Mendon to Staten Island is 306.3 miles and takes about 6h 42m via I 81 and the New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, beginning and ending in New York. Expect a drive that involves a good amount of turns, so it's not a straightforward highway cruise the entire way. With a recommended one-day duration, this route is manageable for a single stretch of driving, making it a feasible option for those looking to reach their destination without an overnight stop.
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
153.1 miles from Mendon, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
98.8 mi
1h 57m
Keystone Shortway
46.1 mi
59m
New York State Thruway
30 mi
34m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
East Lake Road
9.9 mi
14m
State Highway 41
9.8 mi
13m
Clark Street Road
9.6 mi
11m
NJ 24
9.3 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mendon, NY and Staten Island, 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 41Toward NY 414: Waterloo, ClydeUse 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: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
30
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.
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, MilfordUse the straight lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
33
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
34
Merge onto I 80
46 mi·59 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 28Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake HopatcongUse the slight right lane.
36
Continue on CR 631
0.2 mi·12 sec·Ledgewood Road
37
Continue on US 46
0.9 mi·1 min·US 46
38
Continue on US 46
213 ft·4 sec·US 46
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
39
Turn straight onto NJ 10
9.2 mi·11 min·Route 10 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Continue on NJ 10
3.5 mi·4 min·NJ 10
Use the right lane.
41
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Morristown Airport
42
Merge onto I 287
0.8 mi·1 min·I 287
43
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 37Toward NJ 24 East: SpringfieldUse the slight right lane.
44
Continue on NJ 24
9.3 mi·10 min·NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
45
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
46
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: NewarkUse the slight right lane.
47
Merge onto I 78
4.6 mi·5 min·Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 54Toward Hillside, IrvingtonUse the slight right lane.
49
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·29 sec
Toward HillsideUse the straight / right lanes.
50
Continue on Winans Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·Winans Avenue
51
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Liberty Avenue
52
Turn left onto CR 628
0.3 mi·37 sec·Hillside Avenue
53
Continue on CR 628
0.4 mi·45 sec·Hillside Avenue
54
At end of road, turn right onto CR 623
2.1 mi·4 min·North Broad Street
55
Continue on CR 623
1.4 mi·3 min·Broad Street
56
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.3 mi·43 sec·Bayway
57
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.1 mi·11 sec·Brunswick Avenue
Use the left lane.
58
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 278 Toll East: Goethals Bridge
59
Merge onto I 278
1.3 mi·2 min·Goethals Bridge
60
Continue on I 278
2.2 mi·3 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
61
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
0.9 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
62
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
63
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
64
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
65
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
66
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
67
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
68
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
69
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
70
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
71
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
72
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
73
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 42m estimated duration, starting your journey from Mendon in the morning is advisable to make the most of daylight. Although the drive is estimated to be completed in one day, factoring in one stop for fuel or a quick break is recommended. The $50 fuel cost is an estimate, so keep an eye on your gauge, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 98.8 miles on I 81. Since this route features a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, pay close attention to your GPS and road signs as you transition between the main highways and local roads.
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 153.1 miles from Mendon, NY, or about 3h 20m 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 153.1 miles or 3h 20m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Staten Island, 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 306.3 miles and 6h 42m.
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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 50
5 decision points cluster between mile 35.3 and 291.6 — 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
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...
8
260.8 mi into trip|~5h 31m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
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 28
Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
8
291.5 mi into trip|~6h 9m in
Take the exit toward Hillside, Irvington
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 54
Toward Hillside, Irvington
8
291.6 mi into trip|~6h 10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Hillside
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.42 one way
$100.84 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg107 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$54.52
$109.04
premium
$4.92
$59.37
$118.73
diesel
$5.61
$67.63
$135.25
Estimated Tolls: $17.50
Goethals Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(30 mi)$1.50
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
$93–$118
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
$32.16
$14.70
Efficient EV
76.6
0
$26.80
$12.25
EV Truck/SUV
122.5
1
$42.88
$19.60
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 19, 2026
Origin
Mendon, NY
Afternoon
in Mendon on Sunday
Local time
1:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Afternoon
in Staten Island on Sunday
Local time
1:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Cloudy then Patchy Fog
SE 7 to 14 mph43% 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
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 42m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll navigate a variety of road types rather than solely sticking to interstates. While 58% of the route utilizes highways like I 81 and the New York State Thruway, the profile suggests frequent transitions. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 98.8 miles on I 81, offering a period of steady travel before you encounter more varied road conditions. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that requires attention to navigation as you move between different types of roadways.
Only 58% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
73 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 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 50 significant decision points across 306.3 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 185.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 260.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Between Mendon, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Clyde, Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport and New York City - among others.
Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.
Top landmarks
•Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
•Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 42m. Total distance: 306.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 42m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
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 $17.50 in tolls one way, starting with Goethals 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 28 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 Staten Island, 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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 185.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 260.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Staten Island, NY before the return drive.
