This 77.5-mile journey from East Flatbush, NY, to Mechanicstown, NY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 49 minutes. With a highway share of 79%, you'll experience a predominantly highway-focused drive. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $13. Given its manageable length and duration, this route is ideal for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. You'll remain within the Northeast region throughout your travels, making for a straightforward and familiar drive.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.8 miles from East Flatbush, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
30.9 mi
35m
NJ 17
22.9 mi
28m
NJ 3
4.3 mi
5m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.8 mi
3m
Linden Boulevard
1.3 mi
3m
East Main Street
1.3 mi
2m
Prospect Expressway
1.3 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 30.9 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Flatbush, NY and Mechanicstown, NY.
1
Start on NY 27
1.3 mi·3 min·Linden Boulevard
2
Turn slight right onto NY 27
0.4 mi·40 sec·Caton Avenue
3
Turn right onto Saint Pauls Place
0.2 mi·51 sec·Saint Pauls Place
4
At end of road, turn left onto Parkside Avenue
0.5 mi·53 sec·Parkside Avenue
5
Enter roundabout onto Fort Hamilton Parkway
266 ft·5 sec·Fort Hamilton Parkway
6
Continue on Fort Hamilton Parkway
33 ft·0 sec·Fort Hamilton Parkway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto Ocean Parkway
0.2 mi·29 sec·Ocean Parkway
Toward Prospect Avenue, Prospect Expressway North
8
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NY 27 West: Prospect Expressway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
9
Merge onto NY 27
1.3 mi·2 min·Prospect Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 27
0.4 mi·46 sec·NY 27
Toward I 278 East: Queens, Bronx
11
Merge onto I 278
0.4 mi·39 sec·Gowanus Expressway
12
Keep slight left at fork
2.3 mi·4 min
Exit 25Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, ManhattanUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
230 ft·10 sec
Toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington BridgeUse the right lane.
14
At end of road, turn right onto NY 9A
1.1 mi·3 min·West Street
Use the right lane.
15
Turn right onto Vestry Street
0.2 mi·47 sec·Vestry Street
16
Turn left onto Hudson Street
374 ft·18 sec·Hudson Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
17
Take the exit
406 ft·14 sec
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New JerseyUse the straight / left lanes.
18
Merge onto I 78
1.8 mi·3 min·Holland Tunnel
19
Continue on I 78
0.4 mi·1 min·14th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139
0.3 mi·24 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
21
Continue on NJ 139
0.8 mi·1 min·NJ 139 Lower Level
22
Continue on NJ 139
406 ft·7 sec·Pulaski Skyway
23
Take the exit
420 ft·14 sec
Toward US 1-9 North: SecaususUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
2.6 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn straight onto NJ 3
4.3 mi·5 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·3 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on NJ 17
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on NJ 17
4.1 mi·5 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
33
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
34
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
35
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
14 mi·16 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
36
Take the exit
1.5 mi·3 min
Exit 16Toward US 6, NY 17: HarrimanUse the slight right lane.
37
Continue on this road
152 ft·3 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward NY 17 West: BinghamtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Continue on NY 17
17 mi·19 min·NY 17
40
Take the exit
0.2 mi·44 sec
Exit 122Toward CR 67: Middletown, Crystal RunUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Turn right onto Crystal Run Crossing
0.1 mi·20 sec·Crystal Run Crossing
Use the right lane.
42
Turn right onto Crystal Run Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Crystal Run Road
43
Continue on CR 67
1.3 mi·2 min·East Main Street
44
Turn left onto Schutt Road
0.1 mi·20 sec·Schutt Road
Use the left lane.
45
Arrive at destination
Schutt Road
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 1 hour and 49-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart at a time that best suits your schedule, though avoiding peak commuter hours in the New York metropolitan area is always a good idea. With no specific stops recommended, you can easily incorporate breaks as needed, perhaps around the halfway mark or whenever you feel the need to stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 30.9 miles on NY 17, to ensure a smooth journey.
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 38.8 miles from East Flatbush, NY, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.9 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 17 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.8 miles or 1h 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mechanicstown, 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 77.5 miles and 1h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from East Flatbush, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on NY 17 for about 30.9 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.9 and 56.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
4.9 mi into trip|~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 25
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan
8
7.2 mi into trip|~15m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel...
8
8.6 mi into trip|~19m in
Take the exit toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
8
19.1 mi into trip|~35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
8
56.7 mi into trip|~1h 21m in
Take the exit toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman
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 16
Toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.75 one way
$27.51 round trip
$4.51/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.85
$14.79
$29.57
premium
$5.24
$15.99
$31.97
diesel
$5.35
$16.32
$32.65
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Holland Tunnel
$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
$14
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.3
0
$8.14
$3.72
Efficient EV
19.4
0
$6.78
$3.10
EV Truck/SUV
31
0
$10.85
$4.96
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (67% 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 May 25, 2026
Origin
East Flatbush, NY
Evening
in East Flatbush on Wednesday
Local time
8:14 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 7 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 25 at 2:33AM EDT until May 25 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
Mechanicstown, NY
Evening
in Mechanicstown on Wednesday
Local time
8:14 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°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
4 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
1h 49m 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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive, with 79% of this route utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 30.9 miles on NY 17, offering a consistent pace. While primarily highway, the route will involve transitions between NY 17, NJ 17, and NJ 3, providing some variation in the driving experience. This blend suggests a drive that is efficient for covering distance without being entirely monotonous.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 30.9 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 77.5 miles you will encounter 29 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 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
657 ft7 ft
Total Climb
849 ft
Total Descent
335 ft
Highest Point
657 ft
~60.9 mi in
Elevation Range
650 ft
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 Mechanicstown, NY, road signs point toward Bronx, Manhattan, New Jersey, Jersey City and New York State Thruway North: Albany.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 49m. Total distance: 77.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 30.9 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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.
Yes — we found about 7 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 Mechanicstown, 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 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.6 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, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (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 Mechanicstown, NY before heading back.
