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Trip from Gates, NY to Jamaica, 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

4h 9m

Distance

195.7 mi

315 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 57m ★
6 AM
4h 10m
8 AM
4h 36m
10 AM
4h 19m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 35m
8 PM
4h 2m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Gates, NY, NY

Gates, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

neighborhood of Queens, New York City, United States

Jamaica, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking on a 195.7-mile journey from Gates, NY, to Jamaica, NY, will take approximately 4 hours and 9 minutes of driving time. This highway-focused route is well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. With an estimated fuel cost of $33, it’s an economical option for traversing the Northeast region. The drive primarily utilizes I-87, also known as the Adirondack Northway, and NJ 17, offering a straightforward path. This trip is designed for efficient travel, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B.

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

97.9 miles from Gates, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 87 118.6 mi 2h 17m
Adirondack Northway 27.8 mi 33m
NJ 17 14.1 mi 18m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 4.4 mi 5m
Van Wyck Expressway 4.3 mi 6m
Route 29 4 mi 5m
Whitestone Expressway 2.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 87 — 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Gates, NY and Jamaica, NY.

1

Start on Burgoyne Road

1.3 mi · 5 min · Burgoyne Road
2

Turn right onto Bryant Bridge Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · Bryant Bridge Road
3

Turn left onto NY 29

4.0 mi · 5 min · Route 29
4

Continue on NY 29

0.7 mi · 1 min · Lake Avenue
5

Turn left onto Henning Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Henning Road
6

Turn left onto NY 9P

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Union Avenue
7

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 58 sec
8

Merge onto I 87

28 mi · 33 min · Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87

0.3 mi · 31 sec · I 87
Exit 1E-W Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo Use the slight right lane.
10

Continue on I 87

0.5 mi · 51 sec · I 87
Exit 1W Toward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87

118 mi · 2 hr 16 min · I 87
Toward I 87 South: New York Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17

0.9 mi · 59 sec · NY 17
Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey Use the slight right lane.
13

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
14

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

14 mi · 18 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
17

Merge onto NJ 4

0.3 mi · 24 sec · NJ 4
Use the right lane.
18

Continue on NJ 4

6.4 mi · 8 min · NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
20

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.7 mi · 54 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
22

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
24

Continue on I 95; US 1

4.4 mi · 5 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 6A Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Merge onto I 678

0.8 mi · 1 min · Hutchinson River Expressway
27

Continue on I 678

1.3 mi · 2 min · Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
28

Continue on I 678

2.3 mi · 3 min · Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
29

Keep slight left at fork onto I 678

4.3 mi · 6 min · Van Wyck Expressway
Toward I 678 South: Kennedy Airport Use the slight left lane.
30

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 6 Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue Use the right lane.
31

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue Use the slight right lane.
32

Turn straight onto Van Wyck Expressway West

0.9 mi · 2 min · Van Wyck Expressway West
Use the straight / right lanes.
33

Turn left onto Liberty Avenue

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Liberty Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
34

Turn right onto Inwood Street

0.2 mi · 44 sec · Inwood Street
35

Turn right onto Tuskegee Airmen Way

56 ft · 2 sec · Tuskegee Airmen Way
36

Arrive at destination

Tuskegee Airmen Way

Trip Plan

To maximize your time and minimize potential traffic, consider an early morning departure from Gates, NY. The 4-hour, 9-minute drive is manageable in one day, so you likely won't need to plan for extended rest stops beyond quick breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest 118.6-mile stretch on I-87, as services might be less frequent. Planning your fuel stops in advance will ensure a smooth journey to Jamaica, NY, with the estimated $33 fuel cost in mind.

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 97.9 miles from Gates, NY, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 43 miles or 59m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 97.9 miles or 2h 3m 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 16m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Gates, 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 Gates, NY

This is one driving day of about 195.7 miles and 4h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Gates, 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 87 for about 118.6 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

98 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.

