Jamaica, NY to Nichols, NY is 275.5 miles and takes about 5h 44m via Keystone Shortway, US 15, and Christopher Columbus Highway, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving you from the Northeast region to its own Northeast sector. Expect a mixed drive that’s manageable in a single day, making it a convenient option for a quick transition. The primary roads offer a blend of experiences, and with only one recommended stop, you can tailor your pace effectively. Consider this route if you're looking for a straightforward journey without extensive overnight planning.
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
137.8 miles from Jamaica, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
100.3 mi
1h 56m
US 15
61 mi
1h 7m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
US Highway 15
11.7 mi
16m
US 46
10.8 mi
12m
NJ 3
10.2 mi
12m
Route 49
6.6 mi
11m
Long Island Expressway
4.8 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 100.3 mi, about 1h 56m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 274 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,528 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,297
Quietest
1 AM
~394 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jamaica, NY and Nichols, 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
3.6 mi·4 min·Van Wyck Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi·58 sec
Exit 12BToward I 495 West: Midtown TunnelUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 495
3.4 mi·5 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 17WToward I 278 West: BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·49 sec
Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, ManhattanUse the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 495
1.4 mi·2 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
1.3 mi·2 min·Queens-Midtown Tunnel
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward Crosstown, 37th StreetUse the slight left lane.
14
Turn slight left onto East 37th Street
1.1 mi·3 min·East 37th Street
Use the slight left lane.
15
Take the ramp
474 ft·11 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel
16
Turn right
342 ft·11 sec
Use the right lane.
17
Merge onto NY 495
105 ft·4 sec·Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
18
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 495
3.7 mi·6 min·Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
Toward Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: SecaucusUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
453 ft·7 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: CliftonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto NJ 3
10 mi·12 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto US 46
11 mi·12 min·US 46
Use the straight lane.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap
24
Continue on I 80W
1.6 mi·1 min·Interstate 80 West
Toward I 287: Morristown, MahwahUse the straight / slight left lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water GapUse the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Merge onto I 80
45 mi·52 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
95 mi·1 hr 48 min·Keystone Shortway
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 210A-BToward US 15: Lewisburg, WilliamsportUse the slight right lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·40 sec
Exit 210BToward US 15 North: Williamsport
31
Merge onto US 15
2.6 mi·3 min·Westbranch Highway
32
Continue on US 15
12 mi·16 min·US Highway 15
Use the straight lane.
33
Continue on US 15
1.1 mi·1 min·Montgomery Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Continue on US 15
0.6 mi·1 min·Hastings Street
35
Continue on US 15
0.4 mi·58 sec·Market Street
Use the left lane.
36
Take the exit onto US 15
0.2 mi·31 sec·US 15
Use the left lane.
37
Merge onto I 180; US 15; US 220
1.6 mi·2 min·Susquehanna Beltway
38
Keep slight right at fork onto US 15
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·US 15
Exit 29Toward US 15 North: MansfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 196Toward PA 49: Elkland, LawrencevilleUse the slight right lane.
40
Turn left onto PA 49
6.6 mi·11 min·Route 49
Use the straight lane.
41
Turn right onto Lakeview Drive
0.2 mi·20 sec·Lakeview Drive
42
Turn left onto Marsh Road
1.6 mi·3 min·Marsh Road
43
Continue on County Route 86
1.0 mi·2 min·County Route 86
44
Turn sharp left onto Mack Road
0.2 mi·38 sec·Mack Road
45
Arrive at destination
Mack Road
Trip Plan
For this 5h 44m journey, consider an early morning departure from Jamaica, NY, to maximize daylight and allow flexibility. While the drive is manageable in one day with just one recommended stop, don't hesitate to pull over if you need a break, especially during the longer 100.3-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; the estimated $45 cost suggests planning at least one fuel stop. The 'Mixed drive' profile implies you might encounter varying speed limits and road conditions, so staying alert is key. Since it's a single-day trip, you have the advantage of adjusting your schedule on the fly based on traffic or your energy levels.
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 137.8 miles from Jamaica, NY, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100.3 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 61 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.8 miles or 2h 53m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nichols, 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 275.5 miles and 5h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 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 Keystone Shortway for about 100.3 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 38
5 decision points cluster between mile 9 and 204.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
9 mi into trip|~13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan
8
12.3 mi into trip|~19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Crosstown, 37th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Crosstown, 37th Street
8
17.7 mi into trip|~31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 3 West: Clifton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 3 West: Clifton
8
185.8 mi into trip|~3h 48m in
Take the exit toward US 15: Lewisburg, Williamsport
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 210A-B
Toward US 15: Lewisburg, Williamsport
8
204.8 mi into trip|~4h 17m in|US 15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 15 toward US 15 North: Mansfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 29
Toward US 15 North: Mansfield
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.22 one way
$96.45 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$52.26
$104.52
premium
$5.23
$56.73
$113.45
diesel
$6.28
$68.07
$136.14
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Lincoln Tunnel
$16.00
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
$48
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.7
1
$28.93
$13.22
Efficient EV
68.9
0
$24.11
$11.02
EV Truck/SUV
110.2
1
$38.57
$17.63
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Jamaica, NY
Morning
in Jamaica on Saturday
Local time
6:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
NE 6 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Nichols, NY
Morning
in Nichols on Saturday
Local time
6:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
NW 0 to 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
62°F
Litchfield, NY
138 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
1 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
5h 44m 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive presents a mixed profile, with 42% of it being highway driving. You'll experience stretches on roads like the Keystone Shortway, including one notable segment of 100.3 miles without a major interruption. The character of the drive shifts as you progress, moving between more direct highway travel and potentially other road types indicated by the 'Mixed drive' profile. This variation means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate loop for the entire 275.5 miles, offering a more dynamic experience behind the wheel. Be prepared for this blend of faster-paced sections and potentially more varied terrain as you approach your destination.
42% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100.3 mi on Keystone Shortway.
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 9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 38 significant decision points across 275.5 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 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,033 ft3 ft
Total Climb
3,853 ft
Total Descent
2,442 ft
Highest Point
2,033 ft
~236.2 mi in
Elevation Range
2,030 ft
Notable High Points
1,721 ft at ~118.1 miles+548 ft prominence
2,033 ft at ~236.2 miles+784 ft prominence
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 Nichols, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Williamsport.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 44m. Total distance: 275.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 100.3 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Lincoln 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.
Yes — we found about 34 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Nichols, 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. There are 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Stonewall National Monument and Castle Clinton National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Nichols, NY before the return drive.
