Embark on a 342.9-mile journey from Oyster Bay, NY, to Ontario, NY, which will take approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes of driving time. This trip is designed as a single-day adventure, making it a feasible option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. With an estimated fuel cost of $56, it's a budget-friendly option for a long haul. The route primarily utilizes major highways, making for a straightforward drive across New York State. You'll traverse the Northeast region throughout your trip, experiencing a consistent driving environment from start to finish.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
171.4 miles from Oyster Bay, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
129.5 mi
2h 33m
Christopher Columbus Highway
68.2 mi
1h 20m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
NY 104
26.8 mi
36m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
Northern Boulevard
13.4 mi
22m
I 690
8.6 mi
10m
State Highway 370
7.9 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 129.5 mi, about 2h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oyster Bay, NY and Ontario, 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 BridgeUse 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 33Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New EnglandUse 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: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
2.0 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 69Toward I 80 West: Paterson, HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 80
68 mi·1 hr 20 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
24
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
25
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
26
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi·2 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
66 mi·1 hr 17 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: SyracuseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
0.2 mi·17 sec·I 81
Toward SyracuseUse the straight lane.
30
Continue on I-81
0.4 mi·26 sec·I-81
31
Continue on I 81
2.9 mi·4 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 690 West: Fairgrounds, BaldwinsvilleUse the slight right lane.
33
Merge onto I 690
8.6 mi·10 min·I 690
Toward Fairgrounds, BaldwinsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on NY 690
5.5 mi·6 min·NY 690
35
Take the exit onto NY 31
0.3 mi·36 sec·NY 31
36
Continue on NY 31; NY 370
5.9 mi·8 min·West Genesee Road
Use the straight lane.
37
Continue on NY 370
1.2 mi·1 min·Main Street
38
Continue on NY 370
1.2 mi·1 min·State Route 370
39
Continue on NY 370
3.6 mi·7 min·Main Street
40
Continue on NY 370
7.9 mi·10 min·State Highway 370
41
Continue on NY 370
2.1 mi·2 min·State Route 370
42
Turn straight onto CR 163
2.2 mi·3 min·Ridge Road
43
Turn left onto NY 104
27 mi·36 min·NY 104
44
Take the exit
465 ft·27 sec
45
Turn straight onto CR 110
0.4 mi·1 min·Furnace Road
46
Turn left onto CR 103
91 ft·2 sec·Ridge Road
47
Arrive at destination
CR 103
Trip Plan
To maximize your time, consider an early morning departure from Oyster Bay to avoid potential traffic, especially if you're traveling on a weekday. With a total duration of over 7 hours, plan for at least two stops to stretch your legs and refuel. The longest continuous drive segment on I 81 is substantial, so staying alert and taking breaks is key. Given the highway-centric nature, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, particularly as you approach the longest stretch, to ensure you don't get caught low on gas.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 171.4 miles from Oyster Bay, NY, or about 3h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.5 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 75 miles or 1h 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 171.4 miles or 3h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ontario, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Oyster Bay, NY
This is one driving day of about 342.9 miles and 7h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Oyster Bay, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 129.5 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 15.1 and 32.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
15.1 mi into trip|~25m 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
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
8
30.1 mi into trip|~48m 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
32.4 mi into trip|~51m 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
$56.44 one way
$112.89 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg120 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$61.03
$122.07
premium
$4.92
$66.46
$132.92
diesel
$5.61
$75.71
$151.42
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
$56
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$104–$129
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 120 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
102.9
1
$36.00
$16.46
Efficient EV
85.7
0
$30.00
$13.72
EV Truck/SUV
137.2
1
$48.01
$21.95
Gas CO2
120 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (67% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Oyster Bay, NY
Morning
in Oyster Bay on Sunday
Local time
6:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Ontario, NY
Morning
in Ontario on Sunday
Local time
6:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
171 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
13 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
7h 15m 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
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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 23.6
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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 23.6
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 23.6
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 23.6
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 35.5
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
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 35.5
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 65% of the journey on high-speed roads. Expect a steady pace for much of the trip, particularly on I 81, where you'll encounter the longest continuous stretch of 129.5 miles. While the majority of the route sticks to the interstate, you'll also navigate sections of Christopher Columbus Highway and I 380. This profile suggests a driving experience geared towards covering distance, with limited deviations from the main thoroughfares.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 129.5 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.1 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 27 significant decision points across 342.9 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 15.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
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 Ontario, NY, road signs point toward Bronx, New England, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Hackensack and Albany - among others.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 15m. Total distance: 342.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 15m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 129.5 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 Ontario, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 15.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
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 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ontario, NY before the return drive.
