This straightforward 58.3-mile drive from Greenwood Lake, NY, to Brooklyn, NY, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You'll primarily be on NJ 3 and Greenwood Lake Turnpike, with a significant portion on NJ 23. The estimated fuel cost is around $10, making it an economical journey. Given its relatively short distance and highway-focused profile, this route is ideal for a quick transition between upstate New York and the bustling heart of Brooklyn within the Northeast region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
29.1 miles from Greenwood Lake, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NJ 3
10.9 mi
12m
Greenwood Lake Turnpike
9.9 mi
14m
NJ 23
7.2 mi
8m
Ringwood Avenue
3.8 mi
7m
US 46
3.7 mi
4m
Jersey Avenue
3.5 mi
6m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Lakeside Road
2.6 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NJ 3
— 10.9 mi, about 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Greenwood Lake, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on NY 210
3.5 mi·6 min·Jersey Avenue
2
Continue on CR 511
2.6 mi·4 min·Lakeside Road
3
Turn left onto CR 511
9.9 mi·14 min·Greenwood Lake Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on CR 511
3.8 mi·7 min·Ringwood Avenue
5
Turn right onto CR 511
0.1 mi·17 sec·Union Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 287 South: Morristown
7
Merge onto I 287
1.5 mi·1 min·I 287
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Exit 52A-BToward NJ 23: Riverdale, Wayne, ButlerUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 52AToward NJ 23 South: Riverdale, WayneUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto NJ 23
0.9 mi·1 min·NJ 23
11
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 23
6.2 mi·7 min·NJ 23
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
297 ft·7 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 46 East: New York, Clifton
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward US 46 East: Clifton
14
Merge onto US 46
2.1 mi·2 min·US 46
15
Continue on US 46
1.6 mi·1 min·US 46
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Turn slight left onto NJ 3
11 mi·12 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
20
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
21
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
22
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
24
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
25
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
26
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
27
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
28
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
29
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
30
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
31
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
33
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
With a duration of just 1 hour and 30 minutes, you have considerable flexibility on when to depart for this 58.3-mile trip. Leaving early can help you bypass potential traffic as you approach Brooklyn. Since there are no specified stops and the longest stretch is manageable, you likely won't need to plan for extensive breaks, though a quick fuel stop might be wise given the $10 estimated cost. Keep an eye on NJ 3 as you approach the city, as traffic can build up.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 29.1 miles from Greenwood Lake, NY, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 10.9 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 13 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 29.1 miles or 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Greenwood Lake, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Greenwood Lake, NY
This is one driving day of about 58.3 miles and 1h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 13 miles from Greenwood Lake, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on NJ 3 for about 10.9 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 21.6 and 54.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
21.6 mi into trip|~35m in
Take the exit toward NJ 23: Riverdale, Wayne, Butler
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 52A-B
Toward NJ 23: Riverdale, Wayne, Butler
9
21.8 mi into trip|~35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 23 South: Riverdale, Wayne
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 52A
Toward NJ 23 South: Riverdale, Wayne
8
46.9 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
51.6 mi into trip|~1h 16m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
7
54.8 mi into trip|~1h 22m in|NY 27
Take the exit onto NY 27 toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 24
Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$9.60 one way
$19.19 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg20 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$10.38
$20.75
premium
$4.92
$11.30
$22.60
diesel
$5.61
$12.87
$25.74
Estimated Tolls: $16.69
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Greenwood Lake Turnpike
(9.9 mi)$0.69
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
$10
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 20.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
17.5
0
$6.12
$2.80
Efficient EV
14.6
0
$5.10
$2.33
EV Truck/SUV
23.3
0
$8.16
$3.73
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Greenwood Lake, NY
Morning
in Greenwood Lake on Sunday
Local time
9:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Morning
in Brooklyn on Sunday
Local time
9:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
8 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
1h 30m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 highway-focused drive for about 61% of this route. Your longest uninterrupted stretch will be 10.9 miles on NJ 3, offering a chance to maintain a steady pace. The journey transitions from more local road feel on Greenwood Lake Turnpike to faster sections as you connect with NJ 23. While not an extensive interstate grind, this route offers a good mix of efficient travel with some moments of more direct road engagement.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 10.9 mi on NJ 3.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NJ 3 and Greenwood Lake Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 58.3 miles you will encounter 24 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Greenwood Lake, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Wayne, Butler, Clifton, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken - among others.
Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city.
Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest.
Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
Top landmarks
•Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
•Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 30m. Total distance: 58.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (61%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 10.9 miles on NJ 3. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.69 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.
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 Brooklyn, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 21.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Castle Clinton National Monument, African Burial Ground National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Brooklyn, NY before heading back.
