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Trip from Cohoes, NY to Elmhurst, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 22m

Distance

159 mi

256 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 11m ★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 31m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 32m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 15m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Albany County, New York, United States

Cohoes, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Elmhurst, NY, NY

Elmhurst, NY

Mel Audelo

Trip Overview

This 164.3-mile journey from Cohoes, NY, to Elmhurst, NY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. You'll navigate primarily using Mohawk Street and Cohoes Boulevard before merging onto I-87. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, this trip is quite budget-friendly. The drive is characterized by frequent turns, making it more of a local exploration than a high-speed transit. Given its manageable length and the nature of the roads, it’s perfectly suited for a day trip without the need for an overnight stay, offering flexibility in your schedule.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

79.5 miles from Cohoes, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New York State Thruway 111.2 mi 2h 8m
NJ 17 14.1 mi 18m
I 787 9.1 mi 12m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Major Deegan Expressway 2.8 mi 4m
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge 2.3 mi 4m
Cohoes Boulevard 2.1 mi 3m
I 95 EXPR 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: New York State Thruway — 111.2 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cohoes, NY and Elmhurst, NY.

1

Start on Mohawk Street

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Mohawk Street
2

At end of road, turn left onto Mohawk Street

0.1 mi · 21 sec · Mohawk Street
3

Turn right onto NY 787

2.1 mi · 3 min · Cohoes Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
4

Merge onto I 787

8.5 mi · 11 min · I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Continue on I 787

0.6 mi · 1 min · I 787
Exit 1 Toward I 87 Toll: New York State Thruway
6

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1
7

Merge onto I 87

111 mi · 2 hr 8 min · New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17

0.9 mi · 59 sec · NY 17
Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey Use the slight right lane.
9

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
10

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

14 mi · 18 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
13

Merge onto NJ 4

0.3 mi · 24 sec · NJ 4
Use the right lane.
14

Continue on NJ 4

6.4 mi · 8 min · NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.7 mi · 54 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
18

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.8 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 1C-D Toward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany, Yankee Stadium Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Exit 1D Toward I 87 South: Queens Use the slight left lane.
22

Merge onto I 87

2.8 mi · 4 min · Major Deegan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 50 sec
Toward I 278 West: RFK Bridge, Manhattan, Queens Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Continue on I 278

2.3 mi · 4 min · Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Continue on I 278; GCP

0.8 mi · 1 min · Grand Central Parkway
26

Keep slight right at fork onto I 278

1.3 mi · 1 min · Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn, Staten Island Use the slight right lane.
27

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 16 sec
Exit 40 Toward Broadway, Roosevelt Avenue Use the slight right lane.
28

Keep slight left at fork

264 ft · 8 sec
Toward Broadway East, 69th Street, Roosevelt Avenue, 37th Avenue Use the straight / left lanes.
29

Turn left onto Broadway

1.4 mi · 5 min · Broadway
Use the left / straight lanes.
30

Arrive at destination

Grand Avenue

Trip Plan

Given this is a 1-day trip covering 164.3 miles, starting early can help you avoid any potential local traffic, especially as you approach Elmhurst. With a duration of just over 3 hours, you'll have ample time to make one stop for fuel or a quick break without significantly impacting your arrival time. The $27 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check your gauge. A specific tip for this route is to pay close attention to your GPS, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be making frequent turns onto various local roads and boulevards.

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 79.5 miles from Cohoes, NY, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.2 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 35 miles or 45m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 79.5 miles or 1h 36m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 36m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elmhurst, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cohoes, 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 Cohoes, NY

This is one driving day of about 159 miles and 3h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Cohoes, 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 New York State Thruway for about 111.2 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

80 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

New Baltimore, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Newburgh, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.5 miles from Cohoes, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.2 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Nangma Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elmhurst, New York

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13477306117

Kumo Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elmhurst, New York

0.8 mi

Mi Ecuador Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rensselaer, New York

2.3 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 15min to go 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

