Kirkland to Yonkers is 241.9 miles and takes about 4h 50m via New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a drive that predominantly uses surface roads after an initial stretch on a major highway. It's a manageable distance, making it a good option for a single-day trip if you're looking for a straightforward drive.
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
120.9 miles from Kirkland, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
221.9 mi
4h 18m
Saw Mill River Parkway
7.8 mi
10m
North-South Arterial Highway
3.8 mi
5m
Clinton Road
2 mi
3m
Limberlost Road
1.7 mi
2m
Genesee Street
1.5 mi
2m
Yonkers Avenue
0.7 mi
1m
Nepperhan Avenue
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 221.9 mi, about 4h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kirkland, NY and Yonkers, NY.
1
Start on NY 5
0.4 mi·39 sec·Seneca Turnpike
2
Turn right onto NY 5B
1.7 mi·2 min·Limberlost Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto NY 5B; NY 12B
2.0 mi·3 min·Clinton Road
4
Turn right onto NY 5
3.8 mi·5 min·North-South Arterial Highway
5
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
6
Keep slight right at fork
219 ft·6 sec
7
Turn slight right onto Court Street
0.3 mi·55 sec·Court Street
8
Turn left onto Genesee Street
1.5 mi·2 min·Genesee Street
9
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward I 90
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 90 East
11
Merge onto I 90
84 mi·1 hr 36 min·New York State Thruway
12
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 87 South: New York, BostonUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 87
19 mi·24 min·New York State Thruway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
1.0 mi·1 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 7AToward Saw Mill River Parkway SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto Saw Mill River Parkway
7.8 mi·10 min·Saw Mill River Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Exit 5Toward West Yonkers AvenueUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn slight right onto Yonkers Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Yonkers Avenue
19
Continue on Nepperhan Avenue
0.5 mi·57 sec·Nepperhan Avenue
20
Turn sharp left onto US 9; NY 9A
229 ft·5 sec·South Broadway
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
US 9; NY 9A
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 50-minute drive, leaving Kirkland in the morning is advisable to make the most of daylight. With only one stop recommended, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break up the 241.9 miles. The fuel cost is estimated at $39, so ensure your tank is sufficiently full before you begin. Given the relatively short duration and the predominance of surface roads towards the end, pay attention to local traffic patterns as you approach Yonkers, especially on the Saw Mill River Parkway and North-South Arterial Highway.
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 120.9 miles from Kirkland, NY, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 221.9 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 53 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.9 miles or 2h 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Yonkers, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kirkland, 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 Kirkland, NY
This is one driving day of about 241.9 miles and 4h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Kirkland, 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 New York State Thruway for about 221.9 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 94.2 and 241.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
94.2 mi into trip|~1h 54m in|New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
6
231.4 mi into trip|~4h 35m in|I 87 / New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 / New York State Thruway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
232.3 mi into trip|~4h 36m in
Take the exit toward Saw Mill River Parkway South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 7A
Toward Saw Mill River Parkway South
7
240.6 mi into trip|~4h 47m in
Take the exit toward West Yonkers Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5
Toward West Yonkers Avenue
7
241.8 mi into trip|~4h 50m in|US 9; NY 9A / South Broadway
Turn sharp left onto US 9; NY 9A / South Broadway
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.13 one way
$78.27 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$42.47
$84.93
premium
$4.85
$46.17
$92.34
diesel
$4.80
$45.68
$91.35
Estimated Tolls: $11.09
New York State Thruway
(221.9 mi)$11.09
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
$39
Tolls
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.6
0
$25.40
$11.61
Efficient EV
60.5
0
$21.17
$9.68
EV Truck/SUV
96.8
1
$33.87
$15.48
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Kirkland, NY
Evening
in Kirkland on Monday
Local time
8:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Areas Of Smoke
SW 7 to 12 mph97% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:46AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 18 at 2:52AM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
Yonkers, NY
Evening
in Yonkers on Monday
Local time
8:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Areas Of Smoke
S 3 to 12 mph97% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:46AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 18 at 2:52AM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton 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
2 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
4h 50m 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.
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 241.9
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 241.9
For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six-mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes. When Eur...
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 241.9
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 241.9
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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 241.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is about 33% highway, with the majority of your driving on surface roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 221.9 miles on the New York State Thruway before transitioning. The latter part of the drive, primarily on surface roads like Saw Mill River Parkway and North-South Arterial Highway, will likely involve more frequent exits and local traffic. Be prepared for a change in pace as you move from highway cruising to navigating more built-up areas.
Only 3% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 221.9 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 94.2 miles in near New York State Thruway.
Driving Effort9/10
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 16 significant decision points across 241.9 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 94.2 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 231.4 miles (I 87 / New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
666 ft86 ft
Total Climb
857 ft
Total Descent
1,300 ft
Highest Point
666 ft
~172.8 mi in
Elevation Range
580 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Kirkland, NY to Yonkers, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Boston along the way.
Yonkers is a city of 211,569 people (2020) in Westchester County. The third most populous city in New York state, Yonkers is a suburb of New York City and borders the Borough of the Bronx. Yonkers is known as the "City of Seven Hills," which are Park, Nodine, Ridge, Cross, Locust, Glen, and Church hills.
Top landmarks
•Untermyer Park — public garden
•Hudson River Museum — museum in Yonkers, N.Y.
•Glenview Mansion — historic house in New York, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 50m. Total distance: 241.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 221.9 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $11.09 in tolls one way, starting with New York State Thruway. 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 25 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 Yonkers, 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 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 94.2 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 231.4 miles (I 87 / New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Fort Stanwix National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Yonkers, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
