New York City to Nichols is 265.3 miles and takes about 5h 27m via Keystone Shortway and US 15, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, beginning and ending in New York State. The route offers a blend of highway cruising and surface road travel, making it a manageable single-day excursion. You'll find the drive straightforward, with a good portion on main roads that should keep your pace consistent.
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
132.6 miles from New York City, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
100.3 mi
1h 56m
US 15
61 mi
1h 7m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
US Highway 15
11.7 mi
16m
NJ 3
10.9 mi
13m
US 46
10.8 mi
12m
Route 49
6.6 mi
11m
Westbranch Highway
2.6 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 100.3 mi, about 1h 56m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 274 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,528 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,297
Quietest
1 AM
~394 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 New York City, NY and Nichols, 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
95 mi·1 hr 48 min·Keystone Shortway
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 210A-BToward US 15: Lewisburg, WilliamsportUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·40 sec
Exit 210BToward US 15 North: Williamsport
25
Merge onto US 15
2.6 mi·3 min·Westbranch Highway
26
Continue on US 15
12 mi·16 min·US Highway 15
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on US 15
1.1 mi·1 min·Montgomery Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on US 15
0.6 mi·1 min·Hastings Street
29
Continue on US 15
0.4 mi·58 sec·Market Street
Use the left lane.
30
Take the exit onto US 15
0.2 mi·31 sec·US 15
Use the left lane.
31
Merge onto I 180; US 15; US 220
1.6 mi·2 min·Susquehanna Beltway
32
Keep slight right at fork onto US 15
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·US 15
Exit 29Toward US 15 North: MansfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 196Toward PA 49: Elkland, LawrencevilleUse the slight right lane.
34
Turn left onto PA 49
6.6 mi·11 min·Route 49
Use the straight lane.
35
Turn right onto Lakeview Drive
0.2 mi·20 sec·Lakeview Drive
36
Turn left onto Marsh Road
1.6 mi·3 min·Marsh Road
37
Continue on County Route 86
1.0 mi·2 min·County Route 86
38
Turn sharp left onto Mack Road
0.2 mi·38 sec·Mack Road
39
Arrive at destination
Mack Road
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 27m estimated drive time, leaving New York City in the morning should allow you to reach Nichols with plenty of daylight. The route has only one recommended stop, suggesting it's designed for a direct trip, but you can always add breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially since the estimated cost is $47. Since this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility to depart a bit later if weather or traffic in NYC is a concern, but aim to start before midday to ensure a comfortable arrival.
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 132.6 miles from New York City, NY, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100.3 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 58 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.6 miles or 2h 42m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nichols, 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 265.3 miles and 5h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 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 Keystone Shortway for about 100.3 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 255.3 — 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
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
8
175.5 mi into trip|~3h 31m in
Take the exit toward US 15: Lewisburg, Williamsport
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 210A-B
Toward US 15: Lewisburg, Williamsport
8
194.5 mi into trip|~4h in|US 15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 15 toward US 15 North: Mansfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 29
Toward US 15 North: Mansfield
8
255.3 mi into trip|~5h 7m in
Take the exit toward PA 49: Elkland, Lawrenceville
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 196
Toward PA 49: Elkland, Lawrenceville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.44 one way
$92.88 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$50.32
$100.65
premium
$5.23
$54.63
$109.25
diesel
$6.28
$65.55
$131.10
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
$46
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.6
0
$27.86
$12.73
Efficient EV
66.3
0
$23.21
$10.61
EV Truck/SUV
106.1
1
$37.14
$16.98
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Saturday
Local time
6:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
NE 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Nichols, NY
Morning
in Nichols on Saturday
Local time
6:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
NW 0 to 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
62°F
Litchfield, NY
133 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 27m 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?
With 39% of this 265.3-mile drive on highways, you'll experience a mix of conditions. The longest uninterrupted stretch on a highway is 100.3 miles on the Keystone Shortway. Expect to transition from more developed highway environments to surface roads, which will likely involve more frequent intersections and potentially slower speeds as you approach your destination.
39% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100.3 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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 29 significant decision points across 265.3 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 175.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,054 ft34 ft
Total Climb
4,069 ft
Total Descent
2,652 ft
Highest Point
2,054 ft
~227.4 mi in
Elevation Range
2,020 ft
Notable High Points
1,945 ft at ~94.7 miles+771 ft prominence
2,054 ft at ~227.4 miles+823 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 Nichols, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Williamsport.
Del Water Gap
28.5 mi in|~39m
Mahwah
28.8 mi in|~39m|via I 80W
Williamsport
175.5 mi in|~3h 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
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 27m. Total distance: 265.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 100.3 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.
Yes — we found about 30 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 Nichols, 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 175.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Nichols, NY before the return drive.
