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Trip from Jamaica, NY to Whitesboro, 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

5h 2m

Distance

249.8 mi

402 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 49m ★
6 AM
5h 3m
8 AM
5h 30m
10 AM
5h 12m
12 PM
5h 10m
3 PM
5h 14m
5 PM
5h 28m
8 PM
4h 55m

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

village in Oneida County, New York, United States

Whitesboro, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Jamaica, NY to Whitesboro, NY is 249.8 miles and takes about 5h 2m via NY 17 and the New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route keeps you within New York for the entire trip, moving from the bustling Northeast region towards its interior. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a practical choice for a single-day trip. Expect a relatively smooth ride with minimal detours.

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

124.9 miles from Jamaica, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 117.5 mi 2h 15m
New York State Thruway 85.1 mi 1h 38m
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
Whitestone Expressway 2 mi 2m
River Road 1.7 mi 2m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 117.5 mi, about 2h 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jamaica, NY and Whitesboro, 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

118 mi · 2 hr 15 min · NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90

85 mi · 1 hr 38 min · New York State Thruway
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
31

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 790, NY 8, NY 12: Utica Use the slight right lane.
32

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 24 sec
33

Continue on North Genesee Street

0.1 mi · 9 sec · North Genesee Street
34

Turn right onto Auert Avenue

327 ft · 4 sec · Auert Avenue
35

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec
36

Merge onto I 790; NY 5

0.7 mi · 50 sec · I 790; NY 5
37

Continue on NY 49

0.9 mi · 1 min · State Route 49
38

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 35 sec
Toward CR 34: Marcy Business District
39

Turn left onto River Road

1.7 mi · 2 min · River Road
40

Turn left onto CR 30

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Cavanaugh Road
41

Continue on CR 30

1.2 mi · 2 min · Mohawk Street
42

Arrive at destination

CR 30

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour drive, starting in the morning from Jamaica, NY, is ideal to maximize daylight and avoid rush hour traffic leaving the city. With only one recommended stop and a total duration under 6 hours, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially on the longer 117.5-mile stretch of NY 17, as services might be more spread out. Plan to refuel before leaving the more urbanized areas if you prefer more options. This relatively short drive offers flexibility; if you encounter unexpected delays, you still have plenty of time to arrive.

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 124.9 miles from Jamaica, NY, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 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 55 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 124.9 miles or 2h 34m 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 6m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Whitesboro, 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 249.8 miles and 5h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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 117.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Poughkeepsie, NY

125 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 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hudson, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 124.9 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 117.5 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 29

5 decision points cluster between mile 10.3 and 25.6 — 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
8
25.6 mi into trip | ~37m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.12 one way

$82.24 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 87 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $44.46 $88.92
premium $4.92 $48.42 $96.83
diesel $5.61 $55.15 $110.31

Estimated Tolls: $26.80

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Whitestone Bridge $6.55
New York State Thruway (85.1 mi) $4.25

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

$41

Tolls

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$93–$118

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 87.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 74.9 0 $26.23 $11.99
Efficient EV 62.5 0 $21.86 $9.99
EV Truck/SUV 99.9 1 $34.97 $15.99

Gas CO2

87 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Jamaica, NY

Afternoon in Jamaica on Tuesday

Local time

1:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Whitesboro, NY

Afternoon in Whitesboro on Tuesday

Local time

1:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°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

5 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 2m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is predominantly highway, with 62% of the 249.8 miles on major roads like NY 17 and the New York State Thruway. You'll encounter your longest continuous stretch on NY 17, covering 117.5 miles. Beyond the highway sections, you'll transition to surface roads, which may involve more local traffic and frequent exits as you approach your destination. The highway portion means you'll experience a good amount of merging and passing.

62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.5 mi on NY 17.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and New York State Thruway. 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 249.8 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 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 Whitesboro, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South, Gsp North, Newark and Mahwah - among others.

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

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.

Arriving in Whitesboro, NY

Full guide →

Utica is the heart of the Mohawk Valley and the seat of Oneida County in Central New York State. Utica offers the charm of small-city living balanced with the cultural and ethnic diversity of an international urban center. At the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a truly scenic city that offers the pleasures of both a rural and urban setting.

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 5h 2m. Total distance: 249.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 117.5 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $26.80 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 Whitesboro, 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Whitesboro, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Whitesboro, NY to Jamaica, NY

Plan the drive back the other way.

249.3 mi 5h 4m

Explore more options from Jamaica, NY or browse trips ending in Whitesboro, NY.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.