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Trip from Jay, NY to Queens, 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 2m

Distance

290.3 mi

467 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 49m ★
6 AM
6h 2m
8 AM
6h 28m
10 AM
6h 11m
12 PM
6h 9m
3 PM
6h 12m
5 PM
6h 27m
8 PM
5h 54m

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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town in New York, United States

Jay, NY

Wikimedia Commons

borough in New York City, New York, United States

Queens, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 296.8 miles from the quiet charm of Jay, NY, to the urban energy of Queens, NY, this journey takes you through the heart of the Northeast. You should plan for approximately 5 hours and 8 minutes of drive time, making this a manageable single-day trip that doesn't strictly require an overnight stay. Your fuel budget for the trek will be around $47, so keep that in mind when planning your total travel expenses. Because you are transitioning from the Adirondack region down toward the New York City metro area, expect a significant shift in traffic patterns and road types. Whether you are heading south for business or a visit, this route offers a straightforward, albeit long, transition between two very different corners of the state.

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

145.2 miles from Jay, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 58m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 87 118.6 mi 2h 17m
Adirondack Northway 103.7 mi 2h 1m
NJ 17 14.1 mi 18m
State Highway 73 11.5 mi 16m
State Highway 9N 11.5 mi 17m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 4.4 mi 5m
Van Wyck Expressway 4.3 mi 6m
Longest stretch: I 87 — 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jay, NY and Queens, NY.

1

Start on NY 9N

11 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9N
2

Continue on NY 73

11 mi · 16 min · State Highway 73
3

Turn straight onto US 9

2.1 mi · 2 min · US 9
4

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 87 South
5

Merge onto I 87

104 mi · 2 hr 1 min · Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87

0.3 mi · 31 sec · I 87
Exit 1E-W Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo Use the slight right lane.
7

Continue on I 87

0.5 mi · 51 sec · I 87
Exit 1W Toward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87

118 mi · 2 hr 16 min · I 87
Toward I 87 South: New York Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17

0.9 mi · 59 sec · NY 17
Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey Use the slight right lane.
10

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
11

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

14 mi · 18 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
14

Merge onto NJ 4

0.3 mi · 24 sec · NJ 4
Use the right lane.
15

Continue on NJ 4

6.4 mi · 8 min · NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.7 mi · 54 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
19

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
21

Continue on I 95; US 1

4.4 mi · 5 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 6A Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Merge onto I 678

0.8 mi · 1 min · Hutchinson River Expressway
24

Continue on I 678

1.3 mi · 2 min · Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
25

Continue on I 678

2.3 mi · 3 min · Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
26

Keep slight left at fork onto I 678

4.3 mi · 6 min · Van Wyck Expressway
Toward I 678 South: Kennedy Airport Use the slight left lane.
27

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 6 Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue Use the right lane.
28

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue Use the slight right lane.
29

Turn straight onto Van Wyck Expressway West

0.9 mi · 2 min · Van Wyck Expressway West
Use the straight / right lanes.
30

Turn right onto Liberty Avenue

1.5 mi · 4 min · Liberty Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
31

Turn left onto 104th Street

205 ft · 9 sec · 104th Street
32

Arrive at destination

104th Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 5-hour and 8-minute journey, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic as you approach the city. You have one scheduled stop planned, which provides a perfect opportunity to refuel and stretch your legs before the final push into Queens. Since this route is quite turn-heavy at the start, stay alert on the local sections of Highway 9N and Highway 73 where navigating curves takes more focus than open highway driving. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout the trip, as prices can fluctuate significantly between rural stops and the more urbanized areas closer to your destination. Having that $47 budget set aside keeps your logistics simple, allowing you to focus on the road ahead.

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 145.2 miles from Jay, NY, or about 2h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 145.2 miles or 2h 58m 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 46m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Jay, 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 Jay, NY

This is one driving day of about 290.3 miles and 6h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Jay, 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 87 for about 118.6 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

145 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.

Popular next leg

Poughkeepsie, NY to Queens, NY

82.8 mi · 2h 3m

Pacing Suggestions

South Glens Falls, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Albany, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 145.2 miles from Jay, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 87 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118.6 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

Barnwood Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Catskill, New York

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 165.9

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15189432200

Visit website

Gracie's Luncheonette

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Leeds, New York

1.3 mi

Piccolo Trattoria

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Leeds, New York

1.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 269.6

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Barnwood Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 165.9

Catskill, New York

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15189432200

Visit website

Gracie's Luncheonette

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 165.9

Leeds, New York

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+15189439363

Visit website

Piccolo Trattoria

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 165.9

Leeds, New York

Hours: 4–9 pm

+15187193430

Visit website

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 290.3

Forest Hills, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13475310873

Visit website

Sara's Kitchen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour Inexpensiv mile 103.7

