This 247.1-mile journey from Madison, NY to Staten Island, NY is best tackled as a single-day trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 22 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 83% of it on major roads, making it a straightforward drive. You'll primarily navigate on NY 17 and NJ 17, with a section of State Highway 8. With an estimated fuel cost of $41, this is an economical option for a quick trip. Expect a consistent driving experience with minimal detours, suitable for those who prefer efficient travel.
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
123.6 miles from Madison, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m 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
State Route 12B
9.1 mi
13m
Rexford Street
8.3 mi
9m
New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
4.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 106 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Madison, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on CR 83
47 ft·8 sec·South Street
2
Turn left onto US 20; NY 12B; NY 26
1.3 mi·2 min·West Main Street
3
Turn left onto NY 12B
2.4 mi·3 min·State Route 12B
4
At end of road, turn left onto NY 12B
2.0 mi·2 min·State Route 12B
5
Continue on NY 12B
1.1 mi·1 min·Utica Street
6
Turn slight right onto NY 12B
1.1 mi·1 min·Broad Street
7
Continue on NY 12B
4.6 mi·6 min·State Route 12B
8
Continue on NY 12B
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
9
Continue on NY 12B
3.7 mi·5 min·State Highway 12B
10
Continue on NY 12B
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
11
Continue on NY 12
10 mi·15 min·State Highway 12
12
Continue on NY 12
0.6 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
13
Turn left onto NY 23
8.3 mi·9 min·Rexford Street
14
Turn right onto NY 8
18 mi·20 min·State Highway 8
15
Continue on NY 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·Airport Road
16
Continue on NY 8
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
17
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
18
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.4 mi·44 sec·State Highway 10
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
20
Merge onto NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
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.
25
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
26
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.
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
28
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
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
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
32
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
33
Continue on NJ 139
0.3 mi·27 sec·12th Street Viaduct
34
Take the exit
236 ft·9 sec
Use the left lane.
35
Turn left onto Jersey Avenue
463 ft·23 sec·Jersey Avenue
Use the left lane.
36
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139
408 ft·5 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Use the left lane.
37
Keep slight right at fork onto I 78; NJTP
4.7 mi·5 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
Toward NJTP: New Jersey TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 14AToward NJ 440: BayonneUse the right lane.
39
Continue on Port Jersey Boulevard
0.3 mi·17 sec·Port Jersey Boulevard
Toward NJ 440
40
Take the exit
357 ft·8 sec
Toward NJ 440 South: Chosin Few WayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 440 SouthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
42
Merge onto NJ 440
4.5 mi·6 min·NJ 440
43
Continue on NY 440
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
44
Take the exit
0.6 mi·55 sec
Exit 10EToward I 278 East: Verrazano Bridge, Brooklyn
45
Merge onto I 278
0.8 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
46
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
47
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
48
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
49
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
50
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
51
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
52
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
53
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
54
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
55
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
56
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
57
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 22-minute duration, this route is very manageable as a one-day drive from Madison to Staten Island. To make the most of it, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Staten Island. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to pull over. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a significant road change is 106 miles on NY 17. Planning your fuel and rest stops around this longer segment will ensure a smoother journey.
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 123.6 miles from Madison, NY, or about 2h 37m 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 54 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.6 miles or 2h 37m 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 16m
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 Madison, 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 Madison, NY
This is one driving day of about 247.1 miles and 5h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Madison, 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 34
5 decision points cluster between mile 181.4 and 228 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
181.4 mi into trip|~3h 50m 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
182.1 mi into trip|~3h 51m 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
196.7 mi into trip|~4h 8m 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
198.1 mi into trip|~4h 10m 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
228 mi into trip|~4h 48m 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
$40.67 one way
$81.35 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$43.98
$87.96
premium
$4.92
$47.89
$95.79
diesel
$5.61
$54.56
$109.11
Estimated Tolls: $1.33
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
New Jersey Turnpike
(4.7 mi)$0.65
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
$41
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.1
0
$25.95
$11.86
Efficient EV
61.8
0
$21.62
$9.88
EV Truck/SUV
98.8
1
$34.59
$15.81
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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 14, 2026
Origin
Madison, NY
Afternoon
in Madison on Sunday
Local time
4:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Afternoon
in Staten Island on Sunday
Local time
4:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Sunny
SW 10 mph7% chanceLive 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
50 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 22m 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.
Castle Clinton National Monument
National Monument
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 230.1
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 230.1
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 230.1
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 230.1
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 230.1
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 230.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 83% of the 247.1 miles on major routes. You'll spend a good portion of your time on NY 17, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of 106 miles. While the majority of the route is on faster roads like NY 17 and NJ 17, there's a segment on State Highway 8 that might offer a slightly different feel before rejoining the primary highway corridors. The progression is generally one of consistent speed and efficiency.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
57 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 181.4 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 34 significant decision points across 247.1 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 181.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 196.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Madison, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike.
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 22m. Total distance: 247.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). 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 $1.33 in tolls one way, starting with New York State Thruway. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 181.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 196.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Castle Clinton National Monument, African Burial Ground 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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 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.
