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Trip from Northport, NY to Syracuse, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h

Distance

286.9 mi

462 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 47m ★
6 AM
6h 0m
8 AM
6h 26m
10 AM
6h 9m
12 PM
6h 7m
3 PM
6h 11m
5 PM
6h 25m
8 PM
5h 52m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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village in Huntington, New York, United States of America

Northport, NY

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States

Syracuse, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 286.9-mile drive from Northport, NY to Syracuse, NY takes approximately 6 hours, making it a manageable one-day trip. The route primarily utilizes I-81, Christopher Columbus Highway, and I-380, with 59% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $47 for this journey. Given the distance and duration, it's a solid option for a single-day adventure, though you could certainly break it up if you prefer a more leisurely pace. This trip keeps you within the Northeast region, traversing familiar New York landscapes.

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

143.5 miles from Northport, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 128.5 mi 2h 31m
Christopher Columbus Highway 68.2 mi 1h 20m
I 380 27.7 mi 30m
Northern Boulevard 17.4 mi 28m
Keystone Shortway 17.3 mi 24m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
East Main Street 3.8 mi 7m
Cross Island Parkway 2.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 128.5 mi, about 2h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Northport, NY and Syracuse, NY.

1

Start on Main Street

0.5 mi · 51 sec · Main Street
2

Turn left onto Woodbine Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Woodbine Avenue
3

At end of road, turn right onto NY 25A

1.0 mi · 1 min · Fort Salonga Road
4

Continue on NY 25A

3.8 mi · 7 min · East Main Street
5

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 25A

267 ft · 6 sec · Main Street
6

Continue on Lawrence Hill Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Lawrence Hill Road
7

Continue on Lawrence Hill Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Lawrence Hill Road
8

At end of road, turn left onto NY 25A

17 mi · 28 min · Northern Boulevard
Use the left lane.
9

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto CI

2.3 mi · 3 min · Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 33 Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto I 295

1.8 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge
13

Continue on I 295

0.7 mi · 1 min · Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 295

6.6 mi · 8 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
16

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.6 mi · 59 sec · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
17

Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.5 mi · 48 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
18

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.6 mi · 39 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP

0.1 mi · 8 sec · I 95 EXPR; NJTP
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
22

Merge onto I 95; NJTP

2.0 mi · 2 min · New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 69 Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Continue on I 80

68 mi · 1 hr 20 min · Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

5.5 mi · 8 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

12 mi · 15 min · Keystone Shortway
27

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 46 sec
Exit 293 Toward I 380 North: Scranton
28

Continue on I 380

28 mi · 30 min · I 380
Use the straight lane.
29

Merge onto I 81

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
30

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
31

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

66 mi · 1 hr 17 min · I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

0.2 mi · 17 sec · I 81
Toward Syracuse Use the straight lane.
33

Continue on I-81

0.4 mi · 26 sec · I-81
34

Continue on I 81

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 81
35

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward Adams Street, Harrison Street Use the slight right lane.
36

Continue on Almond Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Almond Street
Use the left / slight left / straight / right lanes.
37

Turn left onto NY 92

0.3 mi · 36 sec · East Genesee Street
38

At end of road, turn right onto US 11

10 ft · 0 sec · South State Street
39

Arrive at destination

US 11

Trip Plan

For this 6-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Northport to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic. With only one suggested stop and a longest stretch of 128.5 miles, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, and budget approximately $47 for gas. Since this is a feasible day trip, you have the flexibility to stop as needed, but ensure you're prepared for the steady pace of the primary highways like I-81.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 143.5 miles from Northport, NY, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.5 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 63 miles or 1h 32m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 143.5 miles or 3h 10m 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 58m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Syracuse, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Northport, 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 Northport, NY

This is one driving day of about 286.9 miles and 6h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Northport, 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 128.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

143 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

City of Scranton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 143.5 miles from Northport, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 128.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · first break window

Rumba Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Leonia, New Jersey

Near the start, right off the route

First break · 51min in 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12013630008

Lumis Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fairfield, New Jersey

2.5 mi

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

3 mi

Best coffee break · first break window

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

Near the start, short detour

First break · 51min in 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Syracuse, New York

