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Trip from Lenox, NY to Queens, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 37m

Distance

253.8 mi

408 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$42

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 25m ★
6 AM
5h 38m
8 AM
6h 4m
10 AM
5h 47m
12 PM
5h 45m
3 PM
5h 48m
5 PM
6h 3m
8 PM
5h 30m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Lenox, NY, NY

Lenox, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

borough in New York City, New York, United States

Queens, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Lenox, NY, to Queens, NY, covers a distance of 278.6 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 39 minutes of driving time. Because this journey stays entirely within the Northeast region, you can easily manage the trip in a single day, making an overnight stay unnecessary unless you prefer a slower pace. Budgeting approximately $44 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for the road ahead. You will primarily navigate via local routes like Clockville Road, Creek Road, and Mount Hope Avenue rather than relying on major interstates. It is a straightforward trek that works well for travelers who prefer a direct, one-day transit between these two New York locations.

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

126.9 miles from Lenox, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 106 mi 2h 12m
State Highway 8 36.8 mi 41m
NJ 17 14.1 mi 18m
New York State Thruway 13.7 mi 15m
State Highway 12 10.2 mi 15m
Rexford Street 8.3 mi 9m
State Route 46 7 mi 10m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 106 mi, about 2h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lenox, NY and Queens, NY.

1

Start on CR 54

0.2 mi · 36 sec · South Court Street
2

Turn sharp left onto CR 92

0.4 mi · 58 sec · Clockville Road
3

Turn right onto CR 29

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Creek Road
4

Turn left onto CR 100

3.3 mi · 7 min · Mount Hope Avenue
5

At end of road, turn right onto NY 46

5.6 mi · 8 min · State Route 46
6

Continue on NY 46

1.0 mi · 1 min · Main Street
7

Continue on NY 46

5.8 mi · 7 min · Bear Path Road
8

Turn right onto NY 46

120 ft · 8 sec · NY 46
9

Continue on US 20; NY 46

0.2 mi · 24 sec · US 20; NY 46
10

Continue on NY 46

1.4 mi · 1 min · State Route 46
11

Continue on NY 12B

2.0 mi · 2 min · State Route 12B
12

Continue on NY 12B

1.1 mi · 1 min · Utica Street
13

Turn slight right onto NY 12B

1.1 mi · 1 min · Broad Street
14

Continue on NY 12B

4.6 mi · 6 min · State Route 12B
15

Continue on NY 12B

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
16

Continue on NY 12B

3.7 mi · 5 min · State Highway 12B
17

Continue on NY 12B

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
18

Continue on NY 12

10 mi · 15 min · State Highway 12
19

Continue on NY 12

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Broad Street
20

Turn left onto NY 23

8.3 mi · 9 min · Rexford Street
21

Turn right onto NY 8

18 mi · 20 min · State Highway 8
22

Continue on NY 8

0.4 mi · 29 sec · Airport Road
23

Continue on NY 8

19 mi · 21 min · State Highway 8
24

Continue on NY 8; NY 10

0.3 mi · 18 sec · Oak Street
25

Continue on NY 8; NY 10

0.4 mi · 44 sec · State Highway 10
26

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
27

Merge onto NY 17

105 mi · 2 hr 11 min · NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City Use the slight right lane.
29

Keep slight right at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York City Use the slight right lane.
30

Merge onto I 87

14 mi · 15 min · New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17

0.9 mi · 59 sec · NY 17
Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey Use the slight right lane.
32

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
33

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

14 mi · 18 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
34

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
35

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
36

Merge onto NJ 4

0.3 mi · 24 sec · NJ 4
Use the right lane.
37

Continue on NJ 4

6.4 mi · 8 min · NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
39

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.7 mi · 54 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
41

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
43

Continue on I 95; US 1

4.4 mi · 5 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 6A Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45

Merge onto I 678

0.8 mi · 1 min · Hutchinson River Expressway
46

Continue on I 678

1.3 mi · 2 min · Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
47

Continue on I 678

2.3 mi · 3 min · Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
48

Keep slight left at fork onto I 678

4.3 mi · 6 min · Van Wyck Expressway
Toward I 678 South: Kennedy Airport Use the slight left lane.
49

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 6 Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue Use the right lane.
50

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue Use the slight right lane.
51

Turn straight onto Van Wyck Expressway West

0.9 mi · 2 min · Van Wyck Expressway West
Use the straight / right lanes.
52

Turn right onto Liberty Avenue

1.5 mi · 4 min · Liberty Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
53

Turn left onto 104th Street

205 ft · 9 sec · 104th Street
54

Arrive at destination

104th Street

Trip Plan

Since this 4-hour and 39-minute drive is designed as a single-day trip, your best bet is to head out early to avoid any unexpected local traffic patterns. With only one planned stop recommended, you should plan your break strategically to maximize your efficiency on these non-highway roads. Given the lack of highway segments, keep a close eye on your fuel levels, as local roads may offer fewer service options than a major interstate corridor. A helpful tip for this specific route is to double-check your navigation before departing, as relying on local roads like Creek Road and Clockville Road requires precise navigation compared to following simple highway signs. This flexibility allows you to set your own pace and reach Queens with minimal stress.

