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Trip from East Flatbush, NY to Cold Spring, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 42m

Distance

64.9 mi

104 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$11

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 34m ★
6 AM
1h 42m
8 AM
1h 57m
10 AM
1h 47m
12 PM
1h 46m
3 PM
1h 48m
5 PM
1h 57m
8 PM
1h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, USA

East Flatbush, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Cold Spring, NY, NY

Cold Spring, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 64.9-mile drive from East Flatbush, NY, to Cold Spring, NY, is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 42 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $11, it's an economical option for a day trip within the Northeast region. The route primarily utilizes major parkways and highways, making it efficient for getting you to your destination without extensive planning. Given its relatively short duration and focused profile, this journey is best suited for a single day, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

32.4 miles from East Flatbush, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Palisades Interstate Parkway 37.4 mi 47m
Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway 5.3 mi 9m
State Highway 9D 3 mi 5m
Harlem River Drive 2.3 mi 3m
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge 1.9 mi 3m
Fresh Pond Road 1.5 mi 3m
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West 1.1 mi 2m
69th Street 1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Palisades Interstate Parkway — 37.4 mi, about 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between East Flatbush, NY and Cold Spring, NY.

1

Start on NY 27

0.5 mi · 49 sec · Linden Boulevard
2

Turn right onto Remsen Avenue

181 ft · 5 sec · Remsen Avenue
3

Turn right

354 ft · 31 sec
4

Turn left onto Remsen Avenue

196 ft · 4 sec · Remsen Avenue
5

Turn right onto Kings Highway

0.5 mi · 1 min · Kings Highway
Use the straight lane.
6

Continue on Tapscott Street

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Tapscott Street
7

Continue on Howard Avenue

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Howard Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Turn right onto Eastern Parkway

0.5 mi · 59 sec · Eastern Parkway
Use the right lane.
9

Turn left onto Rockaway Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Rockaway Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
10

Continue on Cooper Street

0.8 mi · 2 min · Cooper Street
11

Continue on Cooper Avenue

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Cooper Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
12

Continue on Cooper Avenue

0.3 mi · 31 sec · Cooper Avenue
13

Turn slight left onto 62nd Street

0.2 mi · 1 min · 62nd Street
14

At end of road, turn left onto Myrtle Avenue

335 ft · 11 sec · Myrtle Avenue
15

Turn right onto Fresh Pond Road

1.5 mi · 3 min · Fresh Pond Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
16

At end of road, turn right onto Flushing Avenue

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Flushing Avenue
17

Turn straight onto Grand Avenue

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Grand Avenue
18

Turn left onto 69th Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · 69th Street
19

Turn left onto Queens Boulevard

285 ft · 9 sec · Queens Boulevard
20

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 278 East: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
21

Merge onto I 278

0.9 mi · 1 min · Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 278

1.1 mi · 2 min · Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
Toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan, Bronx Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Merge onto GCP; I 278

0.7 mi · 1 min · Grand Central Parkway
24

Continue on I 278

1.6 mi · 2 min · Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
25

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Exit 46 Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island Use the slight right lane.
26

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 46 Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
27

Continue on Robert F. Kennedy Bridge

0.4 mi · 41 sec · Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
28

Keep slight right at fork

127 ft · 3 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street, 2nd Avenue Use the slight right lane.
29

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive North Use the slight right lane.
30

Merge onto HRD

2.3 mi · 3 min · Harlem River Drive
31

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 24 Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge, Amsterdam Avenue, West 179 Street Use the slight left lane.
32

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
33

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge (Upper Level) Use the slight left lane.
34

Merge onto I 95; US 1

0.4 mi · 42 sec · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
35

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.6 mi · 59 sec · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
36

Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.5 mi · 48 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
37

Keep slight right at fork onto Palisades Interstate Parkway

37 mi · 47 min · Palisades Interstate Parkway
Exit 74 Toward Palisades Parkway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Enter roundabout onto US 6; US 202

260 ft · 3 sec · US 6; US 202
39

Continue on US 6; US 202

0.6 mi · 1 min · US 6; US 202
40

Turn left onto NY 9D

2.6 mi · 4 min · Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway
Use the left lane.
41

Continue on NY 9D

1.4 mi · 2 min · State Highway 9D
42

Continue on NY 9D

358 ft · 7 sec · Route 9D
43

Continue on NY 9D

1.3 mi · 2 min · State Highway 9D
44

Continue on NY 9D

2.7 mi · 4 min · Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway
45

Continue on NY 9D

0.3 mi · 34 sec · State Highway 9D
46

Continue on NY 9D

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Chestnut Street
47

Turn right onto NY 301

52 ft · 1 sec · Main Street
48

Arrive at destination

NY 301

Trip Plan

For this 1-hour, 42-minute journey, departing East Flatbush, NY, in the morning is advisable to take advantage of lighter traffic. Since the drive is just under 65 miles and has a low fuel cost of around $11, you likely won't need extensive rest stops, but there are no designated stops noted, so plan accordingly. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 37.4 miles on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge before embarking on that segment. Given the short duration, you have the flexibility to leave when convenient, but aim to arrive in Cold Spring with ample daylight for exploration.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 32.4 miles from East Flatbush, NY, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.4 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 14 miles or 30m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 32.4 miles or 55m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 24m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cold Spring, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving East Flatbush, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from East Flatbush, NY

