Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Hempstead, NY to Hinsdale, NY

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

Drive Time

7h 16m

Distance

361.8 mi

582 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$60

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
7h 6m ★
6 AM
7h 17m
8 AM
7h 38m
10 AM
7h 24m
12 PM
7h 22m
3 PM
7h 25m
5 PM
7h 37m
8 PM
7h 10m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Hinsdale, NY, NY

Hinsdale, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 361.8-mile journey from Hempstead, NY, to Hinsdale, NY, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 7 hours and 16 minutes. You'll primarily navigate major arteries like I-86 and the Christopher Columbus Highway, with 73% of the drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $60. This route offers a straightforward, highway-focused experience across New York State. Given its duration, it's manageable as a day trip, but consider starting early to maximize daylight 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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

180.9 miles from Hempstead, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 86 100 mi 1h 56m
Christopher Columbus Highway 68.2 mi 1h 20m
Southern Tier Expressway 60.6 mi 1h 10m
I 81 58.1 mi 1h 9m
I 380 27.7 mi 30m
Keystone Shortway 17.3 mi 24m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
Clearview Expressway 5 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 86 — 100 mi, about 1h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hempstead, NY and Hinsdale, 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 left at fork

0.4 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
21

Merge onto I 95; NJTP

2.0 mi · 2 min · New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 69 Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Continue on I 80

68 mi · 1 hr 20 min · Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

5.5 mi · 8 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

12 mi · 15 min · Keystone Shortway
26

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 46 sec
Exit 293 Toward I 380 North: Scranton
27

Continue on I 380

28 mi · 30 min · I 380
Use the straight lane.
28

Merge onto I 81

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
29

Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17

100 mi · 1 hr 56 min · I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
30

Keep slight right at fork onto I 86; NY 17

61 mi · 1 hr 10 min · Southern Tier Expressway
Toward I 86 West, NY 17 West: Erie
31

Turn left onto State Highway 16

0.7 mi · 1 min · State Highway 16
32

Turn left onto CR 26

0.1 mi · 20 sec · Flanigan Road
33

Turn left onto North Main Street

209 ft · 9 sec · North Main Street
34

Arrive at destination

North Main Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7-hour, 16-minute drive, aim for an early morning departure from Hempstead, NY, to avoid potential traffic and enjoy ample daylight. With two planned stops, you can break up the 361.8 miles effectively. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 100-mile stretch on I-86, as services can be spaced out. The $60 fuel cost is an estimate, so factor in your vehicle's MPG. This route is very doable in one day, so flexibility with your stopping points is key.

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 180.9 miles from Hempstead, NY, or about 3h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100 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 80 miles or 1h 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 180.9 miles or 3h 45m 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 6m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hinsdale, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Hempstead, NY

This is one driving day of about 361.8 miles and 7h 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hempstead, 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 I 86 for about 100 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Broome County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vestal, NY

181 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vestal, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 180.9 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 I 86 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 100 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

Rumba Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Leonia, New Jersey

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 25.8

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12013630008

Triplets Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

1.1 mi

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 25.8

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

3 mi

Rumba Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 25.8

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12013630008

Triplets Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 103.4

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+15704216566

Visit website

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 51.7

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+19733359690

Visit website

Hapgoods Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 51.7

Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19732993399

Visit website

Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 51.7

Boonton, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19739173334

Visit website

An Beal Bocht Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.8

Bronx, New York

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17188847127

Visit website

Cafe HESED

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.8

Little Ferry, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+12018706071

Visit website

Mocha Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.8

Bronx, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13472027123

Visit website

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 25.8

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.8

New York, New York

+19172614093

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.8

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 25.8

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.8

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 206.7

Vestal, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVolve NY Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 335.9

Angelica, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 258.4

Horseheads, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 206.7

Vestal, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 258.4

Elmira, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 206.7

Johnson City, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 258.4

Elmira, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 51.7

Parsippany, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Veterans Memorial Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 51.7

Parsippany, New Jersey

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+19732637254

Visit website

Overpeck County Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 25.8

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12013367275

Visit website

Xtreme Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 25.8

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12014085555

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 25.8

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Sunshine Pottery & Paint

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 25.8

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12015415559

Visit website

Fort Lee Historic Park, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 25.8

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4:45 pm

+12014611776

Visit website

Overpeck Park Playground

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 25.8

Ridgefield Park, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

Escape Room NJ

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 25.8

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–1 pm

+12018151784

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.1 and 27.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
8.1 mi into trip | ~15m in | I 295 / Clearview Expressway

Turn right onto I 295 / Clearview Expressway toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Through Neck Bridge

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Throu...
6
15.8 mi into trip | ~25m in | I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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
8
25.2 mi into trip | ~38m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
27.5 mi into trip | ~41m in

Take the exit toward I 80 West: Paterson, 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. Exit 69 Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$59.55 one way

$119.11 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 127 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $64.40 $128.80
premium $4.92 $70.12 $140.25
diesel $5.61 $79.88 $159.76

Estimated Tolls: $22.97

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55
New Jersey Turnpike (2 mi) $0.28
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

$60

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$108–$133

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 126.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 108.5 1 $37.99 $17.37
Efficient EV 90.5 1 $31.66 $14.47
EV Truck/SUV 144.7 1 $50.65 $23.16

Gas CO2

127 kg

EV CO2

42 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

Morning in Hempstead on Sunday

Local time

8:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

83°F

Partly Sunny

S 12 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Destination

Hinsdale, NY

Morning in Hinsdale on Sunday

Local time

8:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

41°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

42 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

7h 16m 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

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 ~8 min detour Free near mile 25
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
View on nps.gov
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...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 25
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 ~22 min detour Free near mile 25
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 25
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 25
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...

11 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 25
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 highway-centric experience for most of this 361.8-mile trip, with 73% of your travel time spent on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a solid 100 miles on I-86, allowing for consistent progress. The Southern Tier Expressway also forms a significant part of your journey. While largely a highway drive, the character might shift subtly as you transition between these main routes, but the overall pace remains brisk.

73% 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: 100 mi on I 86.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.1 miles in near I 295 / Clearview Expressway.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 22 significant decision points across 361.8 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 8.1 miles (I 295 / Clearview Expressway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.8 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 24.9 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 Hempstead, NY and Hinsdale, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Hackensack.

Upper Level

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

Njtp South: Hackensack

24.9 mi in | ~37m

Hackensack

27.5 mi in | ~41m

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 7h 16m. Total distance: 361.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 100 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $22.97 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 Hinsdale, 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 8.1 miles (I 295 / Clearview Expressway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.8 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 24.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hinsdale, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Hinsdale, NY

Brookhaven, NY 400.5 mi · 8h 7m Islip, NY 385.8 mi · 7h 48m Babylon, NY 379.5 mi · 7h 38m Huntington, NY 370.9 mi · 7h 33m

More from Hempstead, NY

Sheridan, NY 414.7 mi · 8h 51m Williamsville, NY 394.2 mi · 8h 15m Ellicottville, NY 387.8 mi · 7h 55m Springville, NY 380.9 mi · 7h 56m Marilla, NY 380.8 mi · 7h 56m Portville, NY 374.1 mi · 7h 34m
Escape planner: Hempstead, NY Scenic drives in NY

Explore more options from Hempstead, NY or browse trips ending in Hinsdale, NY.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.