Origin
Oyster Bay, NY
Morning in Oyster Bay on Sunday
Local time
6:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Oyster Bay, NY to Ballston Spa, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 11m
Distance
196.5 mi
316 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 59m
★
6 AM
4h 12m
8 AM
4h 38m
10 AM
4h 21m
12 PM
4h 18m
3 PM
4h 22m
5 PM
4h 37m
8 PM
4h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Oyster Bay, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Ballston Spa, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Oyster Bay to Ballston Spa is 196.5 miles and takes about 4h 11m via NY 17, NJ 17, and Adirondack Northway, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily stays within the Northeast region, offering a straightforward drive from Long Island into upstate New York. With 81% of the journey on highways, it's a route designed for efficient travel. If you're looking for a single-day journey with minimal fuss, this road fits the bill, allowing you to cover a good distance without needing an overnight stop.
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
98.3 miles from Oyster Bay, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NY 17 | 111.7 mi | 2h 8m |
| NJ 17 | 14.7 mi | 18m |
| Adirondack Northway | 14.2 mi | 17m |
| Northern Boulevard | 13.4 mi | 22m |
| I 787 | 9 mi | 12m |
| NJ 4 | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| Cross Bronx Expressway | 6.6 mi | 8m |
| NY 7 | 3.1 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oyster Bay, NY and Ballston Spa, NY.
1
Start on Berry Hill Road
288 ft
·
21 sec
·
Berry Hill Road
2
Turn sharp left onto NY 106
429 ft
·
9 sec
·
South Street
3
Continue on NY 106
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Pine Hollow Road
4
Continue on NY 106
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Oyster Bay Road
5
Turn right onto NY 25A
13 mi
·
22 min
·
Northern Boulevard
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge
Use the right lane.
7
Merge onto CI
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
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.
9
Merge onto I 295
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Bridge
10
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
6.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
13
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
George Washington Bridge (upper level)
14
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
15
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.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
I 95 EXPR; NJTP
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi
·
9 min
·
NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, Mahwah
Use the straight lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi
·
9 min
·
NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
·
NJ 17
25
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 17
26
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi
·
10 sec
·
I 287; NY 17
27
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.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 23
Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy
Use the slight right lane.
29
Continue on I 787
9.0 mi
·
12 min
·
I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 787
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
NY 787
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 9W
Toward NY 7 West: Schenectady, Saratoga Springs
Use the right lane.
32
Merge onto NY 7
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
NY 7
33
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 87 North: Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls
34
Merge onto I 87
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Adirondack Northway
35
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Exit 12
Toward NY 67: Ballston Spa, Malta
36
Keep slight left at fork
335 ft
·
7 sec
Toward NY 67: Ballston Spa, Malta
37
Enter roundabout onto NY 67
236 ft
·
4 sec
·
Dunning Street
38
Continue on NY 67
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Dunning Street
39
Enter roundabout onto NY 67
106 ft
·
1 sec
·
Dunning Street
40
Continue on NY 67
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Dunning Street
41
Enter roundabout onto NY 67
115 ft
·
1 sec
·
Dunning Street
42
Continue on NY 67
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Dunning Street
43
Turn straight onto NY 67
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 67
44
Turn right onto NY 50; NY 67
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Church Avenue
45
Turn left onto NY 67
67 ft
·
1 sec
·
West High Street
46
Arrive at destination
NY 67
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 11m duration, starting your drive from Oyster Bay in the morning will allow you to reach Ballston Spa with plenty of daylight to spare. The route has only one recommended stop, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps around the halfway mark or when you transition onto the Adirondack Northway. The longest stretch without a significant break is over 111 miles, so ensure you're comfortable before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the Adirondack Northway, to avoid any last-minute detours for gas.
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 98.3 miles from Oyster Bay, NY, or about 2h 10m 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 43 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.3 miles or 2h 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 3h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ballston Spa, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Oyster Bay, 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 Oyster Bay, NY
This is one driving day of about 196.5 miles and 4h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Oyster Bay, 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
98 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 98.3 miles from Oyster Bay, 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 295 decision points cluster between mile 17.6 and 52.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
17.6 mi into trip
|
~29m 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
29.8 mi into trip
|
~47m 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
9
30.1 mi into trip
|
~48m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
8
37.1 mi into trip
|
~57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
8
52.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 17m 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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.35 one way
$64.69 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
69 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $34.98 | $69.95 |
| premium | $4.92 | $38.09 | $76.17 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $43.38 | $86.77 |
Estimated Tolls: $22.55
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
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
$32
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.63 | $9.43 |
| Efficient EV | 49.1 | 0 | $17.19 | $7.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.6 | 0 | $27.51 | $12.58 |
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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
Ballston Spa, NY
Morning in Ballston Spa on Sunday
Local time
6:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
98 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
4h 11m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 27.1
View on nps.gov
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 27.1
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 27.1
View on nps.gov
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 27.1
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 27.1
View on nps.gov
Saratoga National Historical Park
National Historical Park
In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 189.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is heavily focused on highway travel, with 81% of the route utilizing major roads like NY 17, NJ 17, and the Adirondack Northway. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one uninterrupted segment of 111.7 miles on NY 17. Expect a relatively smooth and predictable journey, where the main challenge is navigating highway interchanges. The character remains consistent for the most part, emphasizing forward momentum over varied scenery, making it ideal for covering ground efficiently.
81% 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: 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 17.6 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 29 significant decision points across 196.5 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 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Oyster Bay, NY and Ballston Spa, NY, road signs point toward Cross Island Parkway North, Bronx, New England, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Gsp South - among others.
Cross Island Parkway North
15.1 mi in
|
~25m
Bronx
17.6 mi in
|
~29m
New England
17.6 mi in
|
~29m
Upper Level
27.3 mi in
|
~43m
|
via I 95; US 1
Njtp South: Hackensack
29.8 mi in
|
~47m
Gsp South
36.9 mi in
|
~57m
Gsp North
36.9 mi in
|
~57m
Newark
36.9 mi in
|
~57m
Mahwah
36.9 mi in
|
~57m
New York State Thruway North: Albany
52.2 mi in
|
~1h 17m
|
via NY 17
Troy
163.9 mi in
|
~3h 26m
Saratoga Springs
173.5 mi in
|
~3h 39m
About the Cities
Starting in Oyster Bay, NY
Full guide →Founded 1667
Oyster Bay is one of three towns in Nassau County, on Long Island, New York. The town of Oyster Bay comprises a large portion of eastern Nassau County and includes a slew of villages and other communities. This article covers North Oyster Bay – the area closest to Oyster Bay itself (in other words, everything that is north of the Long Island Expressway). See South Oyster Bay for the southern half of the town (in other words, the area south of the expressway). See the article for Glen Cove for communities in the northwest part of the town that are closest to that city.
Top landmarks
- • Christ Church — historic Episcopal parish in Oyster Bay, New York, USA
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 4h 11m. Total distance: 196.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). 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 $22.55 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 Ballston Spa, 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 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Ballston Spa, 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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