Traveling from New York City to Mattydale covers 254.8 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 12 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is manageable in a single day, you can easily complete it without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $40 for fuel to cover the trip, though this can vary based on your vehicle's efficiency. The route primarily utilizes I-81, I-380, and the Christopher Columbus Highway to navigate out of the city and through the Northeast region. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that connects the urban landscape of NYC to the suburban setting of Mattydale. Whether you are heading up for business or a visit, the simplicity of this path makes it a practical choice for a one-day excursion.
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
127.4 miles from New York City, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
130.5 mi
2h 34m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
NJ 3
10.9 mi
13m
US 46
10.8 mi
12m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.8 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 130.5 mi, about 2h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New York City, NY and Mattydale, 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
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
23
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
24
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
25
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi·2 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
27
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.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
0.2 mi·17 sec·I 81
Toward SyracuseUse the straight lane.
29
Continue on I-81
0.4 mi·26 sec·I-81
30
Continue on I 81
3.9 mi·5 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
31
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Exit 22Toward Court StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork
290 ft·9 sec
Toward Court StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Turn straight onto Sunset Avenue
285 ft·8 sec·Sunset Avenue
34
Turn right onto NY 298
0.7 mi·1 min·Court Street
35
Turn left onto Grant Boulevard
0.4 mi·58 sec·Grant Boulevard
36
Turn right onto US 11
0.7 mi·1 min·Wolf Street
37
Continue on US 11
0.9 mi·1 min·Brewerton Road
38
Arrive at destination
US 11
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth trip, aim to depart early to avoid the heaviest traffic patterns typical of the New York City area. Since the entire drive takes just over 5 hours, you only need to plan for one major stop to refuel and stretch your legs, keeping your travel time efficient. Keep in mind that the long 130.5-mile stretch on I-81 is the core of your trip, so ensure your vehicle is prepped for sustained highway speeds before you leave. Because this is a one-day drive, you have the flexibility to choose your own departure time based on your personal preference for morning or afternoon travel. Always monitor your fuel gauge ahead of that long I-81 segment to avoid unnecessary delays during your transit.
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 127.4 miles from New York City, NY, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 130.5 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 56 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.4 miles or 2h 38m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mattydale, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from New York City, NY
This is one driving day of about 254.8 miles and 5h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from New York City, 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 130.5 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 252 — 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
7
4.2 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
7
180.8 mi into trip|~3h 42m in|I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 North: Syracuse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
7
247.3 mi into trip|~4h 59m in|I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward Syracuse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Syracuse
8
252 mi into trip|~5h 6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Court Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Court Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.94 one way
$83.88 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$45.35
$90.70
premium
$4.92
$49.39
$98.77
diesel
$5.61
$56.26
$112.51
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
$42
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.4
0
$26.75
$12.23
Efficient EV
63.7
0
$22.29
$10.19
EV Truck/SUV
101.9
1
$35.67
$16.31
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
11:11 AM
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
Mattydale, NY
Morning
in Mattydale on Sunday
Local time
11:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°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
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
5h 12m 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...
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?
This trip is heavily centered on major interstates, with highway driving accounting for 72% of the journey. You will spend the vast majority of your time on high-speed roads, providing a consistent, predictable pace for the duration of the 5-hour drive. The most significant portion of your time behind the wheel will be spent on I-81, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 130.5 miles. While the route is efficient, expect a standard interstate experience rather than a winding backroads adventure. As you transition from the dense traffic near New York City onto these major highways, the drive settles into a steady, highway-focused rhythm that remains consistent until you reach your destination in Mattydale.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 130.5 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. 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 28 significant decision points across 254.8 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 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 180.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,904 ft34 ft
Total Climb
2,798 ft
Total Descent
2,428 ft
Highest Point
1,904 ft
~109.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,870 ft
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 Mattydale, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Albany.
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
Absolutely doable as a same-day drive for a weekend getaway, this route clocks in at just over 5 hours and 254.8 miles. Just be prepared for a 10/10 complexity rating which might make the return trip a bit more taxing.
Family Friendly
With a 10/10 complexity rating, this route might be challenging for families navigating with kids. Plan for plenty of entertainment as the 5h 12m drive is mostly highway and might not offer many engaging roadside stops for little ones.
Solo Traveler
This 5h 12m drive is a solid option for a solo trip, offering mostly highway cruising without excessive complexity. While 254.8 miles is manageable, factor in at least one break to stay alert.
First-Time Driver
This 254.8-mile, 5h 12m drive is primarily highway, which is good for a first-time driver, but the 10/10 complexity means you'll need to be extra attentive. It's a long haul for a single day without much opportunity for scenic detours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 130.5 miles on I 81. 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 Mattydale, 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 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 180.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 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 Mattydale, NY before the return drive.
