Ontario County, NY to Ramapo, NY is 263.7 miles and takes about 5h 50m via I 86, I 81, and NY-96A, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York State, traversing the Northeast region. It's a fairly straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a good option for a single-day trip. Plan for around 5 hours and 50 minutes of driving time, plus any stops you decide to make.
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
131.9 miles from Ontario County, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 86
130.4 mi
2h 40m
I 81
20.1 mi
24m
State Highway 96A
17.1 mi
23m
State Highway 79
15.2 mi
17m
New York State Thruway
13.1 mi
15m
Routes 5 and 20
11.2 mi
17m
Slaterville Road
11.1 mi
16m
Trumansburg Road
8.8 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 130.4 mi, about 2h 40m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~952 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,382
Quietest
2 AM
~95 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 17 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 Ontario County, NY and Ramapo, NY.
1
Start on this road
138 ft·15 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto Middle Cheshire Road
1.5 mi·2 min·Middle Cheshire Road
3
Turn right onto US 20; NY 5; NY 21
1.0 mi·1 min·Western Boulevard
4
Continue on US 20; NY 5
2.0 mi·3 min·Eastern Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on US 20; NY 5
11 mi·17 min·Routes 5 and 20
6
Continue on US 20; NY 5
0.6 mi·1 min·Canandaigua Road
7
Continue on US 20; NY 5
1.4 mi·3 min·Hamilton Street
8
Continue on US 20; NY 5
1.1 mi·1 min·Lake Front Drive
9
Continue on US 20; NY 5
1.6 mi·2 min·Waterloo-Geneva Road
10
Turn right onto NY 96A
10 mi·14 min·State Highway 96A
11
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 96A
6.7 mi·9 min·State Highway 96A
12
Continue on NY 96A
0.2 mi·26 sec·North Street
13
Continue on NY 96
485 ft·13 sec·North Town Line Road
14
Continue on NY 96
3.0 mi·4 min·State Highway 96
15
Turn left onto Center Road
1.4 mi·1 min·Center Road
16
Turn right onto NY 89
3.4 mi·4 min·State Highway 89
17
Turn right onto CR 141
0.9 mi·1 min·County Road 141
18
Continue on CR 141A
1.5 mi·2 min·Powell Road
19
Turn left onto NY 96
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 96
20
Continue on NY 96
0.1 mi·11 sec·Trumansburg Road
21
Continue on NY 96
1.4 mi·2 min·West Main Street
22
Continue on NY 96
8.7 mi·12 min·Trumansburg Road
23
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi·2 min·Cliff Street
24
Continue on NY 96
0.2 mi·22 sec·West Buffalo Street
25
Turn right onto Taughannock Boulevard
523 ft·24 sec·Taughannock Boulevard
26
Turn left onto NY 79
510 ft·11 sec·West State Street
27
Turn right onto NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79
345 ft·12 sec·South Fulton Street
Use the right lane.
28
Turn left onto NY 79
0.8 mi·2 min·West Green Street
Use the slight left lane.
29
Continue on NY 79
1.1 mi·2 min·East State Street
30
Continue on NY 79
11 mi·16 min·Slaterville Road
31
Continue on NY 79
15 mi·17 min·State Highway 79
32
Continue on NY 79
3.1 mi·3 min·Main Street
33
Turn right onto NY 26
0.6 mi·47 sec·NY 26
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 81 South
35
Merge onto I 81
20 mi·24 min·I 81
36
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
130 mi·2 hr 40 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
38
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
39
Merge onto I 87
13 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Exit 15AToward NY 17 North, NY 59: Sloatsburg, SuffernUse the slight right lane.
41
Turn right onto Old Route 17
0.3 mi·35 sec·Old Route 17
42
Turn right onto NY 59
0.5 mi·54 sec·Orange Turnpike
43
Turn left onto CR 95
1.1 mi·2 min·Torne Valley Road
Use the left lane.
