Traveling from Montour Falls to New York City covers 248.7 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 11 minutes. This highway-focused trip is well-suited for a single day of driving, making it a straightforward connection between the Finger Lakes region and the state's largest metropolis. You should budget approximately $39 for fuel to complete the journey. Because the route is entirely within New York, you will remain in the Northeast region throughout your travels. While it is certainly possible to make the drive in one go, planning for at least one stop will help you stay refreshed for the final approach into the city. It is a practical, efficient route for those looking to trade the quiet of the Southern Tier for the energy of NYC.
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
124.3 miles from Montour Falls, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 196 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,211 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,106
Quietest
1 AM
~488 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.6×
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 Montour Falls, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 14
5.2 mi·5 min·North Catherine Street
2
Continue on NY 14
1.5 mi·3 min·Main Street
3
Continue on NY 14
6.4 mi·8 min·Watkins Road
4
Continue on North Main Street
1.3 mi·2 min·North Main Street
5
Take the ramp onto NY 13
0.2 mi·28 sec·NY 13
6
Merge onto I 86; NY 17; NY 13
64 mi·1 hr 15 min·Southern Tier Expressway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
8
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.
9
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.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
11
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
12
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
14
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
16
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
21
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
22
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
23
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
25
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
27
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
29
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 11-minute journey, try to depart early in the morning to avoid congestion as you approach the city. Since you only need one planned stop to maintain a comfortable pace, use that time to refuel and stretch your legs before hitting the final leg of the trip. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $39 estimate can fluctuate depending on where you choose to fill up along the interstates. Because this route is relatively short, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on traffic reports or personal preference. A helpful tip is to check the status of the Southern Tier Expressway before you leave, as this primary stretch will be your most significant segment of the drive.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 124.3 miles from Montour Falls, NY, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.8 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 55 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.3 miles or 2h 31m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 6m
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 Montour Falls, 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 Montour Falls, NY
This is one driving day of about 248.7 miles and 5h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Montour Falls, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 63.8 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 78.3 and 244 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
78.3 mi into trip|~1h 36m 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
131.7 mi into trip|~2h 39m 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...
6
136.2 mi into trip|~2h 45m in|I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
7
243.8 mi into trip|~4h 59m 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
244 mi into trip|~4h 59m 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
$43.53 one way
$87.06 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$47.17
$94.35
premium
$5.23
$51.21
$102.42
diesel
$6.28
$61.45
$122.90
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
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
$44
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.6
0
$26.11
$11.94
Efficient EV
62.2
0
$21.76
$9.95
EV Truck/SUV
99.5
1
$34.82
$15.92
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Montour Falls, NY
Morning
in Montour Falls on Thursday
Local time
7:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Mostly Clear
N 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Thursday
Local time
7:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
NE 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
22 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
5h 11m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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 248.7
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 248.7
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 248.7
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 248.7
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 248.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by efficient transit, as highways make up 66 percent of your total distance. You will navigate a combination of major arteries including the Southern Tier Expressway, the Keystone Shortway, and I-81 to reach your destination. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 63.8-mile run along the Southern Tier Expressway, which allows for consistent highway speeds. As you transition from the rural landscapes of Montour Falls toward the dense urban environment of New York City, the driving environment shifts from open lanes to the more complex infrastructure of the state's interstate system. Overall, this is a functional, focused drive that prioritizes speed and directness over technical backroads.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.8 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 78.3 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 20 significant decision points across 248.7 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 78.3 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 131.7 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,833 ft34 ft
Total Climb
1,848 ft
Total Descent
2,268 ft
Highest Point
1,833 ft
~159.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,799 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Montour Falls, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Mt Pocono
131.7 mi in|~2h 39m|via US 6
Milford
132.5 mi in|~2h 40m|via I 84; I 380
Newark
224.1 mi in|~4h 31m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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 — monument in New York
•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
Completing this 248.7-mile route in a single day is absolutely doable in under 5 hours, making it a perfect candidate for a quick weekend getaway. Just one break is factored in, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy your destination.
Family Friendly
With a complexity rating of 10/10 and no EV fast chargers, this 248.7-mile route requires careful planning for families. The 5-hour drive time might be a stretch for younger kids without significant entertainment, and the lack of charging infrastructure adds another layer of logistical challenge.
Solo Traveler
This 248.7-mile drive is a long haul for a single day, but the highway-focused profile means you can cover it in about 5 hours without too much engagement. You'll have one planned break, which is manageable for a solo journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.8 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 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 78.3 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 131.7 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 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.