1.7 mi

Rumba Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12013630008

Lumis Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10

Fairfield, New Jersey

Hours: 12–9:30 pm

+19739442049

Visit website

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+19733359690

Visit website

Lima 33 Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Little Neck, New York

Hours: 1–9 pm

+17182254949

Visit website

Luigi's Restaurant And Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Queens, New York

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+17183477136

Visit website

Cafe HESED

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Little Ferry, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+12018706071

Visit website

An Beal Bocht Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Bronx, New York

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+17188847127

Visit website

Cafe Tropical Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12018800669

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13154358511

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

+19172614093

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Port Washington, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

IONNA Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18334662474

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Randolph, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Port Washington, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Museum of Science & Technology

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+13154259068

Visit website

Xtreme Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12014085555

Visit website

Overpeck County Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12013367275

Visit website

Sunshine Pottery & Paint

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12015415559

Visit website

Escape Garden State

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Fairfield, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19738822900

Visit website

Overpeck Park Playground

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Ridgefield Park, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Escape Room NJ

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–1 pm

+12018151784

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 26

5 decision points cluster between mile 25.1 and 42.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
25.1 mi into trip | ~42m in

Take the ramp toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone B...
8
27.7 mi into trip | ~46m in

Take the exit toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 33 Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx,...
8
39.9 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
40.1 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
42.5 mi into trip | ~1h 8m in

Take the exit toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 69 Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.23 one way

$94.45 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $51.07 $102.13
premium $4.92 $55.61 $111.21
diesel $5.61 $63.34 $126.69

Estimated Tolls: $22.83

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55
New Jersey Turnpike (2 mi) $0.28

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

$47

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$95–$120

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 100.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 86.1 1 $30.12 $13.77
Efficient EV 71.7 0 $25.10 $11.48
EV Truck/SUV 114.8 1 $40.17 $18.36

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

34 kg (66% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Northport, NY

Late night in Northport on Tuesday

Local time

4:11 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Syracuse, NY

Late night in Syracuse on Tuesday

Local time

4:11 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

63°F

Ramapo, NY

143 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

5 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

6h 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.

General Grant National Memorial

General Grant National Memorial

National Memorial

The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 39.6
View on nps.gov
Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

National Memorial

Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 39.6
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

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...

9 mi from route ~21 min detour Free near mile 39.6
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

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...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 39.6
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 39.6
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 39.6
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 mixed drive, with a significant portion on faster, limited-access roads. You'll spend about 59% of your time on highways, experiencing stretches like the 128.5-mile segment on I-81. While there are undoubtedly some faster highway sections, the 'mixed drive' profile suggests you'll also encounter other types of roads, perhaps transitioning to more local routes as you approach your destination. The overall feel is likely one of steady progress with some variation in road type.

59% 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: 128.5 mi on I 81.

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 25.1 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 26 significant decision points across 286.9 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 25.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

Between Northport, NY and Syracuse, NY, road signs point toward Cross Island Parkway North, Bronx, New England, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Hackensack - among others.

Cross Island Parkway North

25.1 mi in | ~42m

Bronx

27.7 mi in | ~46m

New England

27.7 mi in | ~46m

Upper Level

37.3 mi in | ~1h 1m | via I 95; US 1

Njtp South: Hackensack

39.9 mi in | ~1h 4m

Hackensack

42.5 mi in | ~1h 8m

Albany

215.2 mi in | ~4h 35m | via I 81

About the Cities

Starting in Northport, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1656

Northport is a village on the North Shore of Long Island in New York. It is located in Suffolk County.

Arriving in Syracuse, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1848

Syracuse is a city in Central New York. With a population of 149,000 in city proper and 662,000 in its metro area (2020), Syracuse is the fifth largest city in the state of New York, and the third largest in Upstate New York.

Top landmarks

  • • Oncenter War Memorial Arena — arena in Syracuse, New York
  • • Everson Museum of Art — art museum in Syracuse, New York
  • • Niagara Mohawk Building — historic commercial building in 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 6h. Total distance: 286.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 128.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $22.83 in tolls one way, starting with George Washington Bridge. 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 Syracuse, 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 25.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Syracuse, NY before the return drive.

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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