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Trip from Elma, NY to Staten Island, NY

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

Drive Time

7h 49m

Distance

364.1 mi

586 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$60

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
7h 40m ★
6 AM
7h 50m
8 AM
8h 8m
10 AM
7h 56m
12 PM
7h 54m
3 PM
7h 57m
5 PM
8h 7m
8 PM
7h 44m

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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Downtown Elma, NY, NY

Elma, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 385.9-mile journey from Elma, NY, to Staten Island, NY, is designed as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 6 hours and 22 minutes to complete. You'll navigate primarily via Jamison Road and the Aurora Expressway, with a portion on US 20A, and importantly, this route features no highway driving, making it a more local experience. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $63. Given its duration and turn-heavy profile, it's a manageable, albeit engaging, drive for one day. This route stays within the Northeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travel.

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

182 miles from Elma, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Southern Tier Expressway 104.5 mi 2h 2m
I 81 53.4 mi 1h 3m
Keystone Shortway 46.1 mi 59m
Genesee Expressway 32.6 mi 37m
I 380 23.6 mi 25m
Varysburg Road 10.9 mi 15m
Big Tree Road 10.5 mi 15m
NJ 24 9.3 mi 10m
Longest stretch: Southern Tier Expressway — 104.5 mi, about 2h 2m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elma, NY and Staten Island, NY.

1

Start on CR 242

3.2 mi · 5 min · Bowen Road
2

Turn right onto Jamison Road

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Jamison Road
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
4

Merge onto NY 400

3.8 mi · 4 min · Aurora Expressway
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward US 20A, NY 78: East Aurora
6

Turn left onto US 20A; NY 78

0.1 mi · 12 sec · Main Street
7

Continue on US 20A; NY 78

11 mi · 15 min · Big Tree Road
8

Continue on US 20A

11 mi · 15 min · Varysburg Road
9

Continue on US 20A

1.7 mi · 2 min · West Buffalo Road
10

Continue on US 20A

4.6 mi · 8 min · West Buffalo Street
11

Continue on US 20A

7.4 mi · 10 min · Perry Center Road
12

Continue on CR 64

2.3 mi · 3 min · Perry Road
13

Turn right onto NY 36

1.3 mi · 1 min · Mount Morris Road
14

Continue on NY 36

1.8 mi · 4 min · North Main Street
15

Continue on NY 36

4.1 mi · 7 min · Sonyea Road
16

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec
17

Merge onto I 390

33 mi · 37 min · Genesee Expressway
18

Merge onto I 86

105 mi · 2 hr 2 min · Southern Tier Expressway
19

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

53 mi · 1 hr 3 min · I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton Use the straight lane.
20

Keep slight right at fork onto US 6

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 6
Exit 187 Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
21

Continue on I 84; I 380

3.7 mi · 4 min · I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford Use the straight lane.
22

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

24 mi · 25 min · I 380
Exit 4 Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
23

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 1B Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
24

Merge onto I 80

46 mi · 59 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Exit 28 Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong Use the slight right lane.
26

Continue on CR 631

0.2 mi · 12 sec · Ledgewood Road
27

Continue on US 46

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 46
28

Continue on US 46

213 ft · 4 sec · US 46
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
29

Turn straight onto NJ 10

9.2 mi · 11 min · Route 10 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Continue on NJ 10

3.5 mi · 4 min · NJ 10
Use the right lane.
31

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Morristown Airport
32

Merge onto I 287

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 287
33

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 37 Toward NJ 24 East: Springfield Use the slight right lane.
34

Continue on NJ 24

9.3 mi · 10 min · NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
35

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
36

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: Newark Use the slight right lane.
37

Merge onto I 78

4.6 mi · 5 min · Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Exit 54 Toward Hillside, Irvington Use the slight right lane.
39

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 29 sec
Toward Hillside Use the straight / right lanes.
40

Continue on Winans Avenue

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Winans Avenue
41

Turn right onto Liberty Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Liberty Avenue
42

Turn left onto CR 628

0.3 mi · 37 sec · Hillside Avenue
43

Continue on CR 628

0.4 mi · 45 sec · Hillside Avenue
44

At end of road, turn right onto CR 623

2.1 mi · 4 min · North Broad Street
45

Continue on CR 623

1.4 mi · 3 min · Broad Street
46

Turn left onto NJ 439

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Bayway
47

Turn left onto NJ 439

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Brunswick Avenue
Use the left lane.
48

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward I 278 Toll East: Goethals Bridge
49

Merge onto I 278

1.3 mi · 2 min · Goethals Bridge
50

Continue on I 278

2.2 mi · 3 min · Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
51

Keep slight left at fork onto I 278

0.9 mi · 1 min · Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
52

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 11 Toward I 278 West: Bradley Avenue Use the slight right lane.
53

Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue

198 ft · 8 sec · South Gannon Avenue
54

Turn right onto Bradley Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
55

Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue

0.8 mi · 2 min · Brielle Avenue
56

Turn left onto Rockland Avenue

1.2 mi · 2 min · Rockland Avenue
57

Continue on Richmond Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Richmond Road
58

Turn left onto Kensico Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Kensico Street
59

At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue

284 ft · 13 sec · Clarke Avenue
60

Turn right onto Cotter Avenue

0.3 mi · 54 sec · Cotter Avenue
61

Continue on Corona Avenue

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Corona Avenue
62

Turn right onto Croft Court

147 ft · 6 sec · Croft Court
63

Arrive at destination

Croft Court

Trip Plan

With a total duration of 6 hours and 22 minutes and no highway sections, you have flexibility in when you depart. Leaving Elma, NY, early in the morning will help you avoid potential local traffic, especially as you approach the Staten Island area. Plan for one stop to break up the 385.9-mile drive, perhaps mid-way through your journey. The $63 fuel cost is a good estimate, but keep an eye on your gauge, especially since this is a turn-heavy route where fuel efficiency might vary. A practical tip: familiarize yourself with the Jamison Road and Aurora Expressway segments before you leave, as these form the backbone of this local exploration.

