Traveling from Medina to New York City covers 356.5 miles, a journey that typically takes about 7 hours and 36 minutes. You will primarily navigate via I-81, the Keystone Shortway, and the New York State Thruway to reach your destination. While the trip is manageable as a one-day drive, the duration makes it a full day behind the wheel, so plan your schedule accordingly. Budget roughly $56 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Northeast locations. Because this route requires consistent attention, you might consider if you prefer a single long haul or a more relaxed pace.
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
178.3 miles from Medina, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
98.8 mi
1h 57m
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
New York State Thruway
30 mi
34m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Western Expressway
20.1 mi
26m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
State Route 31
11.2 mi
12m
East Lake Road
9.9 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Medina, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 31; NY 63
126 ft·5 sec·Main Street
2
Turn right onto NY 31
0.8 mi·56 sec·East Center Street
3
Continue on NY 31
1.5 mi·1 min·Million Dollar Highway
4
Turn straight onto NY 31
7.1 mi·8 min·State Route 31
5
Continue on NY 31
2.2 mi·2 min·West Avenue
6
Continue on NY 31
3.8 mi·4 min·State Route 31
7
Continue on NY 31
1.1 mi·1 min·Fancher Road
8
Turn straight onto NY 31
0.3 mi·18 sec·State Route 31
9
Continue on NY 31
2.3 mi·2 min·Holley Road
10
Continue on NY 31
0.5 mi·36 sec·West Albion Street
11
Continue on NY 31
0.1 mi·7 sec·Wright Street
12
Continue on NY 31
408 ft·5 sec·Public Square
13
Continue on NY 31
382 ft·5 sec·Mechanic Street
14
Continue on NY 31
0.5 mi·1 min·State Street
15
Continue on NY 31
1.6 mi·2 min·Brockport-Holley Road
16
Continue on NY 31
1.0 mi·1 min·West Avenue
17
Turn right onto NY 19 Truck; NY 31
1.5 mi·1 min·Redman Road
18
Turn left onto NY 19 Truck; NY 31
1.2 mi·1 min·Fourth Section Road
19
Continue on NY 31
4.8 mi·5 min·Brockport-Spencerport Road
20
Continue on NY 531
7.5 mi·8 min·NY 531
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 490 East: Rochester
22
Merge onto I 490
20 mi·26 min·Western Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·42 sec
Toward I 90 East: Albany
24
Merge onto I 90
30 mi·34 min·New York State Thruway
25
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 41Toward NY 414: Waterloo, ClydeUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork
327 ft·7 sec
27
Continue on NY 414
0.3 mi·35 sec·State Route 414
28
Turn left onto NY 318
4.1 mi·7 min·NY 318
Use the left lane.
29
At end of road, turn left onto US 20; NY 5
1.9 mi·2 min·Auburn Road
30
Continue on US 20; NY 5
9.6 mi·11 min·Clark Street Road
Use the straight lane.
31
Turn right onto State Street
226 ft·12 sec·State Street
32
Turn left onto Dill Street
0.1 mi·21 sec·Dill Street
33
Continue on Loop Road
458 ft·16 sec·Loop Road
34
Turn left onto Genesee Street
5.5 mi·9 min·Genesee Street
35
Continue on US 20
2.2 mi·4 min·West Genesee Street Road
36
Turn right onto NY 41
0.5 mi·45 sec·East Lake Street
37
Continue on NY 41
9.4 mi·13 min·East Lake Road
38
Continue on NY 41
4.8 mi·7 min·State Route 41
39
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi·49 sec·East Lake Road
40
Continue on NY 41
9.8 mi·13 min·State Highway 41
41
Turn right onto NY 281
1.2 mi·2 min·North West Street
42
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Use the left lane.
43
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
44
Merge onto I 81
45 mi·54 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
46
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
47
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
48
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
49
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
50
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
51
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
52
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
53
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
54
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
55
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
56
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
57
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
58
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
59
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
60
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
61
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
62
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
63
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
64
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
65
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
66
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
67
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least two stops to break up the 7-hour and 36-minute travel time. Since the route is turn-heavy, leave early in the day to ensure you aren't navigating complex local roads during late-night fatigue. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $56 estimated cost can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and idling time. Because the longest stretch of 98.8 miles occurs on I-81, try to time your first break shortly after completing that segment to refresh your focus. This approach allows you to maintain a steady rhythm while staying alert for the remainder of the trip.
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 178.3 miles from Medina, NY, or about 3h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.8 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 78 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 178.3 miles or 3h 52m 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 12m
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 Medina, 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 Medina, NY
This is one driving day of about 356.5 miles and 7h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Medina, 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 81 for about 98.8 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 37
5 decision points cluster between mile 89.3 and 351.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
89.3 mi into trip|~1h 48m in
Take the exit toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 41
Toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
7
186.2 mi into trip|~4h 1m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
239.6 mi into trip|~5h 4m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
7
351.6 mi into trip|~7h 24m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
351.8 mi into trip|~7h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$58.68 one way
$117.36 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg125 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$63.45
$126.91
premium
$4.92
$69.10
$138.19
diesel
$5.61
$78.71
$157.42
Estimated Tolls: $17.64
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(30 mi)$1.50
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$59
Tolls
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$101–$126
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 124.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
107
1
$37.43
$17.11
Efficient EV
89.1
1
$31.19
$14.26
EV Truck/SUV
142.6
1
$49.91
$22.82
Gas CO2
125 kg
EV CO2
42 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
Medina, NY
Night
in Medina on Saturday
Local time
11:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Night
in New York City on Saturday
Local time
11:13 PM
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
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
1 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 36m 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 356.5
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 356.5
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 356.5
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 356.5
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 356.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full focus as you transition between different road types. With 57% of the trip spent on highways, you will experience a mix of fast-paced travel and more technical driving segments. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-81, which spans 98.8 miles. The character of the road shifts frequently, requiring you to adapt to varying traffic patterns and road layouts throughout the 356.5-mile journey. Prepare for a dynamic experience that balances long highway miles with more demanding local road sections.
Only 57% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
67 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.8 mi on I 81.
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 89.3 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 37 significant decision points across 356.5 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 89.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 186.2 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 239.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,889 ft34 ft
Total Climb
3,309 ft
Total Descent
3,810 ft
Highest Point
1,889 ft
~252.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,855 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Medina, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Clyde, Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
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 a solid option for a weekend trip, but be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. At 356.5 miles and 7.5 hours, you'll spend most of your travel day driving, so pack snacks and make those two planned breaks count.
Family Friendly
This drive is a high-complexity 10/10 with frequent turns, so keep the kids entertained and map apps handy. While it's a single-day drive, the 7.5 hours and hilly terrain might be a lot for younger passengers; plan for those two designated rest stops.
Solo Traveler
This 7.5-hour, 356.5-mile drive is a turn-heavy local exploration. With a complexity rating of 10/10, it's an engaging, albeit demanding, drive best suited for a solo traveler ready for constant navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 98.8 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $17.64 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 89.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 186.2 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 239.6 miles (US 6): 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 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.2 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.
