Spanning 149.3 miles, this trek from Elmhurst to Albany typically takes about 3 hours and 8 minutes of drive time. Because the duration is relatively manageable, you can easily complete this as a one-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $24 for fuel to cover the journey between these two Northeast locations. Navigating through local streets like Queens Boulevard and sections of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway requires focus, as you are not relying on long stretches of highway. It is a straightforward transit within New York state that works well for travelers looking to move between the city and the state capital efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
74.7 miles from Elmhurst, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
111.7 mi
2h 8m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Harlem River Drive
2.3 mi
3m
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
1.9 mi
3m
I 787
1.6 mi
2m
I 95 EXPR
1.2 mi
1m
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elmhurst, NY and Albany, NY.
1
Start on Grand Avenue
90 ft·7 sec·Grand Avenue
2
Turn left onto NY 25
0.3 mi·1 min·Queens Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn slight right
216 ft·8 sec
4
Turn left onto Queens Boulevard
0.7 mi·2 min·Queens Boulevard
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 278 East: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
6
Merge onto I 278
0.9 mi·1 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
1.1 mi·2 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
Toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan, BronxUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto GCP; I 278
0.7 mi·1 min·Grand Central Parkway
9
Continue on I 278
1.6 mi·2 min·Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 46Toward Manhattan, Randalls IslandUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 46Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
12
Continue on Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
0.4 mi·41 sec·Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
13
Keep slight right at fork
127 ft·3 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street, 2nd AvenueUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive NorthUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto HRD
2.3 mi·3 min·Harlem River Drive
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 24Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge, Amsterdam Avenue, West 179 StreetUse the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington BridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
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.
19
Merge onto I 95; US 1
0.4 mi·42 sec·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
20
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
21
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
22
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.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, MahwahUse the straight lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
32
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
33
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
34
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: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 23Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, TroyUse the slight right lane.
36
Continue on I 787
1.6 mi·2 min·I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 4Toward US 9 North, US 20 West: Downtown AlbanyUse the slight right lane.
38
Turn straight onto Quay Street
0.2 mi·34 sec·Quay Street
39
Turn left onto NY 5
0.2 mi·42 sec·NY 5
40
Turn left onto NY 5
0.3 mi·51 sec·State Street
41
At end of road, turn right onto NY 5
182 ft·5 sec·Eagle Street
42
Turn straight onto NY 5
498 ft·19 sec·Washington Avenue
43
Turn left
30 ft·2 sec
44
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 3-hour and 8-minute journey, plan for at least one stop to break up the local driving segments. Leaving during off-peak hours is highly recommended, as the reliance on city-based roads like Queens Boulevard can lead to significant delays during rush periods. Keep your $24 fuel budget in mind and try to fill up before leaving the urban density of Elmhurst to ensure a smoother departure. Since this is a short trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on real-time traffic conditions. A helpful tip is to double-check your navigation apps before pulling out, as local road construction or unexpected congestion can frequently impact these specific non-highway routes.
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 74.7 miles from Elmhurst, NY, or about 1h 39m 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 33 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 74.7 miles or 1h 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 34m
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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst, NY
This is one driving day of about 149.3 miles and 3h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Elmhurst, 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.
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 2.1 and 12.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.1 mi into trip|~5m 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
5.6 mi into trip|~12m 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
6.6 mi into trip|~14m 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,...
9
10 mi into trip|~19m 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...
9
12.6 mi into trip|~23m 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
$24.58 one way
$49.15 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg52 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$26.57
$53.15
premium
$4.92
$28.94
$57.87
diesel
$5.61
$32.96
$65.93
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
$25
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 52.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
44.8
0
$15.68
$7.17
Efficient EV
37.3
0
$13.06
$5.97
EV Truck/SUV
59.7
0
$20.90
$9.56
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Elmhurst, NY
Late night
in Elmhurst on Sunday
Local time
12:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Albany, NY
Late night
in Albany on Sunday
Local time
12:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
75 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
25 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
3h 8m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise on this route. With a 0% highway share, you will be navigating local arteries and connecting roads for the duration of the 149.3-mile trip. This profile means you should be prepared for frequent stops, traffic lights, and changing road conditions rather than settling into a consistent highway pace. The character of the drive is defined by its urban and suburban navigation, requiring your full attention as you transition out of the city. Since there is no single longest uninterrupted stretch, you will find the rhythm of the drive remains varied from start to finish.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
44 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 NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 miles in near I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 29 significant decision points across 149.3 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 2.1 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.6 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 Elmhurst, NY and Albany, NY, road signs point toward Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South, Gsp North, Newark, Mahwah and New York State Thruway North: Albany.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 8m. Total distance: 149.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). 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 $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.
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 2.1 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.6 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 Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Albany, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
