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Trip from Jamaica, NY to Latham, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 24m

Distance

162.7 mi

262 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 48m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 30m
3 PM
3h 34m
5 PM
3h 47m
8 PM
3h 17m

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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neighborhood of Queens, New York City, United States

Jamaica, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Latham, NY, NY

Latham, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 162.7-mile drive from Jamaica, NY, to Latham, NY, is an achievable day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes. Primarily a highway-focused experience, you'll spend about 96% of your time on major roads, including NY 17 and NJ 17. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Northeast region. You'll only need one planned stop, and the longest stretch without a break is 111.7 miles, so plan your refueling accordingly. This trip is well-suited for a single day of travel.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

81.3 miles from Jamaica, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 111.7 mi 2h 8m
NJ 17 14.7 mi 18m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Van Wyck Expressway 5.7 mi 7m
I 95 4.8 mi 6m
US 9 4.7 mi 8m
I 787 3.1 mi 4m
Whitestone Expressway 2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jamaica, NY and Latham, NY.

1

Start on Tuskegee Airmen Way

303 ft · 17 sec · Tuskegee Airmen Way
2

Turn right onto Pinegrove Street

0.2 mi · 44 sec · Pinegrove Street
3

At end of road, turn left onto Liberty Avenue

435 ft · 13 sec · Liberty Avenue
4

Turn right onto Van Wyck Expressway East

77 ft · 1 sec · Van Wyck Expressway East
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway, Whitestone Bridge, Bronx
6

Merge onto I 678

5.7 mi · 7 min · Van Wyck Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
7

Merge onto I 678

2.0 mi · 2 min · Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on I 678

1.3 mi · 1 min · Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
9

Continue on I 678

0.8 mi · 1 min · Hutchinson River Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 19S-W; 19N Toward I 95 South, I 278 West, I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan, New Haven Connecticut Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 50 sec
Exit 19S-W Toward I 95 South, I 278 West: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan Use the slight left lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward I 95 South
13

Merge onto I 95

4.8 mi · 6 min · I 95
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

3.1 mi · 4 min · I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 37 sec
Exit 5 Toward I 90: Buffalo, Boston Use the slight right lane.
33

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo Use the slight left lane.
34

Merge onto I 90

0.2 mi · 17 sec · I 90
35

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Exit 6 Toward US 9: Arbor Hill, Loudonville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward US 9 North: Loudonville
37

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 44 sec
Toward US 9 North: Loudonville
38

Turn straight onto US 9

4.7 mi · 8 min · US 9
39

Turn right onto Pine Street

479 ft · 21 sec · Pine Street
40

Turn left onto Old Loudon Road

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Old Loudon Road
41

Arrive at destination

Old Loudon Road

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 24-minute duration, departing Jamaica, NY, in the morning, perhaps before the heaviest traffic, will set you up for a smooth arrival in Latham, NY. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $27, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest 111.7-mile stretch on NY 17, to ensure you don't need to deviate from your planned route. This drive is easily manageable in a single day, so you can adjust your timing as needed based on traffic or personal preference.

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 81.3 miles from Jamaica, NY, or about 1h 44m 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 36 miles or 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81.3 miles or 1h 44m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 44m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Latham, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Jamaica, 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 Jamaica, NY

This is one driving day of about 162.7 miles and 3h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Jamaica, 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.

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

81 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 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

New Windsor, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.3 miles from Jamaica, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · around the midpoint

Golden Krust Carribean Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Newburgh, New York

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset · 1h 27m in / 1h 57m to go 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 8:15 am–7:45 pm

+18457874527

Visit website

Chuck E. Cheese

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Paramus, New Jersey

1.1 mi

Giovanna's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ramsey, New Jersey

1.5 mi

Best coffee break · early in the drive

Saddle River Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Saddle River, New Jersey

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch · 44min in 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Expensive

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+12012822300

Visit website

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hackensack, New Jersey

1.4 mi

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

2.8 mi

Golden Krust Carribean Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Newburgh, New York

Hours: 8:15 am–7:45 pm

+18457874527

Visit website

Chuck E. Cheese

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Paramus, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12014871088

