Origin
Mendon, NY
Morning in Mendon on Sunday
Local time
11:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Mendon, NY to New York City, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 30m
Distance
302.5 mi
487 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$50
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 19m
★
6 AM
6h 31m
8 AM
6h 55m
10 AM
6h 39m
12 PM
6h 37m
3 PM
6h 41m
5 PM
6h 54m
8 PM
6h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mendon, NY
Wikimedia Commons
New York City, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 302.5-mile drive from Mendon, NY, to New York City, NY, is estimated to take about 6 hours and 30 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-81, the Keystone Shortway, and the New York State Thruway, this route covers 54% highway mileage. With a projected fuel cost of $50, it's feasible as a single-day trip, though you'll want to be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. The journey moves from the Northeast region of New York to the bustling Northeast region of New York City, offering a transition from upstate landscapes to the metropolitan approach. This trip is a straightforward option for reaching the city from western New York.
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
151.3 miles from Mendon, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 18m 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 |
| Essex Freeway | 15.8 mi | 20m |
| East Lake Road | 9.9 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 41 | 9.8 mi | 13m |
| Clark Street Road | 9.6 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mendon, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 251
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Victor-Mendon Road
2
Turn left onto Phillips Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Phillips Road
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto CR 42
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
County Road 42
4
Turn left onto NY 96
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
Victor-Pittsford Road
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 90: New York State Thruway
6
Merge onto I 490
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Eastern Expressway
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 90 East: Albany
8
Merge onto I 90
30 mi
·
34 min
·
New York State Thruway
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Exit 41
Toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
327 ft
·
7 sec
11
Continue on NY 414
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
State Route 414
12
Turn left onto NY 318
4.1 mi
·
7 min
·
NY 318
Use the left lane.
13
At end of road, turn left onto US 20; NY 5
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Auburn Road
14
Continue on US 20; NY 5
9.6 mi
·
11 min
·
Clark Street Road
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn right onto State Street
226 ft
·
12 sec
·
State Street
16
Turn left onto Dill Street
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Dill Street
17
Continue on Loop Road
458 ft
·
16 sec
·
Loop Road
18
Turn left onto Genesee Street
5.5 mi
·
9 min
·
Genesee Street
19
Continue on US 20
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
West Genesee Street Road
20
Turn right onto NY 41
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Lake Street
21
Continue on NY 41
9.4 mi
·
13 min
·
East Lake Road
22
Continue on NY 41
4.8 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 41
23
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
East Lake Road
24
Continue on NY 41
9.8 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 41
25
Turn right onto NY 281
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North West Street
26
Take the ramp
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the left lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
28
Merge onto I 81
45 mi
·
54 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
Use the straight lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford
Use the straight lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
33
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
34
Merge onto I 80
63 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 47A
Toward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
36
Continue on I 280
16 mi
·
20 min
·
Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 17A
Toward CR 508 East: Jersey City
38
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
·
New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
41
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
42
Turn straight
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Use the straight lane.
43
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Conrail Viaduct
44
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
12th Street Viaduct
45
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
46
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
47
Take the exit
305 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Brooklyn
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft
·
7 sec
·
Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker Street
Use the straight lane.
49
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
50
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway
Use the straight lane.
51
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
For this 6-and-a-half-hour drive, departing Mendon, NY, early in the morning is advisable to make the most of daylight and potentially avoid some traffic. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically for a break and to refuel. The fuel cost is estimated at $50, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Mendon. Given the route's profile, pay close attention to GPS or navigation aids, especially during the 'turn-heavy local drive' segments. This route is manageable in a single day, but staying aware of your surroundings and potential changes in road conditions will be key to a smooth arrival in New York City.
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 151.3 miles from Mendon, NY, or about 3h 18m 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 67 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 151.3 miles or 3h 18m 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 13m
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 Mendon, 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 Mendon, NY
This is one driving day of about 302.5 miles and 6h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Mendon, 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 I 81 for about 98.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
151 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 151.3 miles from Mendon, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 375 decision points cluster between mile 35.3 and 297.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
35.3 mi into trip
|
~42m 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
132.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m 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
185.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 59m 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
297.7 mi into trip
|
~6h 18m 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
297.9 mi into trip
|
~6h 19m 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
$49.79 one way
$99.59 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
106 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $53.84 | $107.69 |
| premium | $4.92 | $58.63 | $117.26 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $66.79 | $133.58 |
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
$50
Tolls
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 90.8 | 1 | $31.76 | $14.52 |
| Efficient EV | 75.6 | 0 | $26.47 | $12.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 121 | 1 | $42.35 | $19.36 |
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% 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.
Destination
New York City, NY
Morning in New York City on Sunday
Local time
11:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live 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
6 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 30m 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...
0 mi from route
Free
near mile 302.5
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument
National Monument
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 302.5
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial
National Memorial
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 302.5
View on nps.gov
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 52.2
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument
National Monument
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 302.5
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument
National Monument
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 302.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, despite a significant highway share. While 54% of the route is on highways like I-81 and the New York State Thruway, the overall character suggests a need for attention to navigation. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 98.8 miles on I-81, providing a period of consistent driving before transitioning to more varied road types. This blend means you'll experience both faster highway segments and potentially more intricate local roads as you get closer to your destination. Be ready for a dynamic driving experience that isn't purely an interstate cruise.
Only 54% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
51 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 35.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 302.5 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 35.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.2 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 185.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Mendon, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Clyde, Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Clyde
35.3 mi in
|
~42m
Mt Pocono
185.6 mi in
|
~3h 59m
|
via US 6
Milford
186.4 mi in
|
~4h
|
via I 84; I 380
Newark
278 mi in
|
~5h 51m
About the Cities
Arriving in New York City, NY
Full guide →“The City That Never Sleeps” · Founded 1624
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
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 30m. Total distance: 302.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 30m 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 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 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 35.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.2 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 185.6 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 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 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.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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