Traveling from De Witt to Brooklyn covers approximately 256.4 miles, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes of active driving time. Because this route relies on local roads like Downing Road, Lansdowne Road, and Terrace Drive rather than major interstates, it functions best as a single-day trip. You should budget roughly $40 for fuel to complete the transit between these two Northeast locations. While the drive is manageable in one go, the turn-heavy nature of the path means you will want to stay alert behind the wheel. Use this route if you prefer navigating local corridors over the standard highway grind, but keep in mind that the lack of highway miles means your speed will likely remain consistent and moderate throughout the day.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
128.2 miles from De Witt, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
125.9 mi
2h 28m
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
I 481
4.7 mi
5m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
2 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 125.9 mi, about 2h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between De Witt, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on Hampshire Drive
272 ft·13 sec·Hampshire Drive
2
Turn right onto Downing Road
0.1 mi·31 sec·Downing Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto Lansdowne Road
163 ft·12 sec·Lansdowne Road
4
Turn left onto Terrace Drive
363 ft·22 sec·Terrace Drive
5
Turn left onto NY 92
0.5 mi·1 min·East Genesee Street
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 481 South: JamesvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 481
4.7 mi·5 min·I 481
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
203 ft·4 sec
Exit 1Toward Brighton Avenue
9
Enter roundabout onto East Glen Avenue
114 ft·2 sec·East Glen Avenue
10
Continue on East Glen Avenue
0.2 mi·20 sec·East Glen Avenue
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
12
Merge onto I-81
0.2 mi·12 sec·I-81
13
Continue on I 81
73 mi·1 hr 25 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
19
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
21
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
23
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
28
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
29
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
30
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
32
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
33
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
34
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
35
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
36
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
37
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
38
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
39
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
40
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
41
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
42
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a turn-heavy local drive, plan to depart early in the morning to ensure you have plenty of daylight for navigating the local turns. You are allotted one stop along the way, so use that time strategically to stretch your legs and refuel your vehicle without rushing the remaining duration. Because you are traveling on local roads rather than high-speed highways, traffic patterns can shift; keep a close eye on your navigation to stay on track with the specific sequence of Downing Road, Lansdowne Road, and Terrace Drive. Carrying a physical map or a reliable offline GPS is a smart move given the reliance on secondary roads. Enjoy the flexibility of this 256.4-mile path by pacing yourself through the turns rather than trying to power through the entire duration at once.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 128.2 miles from De Witt, NY, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 125.9 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 56 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.2 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving De Witt, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from De Witt, NY
This is one driving day of about 256.4 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from De Witt, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 125.9 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 32
5 decision points cluster between mile 79.1 and 249.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
79.1 mi into trip|~1h 35m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
132.4 mi into trip|~2h 39m 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...
7
244.5 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland 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.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
244.7 mi into trip|~4h 59m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
249.8 mi into trip|~5h 11m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.21 one way
$84.41 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$45.64
$91.27
premium
$4.92
$49.70
$99.39
diesel
$5.61
$56.61
$113.22
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$42
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.9
0
$26.92
$12.31
Efficient EV
64.1
0
$22.43
$10.26
EV Truck/SUV
102.6
1
$35.90
$16.41
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
De Witt, NY
Late night
in De Witt on Sunday
Local time
3:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night
in Brooklyn on Sunday
Local time
3:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
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
6 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
5h 24m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 247.6
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 247.6
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 247.6
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 247.6
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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 247.6
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 247.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a very different experience than your typical interstate cruise, as this route features a 0% highway share. Instead, you will navigate a series of technical, turn-heavy local roads that demand your full attention. The journey is defined by the winding nature of Downing Road, Lansdowne Road, and Terrace Drive, which keeps the pace engaging rather than monotonous. Because you are avoiding the major thoroughfares, the road feel is intimate and requires frequent adjustments to your speed and steering. This is a hands-on driving experience where the focus is on the transition through the local landscape rather than just hitting a destination quickly.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 125.9 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 79.1 miles in near I 81.
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 32 significant decision points across 256.4 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 79.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,886 ft49 ft
Total Climb
2,275 ft
Total Descent
2,790 ft
Highest Point
1,886 ft
~146.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,837 ft
Notable High Points
1,886 ft at ~146.5 miles+708 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between De Witt, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city.
Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest.
Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
Top landmarks
•Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
•Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 24m. Total distance: 256.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 125.9 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 in tolls one way, starting with Holland 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 Brooklyn, 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 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 79.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Stonewall 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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brooklyn, NY before the return drive.
