Origin
New York City, NY
Morning in New York City on Sunday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New York City, NY to Watervliet, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 15m
Distance
156.7 mi
252 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
3h 3m
★
6 AM
3h 15m
8 AM
3h 39m
10 AM
3h 23m
12 PM
3h 21m
3 PM
3h 25m
5 PM
3h 38m
8 PM
3h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New York City, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Watervliet, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Trip Overview
New York City to Watervliet is 156.7 miles and takes about 3h 15m via NY 17 and I-787, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, making it a straightforward drive between two points in New York. Given its highway focus and relatively short duration, it's a practical option for a single-day journey. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, so expect a steady pace. Consider this route if you need to get from the metro area up to the Capital Region efficiently.
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
78.4 miles from New York City, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NY 17 | 111.7 mi | 2h 8m |
| NJ 17 | 22.9 mi | 28m |
| I 787 | 8.4 mi | 11m |
| NJ 3 | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Tonnelle Avenue | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| Holland Tunnel | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| NJ 139 Lower Level | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Hudson Street | 0.5 mi | 2m |
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 Watervliet, 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 Jersey
Use 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: Secausus
Use 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: Rutherford
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Use 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: Albany
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 23
Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy
Use the slight right lane.
27
Continue on I 787
8.4 mi
·
11 min
·
I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit onto 8
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
8
Exit 8
Toward Watervliet, Green Island
Use the slight right lane.
29
Turn left onto 23rd Street
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
23rd Street
Use the straight lane.
30
Turn left onto NY 32
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
2nd Avenue
31
Turn left onto NY 2
334 ft
·
9 sec
·
19th Street
Use the left lane.
32
Continue on NY 2
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Congress Street
33
Turn slight right
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
34
Turn right onto Division Street
221 ft
·
6 sec
·
Division Street
35
Continue on Front Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Front Street
36
Turn right onto Congress Street
217 ft
·
10 sec
·
Congress Street
37
Turn right onto NY 2
438 ft
·
12 sec
·
River Street
38
Continue on NY 2
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
19th Street
39
Arrive at destination
NY 2
Trip Plan
With a driving time of just over 3 hours, you have a lot of flexibility on when to depart. Leaving in the morning will get you to Watervliet with plenty of time to spare, but an afternoon departure is also feasible. You'll encounter one primary road, NY 17, for a significant portion of the drive, so keep an eye on your fuel levels as you approach the 111.7-mile mark. While there's only one stop suggested, you can easily make additional breaks as needed given the short duration. Plan for your fuel cost to be around $26 for this trip.
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 78.4 miles from New York City, NY, or about 1h 39m 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 34 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.4 miles or 1h 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 2h 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Watervliet, 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 156.7 miles and 3h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 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 NY 17 for about 111.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 78.4 miles from New York City, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.7 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 235 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 155 — 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
155 mi into trip
|
~3h 10m in
|
8
Take the exit onto 8 toward Watervliet, Green Island
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 8
Toward Watervliet, Green Island
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.79 one way
$51.59 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
55 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $27.89 | $55.78 |
| premium | $4.92 | $30.37 | $60.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.60 | $69.19 |
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
$26
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.8 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 | 0 | $16.45 | $7.52 |
| Efficient EV | 39.2 | 0 | $13.71 | $6.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.7 | 0 | $21.94 | $10.03 |
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
Watervliet, NY
Morning in Watervliet on Sunday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
78 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
3 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
3h 15m 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.
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...
0 mi from route
Free
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument
National Monument
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument
National Monument
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument
National Monument
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Statue Of Liberty National Monument
National Monument
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience a consistent driving pace for the majority of the 156.7 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 111.7 miles, primarily on NY 17, before you transition to NJ 17 and eventually I-787. This means you'll encounter fewer slowdowns and more open road, making for a predictable journey. The character remains largely consistent, prioritizing speed and directness over winding country lanes.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 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 NJ 17. 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 Effort
10/10
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 23 significant decision points across 156.7 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.
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 New York City, NY and Watervliet, NY, road signs point toward New York State Thruway North: Albany and Troy.
New York State Thruway North: Albany
34.6 mi in
|
~49m
|
via NY 17
Troy
146.4 mi in
|
~2h 58m
About the Cities
Starting in New York City, NY
Full guide →“The City That Never Sleeps” · Founded 1624
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
Arriving in Watervliet, NY
Full guide →Founded 1896
Watervliet is a city in Albany County.
Top landmarks
- • Watervliet Arsenal — US Army installation in Watervliet, New York
- • Iron Building — building in Watervliet, 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 15m. Total distance: 156.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 Watervliet, 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 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Watervliet, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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