Traveling from Hamilton to Brooklyn covers 227.5 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 34 minutes of driving time. Because this route relies on local roads rather than major interstates, it functions best as a focused, single-day journey. You should budget approximately $36 for fuel to complete the trip. Navigating through the Northeast, the transition from the quiet surroundings of Hamilton to the dense environment of Brooklyn is significant. It is a straightforward trip that does not require an overnight split, provided you are prepared for a steady 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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
116.3 miles from Hamilton, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
106 mi
2h 12m
State Highway 8
36.8 mi
41m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
New York State Thruway
13.7 mi
15m
State Highway 12
10.2 mi
15m
Rexford Street
8.3 mi
9m
State Route 12B
4.6 mi
6m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 106 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hamilton, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on NY 12B
72 ft·3 sec·Utica Street
2
Turn slight right onto NY 12B
1.1 mi·1 min·Broad Street
3
Continue on NY 12B
4.6 mi·6 min·State Route 12B
4
Continue on NY 12B
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
5
Continue on NY 12B
3.7 mi·5 min·State Highway 12B
6
Continue on NY 12B
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
7
Continue on NY 12
10 mi·15 min·State Highway 12
8
Continue on NY 12
0.6 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
9
Turn left onto NY 23
8.3 mi·9 min·Rexford Street
10
Turn right onto NY 8
18 mi·20 min·State Highway 8
11
Continue on NY 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·Airport Road
12
Continue on NY 8
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
13
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
14
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.4 mi·44 sec·State Highway 10
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
16
Merge onto NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
21
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
22
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
24
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
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
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
28
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
29
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
30
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
32
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
33
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
34
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
35
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
36
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
37
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.
38
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.
39
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
40
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
41
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
42
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour and 34 minute duration, plan to depart early to manage the transition into Brooklyn’s traffic patterns. You only need to build in one primary stop to keep your energy up during this technical drive. Since fuel costs are estimated at $36, consider topping off your tank before leaving Hamilton to avoid searching for stations along the more local sections of the route. Because this trip relies entirely on local roads, remain patient with slower-moving traffic and local speed limits. Use the flexibility of a one-day schedule to pace yourself, ensuring you arrive in Brooklyn well-rested rather than rushing through the turns.
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 116.3 miles from Hamilton, NY, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106 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 51 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.3 miles or 2h 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 3h 59m
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 Hamilton, 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 Hamilton, NY
This is one driving day of about 232.5 miles and 5h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Hamilton, 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 NY 17 for about 106 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 174.6 and 225.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
174.6 mi into trip|~3h 40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
9
189.9 mi into trip|~3h 58m 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
191.3 mi into trip|~4h 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
221.2 mi into trip|~4h 38m 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
225.9 mi into trip|~4h 49m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.61 one way
$75.22 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$40.82
$81.63
premium
$4.85
$44.38
$88.75
diesel
$4.80
$43.90
$87.80
Estimated Tolls: $16.68
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
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
$38
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.8
0
$24.41
$11.16
Efficient EV
58.1
0
$20.34
$9.30
EV Truck/SUV
93
1
$32.55
$14.88
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Hamilton, NY
Late night
in Hamilton on Monday
Local time
4:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Smoke
SW 12 mph96% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 12:40PM EDT until July 18 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 12:35PM EDT until July 18 at 1:45PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night
in Brooklyn on Monday
Local time
4:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Areas Of Smoke
S 12 mph95% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 12:40PM EDT until July 18 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 12:35PM EDT until July 18 at 1:45PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 2m 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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 224.5
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 224.5
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 224.5
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 224.5
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 224.5
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 224.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you alert from start to finish. With 0% of the route on major highways, you will spend your time navigating through local thoroughfares like Broad Street, State Route 12B, and North Main Street. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route demands constant engagement as you transition between local roads. There are no long, uninterrupted stretches; in fact, your longest stretch on Broad Street is 0 miles, confirming that this is a drive defined by frequent turns and changing road conditions.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 174.6 miles in.
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 23 significant decision points across 232.5 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 174.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 189.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191.3 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,743 ft23 ft
Total Climb
1,150 ft
Total Descent
2,226 ft
Highest Point
1,743 ft
~116.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,720 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hamilton, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany and New York City.
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 5h 2m. Total distance: 232.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 2m 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 106 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.68 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 Brooklyn, 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 174.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 189.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191.3 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brooklyn, NY before the return drive.
