Traveling from Northwest Harbor to The Bronx covers 105.1 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes of active driving time. This route works perfectly as a straightforward day trip, as it is short enough to complete in a single sitting without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $17 for fuel to cover the journey between these two Northeast locations. Because the trip involves zero scheduled stops, it is best suited for drivers who prefer a direct, no-fuss approach to reaching the city. Keep in mind that this is a localized excursion within New York, meaning you will remain within the same regional environment throughout your travels.
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
50.2 miles from Northwest Harbor, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Long Island Expressway
41.4 mi
55m
Sunrise Highway
24.2 mi
31m
Montauk Highway
8.6 mi
17m
County Road 39A
5.5 mi
11m
Horseblock Road
3.9 mi
5m
Cross Bronx Expressway
3.2 mi
4m
Cross Island Parkway
3.1 mi
4m
Stephen Hands Path
2.1 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Long Island Expressway
— 41.4 mi, about 55m
Traffic on I-495
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~4,880 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~521 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 24 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 Northwest Harbor, NY and The Bronx, NY.
1
Start on this road
0.4 mi·2 min·this road
2
Turn left onto Northwest Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Northwest Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto Old Northwest Road
1.7 mi·3 min·Old Northwest Road
4
Continue on Old Northwest Road
0.2 mi·25 sec·Old Northwest Road
5
Continue on Stephen Hands Path
0.3 mi·47 sec·Stephen Hands Path
6
Turn right
54 ft·7 sec
7
Turn left
35 ft·1 sec
8
Turn right onto Stephen Hands Path
1.7 mi·4 min·Stephen Hands Path
9
Merge onto NY 27
8.6 mi·17 min·Montauk Highway
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit onto NY 27
372 ft·7 sec·NY 27
Toward NY 27 West: New York
11
Merge onto NY 27; CR 39A
5.5 mi·11 min·County Road 39A
12
Continue on NY 27
24 mi·31 min·Sunrise Highway
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·23 sec
Exit 57NToward CR 16 West: Yaphank, Horseblock RoadUse the right lane.
14
Turn left onto CR 56
0.2 mi·21 sec·Victory Avenue
15
Turn right onto CR 16
3.9 mi·5 min·Horseblock Road
Use the left lane.
16
Turn left onto Express Drive North
0.2 mi·14 sec·Express Drive North
Use the left lane.
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 495 WEST: New York
18
Merge onto I 495
41 mi·55 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 31N-SToward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 31NToward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone BridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto CI
3.1 mi·4 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 33Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New EnglandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto I 295
1.8 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
24
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi·1 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
3.2 mi·4 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 4BToward Rosedale AvenueUse the slight right lane.
27
Turn right onto Rosedale Avenue
0.2 mi·41 sec·Rosedale Avenue
28
Turn right onto Bronx River Avenue
283 ft·11 sec·Bronx River Avenue
29
Turn straight onto East Tremont Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·East Tremont Avenue
30
Turn left onto White Plains Road
0.5 mi·1 min·White Plains Road
Use the left lane.
31
Turn right onto Cruger Avenue
0.1 mi·32 sec·Cruger Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
Cruger Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this 2-hour and 29-minute trip is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. However, given the turn-heavy nature of the local roads, it is wise to avoid peak local traffic hours to ensure your commute remains as smooth as possible. With no mandatory stops required, you can easily complete the drive in one go, but keep your $17 fuel budget in mind before you head out. A helpful tip for this specific route is to double-check your navigation system frequently, as the lack of highway usage means you will be relying on local turn-by-turn directions for the duration of the trip. Staying alert for changing road signs will make your arrival in The Bronx much more manageable.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 50.2 miles from Northwest Harbor, NY, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.4 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 22 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 50.2 miles or 1h 23m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near The Bronx, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Northwest Harbor, 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 Northwest Harbor, NY
This is one driving day of about 100.4 miles and 2h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Northwest Harbor, 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 Long Island Expressway for about 41.4 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 43.3 and 99.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
43.3 mi into trip|~1h 13m in
Take the exit toward CR 16 West: Yaphank, Horseblock Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 57N
Toward CR 16 West: Yaphank, Horseblock Road
8
89.2 mi into trip|~2h 15m in
Take the exit toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy Airport
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 31N-S
Toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge,...
10
89.5 mi into trip|~2h 16m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 31N
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone B...
8
92.8 mi into trip|~2h 21m 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,...
7
99.1 mi into trip|~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward Rosedale Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 4B
Toward Rosedale Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.32 one way
$32.63 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg35 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$17.66
$35.32
premium
$4.87
$19.23
$38.47
diesel
$5.61
$22.17
$44.33
Estimated Tolls: $6.55
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
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
$16
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
30.1
0
$10.54
$4.82
Efficient EV
25.1
0
$8.79
$4.02
EV Truck/SUV
40.2
0
$14.06
$6.43
Gas CO2
35 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 25, 2026
Origin
Northwest Harbor, NY
Late night
in Northwest Harbor on Sunday
Local time
2:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers
SE 7 mph52% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 12:05AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
The Bronx, NY
Late night
in The Bronx on Sunday
Local time
2:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Rain Showers
SE 8 to 12 mph88% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 12:05AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
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
2 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
2h 36m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 100.4
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 100.4
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 100.4
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 100.4
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 100.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route features a 0% highway share, requiring you to navigate local roads for the entire 105.1-mile distance. You will find that the journey lacks long, uninterrupted stretches, as the nature of the local road network keeps the pace steady but varied. The personality of this drive is defined by frequent turns and constant engagement with the local infrastructure. Be prepared for a more technical driving experience than you would encounter on a major expressway.
48% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.4 mi on Long Island Expressway.
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 43.3 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 25 significant decision points across 100.4 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 43.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 89.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 89.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
220 ft-1 ft
Total Climb
335 ft
Total Descent
362 ft
Highest Point
220 ft
~86.1 mi in
Elevation Range
221 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Northwest Harbor, NY and The Bronx, NY, road signs point toward Cr 16 West: Yaphank, Kennedy Airport, Cross Island Parkway North, Bronx and New England.
The Bronx is one of the five boroughs of New York. Known for Yankee Stadium, the home field of the New York Yankees baseball team, it has been a borough of New York City since 1898. The vast Bronx Zoo houses hundreds of species of animals. Nearby, the sprawling New York Botanical Garden features a landmark greenhouse with rainforest and cactus displays. By the Hudson River, Wave Hill is a landscaped public garden with wooded paths and a cultural center.
Top landmarks
•New York Botanical Garden — botanical garden in the Bronx, New York City
•Woodlawn Cemetery — cemetery in the Bronx, New York City
•Hall of Fame for Great Americans — architectural structure
This 100.4-mile drive is a totally doable same-day round trip, fitting comfortably into a weekend with its under 3-hour driving time each way. Just be ready for a 10/10 complexity rating, so keep your GPS handy.
Family Friendly
At just 100.4 miles, this trip is short enough for kids, but the 10/10 complexity rating means you'll be doing a lot of navigating, which could be a challenge with little ones on board.
Solo Traveler
With only 100.4 miles and 2h 36m of driving, this route offers a manageable solo journey, but the 10/10 complexity might be more engaging than relaxing for some.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (48%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
While this route is mostly flat and has national parks nearby, only 48% of the 100.4 miles are on the highway, meaning you'll spend a good chunk of your 2h 36m on surface roads which might not be ideal for a purely scenic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 41.4 miles on Long Island Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.55 in tolls one way, starting with Throgs Neck 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.
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 The Bronx, 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 43.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 89.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 89.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Fire Island National Seashore (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at The Bronx, NY before heading back.
