Traveling from Greene to New York City covers 193 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 3 minutes. Because this is a relatively straightforward highway-focused drive, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $30 for fuel to complete the journey. Navigating primarily via I-81, I-380, and the Keystone Shortway, you will transition from the quiet landscapes of upstate New York into the dense urban environment of the city. This route is ideal for travelers who prefer a direct, efficient path through the Northeast rather than a winding scenic detour. It is a practical commute that gets you from the rural heart of the state to the metropolis in just a few hours.
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
96.5 miles from Greene, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 81
60.8 mi
1h 13m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
State Highway 12
10.9 mi
12m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Front Street
2.9 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 63.3 mi, about 1h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Greene, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 41; NY 206
343 ft·11 sec·Genesee Street
2
Continue on NY 41; NY 206
0.4 mi·46 sec·Genesee Street
3
Turn left onto NY 12
11 mi·12 min·State Highway 12
4
Continue on NY 12
2.9 mi·3 min·Front Street
5
Continue on NY 12
0.7 mi·1 min·Upper Front Street
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
7
Merge onto I 81
7.4 mi·9 min·I 81
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
9
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.
10
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.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
12
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
13
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
15
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
17
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
22
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
23
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
24
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
26
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
28
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
30
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 3-minute drive, plan for at least one strategic stop to break up the monotony of the highway stretches. Leaving early in the day is your best bet to avoid the heaviest congestion as you approach the New York City area. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, keeping that $30 estimate in mind, and try to refuel before hitting the final, more traffic-heavy segments of the trip. Since you have the flexibility of a single-day itinerary, use your one recommended stop to rest rather than rushing the journey. Being mindful of the transition from rural highway speeds to urban traffic patterns will ensure a smoother arrival at your destination.
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 96.5 miles from Greene, NY, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.3 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 42 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 96.5 miles or 1h 55m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Greene, 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 Greene, NY
This is one driving day of about 193 miles and 4h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Greene, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 63.3 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 22.7 and 188.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
22.7 mi into trip|~28m 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
76.1 mi into trip|~1h 32m 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...
6
80.5 mi into trip|~1h 37m in|I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
7
188.1 mi into trip|~3h 51m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland 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.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
188.4 mi into trip|~3h 52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.77 one way
$63.54 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg68 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$34.35
$68.70
premium
$4.92
$37.41
$74.81
diesel
$5.61
$42.61
$85.22
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
57.9
0
$20.26
$9.26
Efficient EV
48.3
0
$16.89
$7.72
EV Truck/SUV
77.2
0
$27.02
$12.35
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
Greene, NY
Morning
in Greene on Sunday
Local time
10:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
10:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
E 6 to 14 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
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
19 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 3m 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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip dominated by highway travel, as 61% of your journey stays on major interstates. You will settle into a steady rhythm on the Keystone Shortway, which features the route's longest uninterrupted stretch of 63.3 miles. The personality of the drive is functional and fast-paced, designed to minimize travel time rather than offer technical challenges. As you progress from the regional roads of Greene toward the high-traffic corridors near the city, the road environment shifts from open stretches to more congested infrastructure. Being prepared for consistent highway speeds will help you maintain your pace across the entire 193-mile distance.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.3 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Keystone Shortway and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 22.7 miles in near I 81.
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 21 significant decision points across 193 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 22.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80.5 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,948 ft12 ft
Total Climb
2,307 ft
Total Descent
3,194 ft
Highest Point
1,948 ft
~96.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,936 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Greene, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation.
From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.
Top landmarks
•Statue of Liberty — American icon in New York, United States
•National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
•Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City
At just over 4 hours and 193 miles, this route is perfectly doable as a same-day trip for a weekend getaway, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your destination.
Family Friendly
With a complexity score of 10/10, this 193-mile route will require some serious navigation focus, so plan on bringing plenty of entertainment for the kids to make the 4-hour drive smoother.
Solo Traveler
This 193-mile drive is a comfortable distance for a solo traveler, and with only 61% highway, you'll get a decent mix of scenery without getting bored.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.3 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 in tolls one way, starting with Holland 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 New York City, 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 22.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 76.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80.5 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at New York City, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