This is one driving day of about 64.9 miles and 1h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from East Flatbush, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Palisades Interstate Parkway for about 37.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

census-designated place in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Valley Cottage, NY

32 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

The Bronx, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 14 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Valley Cottage, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 32.4 miles from East Flatbush, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Le Bouchon

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cold Spring, New York

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $40 to $50 mile 64.9

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18452657676

Visit website

Aliada

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Astoria, New York

1.3 mi

Park Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Lips Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Brooklyn, New York

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+13472404439

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

New York, New York

1.4 mi

The Good Witch Coffee Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hastings-On-Hudson, New York

1.7 mi

Le Bouchon

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $40 to $50 mile 64.9

Cold Spring, New York

Hours: 12–8 pm

+18452657676

Visit website

Aliada

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $30 to $50 mile 9.3

Astoria, New York

Hours: 12–10 pm

+17189322240

Visit website

Park Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 13.9

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15167490697

Tabbouleh Cafe & restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 4.6

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+17186738301

Visit website

Kumo Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.3

Elmhurst, New York

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+19297673936

Visit website

Sayola Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 23.2

Tenafly, New Jersey

Hours: 4–10 pm

+12018712182

Visit website

Il Miglio Brick Oven Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 9.3

Queens, New York

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+17187777676

Visit website

Rumba Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 18.5

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12013630008

Lips Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+13472404439

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 13.9

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

The Good Witch Coffee Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 27.8

Hastings-On-Hudson, New York

Hours: 6:30 am–1 pm

+19149204077

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18.5

New York, New York

+19172614093

Artpresso Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 9.3

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+19178327021

Visit website

Bites Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.1

Spring Valley, New York

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18454405055

Visit website

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 18.5

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

F and M coffee shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 5 am–4 pm

+17184380447

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 60.2

Highland Falls, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charge Point

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 13.9

New York, New York

EVolve NY Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 46.3

Stony Point, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

HondoGO Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 46.3

Garnerville, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 55.6

Tomkins Cove, New York

+18887800062

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 13.9

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 55.6

Bear Mountain, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 13.9

New York, New York

+18668167584

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 18.5

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Fort Lee Historic Park, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 18.5

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4:45 pm

+12014611776

Visit website

Apollo Theater

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 13.9

New York, New York

+12125315305

Visit website

Wingate Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Highland Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 4.6

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Mill Pond Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 13.9

Bronx, NY

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

The Hip Hop Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 13.9

Bronx, New York

+13474542793

Visit website

Conservatory Garden

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 13.9

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12123106600

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 28

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.8 and 16.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
8.8 mi into trip | ~20m in | I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West

Keep slight left at fork onto I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan, Bronx

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan...
8
12.2 mi into trip | ~27m in

Take the exit toward Manhattan, Randalls Island

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 46 Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
8
13.3 mi into trip | ~29m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street, 2nd Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street,...
8
16 mi into trip | ~33m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge, Amsterdam Avenue, West 179 Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 24 Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washingto...
9
16.6 mi into trip | ~35m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge (Upper Level)

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washingto...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$10.68 one way

$21.37 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 23 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $11.55 $23.10
premium $4.92 $12.58 $25.16
diesel $5.61 $14.33 $28.66

Estimated Tolls: $16.00

George Washington Bridge $16.00

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

$11

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 22.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 19.5 0 $6.81 $3.12
Efficient EV 16.2 0 $5.68 $2.60
EV Truck/SUV 26 0 $9.09 $4.15

Gas CO2

23 kg

EV CO2

8 kg (65% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

East Flatbush, NY

Late night in East Flatbush on Sunday

Local time

12:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Mostly Cloudy

E 5 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT

Destination

Cold Spring, NY

Late night in Cold Spring on Sunday

Local time

12:36 AM

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

6 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 42m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 15.7
View on nps.gov
General Grant National Memorial

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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 13.4
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument

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...

5 mi from route ~13 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 11.2
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

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...

6 mi from route ~14 min detour Free near mile 2.2
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

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...

6 mi from route ~14 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a drive that is predominantly highway-focused, with 70% of the journey taking place on these types of roads. You'll spend a significant amount of time on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, including a continuous stretch of 37.4 miles, which offers a smooth and consistent driving experience. The transition to the Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway and then State Highway 9D will likely introduce a change in scenery and potentially more local traffic as you approach Cold Spring. This blend means you get the efficiency of the highway for much of the trip, with a more local feel closer to the end.

70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37.4 mi on Palisades Interstate Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Palisades Interstate Parkway and Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.8 miles in near I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 64.9 miles you will encounter 28 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 8.8 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between East Flatbush, NY and Cold Spring, NY, road signs point toward Manhattan, Bronx, Randalls Island and Harlem River Drive North.

Manhattan

8.8 mi in | ~20m | via I 278

Bronx

8.8 mi in | ~20m | via I 278

Randalls Island

12.2 mi in | ~27m

Harlem River Drive North

13.3 mi in | ~29m

About the Cities

Starting in East Flatbush, NY

Full guide →

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 1h 42m. Total distance: 64.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 42m 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 37.4 miles on Palisades Interstate Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $16.00 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.

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 Cold Spring, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 8.8 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Governors Island National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cold Spring, NY before heading back.

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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