Origin
Clayton, NY
Morning in Clayton on Tuesday
Local time
6:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clayton, NY to New York City, 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
6h 57m
Distance
336.7 mi
542 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$55
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 46m
★
6 AM
6h 58m
8 AM
7h 21m
10 AM
7h 6m
12 PM
7h 3m
3 PM
7h 7m
5 PM
7h 19m
8 PM
6h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clayton, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
New York City, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Clayton, NY to New York City, NY is 336.7 miles and takes about 6h 57m via I 81 and I 380, with a fuel budget near $55 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Northeast region of New York down to the Northeast region of New York, primarily sticking to major highways for most of the way. Given its mostly highway profile and reasonable duration, it's a solid option for a single-day drive if you prefer efficiency. Plan for a straightforward trip with minimal detours off the main path.
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
168.3 miles from Clayton, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 198.5 mi | 3h 54m |
| Keystone Shortway | 63.3 mi | 1h 19m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Essex Freeway | 15.8 mi | 20m |
| Amelia Street | 12.2 mi | 18m |
| State Highway 12 | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| I 84 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| Holland Tunnel | 2 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 198.5 mi, about 3h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clayton, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on Park Circle
34 ft
·
3 sec
·
Park Circle
2
Turn right onto Mary Street
220 ft
·
15 sec
·
Mary Street
3
Turn left onto James Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
James Street
4
Continue on NY 12
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
State Highway 12
5
Continue on NY 12
12 mi
·
18 min
·
Amelia Street
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 81 South
7
Merge onto I 81
62 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I-81
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
I-81
9
Continue on I 81
11 mi
·
14 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi
·
48 sec
·
I-81
11
Continue on I 81
73 mi
·
1 hr 25 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
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.
13
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.
14
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.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
16
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
17
Merge onto I 80
63 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 47A
Toward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
19
Continue on I 280
16 mi
·
20 min
·
Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 17A
Toward CR 508 East: Jersey City
21
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
·
New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
25
Turn straight
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Use the straight lane.
26
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Conrail Viaduct
27
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
12th Street Viaduct
28
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
30
Take the exit
305 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Brooklyn
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft
·
7 sec
·
Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker Street
Use the straight lane.
32
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway
Use the straight lane.
34
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
For this 6h 57m drive, departing in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $55, you can easily complete this in a single day. Consider taking your only planned stop about halfway through to break up the 198.5-mile stretch on I 81. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially in more rural sections, and be prepared for increased traffic density as you get closer to New York City.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 168.3 miles from Clayton, NY, or about 3h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 198.5 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 74 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 168.3 miles or 3h 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clayton, 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 Clayton, NY
This is one driving day of about 336.7 miles and 6h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Clayton, 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 198.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
168 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 74 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 168.3 miles from Clayton, 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 198.5 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 235 decision points cluster between mile 166.4 and 332 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
166.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m 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
219.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 26m 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...
6
224.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 31m in
|
I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
7
331.8 mi into trip
|
~6h 45m 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
332 mi into trip
|
~6h 46m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.42 one way
$110.85 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
118 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $59.93 | $119.86 |
| premium | $4.92 | $65.26 | $130.52 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $74.34 | $148.68 |
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
$55
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$97–$122
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 101 | 1 | $35.35 | $16.16 |
| Efficient EV | 84.2 | 0 | $29.46 | $13.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 134.7 | 1 | $47.14 | $21.55 |
Gas CO2
118 kg
EV CO2
39 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.
Destination
New York City, NY
Morning in New York City on Tuesday
Local time
6:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°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
8 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
6h 57m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is about 75% highway, meaning you'll spend a significant portion on major interstates. The longest stretch without a major change is 198.5 miles on I 81. After that, you'll transition to roads like the Keystone Shortway and I 380. Expect a relatively consistent driving experience with many exits clustered as you approach your destination, requiring more attention to navigation.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 198.5 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 166.4 miles in near I 81.
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 23 significant decision points across 336.7 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 166.4 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 219.7 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
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 Clayton, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Mt Pocono
219.7 mi in
|
~4h 26m
|
via US 6
Milford
220.5 mi in
|
~4h 27m
|
via I 84; I 380
Newark
312.1 mi in
|
~6h 18m
About the Cities
Arriving in New York City, NY
Full guide →“The City That Never Sleeps” · Founded 1624
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation. From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.
Top landmarks
- • Statue of Liberty — American icon in New York, United States
- • National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
- • Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City
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 6h 57m. Total distance: 336.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 57m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 198.5 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 New York City, 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 166.4 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 219.7 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 13.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New York City, 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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