Traveling from Massena to New York City covers 363.6 miles and typically takes about 7 hours and 50 minutes of driving time. Because this is a long haul, most travelers find it most manageable as a single-day trip, though you should be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. You will primarily navigate via I-87 and the Adirondack Northway before transitioning toward the city via NJ-17. Budgeting approximately $59 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for your travel costs. Since both locations are situated within the Northeast, you will experience a consistent regional climate while transitioning from the northern border of New York State down to the metropolitan hub.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
181.8 miles from Massena, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Adirondack Northway
103.7 mi
2h 1m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
Santa Clara Road
20.9 mi
31m
State Highway 73
18.7 mi
27m
Main Street
10.9 mi
16m
Adirondack Trail
8.9 mi
12m
Hopkinton-Winthrop Road
5.9 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Massena, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on Main Street
11 mi·16 min·Main Street
2
At end of road, turn right onto NY 11C; NY 420
0.1 mi·17 sec·State Highway 11C
3
Turn left onto NY 420
1.3 mi·2 min·State Highway 420
4
Continue on CR 49
5.9 mi·10 min·Hopkinton-Winthrop Road
5
At end of road, turn right onto County Road 49
0.2 mi·22 sec·County Road 49
6
At end of road, turn left onto County Road 49
1.3 mi·2 min·County Road 49
7
At end of road, turn left onto NY 11B
2.0 mi·2 min·NY 11B
8
Turn right onto NY 458
3.5 mi·5 min·State Highway 458
9
Turn slight right onto NY 458
4.0 mi·6 min·Santa Clara Road
10
At end of road, turn right onto NY 458
17 mi·25 min·Santa Clara Road
11
At end of road, turn right onto NY 30
8.9 mi·12 min·Adirondack Trail
12
Turn left onto NY 86
3.7 mi·5 min·Easy Street
13
Continue on NY 86
1.9 mi·2 min·State Highway 86
14
Continue on NY 86
2.8 mi·4 min·Harrietstown Road
15
Continue on NY 86
3.0 mi·4 min·State Highway 86
16
Continue on NY 86
0.5 mi·56 sec·Broadway Street
17
Turn left onto NY 86
490 ft·12 sec·Bloomingdale Avenue
18
Turn right onto NY 3; NY 86
0.4 mi·50 sec·Church Street
19
At end of road, turn left onto NY 86
0.2 mi·32 sec·River Street
20
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 86
304 ft·8 sec·River Street
21
Turn slight right onto NY 86
1.1 mi·2 min·Lake Flower Avenue
22
Continue on NY 86
4.9 mi·7 min·Saranac-Placid Road
23
Turn right onto CR 35
3.6 mi·6 min·Old Military Road
24
Turn straight onto NY 73
5.3 mi·7 min·Cascade Road
25
Continue on NY 73
7.2 mi·10 min·State Highway 73
26
Turn straight onto NY 9N; NY 73
1.8 mi·3 min·State Highway 9N
27
Continue on NY 73
11 mi·16 min·State Highway 73
28
Turn straight onto US 9
2.1 mi·2 min·US 9
29
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward I 87 South
30
Merge onto I 87
104 mi·2 hr 1 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
31
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi·31 sec·I 87
Exit 1E-WToward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
32
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
33
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·I 87
Toward I 87 South: New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
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.
35
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
36
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.
37
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
38
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
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
41
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
42
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
43
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
44
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
45
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
46
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
48
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
49
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
50
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour and 50-minute journey, plan for at least two strategic stops to keep your energy levels consistent. Leaving early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid potential congestion, especially as you reach the final segments of your route. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $59 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and idling time in traffic. Given the length of the trip, ensure your first stop occurs well before you hit the heavier traffic density near the city. Since the route relies heavily on I-87, check for construction or traffic alerts on that specific corridor before you depart to maintain your schedule.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 181.8 miles from Massena, NY, or about 4h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 80 miles or 2h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.8 miles or 4h 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 6h 32m
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 Massena, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Massena, NY
This is one driving day of about 363.6 miles and 7h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Massena, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 87 for about 118.6 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 209.5 and 359.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
209.5 mi into trip|~4h 42m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1E-W
Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
7
210.3 mi into trip|~4h 43m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 South: New York
9
328.1 mi into trip|~7h 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
329.4 mi into trip|~7h 2m 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
359.3 mi into trip|~7h 40m 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
$59.85 one way
$119.70 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg127 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$64.72
$129.44
premium
$4.92
$70.47
$140.95
diesel
$5.61
$80.28
$160.56
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
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
$60
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$101–$126
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
109.1
1
$38.18
$17.45
Efficient EV
90.9
1
$31.82
$14.54
EV Truck/SUV
145.4
1
$50.90
$23.27
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
43 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 14, 2026
Origin
Massena, NY
Late night
in Massena on Sunday
Local time
12:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Late night
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
12:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Cloudy
W 6 to 18 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 11:26AM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
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
10 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
7h 50m 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.
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 363.6
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 363.6
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 363.6
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 363.6
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 363.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip offers a mixed driving profile that keeps you engaged as the landscape shifts. While roughly 49% of the journey takes place on highways, you will encounter varied road types that prevent the drive from feeling like a monotonous interstate grind. You will face a longest uninterrupted stretch of 118.6 miles on I-87, which provides a steady rhythm for making good time. As you progress toward your destination, the transition from the Adirondack Northway into the more complex traffic patterns near New York City requires increased focus. Expect a combination of open stretches and more technical local driving as you navigate the final approach.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
50 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 209.5 miles in near I 87.
Driving Effort9/10
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 31 significant decision points across 363.6 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 209.5 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.3 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 328.1 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,704 ft34 ft
Total Climb
1,879 ft
Total Descent
2,074 ft
Highest Point
1,704 ft
~77.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,670 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Massena, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York and Buffalo.
Massena is in upstate New York right on the Saint Lawrence River which forms the border with Canada.
There is a bridge to the Canadian town of Cornwall a few miles downriver. Forty miles (60 km) upriver is another bridge linking Ogdensburg, New York to Prescott, Ontario.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 50m. Total distance: 363.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 50m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 118.6 miles on I 87. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 209.5 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.3 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 328.1 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.7 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.
