Origin
De Kalb, NY
Late night in De Kalb on Tuesday
Local time
4:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from De Kalb, NY to Hempstead, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 31m
Distance
366 mi
589 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 21m
★
6 AM
7h 32m
8 AM
7h 52m
10 AM
7h 39m
12 PM
7h 37m
3 PM
7h 40m
5 PM
7h 51m
8 PM
7h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
De Kalb, NY
Illya Goloborodko
Trip Overview
De Kalb, NY to Hempstead, NY is 366 miles and takes about 7h 31m via New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $60 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive will take you from the Northeast region of New York to the Northeast region of New York, covering a total of 366 miles. Expect a journey that involves a mix of highway driving and more winding local roads. With a recommended one-day drive time and a reasonable fuel cost, this trip is well-suited for those looking to cover distance efficiently within the state.
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
183 miles from De Kalb, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 46m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Thruway | 201.9 mi | 3h 53m |
| State Highway 12 | 22.8 mi | 31m |
| Bea Luck Road | 19.6 mi | 23m |
| State Highway 812 | 19.1 mi | 23m |
| Indian River Road | 16.1 mi | 19m |
| NJ 17 | 14.1 mi | 18m |
| US 11 | 11.5 mi | 13m |
| Erwin Parkway | 9.7 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 201.9 mi, about 3h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between De Kalb, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on CR 17
79 ft
·
9 sec
·
County Road 17
2
Turn left onto NY 812
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 812
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 11; NY 812
11 mi
·
13 min
·
US 11; NY 812
4
Turn left onto NY 58; NY 812
0.6 mi
·
40 sec
·
William Street
5
Continue on NY 58; NY 812
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 58
6
Turn right onto NY 812
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Balmat-Fowler Road
7
Continue on NY 812
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
State Highway 812
8
At end of road, turn right onto NY 3; NY 812
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
State Highway 812
9
Continue on NY 3; NY 812
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
State Street
10
Continue on NY 3; NY 812
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
11
Continue on NY 3; NY 812
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
State Route 3
12
Turn left onto NY 812
5.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Indian River Road
13
Continue on NY 812
10 mi
·
12 min
·
Indian River Road
14
Continue on NY 812
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
15
Continue on NY 812
8.4 mi
·
10 min
·
State Highway 812
16
Turn left onto East State Street
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East State Street
17
Continue on Ross Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Ross Road
18
Turn left onto NY 12
20 mi
·
23 min
·
Bea Luck Road
19
Continue on NY 12
0.8 mi
·
51 sec
·
State Highway 12
20
Continue on NY 12
9.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Erwin Parkway
21
Continue on NY 12
22 mi
·
30 min
·
State Highway 12
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
23
Merge onto NY 49
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
State Route 49
24
Continue on I 790; NY 5
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
I 790; NY 5
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward Genesee Street South
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 90
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 90 East
28
Merge onto I 90
84 mi
·
1 hr 36 min
·
New York State Thruway
29
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway
118 mi
·
2 hr 16 min
·
New York State Thruway
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
Use the slight right lane.
30
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.
31
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
I 287; NJ 17
32
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.
33
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
35
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
NJ 4
Use the right lane.
36
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
38
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi
·
54 sec
·
I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95 EXPR
40
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Trans-Manhattan Expressway
42
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
44
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi
·
58 sec
·
Throgs Neck Expressway
45
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
48
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Braddock Avenue
49
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
Jamaica Avenue
50
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Jericho Turnpike
51
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
52
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
New Hyde Park Road
53
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
54
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Front Street
Use the right lane.
55
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
56
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
57
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 31m estimated duration, starting your drive from De Kalb, NY early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. Plan for your two recommended stops strategically; perhaps one mid-way for a break and another closer to your destination. The fuel cost is estimated at $60, so ensure your tank is full before departing and consider topping up during your stops. Pay attention to the transition from highway to local roads, as this is where the driving character changes most significantly on this 366-mile journey.
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 183 miles from De Kalb, NY, or about 3h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 201.9 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 81 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 183 miles or 3h 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving De Kalb, 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 De Kalb, NY
This is one driving day of about 366 miles and 7h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from De Kalb, 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 New York State Thruway for about 201.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
183 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 81 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 183 miles from De Kalb, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 201.9 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 199.7 and 348.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
199.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 5m in
|
New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
9
317.8 mi into trip
|
~6h 21m 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
319.2 mi into trip
|
~6h 23m 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
6
333.4 mi into trip
|
~6h 42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
8
348.3 mi into trip
|
~7h 3m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.25 one way
$120.49 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
128 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $65.15 | $130.29 |
| premium | $4.92 | $70.94 | $141.88 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $80.81 | $161.62 |
Estimated Tolls: $32.82
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(201.9 mi)
$10.09
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
Hempstead Turnpike
(2 mi)
$0.14
Jericho Turnpike
(0.5 mi)
$0.04
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
$60
Tolls
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$118–$143
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 128.1 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 | 109.8 | 1 | $38.43 | $17.57 |
| Efficient EV | 91.5 | 1 | $32.03 | $14.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 146.4 | 1 | $51.24 | $23.42 |
Gas CO2
128 kg
EV CO2
43 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.
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Late night in Hempstead on Tuesday
Local time
4:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Partly Sunny
S 12 mph
2% chance
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
41 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 31m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 340.8
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 340.8
View on nps.gov
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 340.8
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 340.8
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 340.8
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 340.8
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 characterized by its 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile, with only 30% of the journey on highways. While a significant portion, 201.9 miles, is on the New York State Thruway, you'll also navigate State Highway 12 and Bea Luck Road. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that transitions from faster highway speeds to more frequent turns and variable road conditions typical of local routes. The drive will likely feel more engaging than a pure interstate trip, requiring your attention throughout.
Only 30% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
57 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 201.9 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 199.7 miles in near New York State Thruway.
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 366 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 199.7 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 317.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 319.2 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between De Kalb, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South, Boston, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Genesee Street South
114.8 mi in
|
~2h 26m
Boston
199.7 mi in
|
~4h 5m
|
via New York State Thruway
Gsp South: Paterson
333.3 mi in
|
~6h 42m
Fort Lee
333.3 mi in
|
~6h 42m
New York
333.3 mi in
|
~6h 42m
About the Cities
Arriving in Hempstead, NY
Full guide →Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods. Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.
Top landmarks
- • Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, 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 31m. Total distance: 366 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 31m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 201.9 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $32.82 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 Hempstead, 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 199.7 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 317.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 319.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.5 hours each way, a round trip means 15.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hempstead, 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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