, the experience shifts as you transition onto NJ 17 and approach your destination. The road personality leans heavily toward a functional interstate grind rather than a winding backroad tour. Expect a consistent, fast-paced environment that keeps you focused on the road for the duration of your 5-hour and 44-minute transit.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
59 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 199.5 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 33 significant decision points across 262.9 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 199.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 200.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 214.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,510 ft1 ft
Total Climb
1,846 ft
Total Descent
2,244 ft
Highest Point
1,510 ft
~75.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,509 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Chittenango, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods.
Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.
Top landmarks
•Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 44m. Total distance: 262.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $23.41 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 Hempstead, 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 199.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 200.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 214.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hempstead, NY before the return drive.