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 182 miles from Elma, NY, or about 3h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.5 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 80 miles or 1h 53m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 182 miles or 3h 53m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 19m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Elma, 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 Elma, NY

This is one driving day of about 364.1 miles and 7h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Elma, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 104.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Broome County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vestal, NY

182 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

Hornell, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Endwell, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 182 miles from Elma, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Southern Tier Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 104.5 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

L'allegria Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Madison, New Jersey

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10 mile 338

Hours: 12–9 pm

+19733776808

Visit website

Triplets Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

2 mi

L'allegria Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10 mile 338

Madison, New Jersey

Hours: 12–9 pm

+19733776808

Visit website

Triplets Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 286

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+15704216566

Visit website

Cafe Latte

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 364.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+17189870192

Rab's Country Lanes

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 364.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 9 am–12 pm

+17189791600

Visit website

Cinar Mediterranean Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 338

Livingston, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–8:30 pm

+19733151616

Visit website

Cafe Luna

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $30 to $50 mile 364.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 12–11 pm

+17183513235

Visit website

Nino's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 364.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 12–10 pm

+17184483838

Visit website

Azure The Greek Mediterranean

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $40 to $50 mile 338

Morristown, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+19739989555

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 182

Johnson City, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 130

Elmira, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 182

Vestal, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 338

Livingston, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 104

Painted Post, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 182

Vestal, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 338

Short Hills, New Jersey

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+18774943833

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 182

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Historic Richmond Town

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 364.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+17183511611

Visit website

Escape Room NJ Madison

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 338

Madison, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+19735208360

Visit website

GC Renovation

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 364.1

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16464208481

Great Kills Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 364.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Latourette Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 364.1

Staten Island, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Museum of Early Trades & Crafts

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 338

Madison, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+19733772982

Visit website

The Boulevard

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 364.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+18338004343

Visit website

Tysens Park Shopping Center

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 364.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 39

5 decision points cluster between mile 190 and 349.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
190 mi into trip | ~4h 2m 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
243.3 mi into trip | ~5h 5m 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...
8
318.6 mi into trip | ~6h 38m in

Take the exit toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong

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 28 Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
8
349.3 mi into trip | ~7h 16m in

Take the exit toward Hillside, Irvington

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 54 Toward Hillside, Irvington
8
349.4 mi into trip | ~7h 16m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward Hillside

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$59.93 one way

$119.87 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 127 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $64.81 $129.61
premium $4.92 $70.57 $141.14
diesel $5.61 $80.39 $160.78

Estimated Tolls: $16.00

Goethals 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

$60

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$101–$126

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 127.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 109.2 1 $38.23 $17.48
Efficient EV 91 1 $31.86 $14.56
EV Truck/SUV 145.6 1 $50.97 $23.30

Gas CO2

127 kg

EV CO2

43 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 16, 2026

Origin

Elma, NY

Late night in Elma on Sunday

Local time

12:24 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Staten Island, NY

Late night in Staten Island on Sunday

Local time

12:24 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

8 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

7h 49m 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.

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

National Monument

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...

9 mi from route ~22 min detour Free near mile 351.5
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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 351.5
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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 351.5
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...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 351.5
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 ~27 min detour Free near mile 351.5
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...

12 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 364.1
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 'turn-heavy local drive' for the entirety of this 385.9-mile trip, with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be actively steering and navigating through various local roads rather than cruising on interstates. The absence of long highway stretches indicates a continuous engagement with the road, likely involving frequent turns and adjustments. While there's no specified 'longest stretch,' the profile suggests a drive where you'll be consistently aware of your surroundings and the nuances of local routes.

70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
63 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.5 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 190 miles in near I 81.

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 39 significant decision points across 364.1 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 190 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 243.3 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 318.6 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 Elma, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport, New York City and Newark.

Mt Pocono

243.3 mi in | ~5h 5m | via US 6

Milford

244.1 mi in | ~5h 7m | via I 84; I 380

Lake Hopatcong

318.6 mi in | ~6h 38m

Morristown Airport

332.7 mi in | ~6h 55m

New York City

344 mi in | ~7h 10m

Newark

344 mi in | ~7h 10m

About the Cities

Starting in Elma, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1857

Arriving in Staten Island, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1683

Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.

Top landmarks

  • • Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
  • • Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
  • • Fort Wadsworth — United States military base

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 7h 49m. Total distance: 364.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 49m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 104.5 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Goethals 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 Staten Island, 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 190 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 243.3 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 318.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Statue Of Liberty National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Governors Island 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 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Staten Island, NY before the return drive.

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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