Traveling from Lima to New York City covers 316.7 miles, a journey that typically takes about 6 hours and 41 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused drive, you can reasonably complete the trip in a single day, making it an efficient way to cross the state. Budgeting roughly $50 for fuel will get you from the Finger Lakes region down to the city. While you could extend the trip, the route is straightforward enough to handle in one go if you manage your energy levels. Since both your start and end points are within New York, you will stay firmly in the Northeast throughout your transit.
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
158.4 miles from Lima, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 20m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Lima, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on US 20; NY 5
74 ft·6 sec·East Main Street
2
Turn left onto NY 15A
0.5 mi·49 sec·Lake Avenue
3
Continue on NY 15A
5.3 mi·9 min·Plank Road
4
Continue on NY 15A
2.9 mi·5 min·North Main Street
5
Continue on NY 15A
1.2 mi·2 min·Bald Hill Road
6
Continue on NY 15A
6.5 mi·11 min·State Highway 15A
7
Continue on NY 15A
3.4 mi·6 min·North Main Street
8
Continue on NY 15
3.2 mi·5 min·Indian Valley Road
9
Continue on NY 15
0.3 mi·29 sec·State Highway 15
10
Continue on NY 15
2.4 mi·4 min·North Lackawanna Street
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
12
Merge onto I 390
16 mi·18 min·Genesee Expressway
13
Merge onto I 86
105 mi·2 hr 2 min·Southern Tier Expressway
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
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
21
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
23
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
28
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
29
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
30
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
32
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
34
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
36
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour and 41-minute trek, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid the brunt of urban traffic as you approach the city. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $50 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local prices along the interstate. Since the route is a single-day commitment, prioritize your comfort by scheduling your break toward the middle of the drive to keep your focus sharp for the final approach into New York City.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 158.4 miles from Lima, NY, or about 3h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.5 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 70 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 158.4 miles or 3h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 21m
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 Lima, 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 Lima, NY
This is one driving day of about 316.7 miles and 6h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Lima, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 104.5 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 146.4 and 312.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
146.4 mi into trip|~3h 6m 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
199.8 mi into trip|~4h 10m 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...
6
204.2 mi into trip|~4h 15m in|I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
7
311.8 mi into trip|~6h 29m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
312.1 mi into trip|~6h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.13 one way
$104.26 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg111 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$56.37
$112.74
premium
$4.92
$61.38
$122.76
diesel
$5.61
$69.92
$139.85
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$52
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$93–$118
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
95
1
$33.25
$15.20
Efficient EV
79.2
0
$27.71
$12.67
EV Truck/SUV
126.7
1
$44.34
$20.27
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Lima, NY
Morning
in Lima on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
6:26 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
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
16 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
6h 41m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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 316.7
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 316.7
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 316.7
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 316.7
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 316.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You will spend 72% of your time on highways, relying on a combination of the Southern Tier Expressway, the Keystone Shortway, and I-81. Expect a consistent, efficient pace as you navigate these major arteries toward the coast. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the Southern Tier Expressway, where you can settle into a rhythm for 104.5 miles. While this is primarily an interstate grind, the transition from rural upstate areas to the dense urban environment of New York City keeps the driving experience from feeling entirely stagnant.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.5 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 146.4 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 22 significant decision points across 316.7 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 146.4 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 204.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lima, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
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
It's a full-day commitment at 6 hours and 41 minutes of driving, but this 316.7-mile route is definitely feasible for a weekend getaway if you're ready for a solid day behind the wheel.
Family Friendly
With a 10/10 complexity rating and over 6.5 hours of driving, navigating this 316.7-mile trip with kids will require careful planning; pack plenty of entertainment to keep them happy during the longer stretches.
Solo Traveler
This 316.7-mile drive is totally doable solo in under 7 hours, so you can easily manage your pacing and even enjoy some of the more engaging highway stretches without feeling rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104.5 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 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 146.4 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 204.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New York City, NY before the return drive.
