Lake George, NY to Staten Island, NY is 223.7 miles and takes about 4h 38m via I 87, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, beginning in upstate New York and concluding in the New York City metropolitan area. The route is predominantly highway, making for a straightforward drive. With just one recommended stop and a duration under five hours, it's well-suited for a single day of travel. Consider this a practical option for getting from the Adirondacks to the southern tip of New York.
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
111.8 miles from Lake George, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Adirondack Northway
52.5 mi
1h 2m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
4.7 mi
5m
NJ 440
4.5 mi
6m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-87
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 25 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,496 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,286
Quietest
1 AM
~113 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
22.1×
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 Lake George, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on Lower Amherst Street
24 ft·8 sec·Lower Amherst Street
2
Turn left onto US 9; NY 9N
0.6 mi·1 min·Canada Street
3
Continue on US 9; NY 9N
0.9 mi·1 min·State Route 9
4
Turn right onto NY 9N
0.3 mi·27 sec·NY 9N
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·46 sec
6
Merge onto I 87
53 mi·1 hr 2 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi·31 sec·I 87
Exit 1E-WToward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·I 87
Toward I 87 South: New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
12
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
14
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
18
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
19
Continue on NJ 139
0.3 mi·27 sec·12th Street Viaduct
20
Take the exit
236 ft·9 sec
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left onto Jersey Avenue
463 ft·23 sec·Jersey Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139
408 ft·5 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Use the left lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 78; NJTP
4.7 mi·5 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
Toward NJTP: New Jersey TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 14AToward NJ 440: BayonneUse the right lane.
25
Continue on Port Jersey Boulevard
0.3 mi·17 sec·Port Jersey Boulevard
Toward NJ 440
26
Take the exit
357 ft·8 sec
Toward NJ 440 South: Chosin Few WayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 440 SouthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto NJ 440
4.5 mi·6 min·NJ 440
29
Continue on NY 440
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
30
Take the exit
0.6 mi·55 sec
Exit 10EToward I 278 East: Verrazano Bridge, Brooklyn
31
Merge onto I 278
0.8 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
33
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
34
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
36
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
37
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
38
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
39
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
40
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
41
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
42
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
43
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
For this 223.7-mile drive, leaving in the morning is a good idea to ensure you have ample daylight. The estimated duration of 4h 38m means you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility on when and where to take a break; consider a pause around the halfway point or as you transition from I 87 to NJ 17. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $36 for the entire trip. The predominantly highway nature of this route means you can maintain a consistent pace.
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 111.8 miles from Lake George, NY, or about 2h 13m 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 49 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.8 miles or 2h 13m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Staten Island, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lake George, 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 Lake George, NY
This is one driving day of about 223.7 miles and 4h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Lake George, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 54.6 and 204.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
54.6 mi into trip|~1h 7m 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...
7
55.5 mi into trip|~1h 8m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 South: New York
9
173.2 mi into trip|~3h 25m 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
174.6 mi into trip|~3h 26m 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
204.5 mi into trip|~4h 4m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.24 one way
$74.47 round trip
$4.23/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.55
$40.08
$80.16
premium
$4.99
$43.92
$87.84
diesel
$5.35
$47.13
$94.25
Estimated Tolls: $0.65
New Jersey Turnpike
(4.7 mi)$0.65
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
$37
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-27.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.1
0
$23.49
$10.74
Efficient EV
55.9
0
$19.57
$8.95
EV Truck/SUV
89.5
1
$31.32
$14.32
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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 29, 2026
Origin
Lake George, NY
Late night
in Lake George on Wednesday
Local time
3:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Late night
in Staten Island on Wednesday
Local time
3:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°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
6 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 38m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 71% of this 223.7-mile drive on highways, primarily the I 87 / Adirondack Northway. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 118.6 miles, also on I 87. After the highway portion, you'll transition to NJ 17, which may feature more frequent exits and local traffic. Expect a mix of open highway cruising and more developed areas as you approach your destination.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 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 54.6 miles in near I 87.
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 30 significant decision points across 223.7 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 54.6 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.5 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 173.2 miles (NY 17): 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 Lake George, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken - among others.
Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.
Top landmarks
•Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
•Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 38m. Total distance: 223.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 $0.65 in tolls one way, starting with New Jersey Turnpike. 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 19 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 Staten Island, 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 54.6 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.5 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 173.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Staten Island, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
