Origin
Cuba, NY
Late night in Cuba on Sunday
Local time
2:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cuba, NY to Queens, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 2m
Distance
342.3 mi
551 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$56
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 51m
★
6 AM
7h 2m
8 AM
7h 25m
10 AM
7h 10m
12 PM
7h 8m
3 PM
7h 11m
5 PM
7h 23m
8 PM
6h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cuba, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Queens, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a 342.3-mile journey from Cuba, NY, to Queens, NY, a trip that will take approximately 7 hours and 2 minutes. This drive is primarily highway-focused, with 76% of the route utilizing major expressways like the Southern Tier Expressway and I-81. Given the duration and distance, it's manageable as a single-day trip, though you'll want to plan for at least two stops along the way. The estimated fuel cost for this Northeast-to-Northeast drive is around $56. This route offers a straightforward passage through New York, making it a practical choice for reaching your destination efficiently.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
171.1 miles from Cuba, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 20m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Tier Expressway | 157.8 mi | 3h 3m |
| Keystone Shortway | 70.8 mi | 1h 27m |
| I 81 | 53.4 mi | 1h 3m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| NJ 3 | 10.5 mi | 11m |
| Woodhaven Boulevard | 3.9 mi | 10m |
| US 46 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| I 84 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Southern Tier Expressway
— 157.8 mi, about 3h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cuba, NY and Queens, NY.
1
Start on East Main Street
116 ft
·
7 sec
·
East Main Street
2
Turn right onto NY 305
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
Genesee Street
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
4
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
158 mi
·
3 hr 3 min
·
Southern Tier Expressway
5
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.
6
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.
7
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.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
10
Merge onto I 80
71 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Exit 53
Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto US 46
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US 46
13
Continue on US 46
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 46
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn slight left onto NJ 3
11 mi
·
11 min
·
NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel, Kennedy Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Merge onto NJ 495
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
NJ 495
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward Weehawken, Hoboken, Ferries to New York City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on South Marginal Highway
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
South Marginal Highway
19
Turn right onto Boulevard East
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Boulevard East
Use the left lane.
20
Take the ramp
123 ft
·
14 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Turn right
0.2 mi
·
57 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel access
22
Merge onto NJ 495
1.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Lincoln Tunnel
23
Keep slight right at fork
265 ft
·
6 sec
Toward Dyer Avenue
24
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft
·
8 sec
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden
25
Continue on Dyer Avenue
350 ft
·
19 sec
·
Dyer Avenue
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden
Use the left / straight lanes.
26
Turn left onto West 36th Street
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
West 36th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
27
Take the ramp
68 ft
·
1 sec
Toward I 495: Queens-Midtown Tunnel
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
I 495
29
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 17W-E
Toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia Airport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Merge onto I 495
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Long Island Expressway
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 19
Toward NY 25: Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
Toward Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Turn right onto Woodhaven Boulevard
3.9 mi
·
10 min
·
Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the right lane.
35
Turn left onto Rockaway Boulevard
344 ft
·
9 sec
·
Rockaway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
36
Turn slight left onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Liberty Avenue
37
Turn right onto 104th Street
205 ft
·
9 sec
·
104th Street
38
Arrive at destination
104th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Cuba, NY, to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic as you approach Queens. With two recommended stops, you can comfortably break up the 342.3 miles. Aim to complete the longest stretch of 157.8 miles before your first planned break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longer highway segments, and remember your estimated fuel cost is $56. The flexibility of a single-day drive means you can adjust your stop times based on your needs.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 171.1 miles from Cuba, NY, or about 3h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.8 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 75 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 171.1 miles or 3h 20m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Queens, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cuba, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Cuba, NY
This is one driving day of about 342.3 miles and 7h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Cuba, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Southern Tier Expressway for about 157.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
171 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 75 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 171.1 miles from Cuba, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Southern Tier Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.8 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 335 decision points cluster between mile 212 and 337.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
212 mi into trip
|
~4h 9m 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...
8
311.9 mi into trip
|
~6h 9m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln 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.
Exit 53
Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunn...
8
328.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 29m in
Take the ramp toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
8
334.4 mi into trip
|
~6h 44m in
Take the exit toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia Airport
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 17W-E
Toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia A...
8
337.4 mi into trip
|
~6h 49m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boule...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.34 one way
$112.69 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
120 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $60.93 | $121.85 |
| premium | $4.92 | $66.34 | $132.69 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $75.58 | $151.15 |
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Lincoln Tunnel
$16.00
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
$56
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: 119.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 102.7 | 1 | $35.94 | $16.43 |
| Efficient EV | 85.6 | 0 | $29.95 | $13.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 136.9 | 1 | $47.92 | $21.91 |
Gas CO2
120 kg
EV CO2
40 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
Queens, NY
Late night in Queens on Sunday
Local time
2:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°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
10 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
7h 2m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 330.5
View on nps.gov
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 330.5
View on nps.gov
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 330.5
View on nps.gov
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 330.5
View on nps.gov
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 330.5
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument
National Monument
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 330.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely a highway-focused drive, meaning you'll spend a significant amount of time on expressways. With 76% of the journey on highways, expect consistent speeds and limited local traffic interactions for much of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 157.8 miles, primarily on the Southern Tier Expressway. While the primary roads like the Keystone Shortway and I-81 provide a steady pace, be prepared for the typical characteristics of long-distance expressway travel. The drive’s personality is defined by its efficiency and directness.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 157.8 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 212 miles in near US 6.
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 33 significant decision points across 342.3 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 212 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 311.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 328.6 miles: 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cuba, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Clifton.
Mt Pocono
212 mi in
|
~4h 9m
|
via US 6
Milford
212.7 mi in
|
~4h 10m
|
via I 84; I 380
Clifton
311.9 mi in
|
~6h 9m
About the Cities
Arriving in Queens, NY
Full guide →Founded 1683
Queens is a crescent-shaped (with a tail) borough traversing the north-to-south width of Long Island and including two of the major New York City area airports, LaGuardia (LGA IATA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK IATA). It also carries the largest ethnic diversity in its area of any region in the world, with many small enclaves. Jackson Heights, for example, includes a huge Indian area, followed by a Colombian area, and then a Mexican area. Each offers a wide array of authentic shops, native-style cuisine, and festivals modified only slightly by the generally colder New York City experience.
Top landmarks
- • Queensboro Bridge — bridge in New York City
- • Unisphere — Steel structure in Queens, New York
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 7h 2m. Total distance: 342.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 157.8 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Lincoln 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 Queens, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 212 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 311.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 328.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stonewall National Monument, African Burial Ground National Monument and Castle Clinton National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 14.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Queens, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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