Origin
Clay, NY
Morning in Clay on Tuesday
Local time
9:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clay, NY to Manhattan, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 25m
Distance
268.1 mi
431 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 12m
★
6 AM
5h 26m
8 AM
5h 53m
10 AM
5h 35m
12 PM
5h 32m
3 PM
5h 36m
5 PM
5h 51m
8 PM
5h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clay, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Manhattan, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Clay, NY to Manhattan, NY is 268.1 miles and takes about 5h 25m via I 81 and I 380, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, beginning in the Northeast and ending in the major metropolitan hub of Manhattan. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making it a straightforward drive. With a recommended one-day travel time, this route is ideal if you're looking to get to your destination 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
134.1 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 | 80 mi | 1h 37m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Christopher Columbus Highway | 5.5 mi | 5m |
| Henry Hudson Parkway | 4.2 mi | 6m |
| I 84 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| State Route 31 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| I-81 | 1.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 138.4 mi, about 2h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clay, NY and Manhattan, 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: Scranton
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Use 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, Milford
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
14
Merge onto I 80
80 mi
·
1 hr 37 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower Level
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
Use the slight right lane.
18
Turn right
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 70A
Toward Leonia
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft
·
9 sec
·
Degraw Avenue
20
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on CR 56
469 ft
·
13 sec
·
Main Street
22
Take the ramp
472 ft
·
12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
23
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
312 ft
·
4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
25
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
·
I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95 EXPR
27
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
George Washington Bridge (upper level)
28
Take the exit onto US 9
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
US 9
Exit 1A
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downtown
Use the straight lane.
31
Merge onto HH; NY 9A
4.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Henry Hudson Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward Boat Basin, Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Children's Museum Of Manhattan, JCC in Manhattan, Lincoln Center, New York Historical Society, New York Institute of Technology
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on West 79th Street
0.2 mi
·
51 sec
·
West 79th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Turn left onto Broadway
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
Broadway
35
Turn right onto West 86th Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West 86th Street
36
Continue on 86th Street Transverse
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
86th Street Transverse
Toward East Side
Use the straight / left lanes.
37
Arrive at destination
86th Street Transverse
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 25m estimated drive time and 268.1 miles, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Aim to depart early to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially as you near Manhattan. The longest stretch without a major road change is 138.4 miles on I 81, so plan for a break before or after that segment if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is $44, and it's always wise to top off before entering more densely populated areas where prices can fluctuate.
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 134.1 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 134.1 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manhattan, 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 268.1 miles and 5h 25m.
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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
134 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 134.1 miles from Clay, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 138.4 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 265 decision points cluster between mile 142.9 and 262.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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...
8
257.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m 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
257.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m 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
261.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 13m in
|
US 9
Take the exit onto US 9 toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th Street
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 1A
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th...
8
262.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downt...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.13 one way
$88.26 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
94 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $47.72 | $95.44 |
| premium | $4.92 | $51.96 | $103.93 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $59.19 | $118.39 |
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
$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: 93.8 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 | 80.4 | 0 | $28.15 | $12.87 |
| Efficient EV | 67 | 0 | $23.46 | $10.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 107.2 | 1 | $37.53 | $17.16 |
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.
Destination
Manhattan, NY
Morning in Manhattan on Tuesday
Local time
9:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Ramapo, NY
134 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
4 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
5h 25m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 65% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll experience a substantial stretch of 138.4 miles on I 81, offering a good opportunity for consistent cruising. The transition from highway to more varied road types will occur as you approach your destination, likely involving more local traffic and exits.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 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 142.9 miles in near US 6.
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 26 significant decision points across 268.1 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 142.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
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 Manhattan, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono and Milford.
Mt Pocono
142.9 mi in
|
~2h 50m
|
via US 6
Milford
143.7 mi in
|
~2h 51m
|
via I 84; I 380
About the Cities
Starting in Clay, NY
Full guide →Arriving in Manhattan, NY
Full guide →Founded 1624
Wall Street. Madison Avenue. 34th Street. Broadway. Times Square. Manhattan is so well known that even the names of its streets have become iconic and understood the world over. This long, thin island is only one of New York City's five boroughs, but it's Manhattan that has the concrete canyons and the inimitable skyline; Manhattan that has the world's brightest theater district; Manhattan that has Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Met; and Manhattan that includes iconic neighborhoods like Harlem, the Upper East Side, Times Square, and Greenwich Village. The rest of New York City has much to see and do, but it's Manhattan that represents the city—and sometimes the entire United States—to the world. You could spend a month on this tiny island and still not see all there is to see.
Top landmarks
- • Empire State Building — skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA
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 5h 25m. Total distance: 268.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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 $16.00 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.
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 Manhattan, 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 142.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Manhattan, NY before the return drive.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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