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Trip from Fairmount, NY to Queens, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 38m

Distance

267.2 mi

430 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 25m ★
6 AM
5h 39m
8 AM
6h 5m
10 AM
5h 48m
12 PM
5h 45m
3 PM
5h 49m
5 PM
6h 4m
8 PM
5h 31m

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

Downtown Fairmount, NY, NY

Fairmount, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

borough in New York City, New York, United States

Queens, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 267.2-mile drive from Fairmount, NY, to Queens, NY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing I 81 and I 380, with a segment on the Keystone Shortway, this route is heavily focused on highway travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $44, it’s an efficient trip for those looking to cover ground quickly within the Northeast region. You can expect a straightforward journey that's well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. The overall feel is that of a functional, direct connection between your starting point and your destination.

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

133.6 miles from Fairmount, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 41m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 128.7 mi 2h 32m
Keystone Shortway 70.8 mi 1h 27m
I 380 23.6 mi 25m
NJ 3 10.5 mi 11m
I 690 4.1 mi 5m
Woodhaven Boulevard 3.9 mi 10m
US 46 3.7 mi 4m
I 84 3.7 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 128.7 mi, about 2h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fairmount, NY and Queens, NY.

1

Start on this road

224 ft · 18 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn right onto NY 173

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Onondaga Road (NY 173)
3

Turn right onto NY 297

0.6 mi · 1 min · Milton Avenue
4

Turn left onto Horan Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Horan Road
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward NY 695 North
6

Merge onto NY 695

0.7 mi · 50 sec · NY 695
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 690 East
8

Merge onto I 690

4.1 mi · 5 min · I 690
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Merge onto I 81

2.8 mi · 4 min · I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on I-81

0.8 mi · 48 sec · I-81
12

Continue on I 81

73 mi · 1 hr 25 min · I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

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.
14

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.
15

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.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

24 mi · 25 min · I 380
Exit 4 Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
17

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 1B Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
18

Merge onto I 80

71 mi · 1 hr 27 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Exit 53 Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunnel Use the slight right lane.
20

Merge onto US 46

2.1 mi · 2 min · US 46
21

Continue on US 46

1.6 mi · 1 min · US 46
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Turn slight left onto NJ 3

11 mi · 11 min · NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel, Kennedy Boulevard Use the straight / right lanes.
24

Merge onto NJ 495

1.1 mi · 1 min · NJ 495
25

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 16 sec
Toward Weehawken, Hoboken, Ferries to New York City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Continue on South Marginal Highway

0.1 mi · 10 sec · South Marginal Highway
27

Turn right onto Boulevard East

0.4 mi · 1 min · Boulevard East
Use the left lane.
28

Take the ramp

123 ft · 14 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City Use the straight / right lanes.
29

Turn right

0.2 mi · 57 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel access
30

Merge onto NJ 495

1.6 mi · 4 min · Lincoln Tunnel
31

Keep slight right at fork

265 ft · 6 sec
Toward Dyer Avenue
32

Keep slight right at fork

334 ft · 8 sec
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden
33

Continue on Dyer Avenue

350 ft · 19 sec · Dyer Avenue
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden Use the left / straight lanes.
34

Turn left onto West 36th Street

1.3 mi · 3 min · West 36th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
35

Take the ramp

68 ft · 1 sec
Toward I 495: Queens-Midtown Tunnel
36

Keep slight left at fork onto I 495

2.5 mi · 4 min · I 495
37

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 17W-E Toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia Airport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Merge onto I 495

2.0 mi · 2 min · Long Island Expressway
39

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 35 sec
Exit 19 Toward NY 25: Woodhaven Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
40

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 41 sec
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways Use the straight / slight left lanes.
41

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 24 sec
Toward Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42

Turn right onto Woodhaven Boulevard

3.9 mi · 10 min · Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the right lane.
43

Turn left onto Rockaway Boulevard

344 ft · 9 sec · Rockaway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
44

Turn slight left onto Liberty Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Liberty Avenue
45

Turn right onto 104th Street

205 ft · 9 sec · 104th Street
46

Arrive at destination

104th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour-and-38-minute duration, this route is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip. Aim for an early morning departure from Fairmount to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic as you approach Queens. You'll encounter just one recommended stop along the way, making it easy to plan your breaks. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is 128.7 miles on I 81, so factor in a fuel and rest stop before or after this segment. With a fuel cost estimate of $44, budget accordingly for your journey.

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 133.6 miles from Fairmount, NY, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.7 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 59 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 133.6 miles or 2h 41m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 23m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fairmount, 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 Fairmount, NY

This is one driving day of about 267.2 miles and 5h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Fairmount, 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 128.7 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

134 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.