+19172614093

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

2.8 mi

Nangma Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Elmhurst, New York

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13477306117

Kumo Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Elmhurst, New York

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+19297673936

Visit website

Mi Ecuador Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Rensselaer, New York

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+15182750565

Visit website

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Forest Hills, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13475310873

Visit website

Cafe Madison

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Albany, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+15189351094

Visit website

Honey Day Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30

Glen Rock, New Jersey

Hours: 8:30 am–3 pm

+12013893535

Visit website

Tool's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Delmar, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15184399111

Visit website

Aliada

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $30 to $50

Astoria, New York

Hours: 12–10 pm

+17189322240

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

+19172614093

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Artpresso Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+19178327021

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+19178326726

Visit website

51st Bakery & Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+17187070554

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Mahwah, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Mountainville, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charge Point

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour

New York, New York

Fort Lee Historic Park, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4:45 pm

+12014611776

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

J. Hood Wright Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Bennett Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Fort Tryon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12127951388

Visit website

Fort Tryon

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

Visit website

Firemen's Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015923750

Visit website

Riverbank State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+12126943600

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 123.3 and 157.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
123.3 mi into trip | ~2h 27m 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
124.7 mi into trip | ~2h 28m 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
149.1 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in

Take the exit toward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany, Yankee Stadium

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 1C-D Toward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany,...
8
149.4 mi into trip | ~3h 3m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 87 South: Queens

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 1D Toward I 87 South: Queens
9
157.5 mi into trip | ~3h 17m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Broadway East, 69th Street, Roosevelt Avenue, 37th Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / left lanes. Toward Broadway East, 69th Street, Roosevelt Av...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.17 one way

$52.34 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $28.30 $56.60
premium $4.92 $30.82 $61.63
diesel $5.61 $35.11 $70.21

Estimated Tolls: $21.56

George Washington Bridge $16.00
New York State Thruway (111.2 mi) $5.56

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

$26

Tolls

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.7 0 $16.69 $7.63
Efficient EV 39.8 0 $13.91 $6.36
EV Truck/SUV 63.6 0 $22.26 $10.18

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 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 19, 2026

Origin

Cohoes, NY

Late night in Cohoes on Tuesday

Local time

5:26 AM

EDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Elmhurst, NY

Late night in Elmhurst on Tuesday

Local time

5:26 AM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

63°F

Ramapo, NY

80 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

15 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

3h 22m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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.

General Grant National Memorial

General Grant National Memorial

National Memorial

The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 153.5
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
View on nps.gov
Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

National Memorial

Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 153.5
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

Stonewall National Monument

National Monument

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...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour Free near mile 153.5
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 159
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

7 mi from route ~18 min detour Free near mile 159
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Monument

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...

8 mi from route ~19 min detour Free near mile 159
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for the majority of this route, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating through towns and local streets for the entire 164.3 miles, rather than cruising on interstates. The absence of long highway stretches suggests a more engaging driving experience with constant adjustments. While there isn't a specified longest uninterrupted stretch, the profile indicates a continuous series of turns and road changes, requiring your attention throughout the 3-hour duration.

Only 24% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.2 mi on New York State Thruway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 123.3 miles in near NY 17.

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 21 significant decision points across 159 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 123.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.7 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.1 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 Cohoes, NY and Elmhurst, NY, road signs point toward Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York and Albany - among others.

Massachusetts Turnpike

11.7 mi in | ~17m

Exits 22-1

11.7 mi in | ~17m

Gsp South: Paterson

138.8 mi in | ~2h 47m

Fort Lee

138.8 mi in | ~2h 47m

New York

138.8 mi in | ~2h 47m

Albany

149.1 mi in | ~3h 2m

Yankee Stadium

149.1 mi in | ~3h 2m

About the Cities

Starting in Cohoes, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1913

Top landmarks

  • • Day Peckinpaugh — last self-propelled regularly scheduled commercial ship on the Erie canal
  • • Cohoes Music Hall — performance venue in Cohoes, New York, United States

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 3h 22m. Total distance: 159 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.2 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $21.56 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 Elmhurst, 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 123.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.7 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Elmhurst, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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