Traveling from New York City to Lakewood, NY, covers approximately 370.5 miles and requires about 7 hours and 53 minutes of travel time. While it is technically possible to complete this journey in one day, it is a significant push that demands your full attention behind the wheel. You should budget roughly $58 for fuel to make the trip happen. The route transitions from the Northeast urban landscape toward the more localized, turn-heavy roads of the interior. Because of the duration, you will want to plan for at least 2 stops to break up the drive. This trip works best if you are prepared for a full day on the road rather than a casual morning cruise.
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
185.3 miles from New York City, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
200 mi
3h 44m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
Jackson Run Road
12.5 mi
17m
US 219
12.3 mi
18m
NJ 3
10.9 mi
13m
US 46
10.8 mi
12m
Montmorenci Road
8.8 mi
13m
PA 948
8.6 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 200 mi, about 3h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New York City, NY and Lakewood, NY.
1
Start on Broadway
79 ft·7 sec·Broadway
2
Turn right onto Chambers Street
0.1 mi·26 sec·Chambers Street
3
Turn right onto Church Street
215 ft·16 sec·Church Street
4
Turn left onto Reade Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·Reade Street
5
Turn right onto Hudson Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Hudson Street
6
Keep slight right at fork onto Hudson Street
0.2 mi·38 sec·Hudson Street
7
Take the exit
406 ft·14 sec
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 78
1.8 mi·3 min·Holland Tunnel
9
Continue on I 78
0.4 mi·1 min·14th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139
0.3 mi·24 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
11
Continue on NJ 139
0.8 mi·1 min·NJ 139 Lower Level
12
Continue on NJ 139
406 ft·7 sec·Pulaski Skyway
13
Take the exit
420 ft·14 sec
Toward US 1-9 North: SecaususUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
2.6 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Turn straight onto NJ 3
11 mi·13 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto US 46
11 mi·12 min·US 46
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap
18
Continue on I 80W
1.6 mi·1 min·Interstate 80 West
Toward I 287: Morristown, MahwahUse the straight / slight left lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water GapUse the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto I 80
45 mi·52 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
195 mi·3 hr 35 min·Keystone Shortway
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·32 sec
25
Turn straight onto PA 153
7.5 mi·13 min·State Park Road
26
Continue on PA 153
5.0 mi·8 min·Hoovertown Road
27
Continue on PA 153
3.7 mi·6 min·Penfield Road
28
At end of road, turn right onto US 219
12 mi·18 min·US 219
29
Turn right onto PA 948
1.0 mi·2 min·Montmorenci Avenue
30
Continue on PA 948
8.8 mi·13 min·Montmorenci Road
31
Continue on PA 948
5.4 mi·7 min·Highland Road
32
At end of road, turn left onto PA 66
2.7 mi·3 min·Kane-Russell City Road
33
Take the exit onto PA 948
8.6 mi·12 min·PA 948
34
Continue on PA 666
2.3 mi·4 min·PA 666
35
At end of road, turn left onto US 6
1.2 mi·2 min·West Main Street
36
Continue on US 6
4.5 mi·6 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
37
Continue on US 6
1.4 mi·2 min·South Main Street
38
Continue on US 6
2.9 mi·4 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
39
Continue on US 6
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
40
Continue on US 6
1.8 mi·3 min·Crescent Park
Use the straight lane.
41
Continue on Crescent Park
0.4 mi·1 min·Crescent Park
Use the right lane.
42
Turn right onto Hickory Bridge
0.1 mi·17 sec·Hickory Bridge
Use the right lane.
