If you are traveling from Hamburg to Manhattan, prepare for a 383-mile journey that takes approximately 6 hours and 34 minutes. Because this route relies entirely on local roads like Buffalo Street, South Park Avenue, and Southwestern Boulevard rather than major highways, it is best approached as a full-day commitment. You should budget about $60 for fuel to cover the distance. While the trip is technically doable in one day, the turn-heavy nature of these local roads makes it a demanding drive. It is a practical choice if you prefer staying off the interstates and navigating through the heart of the Northeast, but ensure you are prepared for a long day 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
188.2 miles from Hamburg, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 7m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Hamburg, NY and Manhattan, NY.
1
Start on US 62
17 ft·0 sec·Buffalo Street
2
Enter roundabout onto US 62
219 ft·4 sec·Buffalo Street
3
Continue on US 62
0.5 mi·1 min·Buffalo Street
4
Enter roundabout onto US 62
68 ft·2 sec·Buffalo Street
5
Continue on US 62
0.3 mi·38 sec·Buffalo Street
6
Enter roundabout onto US 62
91 ft·2 sec·South Park Avenue
7
Continue on US 62
1.8 mi·3 min·South Park Avenue
8
Enter roundabout onto US 62
113 ft·2 sec·South Park Avenue
9
Continue on US 62
0.8 mi·1 min·South Park Avenue
10
Turn right onto US 20
0.9 mi·1 min·Southwestern Boulevard
11
Turn right onto US 20A
2.6 mi·3 min·Big Tree Road
12
Continue on US 20A
1.5 mi·2 min·West Quaker Street
13
Continue on US 20A
5.2 mi·8 min·Quaker Road
14
Continue on US 20A
0.3 mi·43 sec·Hamburg Street
15
Enter roundabout onto US 20A; NY 16; NY 78
35 ft·0 sec·Hamburg Street
16
Continue on US 20A; NY 16; NY 78
99 ft·1 sec·Hamburg Street
17
Continue on US 20A; NY 16; NY 78
1.8 mi·4 min·Main Street
18
Continue on US 20A; NY 78
11 mi·15 min·Big Tree Road
19
Continue on US 20A
11 mi·15 min·Varysburg Road
20
Continue on US 20A
1.7 mi·2 min·West Buffalo Road
21
Continue on US 20A
4.6 mi·8 min·West Buffalo Street
22
Continue on US 20A
7.4 mi·10 min·Perry Center Road
23
Continue on CR 64
2.3 mi·3 min·Perry Road
24
Turn right onto NY 36
1.3 mi·1 min·Mount Morris Road
25
Continue on NY 36
1.8 mi·4 min·North Main Street
26
Continue on NY 36
4.1 mi·7 min·Sonyea Road
27
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
28
Merge onto I 390
33 mi·37 min·Genesee Expressway
29
Merge onto I 86
105 mi·2 hr 2 min·Southern Tier Expressway
30
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
31
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.
32
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.
33
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
34
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
35
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
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.
37
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.
38
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
39
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
41
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
43
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
44
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
46
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
48
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.5 mi·45 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
49
Take the exit onto US 9
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 9
Exit 1AToward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
50
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
51
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, DowntownUse the straight lane.
52
Merge onto HH; NY 9A
4.2 mi·6 min·Henry Hudson Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
53
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Boat Basin, Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Children's Museum Of Manhattan, JCC in Manhattan, Lincoln Center, New York Historical Society, New York Institute of TechnologyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
54
Continue on West 79th Street
0.2 mi·51 sec·West 79th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
55
Turn left onto Broadway
0.4 mi·56 sec·Broadway
56
Turn right onto West 86th Street
0.4 mi·1 min·West 86th Street
57
Continue on 86th Street Transverse
0.2 mi·35 sec·86th Street Transverse
Toward East SideUse the straight / left lanes.
58
Arrive at destination
86th Street Transverse
Trip Plan
Since this is a lengthy 6-hour and 34-minute drive on local roads, hitting the road early in the morning is essential to avoid peak congestion. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch and reset, as the constant turning can be more fatiguing than highway driving. Keep your $60 fuel budget handy, but remember that local roads often offer more frequent access to gas stations than rural stretches of interstate. Given the turn-heavy nature of the trip, check your navigation frequently to ensure you stay on the correct local thoroughfares. Staying flexible with your schedule is your biggest advantage, as local traffic conditions can significantly impact your arrival time in Manhattan.
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 188.2 miles from Hamburg, NY, or about 4h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.5 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 83 miles or 2h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 188.2 miles or 4h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manhattan, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hamburg, 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 Hamburg, NY
This is one driving day of about 376.3 miles and 7h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Hamburg, 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 104.5 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 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 251.2 and 370.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
251.2 mi into trip|~5h 21m 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
365.7 mi into trip|~7h 37m 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
366 mi into trip|~7h 38m 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
369.9 mi into trip|~7h 44m in|US 9
Take the exit onto US 9 toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th Street
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 1A
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th...
8
370.3 mi into trip|~7h 45m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downt...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.94 one way
$123.88 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg132 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$66.98
$133.96
premium
$4.92
$72.93
$145.87
diesel
$5.61
$83.08
$166.16
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
George Washington Bridge
$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
$62
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$103–$128
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 131.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
112.9
1
$39.51
$18.06
Efficient EV
94.1
1
$32.93
$15.05
EV Truck/SUV
150.5
1
$52.68
$24.08
Gas CO2
132 kg
EV CO2
44 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 17, 2026
Origin
Hamburg, NY
Late night
in Hamburg on Tuesday
Local time
5:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Manhattan, NY
Late night
in Manhattan on Tuesday
Local time
5:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Scattered Rain Showers
NW 8 mph28% chanceLive 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
32 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
7h 57m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 376.3
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 376.3
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 376.3
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 376.3
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 376.3
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 376.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a completely different experience than a standard highway cruise, as this route features a 0% highway share. You will be navigating a turn-heavy local drive where the longest uninterrupted stretch on Buffalo Street is 0 miles, meaning you will be constantly engaged with local traffic and intersections. The personality of this drive is strictly local, trading high-speed lanes for a steady, rhythmic pace through the Northeast corridor. Because you are avoiding major arterials, you will spend the entire 383 miles navigating surface streets. Be ready to stay alert, as the lack of highway stretches means you are never truly in a 'set it and forget it' driving mode.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
58 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.5 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 251.2 miles in near US 6.
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 33 significant decision points across 376.3 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 251.2 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 365.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 366 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Hamburg, NY and Manhattan, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono and Milford.
Wall Street. Madison Avenue. 34th Street. Broadway. Times Square. Manhattan is so well known that even the names of its streets have become iconic and understood the world over. This long, thin island is only one of New York City's five boroughs, but it's Manhattan that has the concrete canyons and the inimitable skyline; Manhattan that has the world's brightest theater district; Manhattan that has Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Met; and Manhattan that includes iconic neighborhoods like Harlem, the Upper East Side, Times Square, and Greenwich Village.
The rest of New York City has much to see and do, but it's Manhattan that represents the city—and sometimes the entire United States—to the world. You could spend a month on this tiny island and still not see all there is to see.
Top landmarks
•Empire State Building — skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 57m. Total distance: 376.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 57m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104.5 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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 Manhattan, 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 251.2 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 365.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 366 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall 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 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 15.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Manhattan, NY before the return drive.