44
Turn left onto Torne Brook Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Torne Brook Road
45
Turn right onto Lake Street
153 ft·6 sec·Lake Street
46
Arrive at destination
Lake Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 50m estimated drive time, starting in the morning is recommended to allow for a relaxed pace and potential traffic. The longest stretch without a major exit opportunity is 130.4 miles on I 86, so ensure you have adequate fuel before entering this segment. With only one recommended stop and a moderate fuel cost of $43, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly on interstates.
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 131.9 miles from Ontario County, NY, or about 3h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 130.4 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 58 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.9 miles or 3h 5m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ramapo, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ontario County, 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 Ontario County, NY
This is one driving day of about 263.7 miles and 5h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Ontario County, 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 86 for about 130.4 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 63.4 and 261.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
63.4 mi into trip|~1h 37m in|NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street
Turn right onto NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
116.1 mi into trip|~2h 45m in|I 86; NY 17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17 toward New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward New York
8
246.5 mi into trip|~5h 26m 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
7
247.1 mi into trip|~5h 27m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 87 Toll South: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York City
8
261.1 mi into trip|~5h 44m in
Take the exit toward NY 17 North, NY 59: Sloatsburg, Suffern
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 15A
Toward NY 17 North, NY 59: Sloatsburg, Suffern
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.16 one way
$92.32 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$50.02
$100.04
premium
$5.23
$54.30
$108.59
diesel
$6.28
$65.16
$130.31
Estimated Tolls: $0.69
New York State Thruway
(13.1 mi)$0.65
Orange Turnpike
(0.5 mi)$0.04
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
$46
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.1
0
$27.69
$12.66
Efficient EV
65.9
0
$23.07
$10.55
EV Truck/SUV
105.5
1
$36.92
$16.88
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Ontario County, NY
Late night
in Ontario County on Friday
Local time
5:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
W 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Ramapo, NY
Late night
in Ramapo on Friday
Local time
5:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
N 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
36°F
Hamilton, NY
132 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
1 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
5h 50m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Women's Rights National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human r...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 18.2
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
near mile 27.3
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 263.7
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 263.7
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...
29 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 263.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 74% of the trip on major interstates. You'll encounter a long stretch of 130.4 miles on I 86, which means extended periods of cruising. Expect a significant number of exits and merges as you navigate these highways, especially as you get closer to your destination. The remaining portion will be on surface roads like State Highway 96A.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 130.4 mi on I 86.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 63.4 miles in near NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 263.7 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 63.4 miles (NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 116.1 miles (I 86; NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 246.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,737 ft321 ft
Total Climb
2,210 ft
Total Descent
2,863 ft
Highest Point
1,737 ft
~188.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,416 ft
Notable High Points
1,552 ft at ~131.9 miles+563 ft prominence
1,737 ft at ~188.4 miles+551 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ontario County, NY and Ramapo, NY, road signs point toward New York, Nyst: Albany and New York City.
Wine and water define the Finger Lakes, a region of New York state south of Lake Ontario. Eleven elegantly elongated bodies of water arrayed across 80 mi (130 km) of rolling countryside have produced one of the top wine regions in the country, the East Coast answer to California's Napa Valley.
While the wineries that dot the slopes above the Finger Lakes—over a hundred of them—are a major draw, visitors also enjoy the region's many waterways, from the Finger Lakes themselves and Lake Ontario, to the mighty Genesee River and the historic Erie Canal. In the fall, leaf-peepers turn out in force, and wintertime sees skiers heading to the area's slopes.
After a day enjoying the sights and tastes of the Finger Lakes, head to Rochester, the state's third-largest city, for urban amenities and nightlife, or enjoy the college-town atmosphere of Ithaca overlooking Cayuga's waters.
Top landmarks
•North Main Street Historic District — listed on the NRHP in Ontario County
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 50m. Total distance: 263.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 50m 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 130.4 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.69 in tolls one way, starting with New York State Thruway. 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.
Yes — we found about 13 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Ramapo, 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. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 63.4 miles (NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 116.1 miles (I 86; NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 246.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Women's Rights National Historical Park, Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and General Grant National Memorial (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ramapo, NY before the return drive.
