Massapequa Park, NY to Utica, NY is 264.7 miles and takes about 5h 21m via NY 17 and the New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving from the densely populated Northeast region to its own interior. Expect a straightforward drive, primarily on major highways, making it a good option for a single-day excursion. With only one recommended stop and a manageable duration, this route is efficient for reaching your destination.
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
132.4 miles from Massapequa Park, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
117.5 mi
2h 15m
New York State Thruway
85.1 mi
1h 38m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
Southern State Parkway
8 mi
10m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Sunrise Highway
5.7 mi
7m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 15m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 26 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~4,060 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~1,244 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
3.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 72 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Massapequa Park, NY and Utica, NY.
1
Start on Clark Boulevard
59 ft·8 sec·Clark Boulevard
2
Turn left onto Park Boulevard
0.2 mi·25 sec·Park Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto NY 27
5.7 mi·7 min·Sunrise Highway
Use the right lane.
4
Turn right onto Babylon Turnpike
0.4 mi·37 sec·Babylon Turnpike
5
Continue on Babylon Turnpike
213 ft·3 sec·Babylon Turnpike
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward M North: Mineola
7
Merge onto M
1.1 mi·1 min·Meadowbrook State Parkway
8
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit M6 WToward SO West: New YorkUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto SO
8.0 mi·10 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone BridgeUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi·1 min·Cross Island Parkway
12
Take the exit
317 ft·9 sec
Exit 26BToward NY 24: UBS Arena-Belmont ParkUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
437 ft·12 sec
Toward NY 24 West: Hempstead AvenueUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·15 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West
15
Keep slight right at fork
266 ft·8 sec
Toward Hempstead Avenue WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·13 sec·this road
Toward Grandstand, Hempstead Avenue West
17
Keep slight left at fork
100 ft·4 sec
Toward Hempstead Avenue
18
Turn right onto NY 24
1.0 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
Use the right lane.
19
Turn left onto Jamaica Avenue
0.1 mi·17 sec·Jamaica Avenue
20
Turn right onto NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·212th Street
21
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Through Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
23
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi·1 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
6.6 mi·8 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
26
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
27
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
28
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.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
32
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, MahwahUse the straight lane.
34
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
37
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
38
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
39
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
40
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
118 mi·2 hr 15 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
85 mi·1 hr 38 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
42
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 790, NY 8, NY 12: UticaUse the slight right lane.
43
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
44
Keep slight right at fork
159 ft·3 sec
45
Turn slight right onto North Genesee Street
1.0 mi·1 min·North Genesee Street
46
Continue on Genesee Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·Genesee Street
47
Turn right onto Washington Lane
63 ft·2 sec·Washington Lane
48
Arrive at destination
Washington Lane
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 21m duration, starting your drive from Massapequa Park in the morning will allow you to reach Utica with plenty of daylight to spare. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to take a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially when you're on the longer stretches of NY 17, as services can be more spaced out. The fuel cost estimate of $43 is based on average prices, so adjust as needed for your vehicle. Plan to utilize the New York State Thruway for much of the trip, which generally offers ample rest areas.
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 132.4 miles from Massapequa Park, NY, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 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 58 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.4 miles or 2h 46m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Utica, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Massapequa Park, 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 Massapequa Park, NY
This is one driving day of about 264.7 miles and 5h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Massapequa Park, 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 117.5 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 34
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.2 and 44.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
18.2 mi into trip|~25m 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
18.4 mi into trip|~25m 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
37.2 mi into trip|~52m 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
9
37.4 mi into trip|~52m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
8
44.5 mi into trip|~1h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.33 one way
$92.67 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$50.21
$100.42
premium
$5.23
$54.50
$109.01
diesel
$6.28
$65.40
$130.81
Estimated Tolls: $26.80
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(85.1 mi)$4.25
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
$46
Tolls
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$98–$123
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.4
0
$27.79
$12.71
Efficient EV
66.2
0
$23.16
$10.59
EV Truck/SUV
105.9
1
$37.06
$16.94
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Massapequa Park, NY
Late night
in Massapequa Park on Friday
Local time
12:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Sunny
NE 7 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Utica, NY
Late night
in Utica on Friday
Local time
12:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
NE 0 to 3 mph0% 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
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 21m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 36.5
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...
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...
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 36.5
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 36.5
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 36.5
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 36.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 62% of the 264.7 miles on faster roads. You'll encounter the longest stretch without a major change in road type at 117.5 miles, primarily on NY 17. The New York State Thruway will carry you for a significant portion of the trip, offering a consistent driving experience. Be prepared for the numerous exits and interchanges common on major interstate routes as you approach and navigate through more populated areas.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.5 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and New York State Thruway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.2 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 264.7 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 18.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
543 ft23 ft
Total Climb
1,084 ft
Total Descent
652 ft
Highest Point
543 ft
~98 mi in
Elevation Range
520 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Massapequa Park, NY and Utica, NY, road signs point toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West, Grandstand, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Gsp South - among others.
Utica is the heart of the Mohawk Valley and the seat of Oneida County in Central New York State. Utica offers the charm of small-city living balanced with the cultural and ethnic diversity of an international urban center. At the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a truly scenic city that offers the pleasures of both a rural and urban setting.
Top landmarks
•Utica Memorial Auditorium — multi-purpose arena
•Utica Psychiatric Center — historic building in New York state, USA
•Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute — arts center in Utica, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 21m. Total distance: 264.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 117.5 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $26.80 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.
Yes — we found about 26 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Utica, 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. There are 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 18.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 37.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 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 Utica, NY before the return drive.
