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Trip from East Setauket, NY to Albany, NY

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

Drive Time

4h 8m

Distance

194.6 mi

313 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
3h 55m ★
6 AM
4h 9m
8 AM
4h 35m
10 AM
4h 18m
12 PM
4h 15m
3 PM
4h 19m
5 PM
4h 33m
8 PM
4h 1m

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

Downtown East Setauket, NY, NY

East Setauket, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 194.6-mile drive from East Setauket, NY, to Albany, NY, is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes. With 91% highway share, it’s a straightforward trip primarily utilizing NY 17 and the Long Island Expressway, making it an excellent candidate for a single-day journey. The estimated fuel cost is around $32, and you'll find it to be a highway-focused experience. This route keeps you within the Northeast region, offering a direct path north without significant detours.

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

97.3 miles from East Setauket, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 111.7 mi 2h 8m
Long Island Expressway 28.3 mi 38m
NJ 17 14.7 mi 18m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
Smithtown Bypass 4.5 mi 7m
Nicolls Road 3.1 mi 4m
Cross Island Parkway 3.1 mi 4m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between East Setauket, NY and Albany, NY.

1

Start on NY 25A

29 ft · 0 sec · Main Street
2

Continue on NY 25A

1.0 mi · 1 min · Route 25A
3

Continue on NY 25A

0.4 mi · 33 sec · North Country Road
4

Turn left onto CR 97

3.1 mi · 4 min · Nicolls Road
Use the left lane.
5

Take the exit

407 ft · 11 sec
Toward Route 347, Nesconset Highway WEST, Hauppauge, Smithtown
6

Merge onto NY 347

1.6 mi · 2 min · Nesconset Highway
Use the right lane.
7

Continue on NY 347

4.5 mi · 7 min · Smithtown Bypass
8

Take the exit

380 ft · 16 sec
Toward Route 111, Islip, Smithtown Use the right lane.
9

Turn left onto NY 111

0.5 mi · 46 sec · Hauppauge Boulevard
10

At end of road, turn right onto NY 111; CR 76

421 ft · 8 sec · Townline Road
11

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 111

1.5 mi · 2 min · Wheeler Road
12

Turn right onto LIE North Service Road

0.5 mi · 53 sec · LIE North Service Road
Use the right lane.
13

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 495 West: New York
14

Merge onto I 495

28 mi · 38 min · Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Exit 31N-S Toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy Airport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 31N Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17

Merge onto CI

3.1 mi · 4 min · Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 33 Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Merge onto I 295

1.8 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge
20

Continue on I 295

0.7 mi · 1 min · Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 295

6.6 mi · 8 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
23

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.6 mi · 59 sec · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
24

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
25

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.6 mi · 39 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP

0.1 mi · 8 sec · I 95 EXPR; NJTP
27

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 72A Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
29

Merge onto NJ 4

6.7 mi · 9 min · NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
30

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, Mahwah Use the straight lane.
31

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Merge onto NJ 17

3.3 mi · 4 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Continue on NJ 17

7.3 mi · 9 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
34

Continue on NJ 17

0.7 mi · 50 sec · NJ 17
35

Continue on NJ 17

3.3 mi · 4 min · NJ 17
36

Continue on I 287; NY 17

0.2 mi · 10 sec · I 287; NY 17
37

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17

112 mi · 2 hr 8 min · NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 50 sec
Exit 23 Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy Use the slight right lane.
39

Continue on I 787

1.6 mi · 2 min · I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Exit 4 Toward US 9 North, US 20 West: Downtown Albany Use the slight right lane.
41

Turn straight onto Quay Street

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Quay Street
42

Turn left onto NY 5

0.2 mi · 42 sec · NY 5
43

Turn left onto NY 5

0.3 mi · 51 sec · State Street
44

At end of road, turn right onto NY 5

182 ft · 5 sec · Eagle Street
45

Turn straight onto NY 5

498 ft · 19 sec · Washington Avenue
46

Turn left

30 ft · 2 sec
47

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 8-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart early to maximize daylight and potentially avoid heavier traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of about $32, planning is straightforward. The longest stretch without a break is over 111 miles on NY 17, so be sure to take advantage of any available exits for fuel or rest before embarking on that segment. Flexibility is key with a shorter drive like this, allowing you to adjust your pace as needed.

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 97.3 miles from East Setauket, NY, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 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 43 miles or 1h 2m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 97.3 miles or 2h 13m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 25m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving East Setauket, 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 East Setauket, NY

This is one driving day of about 194.6 miles and 4h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from East Setauket, 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 NY 17 for about 111.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

97 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

Hillside, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 97.3 miles from East Setauket, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.7 miles.

