Skip to main content

Trip from Hempstead, NY to Lebanon, NY

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

Drive Time

5h 14m

Distance

238.5 mi

384 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 1m ★
6 AM
5h 14m
8 AM
5h 41m
10 AM
5h 24m
12 PM
5h 21m
3 PM
5h 25m
5 PM
5h 40m
8 PM
5h 6m

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

Downtown Lebanon, NY, NY

Lebanon, NY

Soly Moses

Trip Overview

Hempstead to Lebanon is 238.5 miles and takes about 5h 14m via NY 17 and State Highway 8, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a highway-focused drive primarily within New York, making it a convenient one-day trip. You'll experience a direct route with a high percentage of highway driving, so expect relatively quick travel times. This journey is ideal if you prioritize getting to your destination efficiently rather than a leisurely exploration along the way. Plan for a straightforward drive with minimal detours, covering 238.5 miles in just over five 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

1 planned break

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

Midpoint

119.3 miles from Hempstead, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 37m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 119.5 mi 2h 27m
State Highway 8 36.8 mi 42m
NJ 17 14.7 mi 18m
State Highway 12 10.2 mi 15m
West Street 8.3 mi 9m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
Lebanon Road 5.5 mi 13m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 119.5 mi, about 2h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hempstead, NY and Lebanon, 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

14 mi · 16 min · NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
30

Take the exit

1.5 mi · 3 min
Exit 16 Toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman Use the slight right lane.
31

Continue on this road

152 ft · 3 sec · this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 30 sec
Toward NY 17 West: Binghamton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Continue on NY 17

105 mi · 2 hr 11 min · NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 84 Toward NY 8, NY 10: Deposit, Walton
35

Turn right onto NY 8; NY 10

0.2 mi · 14 sec · State Highway 10
36

Continue on NY 8; NY 10

0.3 mi · 18 sec · Oak Street
37

Turn straight onto NY 8; NY 10

19 mi · 21 min · State Highway 8
38

Continue on NY 8

0.4 mi · 29 sec · Airport Road
39

Continue on NY 8

18 mi · 20 min · State Highway 8
40

Turn left onto NY 23

8.3 mi · 9 min · West Street
41

Turn right onto NY 12

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Broad Street
42

Continue on NY 12

10 mi · 15 min · State Highway 12
43

Continue on NY 12

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
44

Continue on NY 12B

3.7 mi · 5 min · State Highway 12B
45

Continue on NY 12B

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
46

Turn left onto CR 62

0.6 mi · 1 min · Nower Road
47

Continue on CR 62

5.5 mi · 13 min · Lebanon Road
48

Turn right onto CR 71

14 ft · 0 sec · Bradley Brook Road
49

Arrive at destination

CR 71

Trip Plan

Given the 5h 14m duration and 238.5-mile distance, this trip is comfortably achievable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for any unforeseen circumstances. With a fuel cost estimated at $39, be mindful of refueling opportunities, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of NY 17. While the drive is efficient, consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs. Since this is a highway-focused route, keep an eye on traffic conditions, particularly if traveling during peak hours.

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 119.3 miles from Hempstead, NY, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.5 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 52 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 119.3 miles or 2h 37m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 10m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lebanon, 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 238.5 miles and 5h 14m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 NY 17 for about 119.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Orange County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

New Windsor, NY

119 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 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

New Windsor, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 119.3 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 NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.5 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 25

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.1 and 61.6 — 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...
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
61.6 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in

Take the exit toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman

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 16 Toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.26 one way

$78.52 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 83 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $42.45 $84.90
premium $4.92 $46.23 $92.45
diesel $5.61 $52.66 $105.32

Estimated Tolls: $22.69

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55
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

$39

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$87–$112

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 83.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 71.6 0 $25.04 $11.45
Efficient EV 59.6 0 $20.87 $9.54
EV Truck/SUV 95.4 1 $33.39 $15.26

Gas CO2

83 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (66% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Hempstead, NY

Afternoon in Hempstead on Sunday

Local time

12:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lebanon, NY

Afternoon in Lebanon on Sunday

Local time

12:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°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

4 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

5h 14m 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.

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 24.7
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 ~7 min detour Free near mile 24.7
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 24.7
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 24.7
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 24.7
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 24.7
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 87% of the journey on faster roads. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on NY 17, including a long stretch of 119.5 miles without needing to exit. The transition to State Highway 8 and NJ 17 will offer a similar, efficient driving experience. Expect consistent speeds and a straightforward path for most of the trip. The character remains largely highway-centric, minimizing complex navigation or slower local road segments.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.5 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 8.1 miles in near I 295 / Clearview Expressway.

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 25 significant decision points across 238.5 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 8.1 miles (I 295 / Clearview Expressway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.

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 Lebanon, 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

Walton

168.7 mi in | ~3h 39m

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

Arriving in Lebanon, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1807

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 5h 14m. Total distance: 238.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 119.5 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $22.69 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 Lebanon, 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 8.1 miles (I 295 / Clearview Expressway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.

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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lebanon, 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

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

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.