Embarking from Montauk, NY, to Syracuse, NY, this 363.8-mile journey spans approximately 7 hours and 51 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing the Long Island Expressway and I-81, with a portion on Christopher Columbus Highway, about 60% of this route involves highway driving. With a projected fuel cost of around $60 and two recommended stops, this trip is manageable as a single day's drive, though you'll want to start early to maximize daylight. The drive takes you across New York State, moving from the coastal Northeast region to its central part.
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
181.9 miles from Montauk, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
128.5 mi
2h 31m
Christopher Columbus Highway
68.2 mi
1h 20m
Long Island Expressway
41.4 mi
55m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Sunrise Highway
24.2 mi
31m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
Montauk Highway
16.8 mi
31m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 128.5 mi, about 2h 31m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 168 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,210 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,900
Quietest
1 AM
~430 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Montauk, NY and Syracuse, NY.
1
Start on Second House Road
0.4 mi·57 sec·Second House Road
2
Turn slight right onto South Dearborn Place
462 ft·14 sec·South Dearborn Place
3
Merge onto NY 27
0.1 mi·18 sec·Montauk Highway
4
Continue on NY 27
4.6 mi·6 min·Montauk Point State Parkway
5
Continue on NY 27
5.5 mi·8 min·Montauk Highway
6
Continue on NY 27
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
7
Continue on NY 27
1.1 mi·2 min·Montauk Highway
8
Continue on NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Pantigo Road
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on NY 27
1.0 mi·2 min·Main Street
Use the straight lane.
10
Turn right onto NY 27
0.5 mi·1 min·Woods Lane
Use the right lane.
11
Continue on NY 27
10 mi·20 min·Montauk Highway
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit onto NY 27
372 ft·7 sec·NY 27
Toward NY 27 West: New York
13
Merge onto NY 27; CR 39A
5.5 mi·11 min·County Road 39A
14
Continue on NY 27
24 mi·31 min·Sunrise Highway
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi·23 sec
Exit 57NToward CR 16 West: Yaphank, Horseblock RoadUse the right lane.
16
Turn left onto CR 56
0.2 mi·21 sec·Victory Avenue
17
Turn right onto CR 16
3.9 mi·5 min·Horseblock Road
Use the left lane.
18
Turn left onto Express Drive North
0.2 mi·14 sec·Express Drive North
Use the left lane.
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 495 WEST: New York
20
Merge onto I 495
41 mi·55 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 31N-SToward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 31NToward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone BridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto CI
3.1 mi·4 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 33Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New EnglandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto I 295
1.8 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
26
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi·1 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
6.6 mi·8 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
29
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
30
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
31
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.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
35
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
2.0 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 69Toward I 80 West: Paterson, HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Continue on I 80
68 mi·1 hr 20 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
40
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
41
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
42
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
43
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi·2 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
44
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
66 mi·1 hr 17 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: SyracuseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
0.2 mi·17 sec·I 81
Toward SyracuseUse the straight lane.
46
Continue on I-81
0.4 mi·26 sec·I-81
47
Continue on I 81
1.9 mi·2 min·I 81
48
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Adams Street, Harrison StreetUse the slight right lane.
49
Continue on Almond Street
0.3 mi·38 sec·Almond Street
Use the left / slight left / straight / right lanes.
50
Turn left onto NY 92
0.3 mi·36 sec·East Genesee Street
51
At end of road, turn right onto US 11
10 ft·0 sec·South State Street
52
Arrive at destination
US 11
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour and 51-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Montauk to avoid potential traffic, especially on Long Island. While it's feasible as a single-day trip, breaking it up with your two recommended stops will help manage fatigue. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch is over 128 miles; planning fuel stops ahead of time is wise. Given the "turn-heavy local drive" profile, pay close attention to your GPS and any posted signage, especially as you navigate away from the main highways.
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 181.9 miles from Montauk, NY, or about 4h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.5 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 80 miles or 2h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.9 miles or 4h 13m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Syracuse, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Montauk, 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 Montauk, NY
This is one driving day of about 363.8 miles and 7h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Montauk, 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 128.5 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 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 55 and 116.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
55 mi into trip|~1h 29m in
Take the exit toward CR 16 West: Yaphank, Horseblock Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 57N
Toward CR 16 West: Yaphank, Horseblock Road
8
100.9 mi into trip|~2h 32m in
Take the exit toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy Airport
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.
Exit 31N-S
Toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge,...
10
101.1 mi into trip|~2h 32m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 31N
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone B...
8
104.5 mi into trip|~2h 37m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England
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.
Exit 33
Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx,...
8
116.7 mi into trip|~2h 55m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$64.57 one way
$129.13 round trip
$4.51/gal25.4 MPG avg127 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.85
$69.41
$138.82
premium
$5.24
$75.04
$150.07
diesel
$5.35
$76.63
$153.25
Estimated Tolls: $22.83
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New Jersey Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.28
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
$65
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$112–$137
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
109.1
1
$38.20
$17.46
Efficient EV
91
1
$31.83
$14.55
EV Truck/SUV
145.5
1
$50.93
$23.28
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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Montauk, NY
Evening
in Montauk on Wednesday
Local time
5:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Scattered Rain Showers
W 6 mph46% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 1 at 4:50AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Syracuse, NY
Evening
in Syracuse on Wednesday
Local time
5:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Mostly Clear
W 1 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 1 at 4:50AM 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
5 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 51m 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.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 112.9
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 112.9
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 62.7
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
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 112.9
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
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 112.9
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
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 112.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route presents a mixed driving experience, characterized as a "turn-heavy local drive" despite its significant highway segments. While 60% of the drive is on highways like I-81 and the Long Island Expressway, the overall feel suggests a need for attention to navigation and potentially slower speeds during local sections. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 128.5 miles on I-81, offering a period of more consistent travel before transitioning back to more varied road conditions. Expect a dynamic drive that requires you to adapt to different road types and traffic patterns.
60% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
52 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.5 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 55 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 33 significant decision points across 363.8 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 55 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 101.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,822 ft12 ft
Total Climb
2,492 ft
Total Descent
2,123 ft
Highest Point
1,822 ft
~207.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,809 ft
Notable High Points
1,822 ft at ~207.9 miles+760 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Montauk, NY and Syracuse, NY, road signs point toward Cr 16 West: Yaphank, Kennedy Airport, Cross Island Parkway North, Bronx, New England and Upper Level - among others.
Syracuse is a city in Central New York. With a population of 149,000 in city proper and 662,000 in its metro area (2020), Syracuse is the fifth largest city in the state of New York, and the third largest in Upstate New York.
Top landmarks
•Oncenter War Memorial Arena — arena in Syracuse, New York
•Everson Museum of Art — art museum in Syracuse, New York
•Niagara Mohawk Building — historic commercial building in New York, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 51m. Total distance: 363.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 51m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 128.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.83 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 Syracuse, 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. There are 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 55 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 101.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Fire Island National Seashore (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.9 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 Syracuse, NY before the return drive.
