Traveling from Martinsburg to New York City covers 288.4 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 55 minutes. While technically feasible as a one-day trip, the drive requires a solid commitment of time behind the wheel. You should budget approximately $46 for fuel to complete the journey. The route transitions from the rural Northeast region down toward the dense urban environment of New York City. Because you will navigate a mix of major thruways and local roads, having a clear plan for your single planned stop is essential. Overall, this trip is best suited for drivers who prefer a full day of travel rather than a quick sprint.
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
144.2 miles from Martinsburg, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
201.9 mi
3h 53m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
State Highway 12
22 mi
30m
State Highway 12D
8.4 mi
12m
Erwin Parkway
7.4 mi
8m
State Highway 26
5.8 mi
8m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
West Road
3.6 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 201.9 mi, about 3h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Martinsburg, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on Magdelene Street
157 ft·9 sec·Magdelene Street
2
Turn right onto NY 26
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 26
3
Continue on NY 26
3.6 mi·5 min·West Road
4
Continue on NY 26
1.1 mi·1 min·North State Street
5
Continue on NY 26
1.8 mi·2 min·State Highway 26
6
Continue on NY 12D
8.4 mi·12 min·State Highway 12D
7
Continue on NY 12D
0.2 mi·22 sec·Post Street
8
Turn left onto NY 12D
282 ft·4 sec·East Schuyler Street
9
Turn slight right onto NY 12D
83 ft·5 sec·Main Street
10
Turn left onto Schuyler Street
0.2 mi·29 sec·Schuyler Street
11
Turn right onto NY 12
7.4 mi·8 min·Erwin Parkway
12
Continue on NY 12
22 mi·30 min·State Highway 12
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
14
Merge onto NY 49
0.4 mi·26 sec·State Route 49
15
Continue on I 790; NY 5
0.2 mi·13 sec·I 790; NY 5
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward Genesee Street South
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 90
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 90 East
19
Merge onto I 90
84 mi·1 hr 36 min·New York State Thruway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 87 South: New York, BostonUse the slight right lane.
21
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.
22
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
23
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.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
25
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
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
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
29
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
30
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
31
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
33
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
35
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
37
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To manage this 5-hour and 55-minute trip effectively, aim to depart early in the day to avoid peak congestion as you approach the city. Since the route features a significant 201.9-mile stretch on the New York State Thruway, plan your single stop strategically to coincide with the end of that highway section. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the turn-heavy portions of the trip, as local stop-and-go traffic can impact your efficiency compared to the highway miles. Flexibility is your best asset here; by anticipating the transition from major thruways to the more winding local routes, you can maintain a steady, stress-free pace all the way to your final destination.
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 144.2 miles from Martinsburg, NY, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 201.9 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 63 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.2 miles or 2h 59m 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 46m
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 Martinsburg, 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 Martinsburg, NY
This is one driving day of about 288.4 miles and 5h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Martinsburg, 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 New York State Thruway for about 201.9 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 134.6 and 284 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
134.6 mi into trip|~2h 48m in|New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
9
252.8 mi into trip|~5h 5m 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
254.2 mi into trip|~5h 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
6
283.9 mi into trip|~5h 44m in|US 1; US 9 / Tonnelle Avenue
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9 / Tonnelle Avenue toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hob...
8
284 mi into trip|~5h 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
$47.47 one way
$94.94 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$51.33
$102.67
premium
$4.92
$55.90
$111.79
diesel
$5.61
$63.68
$127.35
Estimated Tolls: $26.09
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(201.9 mi)$10.09
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
$47
Tolls
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$99–$124
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.9 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
86.5
1
$30.28
$13.84
Efficient EV
72.1
0
$25.23
$11.54
EV Truck/SUV
115.4
1
$40.38
$18.46
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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Martinsburg, NY
Morning
in Martinsburg on Tuesday
Local time
9:31 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Tuesday
Local time
9:31 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
56°F
Stockport, NY
144 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
3 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 55m 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 288.4
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 288.4
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 288.4
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 288.4
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 288.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a diverse driving experience that balances high-speed transit with technical navigation. You will spend roughly 25% of your time on highways, with your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 201.9 miles along the New York State Thruway. After finishing that primary interstate leg, the character of the trip shifts significantly as you transition to NJ 17 and State Highway 12. These segments transform the journey into a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention. Be prepared for the contrast between the open, steady pace of the thruway and the more demanding maneuvers required on the local state highways.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 201.9 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 134.6 miles in near New York State Thruway.
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 23 significant decision points across 288.4 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 134.6 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 252.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 254.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,270 ft17 ft
Total Climb
1,323 ft
Total Descent
2,553 ft
Highest Point
1,270 ft
~12 mi in
Elevation Range
1,254 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Martinsburg, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South and Boston.
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
This route is absolutely doable as a same-day trip, clocking in at just under 6 hours and 288.4 miles. The turn-heavy nature and 10/10 complexity suggest you'll want to start early to avoid city traffic on arrival.
Family Friendly
With a 10/10 complexity rating and a turn-heavy profile, this 288.4-mile journey might be tough for kids. You'll definitely want to plan plenty of entertainment and breaks for the nearly 6-hour drive.
Solo Traveler
This 288.4-mile drive is long but manageable solo, with a high 10/10 complexity meaning you'll need to stay very focused on navigation through all those turns. While engaging, consider if you're up for a nearly 6-hour drive with minimal breaks.
Scenic Drive
This route is not ideal for a scenic drive, as only 25% is on the highway, implying much of the 288.4 miles will be on turn-heavy local roads. It prioritizes directness over views, with no specific scenic indicators.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 201.9 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $26.09 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 134.6 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 252.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 254.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 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.