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

Lima 33 Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Little Neck, New York

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 41.7

Hours: 1–9 pm

+17182254949

Visit website

Golden Krust Carribean Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Newburgh, New York

1.7 mi

Luigi's Restaurant And Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Queens, New York

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 55.6

+19172614093

Lima 33 Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 41.7

Little Neck, New York

Hours: 1–9 pm

+17182254949

Visit website

Golden Krust Carribean Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 111.2

Newburgh, New York

Hours: 8:15 am–7:45 pm

+18457874527

Visit website

Luigi's Restaurant And Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 41.7

Queens, New York

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+17183477136

Visit website

Cafe Madison

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 194.6

Albany, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+15189351094

Visit website

Yossies Cafe & Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.3

Monroe, New York

Hours: 8 am–1 pm

+18457830901

Visit website

Honey Day Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 69.5

Glen Rock, New Jersey

Hours: 8:30 am–3 pm

+12013893535

Visit website

Mocha Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 55.6

Bronx, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13472027123

Visit website

Mi Ecuador Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 194.6

Rensselaer, New York

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+15182750565

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 55.6

New York, New York

+19172614093

Saddle River Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour Expensive mile 69.5

Saddle River, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+12012822300

Visit website

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 55.6

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 55.6

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 27.8

Syosset, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 27.8

Woodbury, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 111.2

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 111.2

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 111.2

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 97.3

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 111.2

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 111.2

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

J. Hood Wright Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 55.6

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Bennett Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 55.6

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Fort Tryon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 55.6

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12127951388

Visit website

Fort Tryon

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 55.6

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 55.6

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Roberto Clemente State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 55.6

Bronx, New York

Hours: 8:30 am–8:30 pm

+17182998750

Visit website

Fort Lee Historic Park, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 55.6

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4:45 pm

+12014611776

Visit website

Yankee Stadium

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 55.6

Bronx, New York

+12129265337

Visit website

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 41.8 and 57.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
41.8 mi into trip | ~1h in

Take the exit toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy Airport

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 31N-S Toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge,...
10
42 mi into trip | ~1h in

Keep slight right at fork toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 31N Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone B...
8
45.4 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in

Take the exit toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 33 Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx,...
8
57.6 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
9
57.9 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 72A Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.03 one way

$64.06 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $34.64 $69.27
premium $4.92 $37.72 $75.43
diesel $5.61 $42.97 $85.93

Estimated Tolls: $22.55

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55

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

$32

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 68.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 58.4 0 $20.43 $9.34
Efficient EV 48.7 0 $17.03 $7.78
EV Truck/SUV 77.8 0 $27.24 $12.45

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (66% 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 Setauket, NY

Morning in East Setauket on Sunday

Local time

7:59 AM

EDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Albany, NY

Morning in Albany on Sunday

Local time

7:59 AM

EDT

Current temp

34°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Ramapo, NY

97 mi in

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

12 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

4h 8m 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.

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 53.7
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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 53.7
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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 53.7
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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 53.7
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...

11 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 53.7
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 53.7
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 predominantly highway-focused drive on this route, with 91% of the journey on major roadways. You'll experience a consistent pace for much of the trip, including a significant uninterrupted stretch of 111.7 miles on NY 17. The character is largely that of efficient travel, designed to get you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. While not explicitly scenic, the highway infrastructure ensures a smooth and predictable driving experience for the majority of the 194.6 miles.

91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.7 mi on NY 17.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and Long Island Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 41.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 194.6 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 41.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Setauket, NY and Albany, NY, road signs point toward Islip, Smithtown, Kennedy Airport, Cross Island Parkway North, Bronx and New England - among others.

Islip

10.6 mi in | ~16m

Smithtown

10.6 mi in | ~16m

Kennedy Airport

41.8 mi in | ~1h

Cross Island Parkway North

42 mi in | ~1h

Bronx

45.4 mi in | ~1h 5m

New England

45.4 mi in | ~1h 5m

Upper Level

55.1 mi in | ~1h 19m | via I 95; US 1

Njtp South: Hackensack

57.6 mi in | ~1h 23m

Gsp South

64.7 mi in | ~1h 33m

Gsp North

64.7 mi in | ~1h 33m

Newark

64.7 mi in | ~1h 33m

Mahwah

64.7 mi in | ~1h 33m

About the Cities

Arriving in Albany, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1686

Albany is the capital of New York. Albany is an interesting showcase of several centuries' worth of architectural styles, including the modernistic Empire State Plaza.

Top landmarks

  • New York State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of New York
  • Fort Orange — fort in New Netherland (now Albany, New York)
  • Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — historic cathedral in Albany, New York, United States

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 4h 8m. Total distance: 194.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.7 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $22.55 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.

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 Albany, 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 41.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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

Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Albany, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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Explore more options from East Setauket, NY or browse trips ending in Albany, NY.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.