Elmhurst, NY to Ithaca, NY is 230 miles and takes about 4h 49m via I 81, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, traveling between the Northeast regions. Given its mostly highway profile and manageable duration, this route is ideal for a single-day drive. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on major roadways, making it a straightforward transit between these two points.
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
115 miles from Elmhurst, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
73.8 mi
1h 28m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
US 11
30.6 mi
40m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
US 46
10.8 mi
12m
NJ 3
10.2 mi
12m
Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
3.7 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 73.8 mi, about 1h 28m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 246 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,393 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,118
Quietest
1 AM
~445 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elmhurst, NY and Ithaca, NY.
1
Start on Grand Avenue
90 ft·7 sec·Grand Avenue
2
Turn left onto NY 25
1.2 mi·3 min·Queens Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, BrooklynUse the straight lane.
4
Merge onto I 278
0.7 mi·1 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
5
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 35Toward I 495: Midtown Tunnel, Eastern Long Island, Greenpoint AvenueUse the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 35WToward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, ManhattanUse the slight left lane.
7
Merge onto I 495
1.4 mi·2 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
1.3 mi·2 min·Queens-Midtown Tunnel
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward Crosstown, 37th StreetUse the slight left lane.
10
Turn slight left onto East 37th Street
1.1 mi·3 min·East 37th Street
Use the slight left lane.
11
Take the ramp
474 ft·11 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel
12
Turn right
342 ft·11 sec
Use the right lane.
13
Merge onto NY 495
105 ft·4 sec·Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 495
3.7 mi·6 min·Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
Toward Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: SecaucusUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
453 ft·7 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: CliftonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto NJ 3
10 mi·12 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto US 46
11 mi·12 min·US 46
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap
20
Continue on I 80W
1.6 mi·1 min·Interstate 80 West
Toward I 287: Morristown, MahwahUse the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water GapUse the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Merge onto I 80
45 mi·52 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
25
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
26
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
27
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi·2 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
14 mi·16 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 8Toward NY 26 North: Whitney Point, Lisle
31
Turn right onto NY 26
0.5 mi·43 sec·NY 26
32
At end of road, turn left onto US 11; NY 26
0.1 mi·9 sec·US 11; NY 26
33
Continue on US 11; NY 79
31 mi·39 min·US 11; NY 79
34
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 79
0.2 mi·30 sec·Seneca Way
Use the straight lane.
35
Arrive at destination
NY 79
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 49m drive, consider an early morning departure from Elmhurst to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $38, pacing yourself should be easy. Keep an eye on the highway exits as you transition from I 81 to US 11, as this is where the driving experience changes most noticeably. You can comfortably complete this trip in a single day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, a brief overnight stay is also an option.
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 115 miles from Elmhurst, NY, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.8 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 51 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115 miles or 2h 29m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ithaca, 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 230 miles and 4h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 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 I 81 for about 73.8 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.4 and 11 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.4 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the exit toward I 495: Midtown Tunnel, Eastern Long Island, Greenpoint Avenue
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 35
Toward I 495: Midtown Tunnel, Eastern Long Isla...
9
2.5 mi into trip|~6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 35W
Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan
8
5.6 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Crosstown, 37th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Crosstown, 37th Street
7
7.1 mi into trip|~16m in|NY 495 / Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 495 / Lincoln Tunnel Expressway toward Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Lincoln Tunnel
8
11 mi into trip|~23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 3 West: Clifton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 3 West: Clifton
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.21 one way
$74.41 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$40.38
$80.75
premium
$4.85
$43.90
$87.80
diesel
$4.80
$43.43
$86.86
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Lincoln 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
$37
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69
0
$24.15
$11.04
Efficient EV
57.5
0
$20.13
$9.20
EV Truck/SUV
92
1
$32.20
$14.72
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Elmhurst, NY
Morning
in Elmhurst on Monday
Local time
6:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Areas Of Smoke
S 13 mph94% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 1:37PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 1:35PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Ithaca, NY
Morning
in Ithaca on Monday
Local time
6:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Areas Of Smoke
SW 12 mph92% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 1:37PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 1:35PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
82°F
Hawley, PA
115 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
7 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
4h 49m 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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 70% of the 230 miles on major roads like I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. You'll encounter a long stretch of 73.8 miles on I 81 without needing to exit. While the majority of the route is highway cruising, expect the transition to surface roads like US 11 to introduce more local traffic and potentially denser exit patterns as you approach your destination.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.8 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in.
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 31 significant decision points across 230 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 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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; at 5.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,832 ft21 ft
Total Climb
2,677 ft
Total Descent
2,288 ft
Highest Point
1,832 ft
~115 mi in
Elevation Range
1,811 ft
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 Ithaca, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah, Albany and Lisle.
Ithaca is a small city in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. In addition to being the home of Cornell University and Ithaca College, Ithaca is known for its several gorges and waterfalls, small eclectic shops and restaurants, and deep interest in politics.
Top landmarks
•Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art — art museum at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York
•Clinton House — former hotel in Ithaca, New York
•Andrew Dickson White House — Historic home on campus of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 49m. Total distance: 230 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.8 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Lincoln 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 31 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 Ithaca, 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. There are 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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; at 5.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stonewall National Monument, African Burial Ground National Monument and Castle Clinton National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Ithaca, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