Visit website

Giovanna's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Ramsey, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+12018255835

Visit website

Café Panache

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10

Ramsey, New Jersey

Hours: 12–1:30 pm

+12019340030

Visit website

Cafe Tropical Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12018800669

The Mindful Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Ramsey, New Jersey

Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm

+12016493600

Visit website

Bite Food & Coffee Co

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12015602269

Visit website

Yossies Cafe & Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Monroe, New York

Hours: 8 am–1 pm

+18457830901

Visit website

Saddle River Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Expensive

Saddle River, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+12012822300

Visit website

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

C Squared Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12014259120

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

+19172614093

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

New Windsor, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shooting Zone

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 12–9 pm

+12014401329

Visit website

Ready to Golf

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

River Edge, New Jersey

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+16093887728

Visit website

iFLY Indoor Skydiving- Paramus

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Paramus, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–8:30 pm

+12017334359

Visit website

Catch Air Paramus

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Paramus, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12016202125

Visit website

Bowler City

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+12013433545

Visit website

Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12019680808

Visit website

Teaneck Creek Conservancy

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Teaneck, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12018362403

Visit website

Xtreme Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12014085555

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 10.3 and 156.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
10.3 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South, I 278 West, I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan, New Haven Connecticut

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 19S-W; 19N Toward I 95 South, I 278 West, I 95 North: Geor...
10
10.5 mi into trip | ~16m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, I 278 West: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 19S-W Toward I 95 South, I 278 West: George Washingto...
8
18.4 mi into trip | ~27m 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
18.6 mi into trip | ~27m 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
9
156.9 mi into trip | ~3h 13m in

Take the exit toward US 9: Arbor Hill, Loudonville

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 6 Toward US 9: Arbor Hill, Loudonville

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.78 one way

$53.56 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $28.96 $57.92
premium $4.92 $31.53 $63.07
diesel $5.61 $35.92 $71.84

Estimated Tolls: $22.55

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Whitestone Bridge $6.55

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

$27

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$74–$99

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.8 0 $17.08 $7.81
Efficient EV 40.7 0 $14.24 $6.51
EV Truck/SUV 65.1 0 $22.78 $10.41

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (67% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Jamaica, NY

Late night in Jamaica on Tuesday

Local time

4:59 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 6 to 12 mph 3% chance Live forecast

Destination

Latham, NY

Late night in Latham on Tuesday

Local time

4:59 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

63°F

Ramapo, NY

81 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

24 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

3h 24m 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

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 16.8
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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 16.8
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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 5.6
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 16.8
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...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 5.6
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 ~24 min detour Free near mile 5.6
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience for this 162.7-mile journey. With 96% of the drive on major roads like NY 17 and NJ 17, it’s designed for covering distance efficiently. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 111.7 miles on NY 17, offering a substantial period of consistent driving. While the route is primarily highway, the specific roads like NJ 4 will guide you through varied suburban and semi-rural landscapes as you progress north. This isn't a winding scenic byway, but rather a direct path designed for steady travel.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 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 is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.3 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 162.7 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 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.4 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.

Between Jamaica, NY and Latham, NY, road signs point toward Manhattan, New Haven Connecticut, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South and Gsp North - among others.

Manhattan

10.3 mi in | ~15m

New Haven Connecticut

10.3 mi in | ~15m

Upper Level

15.9 mi in | ~23m | via I 95; US 1

Njtp South: Hackensack

18.4 mi in | ~27m

Gsp South

25.4 mi in | ~37m

Gsp North

25.4 mi in | ~37m

Newark

25.4 mi in | ~37m

Mahwah

25.4 mi in | ~37m

New York State Thruway North: Albany

40.7 mi in | ~57m | via NY 17

Troy

152.4 mi in | ~3h 6m

About the Cities

Starting in Jamaica, NY

Full guide →

Jamaica is an expansive neighborhood located in eastern Queens. Historically consisting of predominantly black communities, Jamaica now is home to an extremely diverse array of peoples and cultures.

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 3h 24m. Total distance: 162.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

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 $22.55 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 Latham, 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 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and African Burial Ground National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Latham, 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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