Traveling from Lebanon to New York City covers 225.8 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 54 minutes behind the wheel. Because this is a highway-focused route, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $36 for fuel to complete the journey comfortably. The drive transitions from the rural Northeast into the dense urban environment of New York City, making for a straightforward commute. Since you will spend 82% of your time on highways, the trip remains consistent and predictable throughout. It is an ideal path for travelers looking to move efficiently between these two points in New York 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
112.9 miles from Lebanon, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
106 mi
2h 12m
State Highway 8
36.8 mi
41m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
New York State Thruway
13.7 mi
15m
State Highway 12
10.2 mi
15m
Rexford Street
8.3 mi
9m
Lebanon Road
5.5 mi
13m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 106 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lebanon, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on CR 71
14 ft·1 sec·Bradley Brook Road
2
Turn left onto CR 62
3.0 mi·7 min·Lebanon Road
3
Keep slight right at fork onto CR 62
2.4 mi·5 min·Lebanon Road
4
Continue on CR 62
0.6 mi·1 min·Nower Road
5
Turn right onto NY 12B
296 ft·5 sec·State Route 12B
6
Continue on NY 12B
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
7
Continue on NY 12B
3.7 mi·5 min·State Highway 12B
8
Continue on NY 12B
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
9
Continue on NY 12
10 mi·15 min·State Highway 12
10
Continue on NY 12
0.6 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
11
Turn left onto NY 23
8.3 mi·9 min·Rexford Street
12
Turn right onto NY 8
18 mi·20 min·State Highway 8
13
Continue on NY 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·Airport Road
14
Continue on NY 8
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
15
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
16
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.4 mi·44 sec·State Highway 10
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
18
Merge onto NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
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.
23
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
24
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.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
26
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
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
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
30
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
31
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
32
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
34
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
36
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
38
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 54-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the route relies heavily on major roads like NY 17 and NJ 17, keep a close eye on traffic reports before you depart to avoid potential congestion near your destination. If you want to arrive in New York City with the least amount of stress, try to time your departure to avoid peak rush hour traffic. Because the fuel cost is estimated at $36, topping off your tank before hitting the longest 106-mile stretch on NY 17 is a smart way to ensure you have plenty of range. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as the relatively short duration allows you to adjust your schedule based on the day's conditions.
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 112.9 miles from Lebanon, NY, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106 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 50 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.9 miles or 2h 28m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, NY
This is one driving day of about 225.8 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Lebanon, 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 NY 17 for about 106 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 175 and 221.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
175 mi into trip|~3h 46m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
7
175.7 mi into trip|~3h 47m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 87 Toll South: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York City
9
190.3 mi into trip|~4h 4m 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
191.6 mi into trip|~4h 6m 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
221.5 mi into trip|~4h 44m 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
$37.17 one way
$74.34 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$40.19
$80.38
premium
$4.92
$43.76
$87.53
diesel
$5.61
$49.85
$99.71
Estimated Tolls: $16.68
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
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
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79 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
67.7
0
$23.71
$10.84
Efficient EV
56.5
0
$19.76
$9.03
EV Truck/SUV
90.3
1
$31.61
$14.45
Gas CO2
79 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 18, 2026
Origin
Lebanon, NY
Late night
in Lebanon on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Late night
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
E 6 to 14 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
54°F
Monticello, NY
113 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
7 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
4h 54m 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.
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...
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 225.8
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 225.8
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 225.8
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 225.8
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 225.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive defined by steady highway travel, as 82% of the journey keeps you on major thoroughfares. You will navigate a mix of NY 17, State Highway 8, and NJ 17, creating a balanced experience of regional transit. The longest uninterrupted stretch lasts for 106 miles on NY 17, which allows you to settle into a consistent pace. While the initial portions of the route offer a more open feel, the character of the road shifts as you approach the city. You will find that this highway-focused profile prioritizes efficiency over technical, winding local roads, keeping your transit time predictable.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 175 miles in.
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 22 significant decision points across 225.8 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 175 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 190.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,643 ft10 ft
Total Climb
1,009 ft
Total Descent
2,318 ft
Highest Point
1,643 ft
~112.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,633 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 Lebanon, NY to New York City, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Nyst: Albany along the way.
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation.
From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.
Top landmarks
•Statue of Liberty — American icon in New York, United States
•National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
•Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City
Perfect for a weekend getaway, this route is a doable same-day drive at just under 5 hours, making it a quick escape from Lebanon to NYC.
Family Friendly
With a 10/10 complexity rating, this route might be a bit much for families, especially with kids needing entertainment during the 4-hour highway stretch.
Solo Traveler
This 4-hour, 225-mile drive is easily manageable for a solo trip, offering a straightforward highway experience without much need for complex navigation.
First-Time Driver
This route's 82% highway focus and high complexity score make it a challenging drive for first-time drivers, though the gently rolling terrain is a plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.68 in tolls one way, starting with Holland Tunnel. 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 New York City, 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 175 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 190.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at New York City, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