Saratoga Springs, New York

Hours: 12–3 pm

+15183164456

Visit website

Sayola Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 269.6

Tenafly, New Jersey

Hours: 4–10 pm

+12018712182

Visit website

Tabbouleh Cafe & restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 290.3

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+17186738301

Visit website

Chuck E. Cheese

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately mile 269.6

Paramus, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12014871088

Visit website

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 269.6

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 269.6

New York, New York

+19172614093

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 269.6

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 269.6

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 248.9

Mahwah, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 228.1

Mountainville, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 228.1

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 228.1

Central Valley, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 228.1

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 228.1

Harriman, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 228.1

Harriman, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

Xtreme Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 269.6

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12014085555

Visit website

Sunshine Pottery & Paint

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 269.6

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12015415559

Visit website

Escape Room NJ

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 269.6

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–1 pm

+12018151784

Visit website

Overpeck County Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 269.6

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12013367275

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 269.6

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Bergen Performing Arts Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 269.6

Englewood, New Jersey

+12012271030

Visit website

Englewood Picnic Area

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 269.6

Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Sky Zone Queensbury

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 83

Queensbury, New York

Hours: 1–8 pm

+15187414449

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 129.1 and 287.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
129.1 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | I 87

Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 1E-W Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
9
247.7 mi into trip | ~4h 57m in | NY 17

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
249 mi into trip | ~4h 59m in | NJ 17

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
277.9 mi into trip | ~5h 38m in

Take the exit toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens

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 6A Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
9
287.7 mi into trip | ~5h 55m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.79 one way

$95.57 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 102 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $51.67 $103.34
premium $4.92 $56.27 $112.53
diesel $5.61 $64.09 $128.19

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

$48

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$95–$120

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 101.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 87.1 1 $30.48 $13.93
Efficient EV 72.6 0 $25.40 $11.61
EV Truck/SUV 116.1 1 $40.64 $18.58

Gas CO2

102 kg

EV CO2

34 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Jay, NY

Afternoon in Jay on Sunday

Local time

1:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

37°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Queens, NY

Afternoon in Queens on Sunday

Local time

1:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Mostly Cloudy

NE 6 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT

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

16 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

6h 2m 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.

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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 270.3
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
View on nps.gov
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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 270.3
View on nps.gov
Saratoga National Historical Park

Saratoga National Historical Park

National Historical Park

In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...

8 mi from route ~21 min detour Free near mile 100.1
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 290.3
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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 290.3
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 290.3
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 turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as the first portion of your route relies on Highway 9N and Highway 73. These local roads require your full attention and offer a much different experience than the standard highway grind. Eventually, you will transition to I-87 South to cover the bulk of the distance toward Queens. Since the highway share is 0 percent on the initial local segments, your travel speed will be dictated by the winding nature of the regional roads. You will find that the rhythm of the drive changes significantly as you move off the local highways and merge onto the busier interstate system.

62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 87.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 87 and Adirondack Northway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 129.1 miles in near I 87.

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 21 significant decision points across 290.3 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 129.1 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 247.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 249 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,513 ft 36 ft

Total Climb

1,352 ft

Total Descent

2,012 ft

Highest Point

1,513 ft

~20.7 mi in

Elevation Range

1,478 ft

Notable High Points

1,513 ft at ~20.7 miles +578 ft prominence

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Jay, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Gsp South: Paterson and Fort Lee.

Albany

129.1 mi in | ~2h 39m | via I 87

New York

129.1 mi in | ~2h 39m | via I 87

Buffalo

129.1 mi in | ~2h 39m | via I 87

Gsp South: Paterson

263.1 mi in | ~5h 17m

Fort Lee

263.1 mi in | ~5h 17m

About the Cities

Starting in Jay, NY

Full guide →

Jay is a town of 2,500 people in the Adirondacks of New York.

Arriving in Queens, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1683

Queens is a crescent-shaped (with a tail) borough traversing the north-to-south width of Long Island and including two of the major New York City area airports, LaGuardia (LGA IATA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK IATA). It also carries the largest ethnic diversity in its area of any region in the world, with many small enclaves. Jackson Heights, for example, includes a huge Indian area, followed by a Colombian area, and then a Mexican area. Each offers a wide array of authentic shops, native-style cuisine, and festivals modified only slightly by the generally colder New York City experience.

Top landmarks

  • • Queensboro Bridge — bridge in New York City
  • • Unisphere — Steel structure in Queens, New York

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 2m. Total distance: 290.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 118.6 miles on I 87. 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 Queens, 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 129.1 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 247.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 249 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Saratoga National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Queens, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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