Montezuma, NY to Oyster Bay, NY is 294.7 miles and takes about 6h 19m via I 81 and I 380, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, primarily traversing New York State. Expect a mix of highway driving and surface roads, making it a manageable one-day excursion. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a direct trip when you need to get from point A to point B efficiently.
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
147.3 miles from Montezuma, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
98.8 mi
1h 57m
Keystone Shortway
80 mi
1h 37m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Northern Boulevard
14.5 mi
24m
East Lake Road
9.9 mi
14m
State Highway 41
9.8 mi
13m
Clark Street Road
9.4 mi
10m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 336 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,190 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,979
Quietest
1 AM
~446 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Montezuma, NY and Oyster Bay, NY.
1
Start on Erie Street
198 ft·11 sec·Erie Street
2
Turn right onto NY 90
0.3 mi·27 sec·NY 90
3
Turn right onto NY 90
3.7 mi·5 min·NY 90
4
Turn left onto US 20; NY 5
9.4 mi·10 min·Clark Street Road
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn right onto State Street
226 ft·12 sec·State Street
6
Turn left onto Dill Street
0.1 mi·21 sec·Dill Street
7
Continue on Loop Road
458 ft·16 sec·Loop Road
8
Turn left onto Genesee Street
5.5 mi·9 min·Genesee Street
9
Continue on US 20
2.2 mi·4 min·West Genesee Street Road
10
Turn right onto NY 41
0.5 mi·45 sec·East Lake Street
11
Continue on NY 41
9.4 mi·13 min·East Lake Road
12
Continue on NY 41
4.8 mi·7 min·State Route 41
13
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi·49 sec·East Lake Road
14
Continue on NY 41
9.8 mi·13 min·State Highway 41
15
Turn right onto NY 281
1.2 mi·2 min·North West Street
16
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Use the left lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
18
Merge onto I 81
45 mi·54 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
20
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.
21
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.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
23
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
24
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·5 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
28
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
30
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
32
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
33
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
35
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
37
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
39
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
41
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
42
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 5Toward NY 25A: Northern BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Continue on Clearview Expressway
457 ft·17 sec·Clearview Expressway
46
Turn left onto NY 25A
15 mi·24 min·Northern Boulevard
Use the left lane.
47
Turn left onto NY 106
0.3 mi·29 sec·Jericho Oyster Bay Road
48
Turn straight onto NY 106
0.5 mi·46 sec·Oyster Bay Road
49
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 106
260 ft·4 sec·Oyster Bay Road
50
Continue on NY 106
0.9 mi·1 min·Pine Hollow Road
Use the left lane.
51
Continue on NY 106
105 ft·5 sec·South Street
52
Turn right onto Berry Hill Road
112 ft·9 sec·Berry Hill Road
53
Continue on Berry Hill Road
64 ft·2 sec·Berry Hill Road
54
Arrive at destination
Berry Hill Road
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour drive time, leaving in the morning will allow you to reach Oyster Bay well before evening. You'll want to plan for your single recommended stop strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you need to refuel. The fuel cost estimate of $49 suggests keeping an eye on gas prices as you travel. Since this is a one-day trip with a moderate distance, you have flexibility; however, be aware that the transition from highway to surface roads will slow your progress, so factor that into your arrival time.
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 147.3 miles from Montezuma, NY, or about 3h 11m 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 65 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147.3 miles or 3h 11m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oyster Bay, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Montezuma, 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 Montezuma, NY
This is one driving day of about 294.7 miles and 6h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Montezuma, 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 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 93.9 and 271.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
93.9 mi into trip|~2h 7m 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
147.3 mi into trip|~3h 11m 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
261.8 mi into trip|~5h 27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Ne...
9
262.1 mi into trip|~5h 27m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
8
271.5 mi into trip|~5h 41m in|I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.58 one way
$103.17 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg103 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$55.90
$111.80
premium
$5.23
$60.68
$121.36
diesel
$6.28
$72.82
$145.63
Estimated Tolls: $22.55
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
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
$52
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$99–$124
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
88.4
1
$30.94
$14.15
Efficient EV
73.7
0
$25.79
$11.79
EV Truck/SUV
117.9
1
$41.26
$18.86
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Montezuma, NY
Late night
in Montezuma on Friday
Local time
5:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Sunny
W 1 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Oyster Bay, NY
Late night
in Oyster Bay on Friday
Local time
5:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Sunny
NE 6 to 9 mph0% 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
4 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
6h 19m 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.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
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...
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
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human r...
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
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 53% highway, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on interstates like I 81 and I 380. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 98.8 miles on I 81. After the main highways, you'll transition to mostly surface roads for the remainder of the trip. Be prepared for a change in pace as you move from faster highway cruising to more local traffic and potentially more intersections on the latter half of the drive.
Only 53% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
54 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 93.9 miles in near I 81.
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 294.7 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 93.9 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.3 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 261.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,903 ft18 ft
Total Climb
2,188 ft
Total Descent
2,538 ft
Highest Point
1,903 ft
~168.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,885 ft
Notable High Points
1,903 ft at ~168.4 miles+916 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Montezuma, NY and Oyster Bay, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level.
Oyster Bay is one of three towns in Nassau County, on Long Island, New York.
The town of Oyster Bay comprises a large portion of eastern Nassau County and includes a slew of villages and other communities. This article covers North Oyster Bay – the area closest to Oyster Bay itself (in other words, everything that is north of the Long Island Expressway). See South Oyster Bay for the southern half of the town (in other words, the area south of the expressway). See the article for Glen Cove for communities in the northwest part of the town that are closest to that city.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 19m. Total distance: 294.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 19m 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 $22.55 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 Oyster Bay, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 93.9 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.3 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 261.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Harriet Tubman National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Oyster Bay, NY before the return drive.
