This 368.3-mile journey from De Kalb, NY to Staten Island, NY will take approximately 7 hours and 35 minutes of driving time, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily be on the New York State Thruway and NJ 17, with State Highway 12 also playing a role. With a projected fuel cost of $61 and a plan for two stops, this route offers a direct path through the Northeast region. The overall feel is a turn-heavy local drive, so be prepared for varied road conditions as you make your way 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
184.1 miles from De Kalb, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
201.9 mi
3h 53m
State Highway 12
22.8 mi
31m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
Bea Luck Road
19.6 mi
23m
State Highway 812
19.1 mi
23m
Indian River Road
16.1 mi
19m
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 Staten Island, 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, BostonUse the slight right lane.
30
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.
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
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
34
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
37
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
38
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
39
Continue on NJ 139
0.3 mi·27 sec·12th Street Viaduct
40
Take the exit
236 ft·9 sec
Use the left lane.
41
Turn left onto Jersey Avenue
463 ft·23 sec·Jersey Avenue
Use the left lane.
42
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139
408 ft·5 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Use the left lane.
43
Keep slight right at fork onto I 78; NJTP
4.7 mi·5 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
Toward NJTP: New Jersey TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 14AToward NJ 440: BayonneUse the right lane.
45
Continue on Port Jersey Boulevard
0.3 mi·17 sec·Port Jersey Boulevard
Toward NJ 440
46
Take the exit
357 ft·8 sec
Toward NJ 440 South: Chosin Few WayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 440 SouthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
48
Merge onto NJ 440
4.5 mi·6 min·NJ 440
49
Continue on NY 440
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
50
Take the exit
0.6 mi·55 sec
Exit 10EToward I 278 East: Verrazano Bridge, Brooklyn
51
Merge onto I 278
0.8 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
52
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
53
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
54
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
55
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
56
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
57
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
58
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
59
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
60
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
61
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
62
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
63
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
To best tackle this 7.5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from De Kalb to maximize daylight and allow ample time for your two planned stops. The longest stretch on the New York State Thruway provides a good opportunity for covering distance efficiently, so plan one of your breaks before or after this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition onto local roads, and be prepared for the frequent turns that define this route. A practical tip for this drive is to familiarize yourself with the NJ 17 corridor beforehand, as it can be busy.
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 184.1 miles from De Kalb, NY, or about 3h 47m 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 184.1 miles or 3h 47m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Staten Island, 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 368.3 miles and 7h 35m.
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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 39
5 decision points cluster between mile 199.7 and 350.6 — 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
8
349.1 mi into trip|~7h 1m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
7
350.6 mi into trip|~7h 3m in|I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$59.58 one way
$119.16 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg129 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$64.66
$129.31
premium
$4.85
$70.30
$140.59
diesel
$4.80
$69.54
$139.08
Estimated Tolls: $10.74
New York State Thruway
(201.9 mi)$10.09
New Jersey Turnpike
(4.7 mi)$0.65
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
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$95–$120
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 128.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
110.5
1
$38.67
$17.68
Efficient EV
92.1
1
$32.23
$14.73
EV Truck/SUV
147.3
1
$51.56
$23.57
Gas CO2
129 kg
EV CO2
43 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.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
De Kalb, NY
Late night
in De Kalb on Tuesday
Local time
5:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Clear
W 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Late night
in Staten Island on Tuesday
Local time
5:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Smoke
NW 7 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
20 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 35m 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.
Statue Of Liberty National Monument
National Monument
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 355.6
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
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 355.6
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 355.6
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 355.6
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 355.6
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 342.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a driving experience that shifts between highway speeds and more intricate local roads, with only 30% of the journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 201.9 miles along the New York State Thruway, offering a period of consistent travel. Beyond that, the route is characterized by frequent turns and changes in scenery as you navigate through various towns and local routes. This 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll need to stay engaged with navigation and be ready for a dynamic experience behind the wheel.
Only 30% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
63 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 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 39 significant decision points across 368.3 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 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
915 ft38 ft
Total Climb
850 ft
Total Descent
1,115 ft
Highest Point
915 ft
~78.9 mi in
Elevation Range
877 ft
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 Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South, Boston, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken.
Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.
Top landmarks
•Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
•Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 35m. Total distance: 368.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 35m 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 $10.74 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.
Yes — we found about 28 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 Staten Island, 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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 — Statue Of Liberty National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Governors Island 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 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Staten Island, NY before the return drive.
