Jamestown, NY to Washington Heights, NY is 363.7 miles and takes about 7h 35m via Keystone Shortway, with a fuel budget near $59 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Northeast region, beginning and ending in New York. It's primarily a surface road drive, so expect a more leisurely pace compared to interstate travel. With just two planned stops, this trip is manageable in a single day, making it a convenient option if you need to get from point A to point B without a lengthy overnight commitment.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
181.8 miles from Jamestown, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
262.7 mi
4h 57m
PA 948
23.8 mi
35m
US 62
11.9 mi
13m
Boot Jack Road
11.2 mi
16m
State Park Road
8.1 mi
14m
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
7.4 mi
11m
Christopher Columbus Highway
5.5 mi
5m
Hoovertown Road
5 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 262.7 mi, about 4h 57m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 194 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,076 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,665
Quietest
1 AM
~346 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Jamestown, NY and Washington Heights, NY.
1
Start on East 2nd Street
340 ft·16 sec·East 2nd Street
2
Turn right onto Foote Avenue
2.6 mi·5 min·Foote Avenue
3
Turn right onto Kiantone Road
5.0 mi·6 min·Kiantone Road
4
At end of road, turn right onto US 62
12 mi·13 min·US 62
5
Turn right onto US 62
0.2 mi·23 sec·West 4th Avenue
6
Turn left onto Hickory Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Hickory Street
7
Continue on Hickory Bridge
0.1 mi·24 sec·Hickory Bridge
8
Turn left onto Crescent Park
0.4 mi·57 sec·Crescent Park
Use the left lane.
9
Turn left onto US 6
1.8 mi·3 min·Crescent Park
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 6
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on US 6
2.9 mi·4 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 6
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
13
Continue on US 6
4.5 mi·6 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
14
Continue on US 6
1.1 mi·2 min·West Main Street
15
Take the exit
265 ft·9 sec
Toward PA 666 West
16
Merge onto PA 666
2.3 mi·4 min·South Main Street
17
Continue on PA 948
8.5 mi·12 min·PA 948
18
At end of road, turn left onto PA 66
2.9 mi·4 min·PA 66
19
Turn right onto PA 948
15 mi·22 min·PA 948
20
Turn left onto PA 948
1.0 mi·2 min·West Main Street
21
Continue on US 219; PA 948
11 mi·16 min·Boot Jack Road
22
Turn left onto PA 153
3.7 mi·6 min·Penfield Road
23
Continue on PA 153
5.0 mi·8 min·Hoovertown Road
24
Continue on PA 153
8.1 mi·14 min·State Park Road
25
Turn left
0.3 mi·40 sec
26
Merge onto I 80
263 mi·4 hr 57 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·5 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
30
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
32
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
34
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
35
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
37
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
39
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.5 mi·45 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
40
Take the exit onto US 9
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 9
Exit 1AToward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Keep slight left at fork onto US 9
0.2 mi·42 sec·US 9
Toward West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Turn left onto US 9
0.2 mi·34 sec·Broadway
Use the straight / left lanes.
43
Arrive at destination
US 9
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7h 35m drive, consider an early morning departure from Jamestown to maximize daylight hours. With only two recommended stops and a fuel cost around $59, you have flexibility in planning your breaks. The majority of this trip is on surface roads, so be prepared for varying speed limits and potential local traffic. Pay attention to your fuel gauge, especially after the 262.7-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway, as services might be less frequent on the latter half of the route.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 181.8 miles from Jamestown, NY, or about 4h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 262.7 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 80 miles or 2h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.8 miles or 4h 5m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington Heights, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jamestown, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Jamestown, NY
This is one driving day of about 363.7 miles and 7h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Jamestown, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 262.7 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 353.6 and 363.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
353.6 mi into trip|~7h 20m in|I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower Level
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower Lev...
8
359 mi into trip|~7h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Ne...
9
359.3 mi into trip|~7h 26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
8
363.2 mi into trip|~7h 33m in|US 9
Take the exit onto US 9 toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th Street
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 1A
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th...
8
363.3 mi into trip|~7h 33m in|US 9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 9 toward West 178th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward West 178th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$59.11 one way
$118.22 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg127 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$63.98
$127.95
premium
$4.87
$69.68
$139.35
diesel
$5.40
$77.37
$154.73
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
George Washington Bridge
$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
$59
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$100–$125
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
109.1
1
$38.19
$17.46
Efficient EV
90.9
1
$31.82
$14.55
EV Truck/SUV
145.5
1
$50.92
$23.28
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
43 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 25, 2026
Origin
Jamestown, NY
Late night
in Jamestown on Sunday
Local time
12:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
E 6 mph90% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 24 at 11:36AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Washington Heights, NY
Late night
in Washington Heights on Sunday
Local time
12:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Light Rain
SE 9 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 24 at 11:36AM EDT by NWS Binghamton 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
4 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
7h 35m 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.
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 363.7
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 363.7
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
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 363.7
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 363.7
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 363.7
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 363.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive covers 363.7 miles, with only 11% on highways, meaning you'll spend most of your time on surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on the Keystone Shortway is 262.7 miles, offering a significant period of consistent cruising. After this, expect a shift to more varied road conditions as you transition to local routes. You'll notice the change from higher-speed travel to navigating through towns and potentially encountering more traffic signals.
Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 262.7 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 353.6 miles in near I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway.
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 27 significant decision points across 363.7 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 353.6 miles (I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 359 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 359.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Jamestown is a city in Chautauqua County, in New York's Southern Tier. The birthplace of actress Lucille Ball, Jamestown is now home to the National Comedy Center, a state-of-the-art interactive museum. You can also enjoy the waterfront of Chautauqua Lake and the Chadakoin River.
Top landmarks
•Jamestown Gateway Train Station — Transit Center in Jamestown, New York
•Jamestown Downtown Historic District — national historic district located at Jamestown in Chautauqua County, New York
•Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center — Museum in Lucille Ball's hometown of Jamestown, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 35m. Total distance: 363.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 35m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 262.7 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 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.
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 Washington Heights, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 353.6 miles (I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 359 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 359.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Stonewall 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 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Washington Heights, NY before the return drive.