Popular next leg

Ramapo, NY to Queens, NY

44.1 mi · 1h 10m

Pacing Suggestions

Binghamton, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Scranton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 133.6 miles from Fairmount, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 128.7 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 48min to go 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+19733359690

Visit website

Fiorentini Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rutherford, New Jersey

1.4 mi

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Forest Hills, New York

2.1 mi

Best coffee break

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Syracuse, New York

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13154358511

Visit website

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+19733359690

Visit website

Fiorentini Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Rutherford, New Jersey

Hours: 5–9:30 pm

+19737213404

Visit website

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Forest Hills, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13475310873

Visit website

Hapgoods Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19732993399

Visit website

Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30

Boonton, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19739173334

Visit website

Tabbouleh Cafe & restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+17186738301

Visit website

Cinar Mediterranean Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately

Livingston, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–8:30 pm

+19733151616

Visit website

Nangma Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30

Elmhurst, New York

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13477306117

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13154358511

Visit website

C Squared Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12014259120

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

IONNA Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18334662474

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: 12–8 am

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

CNY Living History Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Cortland, New York

Hours: Closed

+16072994185

Visit website

Veterans Memorial Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Parsippany, New Jersey

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+19732637254

Visit website

Highland Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Bee Meadow Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Whippany, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

Catch Air Hasbrouck

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12017132156

Visit website

Escape Garden State

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Fairfield, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19738822900

Visit website

Whippany Railway Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Whippany, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+19738878177

Visit website

Laurel Hill Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour

Secaucus, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12019151388

Visit website

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 136.9 and 262.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
136.9 mi into trip | ~2h 45m 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
236.9 mi into trip | ~4h 45m in

Take the exit toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunnel

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 53 Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunn...
8
253.6 mi into trip | ~5h 6m in

Take the ramp toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
8
259.4 mi into trip | ~5h 21m in

Take the exit toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia 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 17W-E Toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia A...
8
262.4 mi into trip | ~5h 26m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boule...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.98 one way

$87.97 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $47.56 $95.12
premium $4.92 $51.79 $103.58
diesel $5.61 $58.99 $117.99

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

$44

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$85–$110

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 93.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 80.2 0 $28.06 $12.83
Efficient EV 66.8 0 $23.38 $10.69
EV Truck/SUV 106.9 1 $37.41 $17.10

Gas CO2

93 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (67% 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 Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Fairmount, NY

Morning in Fairmount on Tuesday

Local time

9:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Queens, NY

Morning in Queens on Tuesday

Local time

9:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

63°F

Ramapo, NY

134 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

14 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

5h 38m 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

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 267.8
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...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 267.8
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...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 267.8
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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 267.8
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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 267.8
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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 267.8
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 highway-focused experience for this 267.2-mile journey, with 68% of the drive on major interstates like I 81 and I 380. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans an impressive 128.7 miles on I 81, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. While it's largely a highway drive, the inclusion of the Keystone Shortway might introduce slight variations. Keep in mind that this route prioritizes efficient travel over extensive scenic detours, so be prepared for a direct and focused driving experience for most of the 5-hour-plus trip.

68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.7 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 136.9 miles in near US 6.

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 267.2 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 136.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 236.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 253.6 miles: 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 Fairmount, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Clifton, Weehawken, Hoboken and Ferries To New York City - among others.

Mt Pocono

136.9 mi in | ~2h 45m | via US 6

Milford

137.7 mi in | ~2h 46m | via I 84; I 380

Clifton

236.9 mi in | ~4h 45m

Weehawken

252.9 mi in | ~5h 5m

Hoboken

252.9 mi in | ~5h 5m

Ferries To New York City

252.9 mi in | ~5h 5m

New York City

253.6 mi in | ~5h 6m

Lincoln Tunnel Access

253.6 mi in | ~5h 6m

About the Cities

Starting in Fairmount, NY

Full guide →

Arriving in Queens, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1683

Queens is a crescent-shaped (with a tail) borough traversing the north-to-south width of Long Island and including two of the major New York City area airports, LaGuardia (LGA IATA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK IATA). It also carries the largest ethnic diversity in its area of any region in the world, with many small enclaves. Jackson Heights, for example, includes a huge Indian area, followed by a Colombian area, and then a Mexican area. Each offers a wide array of authentic shops, native-style cuisine, and festivals modified only slightly by the generally colder New York City experience.

Top landmarks

  • Queensboro Bridge — bridge in New York City
  • Unisphere — Steel structure in Queens, New York

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 5h 38m. Total distance: 267.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 128.7 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.

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 Queens, 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 136.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 236.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 253.6 miles: 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Queens, 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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