This 334-mile journey from Philadelphia, NY to East Flatbush, NY will take approximately 7 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing the New York State Thruway, State Highway 12, and NJ 17, this route is manageable as a single-day trip, though you'll want to plan for 2 stops along the way. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $55. Given its location entirely within the Northeast region, you'll experience a consistent regional feel throughout your travels. It's a practical option for getting from upstate New York to the city.
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
167 miles from Philadelphia, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
201.9 mi
3h 53m
State Highway 12
22.8 mi
31m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
Bea Luck Road
19.8 mi
23m
State Highway 26
13.4 mi
19m
Erwin Parkway
9.7 mi
11m
Main Street
6.7 mi
7m
Martin Street Road
6.1 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 201.9 mi, about 3h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Philadelphia, NY and East Flatbush, NY.
1
Start on Sand Street
141 ft·11 sec·Sand Street
2
Turn left onto US 11; NY 26
6.7 mi·7 min·Main Street
3
Turn left onto NY 26
2.8 mi·3 min·Fort Drum Road
4
Continue on NY 26
2.3 mi·3 min·Great Bend Road
5
Continue on NY 26
0.2 mi·25 sec·State Highway 26
6
Continue on NY 26
6.1 mi·10 min·Martin Street Road
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on NY 26; NY 126
1.1 mi·1 min·South Broad Street
8
Continue on NY 26
13 mi·19 min·State Highway 26
9
Continue on NY 26
1.3 mi·3 min·North State Street
10
Continue on NY 12
0.5 mi·1 min·Utica Boulevard
11
Continue on NY 12
20 mi·23 min·Bea Luck Road
12
Continue on NY 12
0.8 mi·51 sec·State Highway 12
13
Continue on NY 12
9.7 mi·11 min·Erwin Parkway
14
Continue on NY 12
22 mi·30 min·State Highway 12
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
16
Merge onto NY 49
0.4 mi·26 sec·State Route 49
17
Continue on I 790; NY 5
0.2 mi·13 sec·I 790; NY 5
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward Genesee Street South
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 90
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 90 East
21
Merge onto I 90
84 mi·1 hr 36 min·New York State Thruway
22
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 87 South: New York, BostonUse the slight right lane.
23
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.
24
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
25
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.
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
27
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
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
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
31
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
32
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
33
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
35
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
36
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
37
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
38
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
39
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
40
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
41
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
42
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
43
Continue on NY 27
1.4 mi·3 min·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
44
Arrive at destination
NY 27
Trip Plan
For this 7-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Philadelphia, NY, to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic as you approach East Flatbush. With 2 recommended stops, you can comfortably break up the 334 miles. The longest stretch without a major change is 201.9 miles on the New York State Thruway, so plan your refueling and rest breaks accordingly before or after this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you transition from highway to local roads, to avoid unexpected delays.
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 167 miles from Philadelphia, NY, or about 3h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 201.9 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 73 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167 miles or 3h 32m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Flatbush, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, NY
This is one driving day of about 334 miles and 7h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 miles from Philadelphia, 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 New York State Thruway for about 201.9 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 172.3 and 326.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
172.3 mi into trip|~3h 39m in|New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
9
290.5 mi into trip|~5h 55m 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
291.9 mi into trip|~5h 57m 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
321.8 mi into trip|~6h 34m 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
8
326.5 mi into trip|~6h 46m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.98 one way
$109.96 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg117 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$59.45
$118.90
premium
$4.92
$64.74
$129.47
diesel
$5.61
$73.74
$147.49
Estimated Tolls: $26.09
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(201.9 mi)$10.09
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
$55
Tolls
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$106–$131
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 116.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
100.2
1
$35.07
$16.03
Efficient EV
83.5
0
$29.22
$13.36
EV Truck/SUV
133.6
1
$46.76
$21.38
Gas CO2
117 kg
EV CO2
39 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 15, 2026
Origin
Philadelphia, NY
Night
in Philadelphia on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
East Flatbush, NY
Night
in East Flatbush on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live 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
11 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 2m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 330.8
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 330.8
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 330.8
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
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 330.8
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 330.8
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 330.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for a significant portion of this route, with only 23% of the journey on highways. While there's a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 201.9 miles on the New York State Thruway, the overall character leans towards navigating varied local roads. This means you'll be engaging with the road more frequently as you transition between different types of terrain and traffic. The drive will feel more like an exploration than a simple interstate cruise.
Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 201.9 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 172.3 miles in near New York State Thruway.
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 334 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 172.3 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.5 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 291.9 miles (NJ 17): 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.
Between Philadelphia, NY and East Flatbush, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South and Boston.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 2m. Total distance: 334 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 201.9 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $26.09 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 East Flatbush, 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 172.3 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.5 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 291.9 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 14.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at East Flatbush, NY before the return drive.
