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Trip from Hempstead, NY to Port Henry, 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 48m

Distance

279.8 mi

450 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$46

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 36m ★
6 AM
5h 49m
8 AM
6h 15m
10 AM
5h 58m
12 PM
5h 55m
3 PM
5h 59m
5 PM
6h 14m
8 PM
5h 41m

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 Port Henry, NY, NY

Port Henry, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 279.8-mile drive from Hempstead, NY, to Port Henry, NY, is a substantial undertaking, estimated to take about 5 hours and 48 minutes. It's a feasible one-day trip, but be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. You'll navigate a mix of major roadways, with 59% of the journey on highways, and the fuel cost is estimated at around $46. This route keeps you within the Northeast region, traversing New York state for its entirety. Consider this drive when you need to cover ground efficiently between these two points.

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

139.9 miles from Hempstead, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 111.7 mi 2h 8m
Adirondack Northway 87.9 mi 1h 42m
NJ 17 14.7 mi 18m
I 787 9 mi 12m
North Hudson Road 6.8 mi 9m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
North Hudson-Moriah Road 5.8 mi 7m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hempstead, NY and Port Henry, 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

88 mi · 1 hr 42 min · Adirondack Northway
37

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 27 sec
Exit 29 Toward Newcomb, North Hudson
38

Turn right onto Blue Ridge Road

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Blue Ridge Road
39

At end of road, turn left onto US 9

2.8 mi · 4 min · US Highway 9
40

Turn sharp right onto CR 4C

0.2 mi · 38 sec · County Highway 4C
41

Turn left onto CR 4

5.8 mi · 7 min · North Hudson-Moriah Road
42

Continue on CR 4

6.8 mi · 9 min · North Hudson Road
43

Continue on CR 4

1.6 mi · 3 min · Dugway Road
44

Continue on CR 4

1.4 mi · 3 min · Broad Street
45

At end of road, turn right onto NY 9N; NY 22

68 ft · 1 sec · South Main Street
46

Arrive at destination

NY 9N; NY 22

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 279.8-mile trip, aim for an early morning departure from Hempstead to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic. While it’s a one-day drive, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, especially given the 5 hour 48 minute estimated duration. The longest stretch is over 111 miles, so be mindful of your fuel levels before embarking on that segment. Having your fuel cost estimate of $46 in mind will help with budgeting for the journey.

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 139.9 miles from Hempstead, NY, or about 2h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 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 62 miles or 1h 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 139.9 miles or 2h 54m 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 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Port Henry, 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 279.8 miles and 5h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 111.7 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

140 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 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Stockport, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 139.9 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 NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.7 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

Mi Ecuador Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rensselaer, New York

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.9

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+15182750565

Visit website

Mocha Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bronx, New York

2.3 mi

Cafe Madison

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Albany, New York

2.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Saddle River Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Saddle River, New Jersey

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Expensive mile 40

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+12012822300

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

2.9 mi

Mi Ecuador Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.9

Rensselaer, New York

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+15182750565

Visit website

Mocha Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20

Bronx, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13472027123

Visit website

Cafe Madison

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 159.9

Albany, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+15189351094

Visit website

Giovanna's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 40

Ramsey, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12018255835

Visit website

Café Panache

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $50 to $10 mile 40

Ramsey, New Jersey

Hours: 12–1:30 pm

+12019340030

Visit website

Golden Krust Carribean Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.9

Newburgh, New York

Hours: 8:15 am–7:45 pm

+18457874527

Visit website

The Mindful Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 40

Ramsey, New Jersey

Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm

+12016493600

Visit website

Tool's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.9

Delmar, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15184399111

Visit website

Saddle River Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Expensive mile 40

Saddle River, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+12012822300

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20

New York, New York

+19172614093

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

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

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 79.9

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 60

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 79.9

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 60

Central Valley, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 79.9

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 60

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 79.9

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 79.9

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Claremont Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 20

Bronx, NY

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Long Island Children's Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Garden City, New York

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+15162245800

Visit website

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 20

Bronx, New York

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+17186816000

Visit website

Roberto Clemente State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 20

Bronx, New York

Hours: 8:30 am–8:30 pm

+17182998750

Visit website

Yankee Stadium

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 20

Bronx, New York

+12129265337

Visit website

Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 20

Bronx, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Franz Sigel Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 20

Bronx, NY

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

St. Mary's Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 20

Bronx, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+17184025155

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 29

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

$46.06 one way

$92.11 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 98 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $49.80 $99.60
premium $4.92 $54.23 $108.46
diesel $5.61 $61.78 $123.55

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

$46

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$94–$119

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 97.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 83.9 1 $29.38 $13.43
Efficient EV 70 0 $24.48 $11.19
EV Truck/SUV 111.9 1 $39.17 $17.91

Gas CO2

98 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (66% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Hempstead, NY

Morning in Hempstead on Sunday

Local time

10:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Partly Cloudy

NE 5 to 8 mph 6% chance Live forecast

Destination

Port Henry, NY

Morning in Port Henry on Sunday

Local time

10:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Mostly Clear

W 1 to 6 mph 0% chance 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

7 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 48m 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.

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...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 19.3
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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 19.3
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...

8 mi from route ~20 min detour Free near mile 193
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...

10 mi from route ~24 min detour Free near mile 19.3
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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 19.3
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...

11 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 19.3
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

The road character on this route is a mixed drive, meaning you'll experience varying types of pavement and speed limits. With 59% of the journey on highways, expect periods of faster travel, interspersed with other road types. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 111.7 miles, primarily on NY 17, which offers a significant segment of consistent driving. As you progress, the nature of the roads will likely shift, transitioning from more urban or suburban arteries to potentially more open stretches as you head north.

59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.7 mi on NY 17.

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 29 significant decision points across 279.8 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 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 Port Henry, 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

Newcomb

260.7 mi in | ~5h 18m

Hudson

260.7 mi in | ~5h 18m

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 5h 48m. Total distance: 279.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.7 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 Port Henry, 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 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Port Henry, 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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