Hapgoods Restaurant & Bar
Later in the drive, short detour
Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+19732993399
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 50m
Distance
276.9 mi
446 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lansing, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Smithtown, NY
Wikimedia Commons
This 276.9-mile drive from Lansing, NY, to Smithtown, NY, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 5 hours and 50 minutes. You'll primarily navigate via the Keystone Shortway, I-81, and I-380, with about 60% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is $46. It's a mixed drive that offers a straightforward path through the Northeast region, making it convenient for a single-day adventure. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 80 miles on the Keystone Shortway, you can cover significant ground efficiently.
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
138.5 miles from Lansing, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 52m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone Shortway | 80 mi | 1h 37m |
| I 81 | 73.5 mi | 1h 28m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| State Highway 79 | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| Long Island Expressway | 14.2 mi | 19m |
| Northern State Parkway | 13.7 mi | 18m |
| Cross Bronx Expressway | 6.6 mi | 8m |
| Christopher Columbus Highway | 5.5 mi | 5m |
Step-by-step road directions between Lansing, NY and Smithtown, NY.
Start on Dart Drive
Turn right onto Warren Road
Turn left onto NY 13
Turn right onto NY 366
Turn slight left onto CR 161
Turn left onto Ellis Hollow Creek Road
Turn left onto CR 164
At end of road, turn left onto NY 79
Continue on NY 79
Continue on NY 79
Turn right onto NY 26
Take the exit
Merge onto I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
Continue on I 84; I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight right at fork
Turn right
Turn straight onto CR 56
Continue on CR 56
Continue on CR 56
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
Take the exit
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
Continue on I 95; US 1
Continue on I 95; US 1
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
Merge onto I 295
Continue on I 295
Continue on I 295
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 495
Take the exit
Merge onto N
Take the exit
Merge onto SA
Continue on SM
Take the exit
Turn slight right onto NY 25
Continue on NY 25; NY 25A
Arrive at destination
For this 5-hour and 50-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight and avoid potential traffic. With a total distance of 276.9 miles, it's entirely feasible as a single-day trip, but planning for one stop is recommended to break up the journey. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before heading into longer stretches like the 80 miles on the Keystone Shortway. The estimated fuel cost is $46, so budget accordingly. This route's mixed nature means you might encounter varying speed limits and road conditions, so stay alert.
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.
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 61 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.5 miles or 2h 52m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Smithtown, NY than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Lansing, 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 Lansing, NY
This is one driving day of about 276.9 miles and 5h 50m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
138 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.
A short stop after about 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 138.5 miles from Lansing, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
Later in the drive, short detour
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+19732993399
Hainan
Flushing, New York
Later in the drive, short detour
Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+19732993399
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Flushing, New York
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+19175637223
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
College Point, New York
Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm
+13473684407
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~9 min detour
Paramus, New Jersey
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+12014871088
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Little Neck, New York
Hours: 1–9 pm
+17182254949
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey
Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm
+19733359690
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Boonton, New Jersey
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+19739173334
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Glen Rock, New Jersey
Hours: 8:30 am–3 pm
+12013893535
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Hackensack, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+12012563010
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~11 min detour
South Hackensack, New Jersey
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
+12014265898
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Syosset, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
New Milford, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+15704652974
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
New Milford, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+15704652974
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Woodbury, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Jericho, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Denville, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Plainview, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Ithaca, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Ithaca, New York
+16072552400
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Lodi, New Jersey
Hours: 1–7 pm
+18628997674
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Parsippany, New Jersey
Hours: 9 am–8 pm
+19732637254
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Ithaca, New York
Hours: Closed
+16072737109
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Paramus, New Jersey
Hours: 10:30 am–8:30 pm
+12017334359
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Ithaca, New York
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+16073194203
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~9 min detour
GREYSTONE PARK, New Jersey
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+19733267600
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Paramus, New Jersey
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+12016202125
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 109.5 and 241.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
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
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$45.58 one way
$91.16 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $49.29 | $98.57 |
| premium | $4.92 | $53.67 | $107.34 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $61.14 | $122.27 |
Estimated Tolls: $22.82
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
$46
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$93–$118
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 83.1 | 1 | $29.07 | $13.29 |
| Efficient EV | 69.2 | 0 | $24.23 | $11.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 110.8 | 1 | $38.77 | $17.72 |
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Lansing on Sunday
Local time
12:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Smithtown on Sunday
Local time
12:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
49°F
Ramapo, NY
138 mi in
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Expect a mixed driving experience on this route, with 60% of it being highway driving. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 80 miles along the Keystone Shortway, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. The drive blends faster highway sections with other road types, providing some variety as you make your way across New York. This means you'll experience both efficient cruising and potentially more varied road conditions as you transition between major arteries and other segments.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 109.5 miles in near US 6.
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 34 significant decision points across 276.9 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 109.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lansing, NY and Smithtown, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level - among others.
Mt Pocono
Milford
New York City
Leonia
Teaneck
George Washington Bridge Upper Level
Eastern Long Island
N East: Hauppauge
Smithtown is a town of 117,000 people (2016) in Suffolk County, on Long Island, in New York. Smithtown is comprised of the villages and hamlets of Commack (in part, with the Town of Huntington), Fort Salonga (in part, with the Town of Huntington), Hauppauge (in part, with the Town of Islip), Head of the Harbor, Kings Park, Lake Ronkonkoma (in part with the Town of Brookhaven and Town of Islip), Nesconset, Nissequogue, Smithtown, St. James, & Village of the Branch.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 50m. Total distance: 276.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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