Traveling from Penn Yan to The Bronx covers 275.1 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 58 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate sprint, it functions best as a dedicated one-day trip. You should budget roughly $43 for fuel to complete the journey. While you remain within New York state for the duration, the transition from the Finger Lakes region toward the dense urban environment of The Bronx represents a significant change in driving pace. Planning for one stop along the way will help keep you fresh as you navigate the local roads connecting these two distinct areas.
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
143 miles from Penn Yan, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
80 mi
1h 37m
Southern Tier Expressway
63.8 mi
1h 15m
I 81
53.4 mi
1h 3m
NY 14
38.1 mi
53m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Christopher Columbus Highway
5.5 mi
5m
State Highway 54
4 mi
5m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 80 mi, about 1h 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Penn Yan, NY and The Bronx, NY.
1
Start on NY 54
54 ft·7 sec·Elm Street
2
Turn left onto NY 54
0.2 mi·21 sec·Main Street
3
Turn right onto NY 54
0.9 mi·2 min·Clinton Street
4
Continue on NY 54
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 54
5
Merge onto NY 14
38 mi·53 min·NY 14
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on North Main Street
1.3 mi·2 min·North Main Street
7
Take the ramp onto NY 13
0.2 mi·28 sec·NY 13
8
Merge onto I 86; NY 17; NY 13
64 mi·1 hr 15 min·Southern Tier Expressway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
14
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·5 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
20
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
22
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
23
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
25
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
27
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
29
Continue on I 95; US 1
2.9 mi·3 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 4BToward Rosedale AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road
0.3 mi·50 sec·Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road
32
Turn right onto Noble Avenue
0.1 mi·20 sec·Noble Avenue
33
Turn right onto Bronx River Avenue
0.2 mi·34 sec·Bronx River Avenue
34
Turn straight onto East Tremont Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·East Tremont Avenue
35
Turn left onto White Plains Road
0.5 mi·1 min·White Plains Road
Use the left lane.
36
Turn right onto Cruger Avenue
0.1 mi·32 sec·Cruger Avenue
37
Arrive at destination
Cruger Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this nearly five-hour trek, plan your departure early to avoid potential local traffic congestion as you approach your destination. Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, scheduling at least one intentional stop is essential to maintain your focus and comfort. Keep a close eye on your fuel levels, as the $43 estimate can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and local stop-and-go conditions. Since this trip is manageable in a single day, enjoy the flexibility of choosing when to pull over for a quick break. Prioritize checking your navigation frequently, as relying on smaller local roads like Highway 54 requires staying alert to every turn.
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 143 miles from Penn Yan, NY, or about 3h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80 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 63 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143 miles or 3h 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 48m
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 Penn Yan, 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 Penn Yan, NY
This is one driving day of about 286 miles and 5h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Penn Yan, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 80 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 108.6 and 276.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
108.6 mi into trip|~2h 19m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
161.9 mi into trip|~3h 23m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
7
271 mi into trip|~5h 33m in|I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower Level
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower Lev...
8
276.5 mi into trip|~5h 39m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Ne...
9
276.8 mi into trip|~5h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.08 one way
$94.15 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$50.91
$101.81
premium
$4.92
$55.43
$110.86
diesel
$5.61
$63.15
$126.29
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
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
$47
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$88–$113
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.8
1
$30.03
$13.73
Efficient EV
71.5
0
$25.03
$11.44
EV Truck/SUV
114.4
1
$40.04
$18.30
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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 13, 2026
Origin
Penn Yan, NY
Morning
in Penn Yan on Sunday
Local time
10:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
The Bronx, NY
Morning
in The Bronx on Sunday
Local time
10:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 9 mph5% chanceLive forecast
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 56m 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.
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
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 276.1
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...
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
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 276.1
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
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 276.1
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 276.1
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 276.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a technical and engaging experience behind the wheel, as this route avoids major interstates entirely. With a 0% highway share, you will spend the full 275.1 miles navigating Main Street, Clinton Street, and Highway 54. The character of the drive is defined by frequent turns and a consistent local flow rather than high-speed cruising. Because the route relies on smaller roads, your pace will be dictated by the local layout rather than long, uninterrupted stretches. Be prepared for a drive that demands your full attention, as the lack of highway miles keeps you actively involved in the navigation process from start to finish.
67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Keystone Shortway and Southern Tier Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 108.6 miles in near I 81.
Driving Effort9/10
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 286 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 108.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 271 miles (I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,909 ft53 ft
Total Climb
1,496 ft
Total Descent
2,182 ft
Highest Point
1,909 ft
~183.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,856 ft
Notable High Points
1,909 ft at ~183.9 miles+688 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Penn Yan, NY and The Bronx, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono and Milford.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 56m. Total distance: 286 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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 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 108.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 271 miles (I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at The Bronx, NY before the return drive.
