Spanning 356.4 miles across New York State, this journey from Friendship to Oyster Bay typically requires about 5 hours and 59 minutes of driving time. You will navigate via Pennsylvania Avenue, the Southern Tier Expressway, and I-81 South to reach your destination. Budget approximately $58 for fuel to complete the trip, which is manageable as a single-day drive if you start early. Since both the origin and destination are located within the Northeast, you can expect a consistent regional atmosphere throughout your travel. While it is possible to push through in one go, planning for at least one stop is recommended to keep your energy levels steady behind the wheel.
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
176.2 miles from Friendship, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 27m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Friendship, NY and Oyster Bay, NY.
1
Start on CR 20
0.5 mi·1 min·West Main Street
2
Turn right onto NY 275
0.4 mi·45 sec·Pennsylvania Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
4
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
150 mi·2 hr 55 min·Southern Tier Expressway
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
10
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·5 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
16
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
18
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
19
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
21
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
23
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
25
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
28
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 5Toward NY 25A: Northern BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on Clearview Expressway
457 ft·17 sec·Clearview Expressway
32
Turn left onto NY 25A
15 mi·24 min·Northern Boulevard
Use the left lane.
33
Turn left onto NY 106
0.3 mi·29 sec·Jericho Oyster Bay Road
34
Turn straight onto NY 106
0.5 mi·46 sec·Oyster Bay Road
35
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 106
260 ft·4 sec·Oyster Bay Road
36
Continue on NY 106
0.9 mi·1 min·Pine Hollow Road
Use the left lane.
37
Continue on NY 106
105 ft·5 sec·South Street
38
Turn right onto Berry Hill Road
112 ft·9 sec·Berry Hill Road
39
Continue on Berry Hill Road
64 ft·2 sec·Berry Hill Road
40
Arrive at destination
Berry Hill Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 6-hour trek, aim for a morning departure to avoid potential traffic congestion later in the day. With a single designated stop planned, choose a location that allows you to stretch your legs and refuel your vehicle without feeling rushed. Keep a close eye on your navigation during the non-highway portions, as the reliance on local roads means you will encounter more intersections than a standard interstate route. Since this is a turn-heavy drive, ensure your vehicle is comfortable for long periods of maneuvering. A practical tip for this specific route is to double-check your turn-by-turn directions before leaving Friendship, as the lack of highway miles means you will be making frequent transitions between roads.
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 176.2 miles from Friendship, NY, or about 3h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 150.5 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 78 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 176.2 miles or 3h 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oyster Bay, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Friendship, 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 Friendship, NY
This is one driving day of about 352.5 miles and 7h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Friendship, 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 150.5 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 151.7 and 329.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
151.7 mi into trip|~2h 58m 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
205.1 mi into trip|~4h 1m 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
319.6 mi into trip|~6h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Ne...
9
319.9 mi into trip|~6h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
8
329.3 mi into trip|~6h 32m in|I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$58.02 one way
$116.05 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg123 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$62.74
$125.48
premium
$4.92
$68.32
$136.64
diesel
$5.61
$77.83
$155.66
Estimated Tolls: $22.55
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck 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
$58
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$106–$131
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 123.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
105.8
1
$37.01
$16.92
Efficient EV
88.1
1
$30.84
$14.10
EV Truck/SUV
141
1
$49.35
$22.56
Gas CO2
123 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (67% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Friendship, NY
Afternoon
in Friendship on Sunday
Local time
1:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Oyster Bay, NY
Afternoon
in Oyster Bay on Sunday
Local time
1:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
176 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
13 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 10m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local driving experience that leans away from a monotonous interstate grind. Because the highway share is 0%, you should prepare for a more hands-on approach to navigation compared to typical cross-country routes. The path demands your full attention as you transition between local roads and specific regional expressways. You will find that the character of the drive remains technical rather than high-speed, requiring you to stay alert through the various turns. It is a drive that rewards drivers who enjoy staying active at the wheel rather than relying on long, straight stretches of pavement.
69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 150.5 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 151.7 miles in near I 81.
Driving Effort9/10
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 25 significant decision points across 352.5 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 151.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 319.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,893 ft22 ft
Total Climb
1,792 ft
Total Descent
3,257 ft
Highest Point
1,893 ft
~226.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,871 ft
Notable High Points
1,893 ft at ~226.6 miles+875 ft prominence
820 ft at ~276.9 miles+531 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Friendship, NY and Oyster Bay, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level.
Oyster Bay is one of three towns in Nassau County, on Long Island, New York.
The town of Oyster Bay comprises a large portion of eastern Nassau County and includes a slew of villages and other communities. This article covers North Oyster Bay – the area closest to Oyster Bay itself (in other words, everything that is north of the Long Island Expressway). See South Oyster Bay for the southern half of the town (in other words, the area south of the expressway). See the article for Glen Cove for communities in the northwest part of the town that are closest to that city.
Top landmarks
•Christ Church — historic Episcopal parish in Oyster Bay, New York, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 10m. Total distance: 352.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 10m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 150.5 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.55 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 Oyster Bay, 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 151.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 319.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Oyster Bay, NY before the return drive.
