Traveling from Elmhurst, NY, to Beekman, NY, covers 76.8 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes. Because this is a relatively short distance, you can easily complete the entire journey as a single-day trip without needing an overnight stop. You should budget about $13 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Northeast locations. Navigating this route involves utilizing Queens Boulevard, I-495 East, and the Long Island Expressway to transition out of the city. It is a straightforward trip that works well for those looking to reach their destination quickly without overcomplicating their travel itinerary.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.4 miles from Elmhurst, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 684
27 mi
31m
Hutchinson River Parkway
16 mi
23m
I 84
15.4 mi
18m
Taconic State Parkway
3.8 mi
5m
Beekman Road
2.9 mi
4m
Whitestone Expressway
2 mi
2m
Van Wyck Expressway
1.7 mi
2m
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
1.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 684
— 27 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elmhurst, NY and Beekman, NY.
1
Start on Grand Avenue
42 ft·4 sec·Grand Avenue
2
Turn right onto Queens Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Queens Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long IslandUse the right lane.
4
Merge onto I 495
0.8 mi·1 min·Long Island Expressway
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 22A-EToward I 678: Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck ExpresswayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on Horace Harding Expressway
0.4 mi·45 sec·Horace Harding Expressway
7
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·12 sec
Exit 22C-DToward I 678: Van Wyck Expresswway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy AirportUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·41 sec
Exit 22DToward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway North, Whitestone BridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 678
1.7 mi·2 min·Van Wyck Expressway
10
Merge onto I 678
2.0 mi·2 min·Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 678
1.3 mi·1 min·Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
12
Continue on I 678
1.2 mi·1 min·Hutchinson River Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on HR
16 mi·23 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.6 mi·2 min
Exit 16AToward I 684 North: BrewsterUse the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto I 684
26 mi·30 min·I 684
16
Continue on I 684
0.8 mi·1 min·I 684
Exit |; 9W|9E
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Exit 9WToward I 84 West: NewburghUse the right lane.
18
Merge onto I 84
15 mi·18 min·I 84
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 52BToward Taconic State Parkway North, AlbanyUse the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto Taconic State Parkway
3.8 mi·5 min·Taconic State Parkway
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward Hopewell Junction, Sylvan Lake
22
Turn right onto CR 9
2.9 mi·4 min·Beekman Road
23
Turn left
42 ft·3 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the local nature of this 1 hour and 42-minute drive, your best strategy is to plan your departure around local traffic patterns to avoid unnecessary delays. Since the route is short and requires no planned stops, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule to suit your personal preferences. Keep your $13 fuel budget in mind as you prepare to head out, and ensure your vehicle is ready for a trip focused on local roads rather than high-speed cruising. A helpful tip for this specific route is to stay vigilant during the turn-heavy sections, as the lack of highway miles means you will be navigating intersections and local traffic for the duration of your trip.
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 38.4 miles from Elmhurst, NY, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 27 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 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.4 miles or 54m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Beekman, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Elmhurst, NY
This is one driving day of about 76.8 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Elmhurst, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 684 for about 27 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 69.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
1.8 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 678: Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway
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 22A-E
Toward I 678: Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck E...
7
2.3 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 678: Van Wyck Expresswway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy Airport
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 22C-D
Toward I 678: Van Wyck Expresswway, Whitestone...
9
2.5 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway 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 22D
Toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway North,...
8
25.1 mi into trip|~38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 684 North: Brewster
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 16A
Toward I 684 North: Brewster
8
69.3 mi into trip|~1h 31m in
Take the exit toward Taconic State Parkway North, Albany
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 52B
Toward Taconic State Parkway North, Albany
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.64 one way
$25.28 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$13.67
$27.34
premium
$4.92
$14.89
$29.77
diesel
$5.61
$16.96
$33.91
Estimated Tolls: $6.55
Whitestone 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
$13
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23
0
$8.06
$3.69
Efficient EV
19.2
0
$6.72
$3.07
EV Truck/SUV
30.7
0
$10.75
$4.92
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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Elmhurst, NY
Late night
in Elmhurst on Sunday
Local time
3:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Beekman, NY
Late night
in Beekman on Sunday
Local time
3:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°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
17 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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 that demands your full attention as you transition away from the city. With 0% of the route categorized as highway, you will find yourself navigating local roads rather than cruising on long, monotonous stretches of interstate. The character of the drive is defined by frequent turns, making it a more active experience behind the wheel compared to a high-speed highway journey. You will not encounter any long, uninterrupted stretches, so be prepared for a consistent pace that keeps you engaged with the road. This technical, local-heavy profile means the trip requires constant focus as you navigate your way toward Beekman.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 27 mi on I 684.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 684 and Hutchinson River Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 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 76.8 miles you will encounter 17 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.5 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 Beekman, NY, road signs point toward Taconic State Parkway North and Albany.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 76.8 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 (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 27 miles on I 684. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.55 in tolls one way, starting with Whitestone 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 Beekman, 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 1.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, Stonewall National Monument and African Burial Ground 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 Beekman, NY before heading back.
