Clay, NY to East Flatbush, NY is 267.8 miles and takes about 5h 38m via I 81 and I 380, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, entirely within New York State. Expect a drive that is primarily highway-focused, making it a straightforward journey. Given its duration and the recommended single day, this route is best suited for those looking for an efficient drive from point A to point B.
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
133.9 miles from Clay, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
138.4 mi
2h 45m
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
State Route 31
2.2 mi
2m
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
2 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 138.4 mi, about 2h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clay, NY and East Flatbush, NY.
1
Start on NY 31
2.2 mi·2 min·State Route 31
2
Continue on NY 31
0.8 mi·58 sec·West Seymour Street
3
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 81 South
4
Merge onto I 81
1.5 mi·1 min·I 81
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I-81
0.5 mi·33 sec·I-81
6
Continue on I 81
11 mi·14 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi·48 sec·I-81
8
Continue on I 81
73 mi·1 hr 25 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
10
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.
11
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.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
14
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
16
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
18
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
23
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
24
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
25
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
27
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
28
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
29
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
30
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
31
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
32
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.
33
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.
34
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Continue on NY 27
1.4 mi·3 min·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
36
Arrive at destination
NY 27
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 38m drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential congestion, especially as you get closer to East Flatbush. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $44, you have flexibility. The longest stretch without a major road change is 138.4 miles on I 81, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between I 81, the Keystone Shortway, and I 380, as these shifts can sometimes be less intuitive.
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 133.9 miles from Clay, NY, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 138.4 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 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.9 miles or 2h 39m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Flatbush, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clay, 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 Clay, NY
This is one driving day of about 267.8 miles and 5h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Clay, 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 138.4 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 89.6 and 260.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
89.6 mi into trip|~1h 46m 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
142.9 mi into trip|~2h 50m 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
255 mi into trip|~5h 9m 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
255.2 mi into trip|~5h 10m 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
260.3 mi into trip|~5h 22m 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
$44.08 one way
$88.16 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$47.67
$95.33
premium
$4.92
$51.90
$103.81
diesel
$5.61
$59.13
$118.25
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
$44
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.3
0
$28.12
$12.85
Efficient EV
67
0
$23.43
$10.71
EV Truck/SUV
107.1
1
$37.49
$17.14
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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Clay, NY
Late night
in Clay on Sunday
Local time
3:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
East Flatbush, NY
Late night
in East Flatbush on Sunday
Local time
3:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live 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
7 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 38m 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
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 258.5
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 258.5
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 258.5
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 258.5
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
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 258.5
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 258.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely a highway-focused drive, with 71% of the journey on major interstates. You'll experience a significant portion on I 81, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 138.4 miles. The character of the drive will shift as you transition between I 81, the Keystone Shortway, and I 380. While predominantly high-speed interstate travel, be prepared for the changes in road numbers and potential traffic patterns as you approach your destination.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 138.4 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 89.6 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 24 significant decision points across 267.8 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 89.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 255 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 Clay, NY and East Flatbush, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 38m. Total distance: 267.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 138.4 miles on I 81. 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 East Flatbush, 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 89.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 142.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 255 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, Federal Hall 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at East Flatbush, NY before the return drive.
