Traveling from Martinsburg to Oyster Bay covers a 306.4-mile journey across New York State. You should anticipate a total drive time of approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes, making this a doable one-day trip for most drivers. With a fuel budget of about $50, the route relies on a combination of State Highway 12, the New York State Thruway, and Northern Boulevard. While the trip is contained entirely within the Northeast, you will transition from the rural landscapes of Northern New York toward the denser environment of the Long Island area. It is a straightforward trek that serves as a practical link between these two distinct regions.
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
153.2 miles from Martinsburg, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
201.9 mi
3h 53m
State Highway 12
22 mi
30m
Northern Boulevard
14.5 mi
24m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
State Highway 12D
8.4 mi
12m
Erwin Parkway
7.4 mi
8m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
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 Oyster Bay, 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
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
26
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
27
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
29
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
31
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
33
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
35
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
36
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 5Toward NY 25A: Northern BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Continue on Clearview Expressway
457 ft·17 sec·Clearview Expressway
40
Turn left onto NY 25A
15 mi·24 min·Northern Boulevard
Use the left lane.
41
Turn left onto NY 106
0.3 mi·29 sec·Jericho Oyster Bay Road
42
Turn straight onto NY 106
0.5 mi·46 sec·Oyster Bay Road
43
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 106
260 ft·4 sec·Oyster Bay Road
44
Continue on NY 106
0.9 mi·1 min·Pine Hollow Road
Use the left lane.
45
Continue on NY 106
105 ft·5 sec·South Street
46
Turn right onto Berry Hill Road
112 ft·9 sec·Berry Hill Road
47
Continue on Berry Hill Road
64 ft·2 sec·Berry Hill Road
48
Arrive at destination
Berry Hill Road
Trip Plan
Given the 6 hour and 25 minute duration, starting your day early is the best way to avoid peak congestion as you approach the destination. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the 306.4-mile trek and keep your focus sharp. Since the route is roughly one-quarter highway, keep an eye on your fuel levels before merging onto the New York State Thruway for your longest 201.9-mile stretch. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so use your single recommended stop to stretch your legs before tackling the final turn-heavy sections. Always double-check your navigation before hitting Northern Boulevard, as local traffic patterns can fluctuate significantly near Oyster Bay.
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 153.2 miles from Martinsburg, NY, or about 3h 10m 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 67 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 153.2 miles or 3h 10m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oyster Bay, 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 306.4 miles and 6h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 134.6 and 289.8 — 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
8
283.2 mi into trip|~5h 47m in|I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
7
289.8 mi into trip|~5h 56m in
Take the exit toward NY 25A: Northern Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5
Toward NY 25A: Northern Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.44 one way
$100.87 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg107 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$54.54
$109.07
premium
$4.92
$59.39
$118.77
diesel
$5.61
$67.65
$135.30
Estimated Tolls: $32.64
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(201.9 mi)$10.09
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
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
$50
Tolls
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$108–$133
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 107.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
91.9
1
$32.17
$14.71
Efficient EV
76.6
0
$26.81
$12.26
EV Truck/SUV
122.6
1
$42.90
$19.61
Gas CO2
107 kg
EV CO2
36 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 16, 2026
Origin
Martinsburg, NY
Morning
in Martinsburg on Tuesday
Local time
9:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Oyster Bay, NY
Morning
in Oyster Bay on Tuesday
Local time
9:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 6 to 12 mph4% 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
30 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 25m 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.
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 274.7
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 274.7
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 274.7
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 274.7
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 274.7
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 274.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as this route is essentially a turn-heavy local drive with limited highway reliance. Only about 25% of your trip will be spent on major highways, meaning you will spend the bulk of your time navigating secondary roads. The most significant portion of the journey is a 201.9-mile stretch on the New York State Thruway, which provides a brief reprieve from the more technical local navigation. As you transition from the winding State Highway 12 to the final approach on Northern Boulevard, the road personality shifts from quiet, regional pavement to busier corridors. Prepare for a dynamic drive that demands your attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
48 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 26 significant decision points across 306.4 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
1,318 ft43 ft
Total Climb
1,039 ft
Total Descent
2,257 ft
Highest Point
1,318 ft
~12.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,276 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 Oyster Bay, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South, Boston, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Oyster Bay is one of three towns in Nassau County, on Long Island, New York.
The town of Oyster Bay comprises a large portion of eastern Nassau County and includes a slew of villages and other communities. This article covers North Oyster Bay – the area closest to Oyster Bay itself (in other words, everything that is north of the Long Island Expressway). See South Oyster Bay for the southern half of the town (in other words, the area south of the expressway). See the article for Glen Cove for communities in the northwest part of the town that are closest to that city.
Top landmarks
•Christ Church — historic Episcopal parish in Oyster Bay, New York, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 25m. Total distance: 306.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 25m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
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 $32.64 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 Oyster Bay, 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 — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall 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 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Oyster Bay, NY before the return drive.
