Embarking on the 346-mile journey from New York City to Potsdam takes you through the heart of New York State, spanning approximately 7 hours and 32 minutes of drive time. While manageable as a single-day trip, the duration makes for a long haul, so be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. You will navigate via NY 17, the Adirondack Northway, and State Highway 56, which keeps you primarily within the Northeast region. Budgeting around $55 for fuel is a solid starting point for your planning. Whether you choose to power through in one go or break it up depends on your stamina, but the route is straightforward enough to handle in a single session if you start early.
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
173 miles from New York City, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
111.7 mi
2h 8m
Adirondack Northway
71 mi
1h 22m
State Highway 56
31.4 mi
47m
State Highway 28N
30.3 mi
43m
NJ 17
22.9 mi
28m
Adirondack Trail
19.3 mi
27m
State Route 3
14.8 mi
20m
I 787
9 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New York City, NY and Potsdam, 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
4.3 mi·5 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·3 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on NJ 17
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on NJ 17
4.1 mi·5 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
23
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
24
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
25
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
112 mi·2 hr 8 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 23Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, TroyUse the slight right lane.
27
Continue on I 787
9.0 mi·12 min·I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 787
0.4 mi·29 sec·NY 787
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 9WToward NY 7 West: Schenectady, Saratoga SpringsUse the right lane.
30
Merge onto NY 7
3.1 mi·3 min·NY 7
31
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 North: Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls
32
Merge onto I 87
71 mi·1 hr 22 min·Adirondack Northway
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 26Toward US 9: Pottersville, Minerva
34
Turn left onto Valley Farm Road
0.4 mi·50 sec·Valley Farm Road
35
At end of road, turn right onto US 9
0.2 mi·32 sec·US 9
36
Turn slight left onto CR 19
4.8 mi·7 min·Olmstedville Road
37
Continue on CR 29
1.2 mi·1 min·County Highway 29
38
Keep slight right at fork onto Donnelly Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Donnelly Road
39
Continue on CR 30
2.8 mi·4 min·A P Morse Highway
40
Turn straight onto NY 28N
30 mi·41 min·State Highway 28N
41
Continue on NY 28N
2.5 mi·3 min·Newcomb Road
42
Continue on NY 28N
0.7 mi·1 min·State Highway 28N
43
Turn right onto NY 30
0.4 mi·52 sec·Adirondack Trail
44
Turn slight left onto NY 30
0.3 mi·39 sec·Lake Street
45
Continue on NY 30
18 mi·25 min·Adirondack Trail
46
Continue on NY 30
0.5 mi·46 sec·Moody Road
47
Continue on NY 30
0.8 mi·1 min·Adirondack Trail
48
Continue on NY 30
1.9 mi·3 min·Wawbeek Avenue
49
Turn right onto NY 30
0.2 mi·33 sec·Park Street
50
Turn left onto NY 3
282 ft·13 sec·Mill Street
51
Turn right onto NY 3
0.1 mi·24 sec·Lake Street
52
Continue on NY 3
1.2 mi·2 min·Demars Boulevard
53
Continue on NY 3
1.0 mi·2 min·Main Street
54
Continue on NY 3
15 mi·20 min·State Route 3
55
Turn right onto NY 56
31 mi·47 min·State Highway 56
56
Continue on NY 56
1.0 mi·2 min·Pierrepont Avenue
57
Continue on Park Street
446 ft·16 sec·Park Street
58
At end of road, turn right onto US 11
283 ft·10 sec·Elm Street
59
Arrive at destination
NY 11B
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 346-mile trip, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential congestion on the initial highway segments. You should plan for at least two intentional stops to stretch your legs and manage fatigue, especially given the lengthy 111.7-mile stretch on NY 17. Since the route is highway-heavy, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the more isolated stretches of the Adirondack Northway to avoid unexpected pit stops. Flexibility is your best asset here; if the seven-and-a-half-hour drive feels daunting, consider planning a mid-way break to keep your energy levels consistent. Prioritize checking road conditions on the Adirondack Northway before you leave, as regional weather can impact travel times significantly.
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 173 miles from New York City, NY, or about 3h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 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 76 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 173 miles or 3h 32m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Potsdam, 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 346 miles and 7h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 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 NY 17 for about 111.7 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 156 — 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
8
11.2 mi into trip|~19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
8
34.6 mi into trip|~49m in|NY 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17 toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State...
8
146.4 mi into trip|~2h 58m in
Take the exit toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy
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 23
Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy
8
156 mi into trip|~3h 11m in
Take the exit toward NY 7 West: Schenectady, Saratoga Springs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 9W
Toward NY 7 West: Schenectady, Saratoga Springs
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.95 one way
$113.91 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg121 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$61.59
$123.17
premium
$4.92
$67.06
$134.12
diesel
$5.61
$76.39
$152.78
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
$57
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$98–$123
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
103.8
1
$36.33
$16.61
Efficient EV
86.5
0
$30.28
$13.84
EV Truck/SUV
138.4
1
$48.44
$22.14
Gas CO2
121 kg
EV CO2
40 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
Morning
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
8:04 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
Potsdam, NY
Morning
in Potsdam on Sunday
Local time
8:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°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
8 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 32m 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?
This highway-focused drive is defined by a 67% highway share, offering a mix of high-speed transit and regional connectivity. You will encounter your longest stretch of continuous driving on NY 17, which spans 111.7 miles of the journey. As you transition from the city toward the North Country, the road character shifts from dense urban thoroughfares to the more open, flowing stretches of the Adirondack Northway. Expect a steady, predictable pace for the majority of the trip, though the final segments on State Highway 56 will require more focused attention as you navigate toward Potsdam. It is a functional, efficient route that prioritizes getting you to your destination without unnecessary detours.
67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
59 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.7 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and Adirondack Northway. 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 31 significant decision points across 346 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 11.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,705 ft34 ft
Total Climb
2,102 ft
Total Descent
1,704 ft
Highest Point
1,705 ft
~273.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,671 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 Potsdam, NY, road signs point toward New York State Thruway North: Albany, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls and Minerva.
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
A full-day, 7.5-hour drive covering 346 miles, this route is feasible for a weekend trip, though the 10/10 complexity means you'll want to be prepared for navigation.
Family Friendly
With a 10/10 complexity and 346 miles to cover in 7.5 hours, families should plan for entertainment, as there are only 2 natural rest stops and no EV fast chargers.
Solo Traveler
This 346-mile drive is manageable for a solo traveler, especially with two planned breaks, offering an engaging highway-focused experience for most of the 7.5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111.7 miles on NY 17. 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 Potsdam, 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 11.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 7.5 hours each way, a round trip means 15.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Potsdam, NY before the return drive.
