This 230.2-mile drive from Lansing, NY to Staten Island, NY is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours and 3 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $38, it's an economical option for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The route predominantly utilizes major interstates, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing efficient travel within the Northeast region. You'll navigate a significant portion on I 81 and I 380, offering a direct path to Staten Island.
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
115.1 miles from Lansing, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
73.5 mi
1h 28m
Keystone Shortway
46.1 mi
59m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
State Highway 79
15.2 mi
17m
NJ 24
9.3 mi
10m
Route 10 East
9.2 mi
11m
Slaterville Road
4.8 mi
6m
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
4.6 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 73.5 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lansing, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on Dart Drive
0.8 mi·2 min·Dart Drive
2
Turn right onto Warren Road
381 ft·10 sec·Warren Road
3
Turn left onto NY 13
3.3 mi·4 min·State Route 13
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Turn right onto NY 366
1.1 mi·1 min·Dryden Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Turn slight left onto CR 161
1.3 mi·2 min·Turkey Hill Road
6
Turn left onto Ellis Hollow Creek Road
3.0 mi·5 min·Ellis Hollow Creek Road
7
Turn left onto CR 164
2.4 mi·5 min·Ellis Hollow Road
8
At end of road, turn left onto NY 79
4.8 mi·6 min·Slaterville Road
9
Continue on NY 79
15 mi·17 min·State Highway 79
10
Continue on NY 79
3.1 mi·3 min·Main Street
11
Turn right onto NY 26
0.6 mi·47 sec·NY 26
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 81 South
13
Merge onto I 81
20 mi·24 min·I 81
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
19
Merge onto I 80
46 mi·59 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 28Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake HopatcongUse the slight right lane.
21
Continue on CR 631
0.2 mi·12 sec·Ledgewood Road
22
Continue on US 46
0.9 mi·1 min·US 46
23
Continue on US 46
213 ft·4 sec·US 46
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
24
Turn straight onto NJ 10
9.2 mi·11 min·Route 10 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on NJ 10
3.5 mi·4 min·NJ 10
Use the right lane.
26
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Morristown Airport
27
Merge onto I 287
0.8 mi·1 min·I 287
28
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 37Toward NJ 24 East: SpringfieldUse the slight right lane.
29
Continue on NJ 24
9.3 mi·10 min·NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: NewarkUse the slight right lane.
32
Merge onto I 78
4.6 mi·5 min·Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 54Toward Hillside, IrvingtonUse the slight right lane.
34
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·29 sec
Toward HillsideUse the straight / right lanes.
35
Continue on Winans Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·Winans Avenue
36
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Liberty Avenue
37
Turn left onto CR 628
0.3 mi·37 sec·Hillside Avenue
38
Continue on CR 628
0.4 mi·45 sec·Hillside Avenue
39
At end of road, turn right onto CR 623
2.1 mi·4 min·North Broad Street
40
Continue on CR 623
1.4 mi·3 min·Broad Street
41
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.3 mi·43 sec·Bayway
42
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.1 mi·11 sec·Brunswick Avenue
Use the left lane.
43
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 278 Toll East: Goethals Bridge
44
Merge onto I 278
1.3 mi·2 min·Goethals Bridge
45
Continue on I 278
2.2 mi·3 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
0.9 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
48
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
49
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
50
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
51
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
52
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
53
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
54
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
55
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
56
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
57
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
58
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, leaving Lansing, NY in the morning will allow you to arrive in Staten Island, NY with plenty of daylight remaining. The route's efficiency means you likely only need one planned stop for fuel or a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 73.5-mile stretch on I 81, to ensure you have enough to reach your next service area. This drive is well-suited for a single day, so you have the flexibility to adjust your timing as needed based on traffic or personal preference.
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 115.1 miles from Lansing, NY, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.5 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 51 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.1 miles or 2h 26m 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 56m
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 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 230.2 miles and 5h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Lansing, 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 81 for about 73.5 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 40
5 decision points cluster between mile 56.1 and 215.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
56.1 mi into trip|~1h 16m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
109.5 mi into trip|~2h 19m in|US 6
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
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
8
184.7 mi into trip|~3h 51m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 28
Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
8
215.4 mi into trip|~4h 30m in
Take the exit toward Hillside, Irvington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 54
Toward Hillside, Irvington
8
215.5 mi into trip|~4h 30m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Hillside
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.89 one way
$75.78 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$40.97
$81.95
premium
$4.92
$44.62
$89.23
diesel
$5.61
$50.83
$101.65
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Goethals 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
$38
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.1
0
$24.17
$11.05
Efficient EV
57.6
0
$20.14
$9.21
EV Truck/SUV
92.1
1
$32.23
$14.73
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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 15, 2026
Origin
Lansing, NY
Afternoon
in Lansing on Sunday
Local time
4:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Afternoon
in Staten Island on Sunday
Local time
4:22 PM
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 3m 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.
Statue Of Liberty National Monument
National Monument
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 222.3
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 222.3
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 222.3
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 222.3
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 222.3
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 230.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-intensive experience on this route, with 66% of the drive taking place on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 73.5 miles on I 81, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While the majority of the drive is on high-speed roads, the incorporation of the Keystone Shortway adds variety. This highway-focused profile means you'll experience a steady progression, largely free from the complexities of local roads, making it a predictable and efficient transit.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
58 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.5 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 56.1 miles in near I 81.
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 40 significant decision points across 230.2 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 56.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 109.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Lansing, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport, New York City and Newark - 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 5h 3m. Total distance: 230.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Goethals 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 21 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 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 56.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 109.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Statue Of Liberty National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Governors Island 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 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Staten Island, NY before the return drive.
