Embarking on a road trip from Dannemora, NY, to Smithtown, NY, covers 357.5 miles and is estimated to take about 7 hours and 19 minutes. This journey is primarily on the Adirondack Northway (I-87) and the Long Island Expressway, with about 53% of the drive being on highways. Given the duration and distance, this route is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip, especially with just two recommended stops. You can expect a fuel cost of around $59 for this drive. The route traverses through the Northeast region of New York state, offering a mixed driving experience as you head south.
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
178.7 miles from Dannemora, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Adirondack Northway
152 mi
2h 57m
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Long Island Expressway
14.2 mi
19m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
Northern State Parkway
13.7 mi
18m
Cook Street
9.8 mi
16m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Adirondack Northway
— 152 mi, about 2h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dannemora, NY and Smithtown, NY.
1
Start on Emmons Street
122 ft·5 sec·Emmons Street
2
Turn right onto NY 374
9.8 mi·16 min·Cook Street
3
Turn right onto NY 190
1.8 mi·2 min·Military Turnpike
4
Turn left onto NY 3
1.0 mi·1 min·State Route 3
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·51 sec
7
Merge onto I 87
152 mi·2 hr 57 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi·31 sec·I 87
Exit 1E-WToward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
9
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·I 87
Toward I 87 South: New YorkUse 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
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
16
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
21
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
23
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
25
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
26
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 295
3.2 mi·3 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 4E-WToward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long IslandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 4EToward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island
30
Merge onto I 495
14 mi·19 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 42Toward N East: HauppaugeUse the slight right lane.
32
Merge onto N
14 mi·18 min·Northern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 45Toward SM North: Kings ParkUse the right lane.
34
Merge onto SA
499 ft·6 sec·Sagtikos State Parkway
35
Continue on SM
1.7 mi·1 min·Sunken Meadow State Parkway
36
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit SM3EToward NY 25 East: Jericho Turnpike East, SmithtownUse the slight right lane.
37
Turn slight right onto NY 25
3.9 mi·5 min·Jericho Turnpike
38
Continue on NY 25; NY 25A
0.6 mi·54 sec·West Main Street
Use the left lane.
39
Arrive at destination
NY 25; NY 25A
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 7-hour, 19-minute journey from Dannemora to Smithtown, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic. With only two stops recommended for this 357.5-mile trip, plan them strategically for fuel and rest. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 152 miles on the Adirondack Northway where services might be less frequent. The estimated fuel cost is $59, so budget accordingly to ensure smooth travels.
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 178.7 miles from Dannemora, NY, or about 3h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 152 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 79 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 178.7 miles or 3h 35m 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 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Smithtown, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dannemora, 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 Dannemora, NY
This is one driving day of about 357.5 miles and 7h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 79 miles from Dannemora, 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 Adirondack Northway for about 152 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 165.3 and 322.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
165.3 mi into trip|~3h 19m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1E-W
Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
9
283.9 mi into trip|~5h 37m 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
285.3 mi into trip|~5h 38m 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
314.3 mi into trip|~6h 19m in|I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
8
322.1 mi into trip|~6h 29m in
Take the exit toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
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 4E-W
Toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$58.85 one way
$117.69 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg125 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$63.63
$127.26
premium
$4.92
$69.29
$138.58
diesel
$5.61
$78.93
$157.86
Estimated Tolls: $22.94
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
Jericho Turnpike
(3.9 mi)$0.27
Military Turnpike
(1.8 mi)$0.12
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
$59
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$107–$132
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 125.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
107.3
1
$37.54
$17.16
Efficient EV
89.4
1
$31.28
$14.30
EV Truck/SUV
143
1
$50.05
$22.88
Gas CO2
125 kg
EV CO2
42 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Dannemora, NY
Night
in Dannemora on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
33°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Smithtown, NY
Night
in Smithtown on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°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
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
7h 19m 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.
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
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 308.2
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 308.2
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 135.6
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...
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 308.2
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 308.2
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 308.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a varied experience, with 53% of the route utilizing highways like the Adirondack Northway and the Long Island Expressway. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 152 miles on the Adirondack Northway, allowing for consistent progress. The profile is described as a 'Mixed drive,' suggesting a combination of faster highway segments and potentially some varied road conditions as you approach your destination. Expect to transition from the more open feel of the northern highways to the busier corridors of Long Island.
53% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 152 mi on Adirondack Northway.
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 165.3 miles in near I 87.
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 27 significant decision points across 357.5 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 165.3 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 283.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 285.3 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dannemora, NY and Smithtown, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and Eastern Long Island - among others.
Smithtown is a town of 117,000 people (2016) in Suffolk County, on Long Island, in New York. Smithtown is comprised of the villages and hamlets of Commack (in part, with the Town of Huntington), Fort Salonga (in part, with the Town of Huntington), Hauppauge (in part, with the Town of Islip), Head of the Harbor, Kings Park, Lake Ronkonkoma (in part with the Town of Brookhaven and Town of Islip), Nesconset, Nissequogue, Smithtown, St. James, & Village of the Branch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 19m. Total distance: 357.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 19m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 152 miles on Adirondack Northway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.94 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.
Yes — we found about 27 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Smithtown, 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. There are 27 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 165.3 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 283.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 285.3 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Saratoga National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Smithtown, NY before the return drive.
