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Trip from Hempstead, NY to Altona, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 55m

Distance

337.6 mi

543 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$56

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
6h 44m ★
6 AM
6h 56m
8 AM
7h 18m
10 AM
7h 4m
12 PM
7h 1m
3 PM
7h 5m
5 PM
7h 17m
8 PM
6h 49m

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 Altona, NY, NY

Altona, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 337.6-mile drive from Hempstead, NY to Altona, NY, is estimated to take about 6 hours and 55 minutes, making it a solid day trip. You'll be covering a significant distance within New York State, navigating through the Northeast region. The route is primarily composed of major highways, accounting for 53% of the drive, with a projected fuel cost of around $56. With only one recommended stop, this journey is designed for efficiency. Consider this a practical, straightforward option if you're looking to cover ground without extensive sightseeing.

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

168.8 miles from Hempstead, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 30m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Adirondack Northway 145.9 mi 2h 49m
NY 17 111.7 mi 2h 8m
Military Turnpike 14.7 mi 20m
NJ 17 14.7 mi 18m
I 787 9 mi 12m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
Clearview Expressway 5 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Adirondack Northway — 145.9 mi, about 2h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hempstead, NY and Altona, NY.

1

Start on Peninsula Boulevard

77 ft · 1 sec · Peninsula Boulevard
2

Turn left onto Clinton Street

359 ft · 17 sec · Clinton Street
Use the left lane.
3

Turn left onto NY 102

1.1 mi · 1 min · Front Street
4

Turn slight left onto NY 24

2.0 mi · 3 min · Hempstead Turnpike
5

Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road

0.4 mi · 53 sec · New Hyde Park Road
6

Turn left onto Tulip Avenue

2.0 mi · 3 min · Tulip Avenue
Use the left lane.
7

Turn left onto NY 25

0.7 mi · 1 min · Jamaica Avenue
8

Turn slight right onto NY 25

1.2 mi · 2 min · Braddock Avenue
9

Turn left onto NY 25

0.7 mi · 1 min · Hillside Avenue
10

Turn right onto I 295

5.0 mi · 5 min · Clearview Expressway
Toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Through Neck Bridge Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Continue on I 295

2.0 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge
12

Continue on I 295

0.7 mi · 1 min · Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 295

6.6 mi · 8 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
15

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.6 mi · 59 sec · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
16

Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.5 mi · 48 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.6 mi · 39 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP

0.1 mi · 8 sec · I 95 EXPR; NJTP
19

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 72A Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
21

Merge onto NJ 4

6.7 mi · 9 min · NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
22

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, Mahwah Use the straight lane.
23

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Merge onto NJ 17

3.3 mi · 4 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Continue on NJ 17

7.3 mi · 9 min · NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
26

Continue on NJ 17

0.7 mi · 50 sec · NJ 17
27

Continue on NJ 17

3.3 mi · 4 min · NJ 17
28

Continue on I 287; NY 17

0.2 mi · 10 sec · I 287; NY 17
29

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17

112 mi · 2 hr 8 min · NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 50 sec
Exit 23 Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy Use the slight right lane.
31

Continue on I 787

9.0 mi · 12 min · I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 787

0.4 mi · 29 sec · NY 787
33

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 50 sec
Exit 9W Toward NY 7 West: Schenectady, Saratoga Springs Use the right lane.
34

Merge onto NY 7

3.1 mi · 3 min · NY 7
35

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 87 North: Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls
36

Merge onto I 87

146 mi · 2 hr 49 min · Adirondack Northway
37

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 37 Toward NY 3: Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake
38

Turn left onto NY 3

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Route 3
39

Turn right onto NY 190

15 mi · 20 min · Military Turnpike
40

Turn right onto CR 16

2.3 mi · 5 min · Devils Den Road
41

Turn right onto CR 23

18 ft · 0 sec · Miner Farm Road
42

Arrive at destination

CR 23

Trip Plan

Given the nearly 7-hour duration, an early start from Hempstead is advisable to maximize daylight and avoid late-night driving. You'll want to plan for that single recommended stop strategically, perhaps midway through your journey on the Adirondack Northway, to break up the 337.6 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer stretches, and factor in the $56 estimated fuel cost. The flexibility of a single-day trip means you can adjust your pace, but aim to reach Altona before dusk.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 168.8 miles from Hempstead, NY, or about 3h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 145.9 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 74 miles or 1h 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 168.8 miles or 3h 30m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 37m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hempstead, 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 Hempstead, NY

