Constantia, NY to New York City, NY is 272.1 miles and takes about 5h 38m via George Street and State Route 49, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York State, moving from the Northeast region down to the Northeast region's most populous city. Given that the route is mostly surface roads with no highway driving, expect a more scenic and potentially slower pace than you might find on an interstate. It's a solid choice if you prefer to see more of the landscape and aren't in a rush to reach your destination.
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
136.1 miles from Constantia, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
146.2 mi
2h 54m
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
State Route 49
6.8 mi
9m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Holland Tunnel
2 mi
4m
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 146.2 mi, about 2h 54m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 196 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,211 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,106
Quietest
1 AM
~488 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Constantia, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on CR 23
9 ft·5 sec·Mill Street
2
Turn left onto NY 49
0.6 mi·52 sec·George Street
3
Continue on NY 49
6.8 mi·9 min·State Route 49
4
Continue on NY 49
522 ft·15 sec·East Avenue
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward I 81 SouthUse the left lane.
6
Merge onto I 81
9.3 mi·10 min·I 81
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I-81
0.5 mi·33 sec·I-81
8
Continue on I 81
11 mi·14 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi·48 sec·I-81
10
Continue on I 81
73 mi·1 hr 25 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
12
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.
13
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.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
16
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
18
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
20
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
25
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
26
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
27
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
29
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
31
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
33
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
With a drive time of under six hours and a fuel cost estimated at $45, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Aim to depart Constantia in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any unexpected delays. Since the route is primarily surface roads, consider planning for one stop to stretch your legs and perhaps grab a bite. Keep an eye on local traffic, especially as you approach the New York City area, as congestion can significantly impact travel time. The lack of highway driving means you'll want to stay alert for changing speed limits and local road conditions.
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 136.1 miles from Constantia, NY, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 146.2 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 60 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.1 miles or 2h 44m 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 28m
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 Constantia, 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 Constantia, NY
This is one driving day of about 272.1 miles and 5h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Constantia, 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 146.2 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.4 and 267.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
7.4 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the ramp toward I 81 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 81 South
7
101.8 mi into trip|~2h 3m 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
155.1 mi into trip|~3h 6m 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
267.2 mi into trip|~5h 26m 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
267.4 mi into trip|~5h 26m 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
$47.63 one way
$95.26 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$51.61
$103.23
premium
$5.23
$56.03
$112.05
diesel
$6.28
$67.23
$134.46
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
$48
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.6
1
$28.57
$13.06
Efficient EV
68
0
$23.81
$10.88
EV Truck/SUV
108.8
1
$38.09
$17.41
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Constantia, NY
Late night
in Constantia on Friday
Local time
3:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Sunny
SW 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Late night
in New York City on Friday
Local time
3:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
NE 10 mph0% chanceLive 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
2 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...
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 272.1
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
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 272.1
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
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 272.1
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
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 272.1
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 272.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is entirely on surface roads, meaning you won't encounter any highway mileage. The route begins on George Street and transitions to State Route 49, covering the full 272.1 miles without high-speed sections. Since there are no highways, you can anticipate frequent intersections and varying speed limits as you pass through different towns and areas. The longest stretch without a significant break isn't specified, but the overall duration suggests a continuous drive with potential for local traffic.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 146.2 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 7.4 miles in.
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 22 significant decision points across 272.1 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 7.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 101.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 155.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,933 ft34 ft
Total Climb
2,345 ft
Total Descent
2,697 ft
Highest Point
1,933 ft
~175.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,899 ft
Notable High Points
1,933 ft at ~175.1 miles+898 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Constantia, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
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 — monument in New York
•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
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 38m. Total distance: 272.1 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 (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 146.2 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 7.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 101.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 155.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
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 New York City, NY before the return drive.
