This 170.2-mile drive from Oneonta, NY to New York City, NY is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 53 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated at $28. The route primarily utilizes NY 17 and NJ 17, with a brief section on State Highway 206. Given its relatively short distance and duration, this trip is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you flexibility in your departure and arrival times. You'll be traveling within the Northeast region for the entirety of this drive.
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
85.1 miles from Oneonta, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
70.1 mi
1h 23m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
State Highway 206
13.7 mi
24m
New York State Thruway
13.7 mi
15m
Franklin-Walton Road
9 mi
12m
NY 357
6.4 mi
10m
State Highway 28
4.9 mi
6m
Cat Hollow Road
4.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 70.1 mi, about 1h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oneonta, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on Main Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Main Street
2
Turn right onto NY 28
4.9 mi·6 min·State Highway 28
3
Continue on NY 357
6.4 mi·10 min·NY 357
4
Turn slight left onto CR 21
9.0 mi·12 min·Franklin-Walton Road
5
Continue on CR 21
3.6 mi·4 min·West Brook Road
6
Continue on CR 21
0.1 mi·20 sec·Franklin Road
7
Turn right onto CR 21
0.9 mi·2 min·Townsend Street
8
At end of road, turn left onto NY 10; NY 206
242 ft·8 sec·Delaware Street
9
Turn right onto NY 206
0.1 mi·18 sec·Bridge Street
Use the right lane.
10
At end of road, turn left onto NY 206
0.9 mi·1 min·Stockton Avenue
11
Continue on NY 206
9.0 mi·16 min·State Highway 206
12
Continue on NY 30; NY 206
0.3 mi·47 sec·Bridge Street
13
Continue on NY 30; NY 206
2.8 mi·4 min·State Highway 30
14
Turn right onto NY 206; CR 7
4.6 mi·8 min·Cat Hollow Road
15
Continue on NY 206; CR 7
4.7 mi·8 min·State Highway 206
16
Continue on NY 206; CR 91
1.6 mi·2 min·Rockland Road
17
Continue on NY 206; CR 179
0.3 mi·33 sec·Old Route 17
18
Turn right onto CR 124
0.2 mi·21 sec·Stewart Avenue
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward NY 17 East: New York CityUse the left lane.
20
Merge onto NY 17
69 mi·1 hr 22 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
25
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
26
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
28
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
32
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
33
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
34
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
36
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
38
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
40
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
For this 1-day, 170.2-mile drive, planning your departure time is key to avoiding traffic, especially as you approach New York City. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel levels, as there is only one recommended stop for the entire trip. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is over 70 miles, so ensure you're comfortable for that duration. Given the relatively short travel time of under 4 hours, you have the flexibility to leave when it's most convenient, but an early start will likely provide the smoothest approach into the city.
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 85.1 miles from Oneonta, NY, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.1 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 37 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.1 miles or 2h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Oneonta, 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 Oneonta, NY
This is one driving day of about 170.2 miles and 3h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Oneonta, 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 70.1 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 50 and 165.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
50 mi into trip|~1h 21m in
Take the ramp toward NY 17 East: New York City
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward NY 17 East: New York City
8
119.3 mi into trip|~2h 44m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
9
134.6 mi into trip|~3h 3m in|NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
136 mi into trip|~3h 5m in|NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
165.9 mi into trip|~3h 42m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.02 one way
$56.03 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg60 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$30.29
$60.59
premium
$4.92
$32.99
$65.98
diesel
$5.61
$37.58
$75.16
Estimated Tolls: $16.68
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
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
$28
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
51.1
0
$17.87
$8.17
Efficient EV
42.6
0
$14.89
$6.81
EV Truck/SUV
68.1
0
$23.83
$10.89
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Oneonta, NY
Afternoon
in Oneonta on Sunday
Local time
12:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Afternoon
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
12:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
58°F
Washington Heights, NY
85 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
6 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 53m 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...
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
near mile 172.8
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
near mile 172.8
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
near mile 172.8
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
near mile 172.8
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
near mile 172.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 74% of the journey taking place on faster roads. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 70.1 miles on NY 17, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of the trip. While the majority is highway, expect some transitions as you navigate between NY 17, NJ 17, and State Highway 206. This blend means you'll encounter both open road driving and sections that may require more attention as you change highways.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 70.1 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 50 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 24 significant decision points across 170.2 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 50 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 119.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.6 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.
On the drive from Oneonta, NY to New York City, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Nyst: Albany along the way.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 53m. Total distance: 170.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 70.1 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.68 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 New York City, 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 50 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 119.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.6 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 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at New York City, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