43
Continue on Hickory Street
0.2 mi·25 sec·Hickory Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
44
Turn right onto US 62
0.2 mi·23 sec·West 4th Avenue
45
Turn left onto US 62
2.1 mi·2 min·Market Street
46
Turn left onto PA 69
8.8 mi·12 min·Jackson Run Road
47
Continue on PA 69
0.2 mi·23 sec·Main Street
48
Continue on PA 69
3.6 mi·5 min·Jackson Run Road
49
Continue on PA 69
0.3 mi·38 sec·Mechanic Street
50
At end of road, turn right onto PA 69; PA 957
403 ft·13 sec·Main Street
51
Turn left onto PA 69
0.6 mi·1 min·Forrest Street
52
Continue on PA 69
1.0 mi·1 min·Big Tree Road
53
Continue on CR 69
3.9 mi·6 min·Big Tree-Sugar Grove Road
54
Continue on CR 69
2.6 mi·3 min·Big Tree Road
55
Continue on West Summit Street
0.9 mi·3 min·West Summit Street
56
Arrive at destination
West Summit Street
Trip Plan
To keep your energy high, plan your departure early in the morning to avoid the worst of the traffic before you hit the longer, 200-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway. Since the route is turn-heavy, stay alert on the local segments where the driving rhythm changes frequently. Aim for at least 2 strategic stops to refuel and stretch your legs, ensuring you stay well within your $58 fuel budget. Because this is a 7 hour and 53 minute trip, keeping your pace steady is essential to avoiding fatigue. A concrete tip for this drive is to prioritize your fuel stops along the highway portions, as local road segments may offer fewer convenient options for a quick refill.
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 185.3 miles from New York City, NY, or about 3h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 200 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 82 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 185.3 miles or 3h 39m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakewood, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New York City, 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 New York City, NY
This is one driving day of about 370.5 miles and 7h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from New York City, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 200 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 0.8 and 30.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
0.8 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
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 I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
6
3 mi into trip|~8m in|NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
6
4.3 mi into trip|~10m in|US 1; US 9 / Tonnelle Avenue
Turn right onto US 1; US 9 / Tonnelle Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
30.3 mi into trip|~41m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West: Delaware Water Gap
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water Gap
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.99 one way
$121.97 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg130 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$65.95
$131.89
premium
$4.92
$71.81
$143.62
diesel
$5.61
$81.80
$163.60
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
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
$61
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$102–$127
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 129.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
111.1
1
$38.90
$17.78
Efficient EV
92.6
1
$32.42
$14.82
EV Truck/SUV
148.2
1
$51.87
$23.71
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
43 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
New York City, NY
Night
in New York City on Saturday
Local time
9:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
E 6 to 14 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
Destination
Lakewood, NY
Night
in Lakewood on Saturday
Local time
9:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Waverly, NY
185 mi in
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
16 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 53m 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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a varied driving experience that shifts from major thoroughfares to more technical local navigation. Only about 13% of this route consists of highway driving, meaning you will spend the bulk of your time on secondary roads. You will encounter your longest uninterrupted period while covering 200 miles on the Keystone Shortway, which provides a steady rhythm before the route turns into a turn-heavy local drive. Navigating segments like the Christopher Columbus Highway and Jackson Run Road requires more focus than a standard interstate trek. Be ready for the character of the road to evolve as you move away from the high-speed highway stretches and transition into the tighter, more localized segments of the journey.
Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
56 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 200 mi on Keystone Shortway.
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 0.8 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 370.5 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 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles (NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,030 ft34 ft
Total Climb
4,560 ft
Total Descent
3,266 ft
Highest Point
2,030 ft
~317.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,995 ft
Notable High Points
928 ft at ~52.9 miles+505 ft prominence
1,868 ft at ~105.9 miles+793 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between New York City, NY and Lakewood, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Penfield.
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 — American icon in New York, United States
•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
While it's a full 7h 53m, this 370-mile route is definitely feasible for a weekend trip, allowing you to complete it in a single day. Just be prepared for the 10/10 complexity.
Family Friendly
With a 10/10 complexity and 370 miles of turn-heavy local driving, this route demands attention. Plan for entertainment for the kids, as the two natural rest stops might not be enough to break up the 7h 53m drive.
Solo Traveler
This 7-hour, 370-mile drive is manageable for a solo traveler, especially with two planned breaks. The 10/10 complexity means you'll need to stay focused, but the turn-heavy local roads offer an engaging experience.
Scenic Drive
This 370-mile route is primarily non-highway, with only 13% on the highway, making it a great option for those seeking a scenic, local driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 200 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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 Lakewood, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles (NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 7.9 hours each way, a round trip means 15.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lakewood, NY before the return drive.
