Origin
Ithaca, NY
Late night in Ithaca on Sunday
Local time
12:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ithaca, 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
4h 56m
Distance
229.4 mi
369 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 43m
★
6 AM
4h 56m
8 AM
5h 23m
10 AM
5h 6m
12 PM
5h 3m
3 PM
5h 7m
5 PM
5h 22m
8 PM
4h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ithaca, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Brooklyn, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 229.4-mile drive from Ithaca, NY, to Brooklyn, NY, is manageable in about 4 hours and 56 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. You'll navigate primarily on I-81, the Keystone Shortway, and I-380, with 60% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $38. This route offers a mixed driving experience as you transition from upstate New York to the bustling New York City area. Given its duration, it's best tackled in a single day, allowing you to arrive in Brooklyn without needing an overnight stop.
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
114.7 miles from Ithaca, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 73.5 mi | 1h 28m |
| Keystone Shortway | 63.3 mi | 1h 19m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Essex Freeway | 15.8 mi | 20m |
| State Highway 79 | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| Slaterville Road | 11.1 mi | 16m |
| I 84 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| Main Street | 3.1 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 73.5 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ithaca, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on NY 79
64 ft
·
6 sec
·
East Seneca Street
2
Turn right onto North Tioga Street
325 ft
·
15 sec
·
North Tioga Street
3
Turn right onto East Buffalo Street
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
East Buffalo Street
4
Turn right onto Schuyler Place
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Schuyler Place
5
At end of road, turn left onto NY 79
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East State Street
6
Continue on NY 79
11 mi
·
16 min
·
Slaterville Road
7
Continue on NY 79
15 mi
·
17 min
·
State Highway 79
8
Continue on NY 79
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Main Street
9
Turn right onto NY 26
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
NY 26
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 81 South
11
Merge onto I 81
20 mi
·
24 min
·
I 81
12
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.
13
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.
14
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.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
16
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
17
Merge onto I 80
63 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 47A
Toward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
19
Continue on I 280
16 mi
·
20 min
·
Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 17A
Toward CR 508 East: Jersey City
21
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
·
New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
25
Turn straight
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Use the straight lane.
26
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Conrail Viaduct
27
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
12th Street Viaduct
28
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
30
Take the exit
428 ft
·
14 sec
Toward NY 9A
31
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
32
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Street
Use the straight lane.
33
Take the exit
2.6 mi
·
5 min
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Use the left lane.
34
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
Gowanus Expressway
35
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.
36
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.
37
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
38
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
39
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Nostrand Avenue
40
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 4-5 hour drive, starting early from Ithaca, NY, will help you avoid the heaviest traffic as you approach Brooklyn, NY. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 73.5-mile stretch on I-81, and plan your refueling accordingly. The $38 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always have a little extra buffer. This route is well-suited for a single-day adventure, so focus on a smooth departure to maximize your time in Brooklyn.
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 114.7 miles from Ithaca, NY, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.5 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 50 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.7 miles or 2h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 50m
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 Ithaca, 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 Ithaca, NY
This is one driving day of about 229.4 miles and 4h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Ithaca, 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 73.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
115 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 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 114.7 miles from Ithaca, 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 73.5 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 295 decision points cluster between mile 52.1 and 222.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
52.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 7m 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
105.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m 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
217.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 30m 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
217.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 31m 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
222.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 43m 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
$37.76 one way
$75.52 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
80 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $40.83 | $81.66 |
| premium | $4.92 | $44.46 | $88.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $50.65 | $101.30 |
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
$38
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.8 | 0 | $24.09 | $11.01 |
| Efficient EV | 57.4 | 0 | $20.07 | $9.18 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 91.8 | 1 | $32.12 | $14.68 |
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 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.
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night in Brooklyn on Sunday
Local time
12:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
S 12 mph
8% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 2:55PM EDT until April 14 at 3:45PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 2:52PM EDT until April 14 at 3:30PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
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
40 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
4h 56m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 221.5
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 221.5
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 221.5
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 221.5
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 221.5
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 221.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
The drive is characterized by a mixed profile, with a substantial 60% share of highway driving. You'll experience a significant stretch of 73.5 miles on I-81, which forms a substantial portion of the early journey. As you progress, the route incorporates other major roadways like the Keystone Shortway and I-380, offering a dynamic driving experience that transitions between more open highway and potentially more varied road conditions as you approach your destination. Expect a blend of faster-paced travel on interstates and potentially more localized driving closer to Brooklyn.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.5 mi on I 81.
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 52.1 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 29 significant decision points across 229.4 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 52.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 105.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 217.5 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 Ithaca, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Mt Pocono
105.5 mi in
|
~2h 11m
|
via US 6
Milford
106.2 mi in
|
~2h 12m
|
via I 84; I 380
Newark
197.8 mi in
|
~4h 3m
Cr 508 East: Jersey City
214.4 mi in
|
~4h 24m
About the Cities
Starting in Ithaca, NY
Full guide →Founded 1888
Ithaca is a small city in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. In addition to being the home of Cornell University and Ithaca College, Ithaca is known for its several gorges and waterfalls, small eclectic shops and restaurants, and deep interest in politics.
Top landmarks
- • Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art — art museum at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York
- • Clinton House — former hotel in Ithaca, New York
- • Andrew Dickson White House — Historic home on campus of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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 4h 56m. Total distance: 229.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.5 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 52.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 105.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 217.5 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Brooklyn, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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