Traveling from Hempstead to Warwick covers 71.4 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes of driving time. Since this journey is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $12 for fuel to complete this one-way transit. Navigating through the Northeast, you will transition from the dense surroundings of Long Island toward the more varied terrain of Warwick. Given the duration and distance, it is an efficient route that provides a manageable travel experience for those looking to explore different parts of New York state. Staying flexible with your departure time will help you navigate the local roads more effectively.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
35.7 miles from Hempstead, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NJ 208
10.2 mi
12m
NJ 4
8.1 mi
11m
Greenwood Lake Turnpike
8.1 mi
12m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
State Highway 17A
5.5 mi
8m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Skyline Drive
4.8 mi
7m
Jersey Avenue
3.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
NJ 208
— 10.2 mi, about 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hempstead, NY and Warwick, 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 BridgeUse 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: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto NJ 4
8.1 mi·11 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
22
Continue on NJ 208
7.8 mi·9 min·NJ 208
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on NJ 208
2.5 mi·2 min·NJ 208
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 287
1.0 mi·1 min·I 287
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 57Toward Skyline Drive, RingwoodUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward RingwoodUse the straight / left lanes.
27
Turn straight onto CR S-91
4.8 mi·7 min·Skyline Drive
28
Continue on CR 692
134 ft·3 sec·Skyline Drive
29
Turn right onto CR 511
8.1 mi·12 min·Greenwood Lake Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
30
Turn right onto CR 511
2.6 mi·4 min·Lakeside Road
31
Continue on NY 210
3.5 mi·6 min·Jersey Avenue
32
Turn left onto NY 210
0.6 mi·59 sec·Windermere Avenue
33
Continue on NY 17A
5.5 mi·8 min·State Highway 17A
34
Continue on NY 17A
0.7 mi·1 min·Galloway Road
35
At end of road, turn right onto NY 17A; NY 94
0.5 mi·45 sec·Oakland Avenue
36
Arrive at destination
NY 17A; NY 94
Trip Plan
Since this is a turn-heavy local route, try to depart during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic congestion on Hempstead Turnpike and other local arteries. While the 1 hour and 45 minute duration is short enough to drive in one go, having a clear navigation plan is essential given the lack of major highway signage. Keep your fuel gauge in mind before you head out, as the $12 estimated cost can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and local road idling. Because there are no scheduled stops in this itinerary, you have the total freedom to pull over whenever you need a break. A specific tip for this drive is to double-check your GPS frequently, as the reliance on local streets means you will encounter many intersections that require precise turns.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 35.7 miles from Hempstead, NY, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 10.2 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 16 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.7 miles or 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Warwick, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hempstead, NY
This is one driving day of about 71.4 miles and 1h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Hempstead, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on NJ 208 for about 10.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 8.1 and 45 — 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
44.8 mi into trip|~1h 2m in
Take the exit toward Skyline Drive, Ringwood
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 57
Toward Skyline Drive, Ringwood
8
45 mi into trip|~1h 3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Ringwood
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward Ringwood
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.75 one way
$23.51 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$12.71
$25.42
premium
$4.92
$13.84
$27.68
diesel
$5.61
$15.76
$31.53
Estimated Tolls: $23.26
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
Greenwood Lake Turnpike
(8.1 mi)$0.57
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
$12
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
21.4
0
$7.50
$3.43
Efficient EV
17.9
0
$6.25
$2.86
EV Truck/SUV
28.6
0
$10.00
$4.57
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 14, 2026
Origin
Hempstead, NY
Morning
in Hempstead on Tuesday
Local time
6:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
S 13 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Warwick, NY
Morning
in Warwick on Tuesday
Local time
6:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
47°F
Inwood, NY
36 mi in
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
22 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
1h 45m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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
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...
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...
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 24.6
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 24.6
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 24.6
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 24.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route relies entirely on local roads, meaning you will not be spending any time on high-speed highways. Your path will take you along Clinton Street, Front Street, and Hempstead Turnpike as you navigate the local network. Because the drive is composed of winding local segments, it lacks any long, uninterrupted stretches of road. You will find that the personality of this trip is defined by frequent turns and constant changes in road conditions, making it a more interactive driving experience than a typical highway commute.
69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 10.2 mi on NJ 208.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NJ 208 and NJ 4. 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 Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 71.4 miles you will encounter 20 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
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 Warwick, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Ringwood.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 45m. Total distance: 71.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (69%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 10.2 miles on NJ 208. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $23.26 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.
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 Warwick, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
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 — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Warwick, NY before heading back.
