Origin
Lindenhurst, NY
Late night in Lindenhurst on Tuesday
Local time
4:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lindenhurst, NY to Syracuse, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 53m
Distance
289.1 mi
465 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$48
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 41m
★
6 AM
5h 54m
8 AM
6h 20m
10 AM
6h 3m
12 PM
6h 0m
3 PM
6h 4m
5 PM
6h 19m
8 PM
5h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lindenhurst, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Syracuse, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 289.1-mile journey from Lindenhurst, NY, to Syracuse, NY, is a straightforward drive that can be completed in about 5 hours and 53 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-81 and the Christopher Columbus Highway, this route is focused on efficient highway travel, with 66% of the drive on highways. Given its duration, it's well-suited as a single-day trip, avoiding the need for an overnight stop. Expect a fuel cost of approximately $48 for this drive. Traveling within New York State, this trip offers a direct connection between two points in the Northeast region.
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
144.6 miles from Lindenhurst, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 3m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 128.5 mi | 2h 31m |
| Christopher Columbus Highway | 68.2 mi | 1h 20m |
| I 380 | 27.7 mi | 30m |
| Keystone Shortway | 17.3 mi | 24m |
| Southern State Parkway | 16.5 mi | 20m |
| Cross Bronx Expressway | 6.6 mi | 8m |
| Clearview Expressway | 5 mi | 5m |
| Sunrise Highway | 2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 128.5 mi, about 2h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lindenhurst, NY and Syracuse, NY.
1
Start on South Wellwood Avenue
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Wellwood Avenue
2
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward NY 27 West: New York
3
Merge onto NY 27
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Sunrise Highway
4
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
Toward Huntington
5
Turn straight onto NY 110
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward Southern Parkway West, New York
7
Merge onto SO
17 mi
·
20 min
·
Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge
Use the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Cross Island Parkway
10
Take the exit
317 ft
·
9 sec
Exit 26B
Toward NY 24: UBS Arena-Belmont Park
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
437 ft
·
12 sec
Toward NY 24 West: Hempstead Avenue
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West
13
Keep slight right at fork
266 ft
·
8 sec
Toward Hempstead Avenue West
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on this road
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
this road
Toward Grandstand, Hempstead Avenue West
15
Keep slight left at fork
100 ft
·
4 sec
Toward Hempstead Avenue
16
Turn right onto NY 24
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Hempstead Avenue
Use the right lane.
17
Turn left onto Jamaica Avenue
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Jamaica Avenue
18
Turn right onto NY 24
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
212th Street
19
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Clearview Expressway
Toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Through Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Bridge
21
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
6.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
24
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
George Washington Bridge (upper level)
25
Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.6 mi
·
39 sec
·
I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
I 95 EXPR; NJTP
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
30
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 69
Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Continue on I 80
68 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Keystone Shortway
35
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 293
Toward I 380 North: Scranton
36
Continue on I 380
28 mi
·
30 min
·
I 380
Use the straight lane.
37
Merge onto I 81
58 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
I 81
Use the straight lane.
38
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
66 mi
·
1 hr 17 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
I 81
Toward Syracuse
Use the straight lane.
41
Continue on I-81
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
I-81
42
Continue on I 81
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
I 81
43
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward Adams Street, Harrison Street
Use the slight right lane.
44
Continue on Almond Street
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
Almond Street
Use the left / slight left / straight / right lanes.
45
Turn left onto NY 92
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
East Genesee Street
46
At end of road, turn right onto US 11
10 ft
·
0 sec
·
South State Street
47
Arrive at destination
US 11
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour and 53-minute drive, leaving early in the morning can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you depart the Long Island area. With a longest stretch of 128.5 miles on I-81, plan for one primary stop to refuel and stretch your legs. The estimated fuel cost is $48, so ensure your tank is full before you begin. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have the flexibility to depart at a time that suits you best, but keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is advisable given the long stretch on I-81.
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 144.6 miles from Lindenhurst, NY, or about 3h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.5 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 64 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.6 miles or 3h 3m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Syracuse, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lindenhurst, 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 Lindenhurst, NY
This is one driving day of about 289.1 miles and 5h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Lindenhurst, 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 128.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
145 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 144.6 miles from Lindenhurst, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 128.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 345 decision points cluster between mile 23 and 44.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
23 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NY 24 West: Hempstead Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NY 24 West: Hempstead Avenue
8
23.2 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hempstead Avenue West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Hempstead Avenue West
8
42 mi into trip
|
~58m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
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.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
42.3 mi into trip
|
~58m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
44.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack
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 69
Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.59 one way
$95.18 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
101 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $51.46 | $102.92 |
| premium | $4.92 | $56.03 | $112.07 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $63.83 | $127.66 |
Estimated Tolls: $22.83
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New Jersey Turnpike
(2 mi)
$0.28
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
$48
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$95–$120
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 86.7 | 1 | $30.36 | $13.88 |
| Efficient EV | 72.3 | 0 | $25.30 | $11.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 115.6 | 1 | $40.47 | $18.50 |
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Syracuse, NY
Late night in Syracuse on Tuesday
Local time
4:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Ramapo, NY
145 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
18 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 53m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 289.1-mile trip, with 66% of the journey on major roadways like I-81. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 128.5 miles on I-81, making for periods of consistent driving. While primarily interstate, the route incorporates segments of the Christopher Columbus Highway and I-380, offering some variation in the road's environment. This drive prioritizes getting you to your destination efficiently, with less emphasis on winding local roads or extensive scenic detours.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.5 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23 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 34 significant decision points across 289.1 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 23 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 42 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lindenhurst, NY and Syracuse, NY, road signs point toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West, Grandstand, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Hackensack - among others.
Cross Island Parkway North
21.4 mi in
|
~28m
Hempstead Avenue West
23.1 mi in
|
~31m
Grandstand
23.3 mi in
|
~31m
Upper Level
39.5 mi in
|
~54m
|
via I 95; US 1
Njtp South: Hackensack
42 mi in
|
~58m
Hackensack
44.6 mi in
|
~1h 1m
Albany
217.4 mi in
|
~4h 28m
|
via I 81
About the Cities
Starting in Lindenhurst, NY
Full guide →Founded 1923
Arriving in Syracuse, NY
Full guide →Founded 1848
Syracuse is a city in Central New York. With a population of 149,000 in city proper and 662,000 in its metro area (2020), Syracuse is the fifth largest city in the state of New York, and the third largest in Upstate New York.
Top landmarks
- • Oncenter War Memorial Arena — arena in Syracuse, New York
- • Everson Museum of Art — art museum in Syracuse, New York
- • Niagara Mohawk Building — historic commercial building in New York, United States
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 53m. Total distance: 289.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 128.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.83 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 Syracuse, 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 23 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 42 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Syracuse, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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