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Trip from Jamaica, NY to Sylvan Beach, 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 11m

Distance

288.8 mi

465 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 58m ★
6 AM
6h 11m
8 AM
6h 37m
10 AM
6h 20m
12 PM
6h 17m
3 PM
6h 21m
5 PM
6h 35m
8 PM
6h 3m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

neighborhood of Queens, New York City, United States

Jamaica, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Sylvan Beach, NY, NY

Sylvan Beach, NY

David Kanigan

Trip Overview

Embark on a 288.8-mile journey from Jamaica, NY, to Sylvan Beach, NY, with an estimated driving time of 6 hours and 11 minutes. This route is primarily highway-focused, with 65% of the drive on major interstates, making it a feasible day trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently. You'll navigate on I 86, I 81, and Christopher Columbus Highway. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $48. Given the duration, planning for a single, well-paced day is realistic, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Both your origin and destination are within the Northeast region, keeping the travel geographically consistent.

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

144.4 miles from Jamaica, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 3m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 86 60.9 mi 1h 11m
I 81 58.1 mi 1h 9m
Christopher Columbus Highway 44.6 mi 52m
I 380 27.7 mi 30m
Keystone Shortway 17.3 mi 24m
Watkins Road 11.6 mi 15m
US 46 10.8 mi 12m
NJ 3 10.2 mi 12m
Longest stretch: I 86 — 60.9 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jamaica, NY and Sylvan Beach, 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 12B Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel Use 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 17W Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan Use 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 Street Use 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 Tunnel Use the straight / slight left lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 29 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: Secaucus Use the slight right lane.
20

Keep slight left at fork

453 ft · 7 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: Clifton Use 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, Mahwah Use the straight / slight left lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 21 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water Gap Use 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

12 mi · 15 min · Keystone Shortway
29

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 46 sec
Exit 293 Toward I 380 North: Scranton
30

Continue on I 380

28 mi · 30 min · I 380
Use the straight lane.
31

Merge onto I 81

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
32

Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17

61 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
33

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 37 sec
Exit 52A Toward NY 14 North, CR 64: Watkins Glen
34

Turn left onto CR 64

0.1 mi · 9 sec · County Road 64
35

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 22 sec
36

Merge onto NY 14

1.4 mi · 1 min · Westinghouse Road
37

At end of road, turn left onto NY 14

5.6 mi · 7 min · Watkins Road
38

Continue on NY 14

1.5 mi · 3 min · Main Street
39

Continue on NY 14

6.0 mi · 7 min · Watkins Road
40

Continue on NY 14

2.3 mi · 4 min · South Franklin Street
Use the straight lane.
41

Continue on NY 14

385 ft · 5 sec · Lake Shore Drive
42

Continue on NY 14

8.7 mi · 11 min · North Madison Avenue
43

Turn left onto Dundee-Glenora Road

3.0 mi · 7 min · Dundee-Glenora Road
44

Continue on Saunders Street

0.3 mi · 37 sec · Saunders Street
45

Turn right onto NY 14A

0.4 mi · 37 sec · Main Street
46

Continue on NY 14A

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Water Street
47

Turn left onto NY 14A

0.8 mi · 1 min · Millard Street
48

Continue on NY 14A

0.6 mi · 1 min · State Highway 14A
49

Turn left onto NY 230

7.0 mi · 12 min · State Route 230
50

Turn left onto CR 26

509 ft · 15 sec · County Road 26
51

Turn left onto Lake Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · Lake Street
52

Continue on Lakeshore Drive

419 ft · 19 sec · Lakeshore Drive
53

Turn right onto Bubbling Spring Road

162 ft · 7 sec · Bubbling Spring Road
54

Arrive at destination

Bubbling Spring Road

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 288.8-mile trip, consider an early morning departure from Jamaica, NY, to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you begin on the interstates. With a total duration of 6 hours and 11 minutes, you'll want to plan for one main stop to stretch your legs and refuel. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 60.9 miles on I 86, so be sure to take advantage of services before entering that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $48, it's a relatively budget-friendly journey. Since this is a single-day drive, flexibility is key; however, knowing the longest stretch helps you plan your breaks strategically.

