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Trip from Copake, NY to Syracuse, 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 54m

Distance

193.2 mi

311 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 41m ★
6 AM
3h 54m
8 AM
4h 20m
10 AM
4h 3m
12 PM
4h 1m
3 PM
4h 4m
5 PM
4h 19m
8 PM
3h 46m

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

Downtown Copake, NY, NY

Copake, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

city in and county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States

Syracuse, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 193.2-mile drive from Copake, NY, to Syracuse, NY, is an achievable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of major highways, including the Taconic State Parkway and the New York State Thruway, with about 14% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost is around $32, and you'll likely want to plan for at least one stop. Given the relatively short duration, this route offers flexibility for departure times and allows you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.

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

96.6 miles from Copake, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New York State Thruway 142.4 mi 2h 44m
Taconic State Parkway 16.4 mi 22m
New York State Thruway Berkshire Connector 14.5 mi 16m
I 690 4.1 mi 5m
Center Hill Road 4.1 mi 5m
State Highway 23 3.4 mi 4m
I 481 2.3 mi 2m
County Route 7A 1.6 mi 2m
Longest stretch: New York State Thruway — 142.4 mi, about 2h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Copake, NY and Syracuse, NY.

1

Start on CR 7A

0.3 mi · 40 sec · County Road 7A
2

Turn right onto CR 7A

1.6 mi · 2 min · County Route 7A
3

Continue on CR 7A

4.1 mi · 5 min · Center Hill Road
4

Turn left onto NY 23

0.7 mi · 1 min · State Highway 23
5

Continue on NY 23

0.4 mi · 38 sec · Main Street
6

Continue on NY 23

2.7 mi · 3 min · State Highway 23
7

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
8

Merge onto Taconic State Parkway

16 mi · 22 min · Taconic State Parkway
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward I 90 West: Albany
10

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 30 sec · this road
11

Merge onto I 90

14 mi · 16 min · New York State Thruway Berkshire Connector
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 87 North: Albany, Buffalo Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 87

14 mi · 15 min · New York State Thruway
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90

129 mi · 2 hr 28 min · New York State Thruway
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
15

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 34A Toward I 481: Syracuse, Oswego Use the slight right lane.
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 481 South: Syracuse, Fairgrounds, Binghamton
17

Merge onto I 481

2.3 mi · 2 min · I 481
18

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 690 West: Syracuse, Fairgrounds Use the straight / right lanes.
19

Continue on I 690

4.1 mi · 5 min · I 690
Use the straight lane.
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 41 sec
Exit 13 Toward Townsend Street, Downtown Use the slight right lane.
21

Turn left onto North Townsend Street

501 ft · 16 sec · North Townsend Street
Use the left lane.
22

Turn right onto East Water Street

479 ft · 16 sec · East Water Street
23

Turn left onto US 11

0.2 mi · 20 sec · South State Street
Use the straight lane.
24

Arrive at destination

US 11

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 3-hour, 54-minute journey, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach more populated areas. With only one recommended stop and a total distance of 193.2 miles, you can comfortably complete this drive in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch on the Thruway is quite substantial. A good tip is to utilize the services at one of the Thruway service areas, as they are conveniently spaced and offer a reliable place for a break and refueling.

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 96.6 miles from Copake, NY, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.4 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 43 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 96.6 miles or 1h 59m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 10m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Copake, 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 Copake, NY

This is one driving day of about 193.2 miles and 3h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Copake, 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 142.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown West Albany, NY, NY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

West Albany, NY

97 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.

Popular next leg

West Albany, NY to Syracuse, NY

141.2 mi · 2h 48m

Pacing Suggestions

Albany, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Johnstown, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 96.6 miles from Copake, 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 142.4 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 · early in the drive

Barcelona Restaurant-Wine Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Albany, New York

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch · 1h 7m in 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15184381144

Visit website

Canali's Italian & American Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Schenectady, New York

2.3 mi

Bon Appetit Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Albany, New York

2.5 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Syracuse, New York

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13154358511

Visit website

Barcelona Restaurant-Wine Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Albany, New York

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+15184381144

Visit website

Canali's Italian & American Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Schenectady, New York

Hours: 4–9 pm

+15183555323

Visit website

Bon Appetit Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Albany, New York

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+15184592180

Visit website

Caribe Spanish Restaurant & Sports Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Schenectady, New York

