Traveling from Clintondale to New York City is a straightforward 81.8-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 52 minutes. Given the manageable duration, this is an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. You will navigate a mix of roads, primarily relying on the New York State Thruway, NJ 17, and the Plattekill Turnpike. Budgeting roughly $13 for fuel should cover your transit costs comfortably. Since both the origin and destination sit within the Northeast, you can expect familiar regional driving conditions throughout the trip. It is a practical, efficient route for those looking to reach the city without an overly taxing time behind the wheel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.9 miles from Clintondale, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
29 mi
33m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
Plattekill Turnpike
4.6 mi
8m
State Highway 32
4.6 mi
7m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Vineyard Avenue
3.9 mi
5m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Route 300
2.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 29 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clintondale, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on Maple Avenue
14 ft·2 sec·Maple Avenue
2
Turn right onto US 44; NY 55
3.9 mi·5 min·Vineyard Avenue
3
Turn left onto NY 32
4.6 mi·7 min·State Highway 32
4
Continue on NY 32
4.6 mi·8 min·Plattekill Turnpike
5
Continue on NY 300
2.5 mi·4 min·Route 300
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on NY 300
0.3 mi·36 sec·Union Avenue
7
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Use the right lane.
8
Continue on this road
427 ft·10 sec·this road
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·40 sec
Toward I 87 South: New York City
10
Merge onto I 87
29 mi·33 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
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.
12
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
13
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
15
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left 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
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
23
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
25
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
27
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
Because this drive is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility in your schedule to avoid peak congestion. Since there are no designated stops included in the route data, it is wise to fuel up before you depart to keep your $13 travel budget on track. Keep in mind that the transition between major highways and local turnpikes can be abrupt, so stay alert for changing speed limits. If you are heading into the city, try to time your departure to miss heavy commuter traffic, as the 1 hour and 52-minute duration can fluctuate depending on local density. Focusing on smooth transitions between the New York State Thruway and NJ 17 will help you maintain a steady pace throughout the drive.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 40.9 miles from Clintondale, NY, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29 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 18 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.9 miles or 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 32m
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 Clintondale, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Clintondale, NY
This is one driving day of about 81.8 miles and 1h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Clintondale, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New York State Thruway for about 29 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 46.2 and 79.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
46.2 mi into trip|~1h 2m 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
47.6 mi into trip|~1h 4m 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
6
77.4 mi into trip|~1h 41m in|US 1; US 9 / Tonnelle Avenue
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9 / Tonnelle Avenue toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hob...
8
77.5 mi into trip|~1h 42m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
6
79.1 mi into trip|~1h 45m in|I 78 / Holland Tunnel
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78 / Holland Tunnel toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.46 one way
$26.93 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$14.56
$29.12
premium
$4.92
$15.85
$31.71
diesel
$5.61
$18.06
$36.12
Estimated Tolls: $17.77
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(29 mi)$1.45
Plattekill Turnpike
(4.6 mi)$0.32
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
$13
Tolls
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.5
0
$8.59
$3.93
Efficient EV
20.5
0
$7.16
$3.27
EV Truck/SUV
32.7
0
$11.45
$5.24
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Clintondale, NY
Morning
in Clintondale on Tuesday
Local time
9:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Tuesday
Local time
9:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
E 6 to 14 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
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
18 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
1h 52m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a mixed driving profile, with highways accounting for 49% of your total travel time. You will experience a blend of faster highway speeds and slower local transit as you navigate toward your destination. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 29-mile run on the New York State Thruway, which offers a brief period of steady cruising. As you transition between the Thruway, Plattekill Turnpike, and NJ 17, the pace of the drive shifts to accommodate changing traffic patterns. Expect the road to feel like a standard regional commute that balances open stretches with the inevitable transition into denser infrastructure.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 46.2 miles in near NY 17.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 81.8 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 46.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.6 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 77.4 miles (US 1; US 9 / Tonnelle Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Clintondale, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken.
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
This 81.8-mile drive is totally doable as a same-day round trip, clocking in at under 2 hours each way. Just be ready for a high complexity score of 10/10, which means you'll need to stay sharp.
Family Friendly
This 81.8-mile trip is short enough for kids, but the 10/10 complexity rating means you'll be navigating some tricky spots, so keep everyone buckled and focused.
Solo Traveler
At 81.8 miles and just under 2 hours, this is a comfortable solo distance. However, the 10/10 complexity might make it more stressful than engaging for a solo drive.
First-Time Driver
While the 81.8-mile distance and under 2-hour duration are manageable for a first-time driver, the 10/10 complexity score makes this route challenging. You'll want to be extra prepared for this one.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 29 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $17.77 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.
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.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 46.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.6 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 77.4 miles (US 1; US 9 / Tonnelle Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at New York City, NY before heading back.