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 144.4 miles from Jamaica, NY, or about 3h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.9 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 64 miles or 1h 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 144.4 miles or 3h 3m 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 52m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sylvan Beach, 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 288.8 miles and 6h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 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 I 86 for about 60.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Broome County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vestal, NY

144 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 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Deposit, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 144.4 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 I 86 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 60.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Fiorentini Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rutherford, New Jersey

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 20.6

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+19737213404

Visit website

Hapgoods Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

1.9 mi

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

1.9 mi

Fiorentini Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 20.6

Rutherford, New Jersey

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+19737213404

Visit website

Hapgoods Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 41.3

Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19732993399

Visit website

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 41.3

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+19733359690

Visit website

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Forest Hills, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13475310873

Visit website

Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 41.3

Boonton, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19739173334

Visit website

Shogun Japan Japanese restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Hollis, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13322041966

Visit website

Hainan

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30

Flushing, New York

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19175637223

Visit website

Roasted Coffee Bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 206.3

Owego, New York

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+16072231652

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 20.6

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 185.6

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EVolve NY Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 268.1

Watkins Glen, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 226.9

Waverly, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 247.5

Horseheads, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.6 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 268.1

Watkins Glen, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 165

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 165

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 226.9

Sayre, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Veterans Memorial Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 41.3

Parsippany, New Jersey

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+19732637254

Visit website

Bee Meadow Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 41.3

Whippany, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

Catch Air Hasbrouck

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 20.6

Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12017132156

Visit website

Whippany Railway Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 41.3

Whippany, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+19738878177

Visit website

Aunt Sarah’s Falls

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 268.1

Montour Falls, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Laurel Hill Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 20.6

Secaucus, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12019151388

Visit website

New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 20.6

Teterboro, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

+12012886344

Visit website

James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 20.6

North Bergen, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 42

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.1 and 17.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
4.1 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the exit toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 12B Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel
7
8 mi into trip | ~12m in

Take the exit toward I 278 West: Brooklyn

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 17W Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn
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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.54 one way

$95.08 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 101 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $51.40 $102.81
premium $4.92 $55.97 $111.95
diesel $5.61 $63.76 $127.53

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: 101 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 86.6 1 $30.32 $13.86
Efficient EV 72.2 0 $25.27 $11.55
EV Truck/SUV 115.5 1 $40.43 $18.48

Gas CO2

101 kg

EV CO2

34 kg (66% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Jamaica, NY

Late night in Jamaica on Sunday

Local time

5:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sylvan Beach, NY

Late night in Sylvan Beach on Sunday

Local time

5:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

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

10 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

6h 11m 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.

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...

3 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 10
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...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 10
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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 10
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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 10
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...

5 mi from route ~14 min detour Free near mile 10
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument

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...

5 mi from route ~13 min detour Free near mile 10
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 is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 65% of your time spent on major interstates like I 86 and I 81. Expect long stretches of consistent speed, including one segment of 60.9 miles on I 86 without significant interruption. While the majority of the route prioritizes efficient travel, the inclusion of Christopher Columbus Highway suggests potential for varied road conditions as you approach your destination. It's a route designed for covering distance, rather than winding through small towns, so prepare for a steady pace for most of the 6 hours and 11 minutes.

65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
54 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60.9 mi on I 86.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.1 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 42 significant decision points across 288.8 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 4.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Sylvan Beach, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Cr 64: Watkins Glen.

Del Water Gap

38.8 mi in | ~56m

Mahwah

39 mi in | ~56m | via I 80W

Cr 64: Watkins Glen

250.2 mi in | ~5h 8m

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 6h 11m. Total distance: 288.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 11m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 60.9 miles on I 86. 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.

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 Sylvan Beach, 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 4.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Stonewall National Monument, African Burial Ground 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 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Sylvan Beach, 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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