Pacing Suggestions

West Albany, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

New Paltz, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 97.9 miles from Gates, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 87 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118.6 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 · early in the drive

Gracie's Luncheonette

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Leeds, New York

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch · 1h 29m in 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15189439363

Visit website

Piccolo Trattoria

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Leeds, New York

1.5 mi

Barnwood Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Catskill, New York

1.9 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 18min to go 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

+19172614093

Gracie's Luncheonette

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

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

Leeds, New York

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15189439363

Visit website

Piccolo Trattoria

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Leeds, New York

Hours: 4–9 pm

+15187193430

Visit website

Barnwood Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Catskill, New York

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15189432200

Visit website

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Forest Hills, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13475310873

Visit website

Honey Day Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Glen Rock, New Jersey

Hours: 8:30 am–3 pm

+12013893535

Visit website

Chuck E. Cheese

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Paramus, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12014871088

Visit website

Shogun Japan Japanese restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Hollis, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13322041966

Visit website

Seconds Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour

Athens, New York

Hours: Closed

+18389450702

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

+19172614093

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 5 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18774943833

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Mahwah, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Claremont Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Bronx, NY

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Roberto Clemente State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Bronx, New York

Hours: 8:30 am–8:30 pm

+17182998750

Visit website

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Bronx, New York

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+17186816000

Visit website

Yankee Stadium

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Bronx, New York

+12129265337

Visit website

Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Bronx, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Isham Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Fort Tryon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12127951388

Visit website

Franz Sigel Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Bronx, NY

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 24

5 decision points cluster between mile 35.7 and 194.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
35.7 mi into trip | ~50m in | I 87

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 1E-W Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
9
154.2 mi into trip | ~3h 8m in | NY 17

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
155.6 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in | NJ 17

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
184.5 mi into trip | ~3h 50m in

Take the exit toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens

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 6A Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
9
194.3 mi into trip | ~4h 6m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.21 one way

$64.43 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 69 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $34.83 $69.67
premium $4.92 $37.93 $75.86
diesel $5.61 $43.21 $86.42

Estimated Tolls: $22.55

George Washington Bridge $16.00
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

$32

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 68.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 58.7 0 $20.55 $9.39
Efficient EV 48.9 0 $17.12 $7.83
EV Truck/SUV 78.3 0 $27.40 $12.52

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (66% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Gates, NY

Late night in Gates on Tuesday

Local time

5:39 AM

EDT

Current temp

42°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Jamaica, NY

Late night in Jamaica on Tuesday

Local time

5:39 AM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Cloudy

NE 5 to 9 mph 33% chance Live forecast

63°F

Ramapo, NY

98 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 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 9m 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.

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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 182.2
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
View on nps.gov
Hamilton Grange National Memorial

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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 182.2
View on nps.gov
Saratoga National Historical Park

Saratoga National Historical Park

National Historical Park

In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
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...

9 mi from route ~24 min detour Free near mile 189
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...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 189
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 195.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 82% of the 195.7 miles spent on high-speed roads. You'll experience long stretches of consistent driving, including an uninterrupted segment of 118.6 miles on I-87. The Adirondack Northway and NJ 17 will be your main companions, providing a clear and direct path for the majority of your trip. Expect a consistent driving pace for most of the journey, characteristic of efficient interstate travel.

82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 87.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 87 and Adirondack Northway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 35.7 miles in near I 87.

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 24 significant decision points across 195.7 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 35.7 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 155.6 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Gates, NY and Jamaica, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and Queens.

Albany

35.7 mi in | ~50m | via I 87

New York

35.7 mi in | ~50m | via I 87

Buffalo

35.7 mi in | ~50m | via I 87

Gsp South: Paterson

169.7 mi in | ~3h 28m

Fort Lee

169.7 mi in | ~3h 28m

Queens

184.5 mi in | ~3h 50m

About the Cities

Starting in Gates, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1813

Arriving in Jamaica, NY

Full guide →

Jamaica is an expansive neighborhood located in eastern Queens. Historically consisting of predominantly black communities, Jamaica now is home to an extremely diverse array of peoples and cultures.

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 4h 9m. Total distance: 195.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 118.6 miles on I 87. 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 Jamaica, 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 35.7 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 155.6 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Saratoga National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Jamaica, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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