This is one driving day of about 337.6 miles and 6h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Hempstead, 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 Adirondack Northway for about 145.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Poughkeepsie, NY

169 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 74 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Watervliet, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 168.8 miles from Hempstead, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Adirondack Northway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 145.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Sara's Kitchen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Saratoga Springs, New York

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 192.9

Hours: 12–3 pm

+15183164456

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.1

+19172614093

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

2.7 mi

Sara's Kitchen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 192.9

Saratoga Springs, New York

Hours: 12–3 pm

+15183164456

Visit website

Park Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.1

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15167490697

Effy's Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.1

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12122806200

Visit website

Crabtree's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately

Floral Park, New York

Hours: 12–10 pm

+15163267769

Visit website

Paola's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $50 to $10 mile 24.1

New York, New York

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+12127941890

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.1

New York, New York

+19172614093

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 24.1

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.1

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 24.1

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.1

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 48.2

Mahwah, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 72.4

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 72.4

Mountainville, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 72.4

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 72.4

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

1.7 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 72.4

Cornwall, New York

+18455343899

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charge Point

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 24.1

New York, New York

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 24.1

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Fort Lee Historic Park, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 24.1

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4:45 pm

+12014611776

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 24.1

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

J. Hood Wright Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 24.1

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Bennett Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 24.1

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Firemen's Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 24.1

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015923750

Visit website

Fort Tryon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 24.1

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12127951388

Visit website

Fort Tryon

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 24.1

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

Visit website

Children's Museum at Saratoga

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 192.9

Saratoga Springs, New York

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+15185845540

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 28

5 decision points cluster between mile 24.9 and 159 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
24.9 mi into trip | ~37m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

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. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
9
25.2 mi into trip | ~38m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 72A Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
8
32.2 mi into trip | ~48m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
8
47.3 mi into trip | ~1h 7m in | NY 17

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17 toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State...
8
159 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in

Take the exit toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy

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 23 Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$55.57 one way

$111.14 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 118 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $60.09 $120.18
premium $4.92 $65.43 $130.87
diesel $5.61 $74.54 $149.08

Estimated Tolls: $23.72

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55
Military Turnpike (14.7 mi) $1.03
Hempstead 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

$56

Tolls

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$104–$129

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 118.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 101.3 1 $35.45 $16.20
Efficient EV 84.4 0 $29.54 $13.50
EV Truck/SUV 135 1 $47.26 $21.61

Gas CO2

118 kg

EV CO2

39 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 16, 2026

Origin

Hempstead, NY

Late night in Hempstead on Sunday

Local time

12:37 AM

EDT

Current temp

83°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 6 to 12 mph 3% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 15 at 11:57PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY

Destination

Altona, NY

Late night in Altona on Sunday

Local time

12:37 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°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

30 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

6h 55m 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.

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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 23.3
View on nps.gov
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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 23.3
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...

9 mi from route ~22 min detour Free near mile 186.3
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 ~21 min detour Free near mile 23.3
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 23.3
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 23.3
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed driving experience on this route, with 53% of your journey on highways. The Adirondack Northway will offer a substantial stretch of 145.9 miles, allowing for consistent progress. While the Military Turnpike and NY 17 will introduce some variations, the overall character leans towards efficient travel rather than winding, scenic byways. This means you'll likely encounter a blend of faster-paced highway sections and potentially more localized, slower roads as you approach your destination.

53% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 145.9 mi on Adirondack Northway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.9 miles in.

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 28 significant decision points across 337.6 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 24.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.2 miles: 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 Hempstead, NY and Altona, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South, Gsp North, Newark and Mahwah - among others.

Upper Level

22.4 mi in | ~34m | via I 95; US 1

Njtp South: Hackensack

24.9 mi in | ~37m

Gsp South

32 mi in | ~47m

Gsp North

32 mi in | ~47m

Newark

32 mi in | ~47m

Mahwah

32 mi in | ~47m

New York State Thruway North: Albany

47.3 mi in | ~1h 7m | via NY 17

Troy

159 mi in | ~3h 16m

Saratoga Springs

168.6 mi in | ~3h 30m

Glens Falls

172 mi in | ~3h 34m

Saranac Lake

318.7 mi in | ~6h 25m

About the Cities

Starting in Hempstead, NY

Full guide →

Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods. Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.

Top landmarks

  • • Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, New York

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 6h 55m. Total distance: 337.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 55m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 145.9 miles on Adirondack Northway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $23.72 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 Altona, 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 24.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Altona, NY before the return drive.

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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