Origin
Nassau, NY
Morning in Nassau on Tuesday
Local time
8:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Nassau, NY to Syracuse, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 9m
Distance
157 mi
253 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 58m
★
6 AM
3h 9m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 17m
12 PM
3h 15m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 31m
8 PM
3h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Nassau, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Syracuse, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 157-mile drive from Nassau, NY, to Syracuse, NY, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 9 minutes. With 98% of the route on highways, it's a quick and efficient trip, making it ideal for a single-day adventure. The estimated fuel cost is around $26, and you'll primarily be on I-90 and US Highway 20. This highway-focused drive is perfect if you're looking to get from point A to point B without much fuss, offering a practical way to travel within the Northeast region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
78.5 miles from Nassau, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 | 142.9 mi | 2h 46m |
| US Highway 20 | 4.3 mi | 7m |
| I 690 | 4.1 mi | 5m |
| I 481 | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| Albany Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| South State Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| North Townsend Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| East Water Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 142.9 mi, about 2h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nassau, NY and Syracuse, NY.
1
Start on this road
139 ft
·
15 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto US 20
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
Albany Avenue
3
Continue on US 20
4.3 mi
·
7 min
·
US Highway 20
4
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
Toward I 90 West: Albany
5
Merge onto I 90
14 mi
·
18 min
·
I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
128 mi
·
2 hr 28 min
·
I 90
7
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 34A
Toward I 481: Syracuse, Oswego
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 481 South: Syracuse, Fairgrounds, Binghamton
9
Merge onto I 481
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
I 481
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 690 West: Syracuse, Fairgrounds
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Continue on I 690
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
I 690
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 13
Toward Townsend Street, Downtown
Use the slight right lane.
13
Turn left onto North Townsend Street
501 ft
·
16 sec
·
North Townsend Street
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto East Water Street
479 ft
·
16 sec
·
East Water Street
15
Turn left onto US 11
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
South State Street
Use the straight lane.
16
Arrive at destination
US 11
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 9-minute duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Starting early can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Syracuse. With only one stop recommended, you can plan for a brief break or fuel-up during the 142.9-mile stretch on I-90. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the majority of the drive is on high-speed highways where services can be spaced further apart. The estimated fuel cost of $26 is a good budget point to consider.
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 78.5 miles from Nassau, NY, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.9 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 35 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.5 miles or 1h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 33m
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 Nassau, 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 Nassau, NY
This is one driving day of about 157 miles and 3h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Nassau, 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 90 for about 142.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
79 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 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 78.5 miles from Nassau, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 142.9 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 125 decision points cluster between mile 148.1 and 156.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
148.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m in
Take the exit toward I 481: Syracuse, Oswego
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 34A
Toward I 481: Syracuse, Oswego
7
151.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 690 West: Syracuse, Fairgrounds
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 690 West: Syracuse, Fairgrounds
8
156.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 7m in
Take the exit toward Townsend Street, Downtown
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 13
Toward Townsend Street, Downtown
7
156.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
|
North Townsend Street
Turn left onto North Townsend Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
156.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
|
US 11 / South State Street
Turn left onto US 11 / South State Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.84 one way
$51.69 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
55 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $27.94 | $55.89 |
| premium | $4.92 | $30.43 | $60.86 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.66 | $69.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 47.1 | 0 | $16.49 | $7.54 |
| Efficient EV | 39.3 | 0 | $13.74 | $6.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.8 | 0 | $21.98 | $10.05 |
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Syracuse, NY
Morning in Syracuse on Tuesday
Local time
8:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°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
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
3h 9m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this 157-mile route, with 98% of your travel occurring on interstates and major highways like I-90 and I-690. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 142.9 miles on I-90, meaning long periods of consistent driving. While primarily a highway experience, parts of US Highway 20 will offer a slight variation. The overall character is one of efficient travel, designed to cover ground quickly rather than for leisurely sightseeing.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 142.9 mi on I 90.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and US Highway 20. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 148.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 157 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 148.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 156.4 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Nassau, NY and Syracuse, NY, road signs point toward Oswego, Fairgrounds and Binghamton.
Oswego
148.1 mi in
|
~2h 55m
Fairgrounds
148.9 mi in
|
~2h 57m
Binghamton
148.9 mi in
|
~2h 57m
About the Cities
Starting in Nassau, NY
Full guide →Founded 1806
Arriving in Syracuse, NY
Full guide →Founded 1848
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
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 3h 9m. Total distance: 157 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 142.9 miles on I 90. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 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 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 148.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 156.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Syracuse, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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