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 126.9 miles from Lenox, NY, or about 2h 48m 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 56 miles or 1h 23m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 126.9 miles or 2h 48m 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 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Queens, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lenox, 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 Lenox, NY

This is one driving day of about 253.8 miles and 5h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Lenox, 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.

town in Orange County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

New Windsor, NY

127 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.

Popular next leg

New Windsor, NY to Queens, NY

71.2 mi · 1h 42m

Pacing Suggestions

Norwich, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

New Windsor, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 126.9 miles from Lenox, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Forest Hills, New York

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13475310873

Visit website

Best coffee break · home stretch

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 24min to go 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

+19172614093

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

3 mi

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Forest Hills, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13475310873

Visit website

Park Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15167490697

Effy's Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12122806200

Visit website

Paola's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $50 to $10

New York, New York

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+12127941890

Visit website

Tabbouleh Cafe & restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+17186738301

Visit website

Nangma Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30

Elmhurst, New York

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13477306117

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

+19172614093

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Middletown, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargeSmart EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Goshen, New York

+18887174544

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Goshen, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Goshen, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Middletown, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVolve NY Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Liberty, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887187474

Visit website

J. Hood Wright Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Fort Lee Historic Park, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4:45 pm

+12014611776

Visit website

Bennett Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Fort Tryon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12127951388

Visit website

Fort Tryon

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

Visit website

Roberto Clemente State Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Bronx, New York

Hours: 8:30 am–8:30 pm

+17182998750

Visit website

Riverbank State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+12126943600

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 28

5 decision points cluster between mile 195.8 and 251.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
195.8 mi into trip | ~4h 14m 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
9
211.1 mi into trip | ~4h 33m 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
212.5 mi into trip | ~4h 34m 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
241.3 mi into trip | ~5h 14m in

Take the exit toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 6A Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
9
251.1 mi into trip | ~5h 30m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.78 one way

$83.55 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 89 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $45.17 $90.35
premium $4.92 $49.19 $98.38
diesel $5.61 $56.04 $112.07

Estimated Tolls: $23.23

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Whitestone Bridge $6.55
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

$42

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$90–$115

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 88.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 76.1 0 $26.65 $12.18
Efficient EV 63.5 0 $22.21 $10.15
EV Truck/SUV 101.5 1 $35.53 $16.24

Gas CO2

89 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (66% 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

Lenox, NY

Late night in Lenox on Tuesday

Local time

4:47 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Queens, NY

Late night in Queens on Tuesday

Local time

4:47 AM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Mostly Cloudy

NE 6 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT

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

8 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 37m 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

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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 236.3
View on nps.gov
General Grant National Memorial

General Grant National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 236.3
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 253.8
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 253.8
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 253.8
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument

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...

9 mi from route ~24 min detour Free near mile 253.8
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate grind, this route features zero highway miles, meaning you will spend the entire 278.6-mile journey navigating smaller, winding roadways. The personality of the trip is defined by these technical sections, which require more active driving than a standard highway cruise. You will find that the rhythm of the drive stays consistent, relying on local arteries like Mount Hope Avenue to guide you toward your destination. Be prepared for a driving experience that favors local character and constant adjustments over the high-speed, hands-off nature of larger expressways.

82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
54 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 195.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 28 significant decision points across 253.8 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 195.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 211.1 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 212.5 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Lenox, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.

Nyst: Albany

195.8 mi in | ~4h 14m

New York City

195.8 mi in | ~4h 14m

Gsp South: Paterson

226.5 mi in | ~4h 53m

Fort Lee

226.5 mi in | ~4h 53m

New York

226.5 mi in | ~4h 53m

About the Cities

Starting in Lenox, NY

Full guide →

Arriving in Queens, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1683

Queens is a crescent-shaped (with a tail) borough traversing the north-to-south width of Long Island and including two of the major New York City area airports, LaGuardia (LGA IATA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK IATA). It also carries the largest ethnic diversity in its area of any region in the world, with many small enclaves. Jackson Heights, for example, includes a huge Indian area, followed by a Colombian area, and then a Mexican area. Each offers a wide array of authentic shops, native-style cuisine, and festivals modified only slightly by the generally colder New York City experience.

Top landmarks

  • • Queensboro Bridge — bridge in New York City
  • • Unisphere — Steel structure in Queens, New York

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 37m. Total distance: 253.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

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 $23.23 in tolls one way, starting with George Washington 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.

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 Queens, 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 195.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 211.1 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 212.5 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and African Burial Ground 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Queens, NY before the return drive.

How this page is built

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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