This 347.4-mile journey from De Kalb, NY to Yonkers, NY takes approximately 7 hours and 1 minute to complete, making it a feasible day trip for most travelers. You'll primarily navigate the New York State Thruway and State Highway 12, with a portion on Bea Luck Road. With a fuel cost estimated at $57 and a plan for 2 stops, this drive offers a straightforward path through New York state. The route is characterized by a turn-heavy local feel, so be prepared for varied driving conditions. Considering its duration, it's well-suited for a single-day adventure.
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
173.7 miles from De Kalb, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
221.9 mi
4h 18m
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
US 11
11.5 mi
13m
Erwin Parkway
9.7 mi
11m
Saw Mill River Parkway
7.8 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 221.9 mi, about 4h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between De Kalb, NY and Yonkers, 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 left at fork onto I 87
19 mi·24 min·New York State Thruway
31
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
1.0 mi·1 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 7AToward Saw Mill River Parkway SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Merge onto Saw Mill River Parkway
7.8 mi·10 min·Saw Mill River Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Exit 5Toward West Yonkers AvenueUse the slight right lane.
35
Turn slight right onto Yonkers Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Yonkers Avenue
36
Continue on Nepperhan Avenue
0.5 mi·57 sec·Nepperhan Avenue
37
Turn sharp left onto US 9; NY 9A
229 ft·5 sec·South Broadway
Use the left lane.
38
Arrive at destination
US 9; NY 9A
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 7-hour drive from De Kalb to Yonkers, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach Yonkers. With 2 planned stops, allocate time for breaks roughly every 2-3 hours to stay refreshed. The fuel cost is estimated at $57, so budget accordingly and keep an eye on your gauge, particularly during the longer 221.9-mile stretch on the New York State Thruway where services might be more spread out. Pay attention to the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile and be prepared for frequent changes in road type and speed limits as you progress south.
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 173.7 miles from De Kalb, NY, or about 3h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 221.9 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 76 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 173.7 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Yonkers, 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 347.4 miles and 7h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 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 221.9 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 199.7 and 347.4 — 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
6
336.9 mi into trip|~6h 46m in|I 87 / New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 / New York State Thruway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
337.9 mi into trip|~6h 47m in
Take the exit toward Saw Mill River Parkway South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 7A
Toward Saw Mill River Parkway South
7
346.1 mi into trip|~6h 58m in
Take the exit toward West Yonkers Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5
Toward West Yonkers Avenue
7
347.4 mi into trip|~7h in|US 9; NY 9A / South Broadway
Turn sharp left onto US 9; NY 9A / South Broadway
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$57.18 one way
$114.37 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$61.83
$123.67
premium
$4.92
$67.33
$134.67
diesel
$5.61
$76.70
$153.40
Estimated Tolls: $11.09
New York State Thruway
(221.9 mi)$11.09
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
$57
Tolls
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$93–$118
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.2
1
$36.48
$16.68
Efficient EV
86.9
0
$30.40
$13.90
EV Truck/SUV
139
1
$48.64
$22.23
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 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 20, 2026
Origin
De Kalb, NY
Morning
in De Kalb on Tuesday
Local time
8:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Yonkers, NY
Morning
in Yonkers on Tuesday
Local time
8:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°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
19 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 1m 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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 347.4
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 347.4
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...
15 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 107.8
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 347.4
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 347.4
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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 347.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a dynamic driving experience on this route. While 23% of the drive is on highways, much of it involves navigating local roads with frequent turns. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 221.9 miles on the New York State Thruway, offering a period of steady progress. However, the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests you'll transition between faster highway sections and more winding, potentially slower, local segments. This mix means you’ll need to stay alert and adjust your pace as the road conditions change throughout the 7-hour journey.
Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 221.9 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 Effort9/10
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 21 significant decision points across 347.4 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 336.9 miles (I 87 / New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 337.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 De Kalb, NY and Yonkers, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South and Boston.
Yonkers is a city of 211,569 people (2020) in Westchester County. The third most populous city in New York state, Yonkers is a suburb of New York City and borders the Borough of the Bronx. Yonkers is known as the "City of Seven Hills," which are Park, Nodine, Ridge, Cross, Locust, Glen, and Church hills.
Top landmarks
•Untermyer Park — public garden
•Hudson River Museum — museum in Yonkers, N.Y.
•Glenview Mansion — historic house in New York, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 1m. Total distance: 347.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 1m 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 221.9 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $11.09 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 Yonkers, 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 336.9 miles (I 87 / New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 337.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Fort Stanwix 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 14.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Yonkers, NY before the return drive.
