Origin
Henderson, NY
Late night in Henderson on Sunday
Local time
3:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Henderson, NY to Brooklyn, 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 37m
Distance
318.4 mi
512 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$52
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 26m
★
6 AM
6h 38m
8 AM
7h 2m
10 AM
6h 46m
12 PM
6h 44m
3 PM
6h 47m
5 PM
7h 1m
8 PM
6h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Henderson, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Brooklyn, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on a 318.4-mile journey from Henderson, NY, to Brooklyn, NY, will take approximately 6 hours and 37 minutes of driving time. This route is primarily highway-focused, with 76% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I-81 and I-380, along with the Keystone Shortway. Given the duration and distance, it's definitely manageable as a single-day trip, though you could break it up if desired. Budget around $52 for fuel. This drive keeps you within the Northeast region, moving from upstate New York down towards the bustling borough of Brooklyn.
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
159.2 miles from Henderson, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 183.9 mi | 3h 37m |
| Keystone Shortway | 63.3 mi | 1h 19m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Essex Freeway | 15.8 mi | 20m |
| State Route 178 | 8.7 mi | 12m |
| I 84 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| Newark-Jersey City Turnpike | 2 mi | 3m |
| Holland Tunnel | 1.9 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 183.9 mi, about 3h 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Henderson, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on County Road 72
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
County Road 72
2
Continue on NY 178
8.7 mi
·
12 min
·
State Route 178
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 81 South
4
Merge onto I 81
47 mi
·
54 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I-81
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
I-81
6
Continue on I 81
11 mi
·
14 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi
·
48 sec
·
I-81
8
Continue on I 81
73 mi
·
1 hr 25 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
14
Merge onto I 80
63 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 47A
Toward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
16
Continue on I 280
16 mi
·
20 min
·
Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 17A
Toward CR 508 East: Jersey City
18
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
·
New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Turn straight
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Use the straight lane.
23
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Conrail Viaduct
24
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
12th Street Viaduct
25
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
27
Take the exit
428 ft
·
14 sec
Toward NY 9A
28
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
29
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Street
Use the straight lane.
30
Take the exit
2.6 mi
·
5 min
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Use the left lane.
31
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
Gowanus Expressway
32
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
NY 27
Exit 24
Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
33
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
NY 27
Exit 5
Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Use the slight right lane.
34
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
36
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Nostrand Avenue
37
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 6-and-a-half-hour drive, leaving early in the morning from Henderson, NY, is your best bet to avoid significant traffic, especially as you get closer to Brooklyn. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 183.9 miles on I-81, plan your fuel and rest breaks strategically. Consider stopping around the halfway point to stretch your legs. The $52 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always keep an eye on your gauge, particularly during that long stretch on I-81 where services might be more spread out.
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 159.2 miles from Henderson, NY, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 183.9 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 70 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 159.2 miles or 3h 10m 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 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Henderson, 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 Henderson, NY
This is one driving day of about 318.4 miles and 6h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Henderson, 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 I 81 for about 183.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
159 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 70 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 159.2 miles from Henderson, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 183.9 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 255 decision points cluster between mile 141.1 and 311.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
141.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
|
I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
194.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 52m in
|
US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
7
306.5 mi into trip
|
~6h 12m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
306.7 mi into trip
|
~6h 12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
311.8 mi into trip
|
~6h 24m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.41 one way
$104.82 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
111 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $56.67 | $113.35 |
| premium | $4.92 | $61.71 | $123.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $70.30 | $140.60 |
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City 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
$52
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$94–$119
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 111.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 95.5 | 1 | $33.43 | $15.28 |
| Efficient EV | 79.6 | 0 | $27.86 | $12.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 127.4 | 1 | $44.58 | $20.38 |
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 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.
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night in Brooklyn on Sunday
Local time
3:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 10 mph
3% 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
48 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 37m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 307.5
View on nps.gov
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 307.5
View on nps.gov
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 307.5
View on nps.gov
Statue Of Liberty National Monument
National Monument
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 307.5
View on nps.gov
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 307.5
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument
National Monument
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 307.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive leans heavily towards a highway-focused experience, with a significant 76% share on major roads. You'll spend a considerable amount of time on I-81, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch of your trip at 183.9 miles. While much of the journey involves efficient travel on interstates, be prepared for the transition as you approach your destination. The character of the drive is largely about covering distance effectively, with the majority of your time spent in a highway setting.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 183.9 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 141.1 miles in near I 81.
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 318.4 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 141.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 194.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 306.5 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Henderson, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Mt Pocono
194.4 mi in
|
~3h 52m
|
via US 6
Milford
195.2 mi in
|
~3h 53m
|
via I 84; I 380
Newark
286.8 mi in
|
~5h 44m
About the Cities
Arriving in Brooklyn, NY
Full guide →Founded 1634
Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city. Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest. Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
Top landmarks
- • Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
- • Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, 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 37m. Total distance: 318.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 37m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 183.9 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 in tolls one way, starting with Holland Tunnel. 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 Brooklyn, 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 141.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 194.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 306.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brooklyn, 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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