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15182806277

Visit website

Bellevue Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Schenectady, New York

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15183937720

Visit website

Cafe Madison

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Albany, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+15189351094

Visit website

Tool's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Delmar, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15184399111

Visit website

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13154358511

Visit website

Applegreen Electric Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Rome, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18885577099

Visit website

Quick Charge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Amsterdam, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18552703107

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Amsterdam, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Rotterdam, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVolve NY Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Amsterdam, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19142874200

Visit website

ViaLynk Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Schenectady, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15186913119

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Utica, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Guilderland, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

5 Wits Albany

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Albany, New York

Hours: 12–8 pm

+15187592288

Visit website

Museum of Science & Technology

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+13154259068

Visit website

5 Wits Syracuse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13159884001

Visit website

WonderWorks Destiny

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+13154667700

Visit website

American Italian Heritage Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Albany, New York

Hours: 12–2 pm

+15184351979

Visit website

Get Air Trampoline Park

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+13152165833

Visit website

The Stanley Theatre

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

Final third 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

Utica, New York

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+13157244000

Visit website

Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Liverpool, New York

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13154536767

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 41.5 and 192.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
41.5 mi into trip | ~55m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 87 North: Albany, Buffalo

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 87 North: Albany, Buffalo
8
184.3 mi into trip | ~3h 40m in

Take the exit toward I 481: Syracuse, Oswego

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 34A Toward I 481: Syracuse, Oswego
7
187.9 mi into trip | ~3h 45m in

Take the exit toward I 690 West: Syracuse, Fairgrounds

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward I 690 West: Syracuse, Fairgrounds
8
192.6 mi into trip | ~3h 52m in

Take the exit toward Townsend Street, Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 13 Toward Townsend Street, Downtown
7
192.9 mi into trip | ~3h 53m in | North Townsend Street

Turn left onto North Townsend Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.80 one way

$63.60 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $34.39 $68.78
premium $4.92 $37.45 $74.89
diesel $5.61 $42.66 $85.31

Estimated Tolls: $7.84

New York State Thruway (156.8 mi) $7.84

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

$32

Tolls

$8

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 67.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 58 0 $20.29 $9.27
Efficient EV 48.3 0 $16.90 $7.73
EV Truck/SUV 77.3 0 $27.05 $12.36

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 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 14, 2026

Origin

Copake, NY

Morning in Copake on Tuesday

Local time

7:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Syracuse, NY

Morning in Syracuse on Tuesday

Local time

7:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

W 10 mph 67% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 5:13PM EDT until April 14 at 6:15PM EDT by NWS Albany NY

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 14 at 2:52PM EDT until April 14 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY

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

17 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 54m 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.

Fort Stanwix National Monument

Fort Stanwix National Monument

National Monument

For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six-mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes. When Eur...

6 mi from route ~14 min detour Free near mile 153.3
View on nps.gov
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...

23 mi from route ~58 min detour Free near mile 193.2
View on nps.gov
Saratoga National Historical Park

Saratoga National Historical Park

National Historical Park

In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...

23 mi from route ~56 min detour Free near mile 60
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 a significant portion of this route, interspersed with stretches of faster highway travel. While 14% of the trip is on highways, the overall feel is more geared towards local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you’ll encounter is 142.4 miles on the New York State Thruway, offering a period of consistent speed. This mix means you'll experience varying road conditions and speeds, requiring you to stay engaged as the route progresses through different terrains.

Only 14% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 142.4 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 41.5 miles in.

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 16 significant decision points across 193.2 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 41.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.9 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.

On the drive from Copake, NY to Syracuse, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Buffalo along the way.

Buffalo

41.5 mi in | ~55m

About the Cities

Starting in Copake, NY

Full guide →

Arriving in Syracuse, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1848

Syracuse is a city in Central New York. With a population of 149,000 in city proper and 662,000 in its metro area (2020), Syracuse is the fifth largest city in the state of New York, and the third largest in Upstate New York.

Top landmarks

  • Oncenter War Memorial Arena — arena in Syracuse, New York
  • Everson Museum of Art — art museum in Syracuse, New York
  • Niagara Mohawk Building — historic commercial building in 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 54m. Total distance: 193.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 142.4 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $7.84 in tolls one way, starting with New York State Thruway. 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 Syracuse, 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 41.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Fort Stanwix National Monument, Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and Saratoga National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Syracuse, 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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