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Trip from Pittsfield, NY to Brookhaven, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 32m

Distance

257.2 mi

414 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$42

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 19m ★
6 AM
5h 32m
8 AM
5h 59m
10 AM
5h 42m
12 PM
5h 39m
3 PM
5h 43m
5 PM
5h 58m
8 PM
5h 24m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city and county seat of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States

Pittsfield, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 257.2-mile drive from Pittsfield, NY, to Brookhaven, NY, is a solid day trip, clocking in at about 5 hours and 32 minutes. The route is heavily highway-focused, with 90% of the journey on major roads like NY 17, State Highway 8, and the Long Island Expressway. You can expect a fuel cost of around $42 for this trip. Given its manageable duration, it’s well-suited for a single-day adventure, allowing you to cover significant ground efficiently. This journey primarily stays within the Northeast region, connecting two points in New York.

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

128.6 miles from Pittsfield, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 106 mi 2h 12m
State Highway 8 43.7 mi 51m
Long Island Expressway 43.5 mi 59m
NJ 17 14.1 mi 18m
New York State Thruway 13.7 mi 15m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
Horseblock Road 4.1 mi 6m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 106 mi, about 2h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Pittsfield, NY and Brookhaven, NY.

1

Start on NY 80

2.7 mi · 4 min · State Route 80
2

Continue on NY 80

0.3 mi · 37 sec · Genesee Street
3

Turn left onto NY 8

0.9 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
4

Continue on NY 8

25 mi · 30 min · State Highway 8
5

Continue on NY 8

0.4 mi · 29 sec · Airport Road
6

Continue on NY 8

19 mi · 21 min · State Highway 8
7

Continue on NY 8; NY 10

0.3 mi · 18 sec · Oak Street
8

Continue on NY 8; NY 10

0.4 mi · 44 sec · State Highway 10
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
10

Merge onto NY 17

105 mi · 2 hr 11 min · NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York City Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 87

14 mi · 15 min · New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17

0.9 mi · 59 sec · NY 17
Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey Use the slight right lane.
15

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
16

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

14 mi · 18 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
18

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
19

Merge onto NJ 4

0.3 mi · 24 sec · NJ 4
Use the right lane.
20

Continue on NJ 4

6.4 mi · 8 min · NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.7 mi · 54 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
24

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
26

Continue on I 95; US 1

4.7 mi · 6 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295

2.0 mi · 2 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6B Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
28

Merge onto I 295

0.6 mi · 58 sec · Throgs Neck Expressway
29

Continue on I 295

2.0 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Continue on I 295

3.2 mi · 3 min · Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Exit 4E-W Toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 4E Toward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island
33

Merge onto I 495

43 mi · 59 min · Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Exit 65 Toward CR 16: Horse Block Road, Centereach, Shirley Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35

Turn straight onto Express Drive South

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Express Drive South
Toward I 495, CR 101: Yaphank, Riverhead
36

Turn slight right onto CR 16

4.1 mi · 6 min · Horseblock Road
Use the right lane.
37

At end of road, turn right onto CR 80

0.9 mi · 1 min · Montauk Highway
Use the right lane.
38

Turn left onto CR 36

0.4 mi · 50 sec · South Country Road
Use the left lane.
39

Arrive at destination

CR 36

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour, 32-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Pittsfield to avoid any potential traffic, especially as you approach Long Island. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 106 miles, you have flexibility in pacing. Plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps taking advantage of services along NY 17. Keep an eye on the Long Island Expressway, as it can experience heavy traffic, particularly closer to your destination in Brookhaven. This is a route where efficient travel is key, so minimizing unnecessary stops can save you valuable time.

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 128.6 miles from Pittsfield, NY, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106 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 57 miles or 1h 11m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 128.6 miles or 2h 40m 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 28m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brookhaven, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Pittsfield, 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 Pittsfield, NY

This is one driving day of about 257.2 miles and 5h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Pittsfield, 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 106 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Orange County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

New Windsor, NY

129 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

Walton, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

New Windsor, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 128.6 miles from Pittsfield, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106 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 24

5 decision points cluster between mile 154 and 207.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
154 mi into trip | ~3h 12m 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
9
169.3 mi into trip | ~3h 30m 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
170.7 mi into trip | ~3h 32m 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
199.7 mi into trip | ~4h 12m in | I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 6B Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
8
207.5 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in

Take the exit toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island

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 4E-W Toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.34 one way

$84.67 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 90 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $45.78 $91.56
premium $4.92 $49.85 $99.70
diesel $5.61 $56.79 $113.57

Estimated Tolls: $23.23

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55
New York State Thruway (13.7 mi) $0.68

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

$42

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$91–$116

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 90 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 77.2 0 $27.01 $12.35
Efficient EV 64.3 0 $22.51 $10.29
EV Truck/SUV 102.9 1 $36.01 $16.46

Gas CO2

90 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (67% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Pittsfield, NY

Morning in Pittsfield on Sunday

Local time

10:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

39°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Brookhaven, NY

Morning in Brookhaven on Sunday

Local time

10:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

43°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

4 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 32m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience for this 257.2-mile drive. With 90% of the route on highways, you'll spend most of your time on fast-paced roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a considerable 106 miles along NY 17, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the profile is largely highway, the transition between NY 17, State Highway 8, and the Long Island Expressway will offer some variation in the road's character as you progress towards your destination. It’s a route designed for making miles efficiently.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106 mi on NY 17.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 154 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 24 significant decision points across 257.2 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 154 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 169.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.7 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 Pittsfield, NY and Brookhaven, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York and Eastern Long Island.

Nyst: Albany

154 mi in | ~3h 12m

New York City

154 mi in | ~3h 12m

Gsp South: Paterson

184.8 mi in | ~3h 51m

Fort Lee

184.8 mi in | ~3h 51m

New York

184.8 mi in | ~3h 51m

Eastern Long Island

207.5 mi in | ~4h 23m

About the Cities

Starting in Pittsfield, NY

Full guide →

Arriving in Brookhaven, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1655

Brookhaven is the largest town in Suffolk County, part of Long Island, New York. With 485,000 residents (2020). It includes a patchwork of villages and other communities, and is the only town on the island to touch both the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. The villages of Belle Terre, Bellport, Lake Grove, Mastic Beach, Old Field, Patchogue, Poquott, Port Jefferson, and Shoreham are semi-autonomous, and provide their own services in addition to those provided by the town. Other prominent communities include Mount Sinai, Stony Brook, and Fire Island, a long and car-free resort island off the south coast of the town.

Top landmarks

  • Wardenclyffe Tower — early experimental wireless transmission station designed and built by Nikola Te...
  • West Meadow Beach Historic District — historic district in the United States
  • Stony Brook Grist Mill — watermill

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 5h 32m. Total distance: 257.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 106 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $23.23 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 Brookhaven, 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 154 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 169.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170.7 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brookhaven, NY before the return drive.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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