Portland, NY to Washington Heights, NY is 397.1 miles and takes about 8h 26m via Keystone Shortway and US 62, with a fuel budget near $65 and an overnight recommendation. This trip stays within the Northeast region, traversing New York state. With a recommended two days of driving, you'll have ample time to experience the varied terrain and avoid feeling rushed. The route primarily utilizes surface roads, offering a more grounded perspective on the landscape.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
198.6 miles from Portland, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
262.7 mi
4h 57m
PA 948
23.8 mi
35m
US 62
15.6 mi
19m
Boot Jack Road
11.2 mi
16m
Southern Tier Expressway
8.7 mi
10m
State Park Road
8.1 mi
14m
West Lake Road
7.7 mi
11m
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
7.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 262.7 mi, about 4h 57m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 194 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,076 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,665
Quietest
1 AM
~346 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portland, NY and Washington Heights, NY.
1
Start on US 20
5.6 mi·8 min·Erie Road
2
Continue on US 20
1.4 mi·3 min·East Main Street
3
Turn left onto NY 394
1.1 mi·1 min·South Portage Street
4
Continue on NY 394
4.4 mi·6 min·South Portage Road
5
Continue on NY 394
2.5 mi·3 min·North Erie Street
6
Continue on NY 394
1.9 mi·2 min·West Lake Road
7
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 394
5.8 mi·8 min·West Lake Road
8
Turn left
0.3 mi·34 sec
9
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
8.7 mi·10 min·Southern Tier Expressway
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 12Toward NY 60: Jamestown
11
Turn right onto NY 60
0.1 mi·20 sec·North Main Street
12
Turn left onto Marvin Parkway
0.2 mi·29 sec·Marvin Parkway
13
Turn right onto Lakeview Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·Lakeview Avenue
14
Turn left onto Newton Avenue
73 ft·2 sec·Newton Avenue
15
Turn right onto Winsor Street
0.9 mi·2 min·Winsor Street
16
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·27 sec·this road
17
Turn slight right onto Allen Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·Allen Street
18
Continue on Maple Street
0.4 mi·49 sec·Maple Street
19
Continue on West Virginia Boulevard
0.4 mi·53 sec·West Virginia Boulevard
20
Turn right onto Glenview Avenue
0.1 mi·27 sec·Glenview Avenue
21
Turn left onto Martin Road
2.1 mi·3 min·Martin Road
22
At end of road, turn left onto NY 60
0.2 mi·17 sec·Foote Avenue
23
Turn right onto US 62
16 mi·19 min·US 62
24
Turn right onto US 62
0.2 mi·23 sec·West 4th Avenue
25
Turn left onto Hickory Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Hickory Street
26
Continue on Hickory Bridge
0.1 mi·24 sec·Hickory Bridge
27
Turn left onto Crescent Park
0.4 mi·57 sec·Crescent Park
Use the left lane.
28
Turn left onto US 6
1.8 mi·3 min·Crescent Park
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on US 6
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
Use the straight lane.
30
Continue on US 6
2.9 mi·4 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
31
Continue on US 6
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
32
Continue on US 6
4.5 mi·6 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
33
Continue on US 6
1.1 mi·2 min·West Main Street
34
Take the exit
265 ft·9 sec
Toward PA 666 West
35
Merge onto PA 666
2.3 mi·4 min·South Main Street
36
Continue on PA 948
8.5 mi·12 min·PA 948
37
At end of road, turn left onto PA 66
2.9 mi·4 min·PA 66
38
Turn right onto PA 948
15 mi·22 min·PA 948
39
Turn left onto PA 948
1.0 mi·2 min·West Main Street
40
Continue on US 219; PA 948
11 mi·16 min·Boot Jack Road
41
Turn left onto PA 153
3.7 mi·6 min·Penfield Road
42
Continue on PA 153
5.0 mi·8 min·Hoovertown Road
43
Continue on PA 153
8.1 mi·14 min·State Park Road
44
Turn left
0.3 mi·40 sec
45
Merge onto I 80
263 mi·4 hr 57 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
46
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.
47
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.
48
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
49
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
50
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
51
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
52
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
53
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
54
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
55
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
56
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
57
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
58
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.5 mi·45 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
59
Take the exit onto US 9
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 9
Exit 1AToward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
60
Keep slight left at fork onto US 9
0.2 mi·42 sec·US 9
Toward West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
61
Turn left onto US 9
0.2 mi·34 sec·Broadway
Use the straight / left lanes.
62
Arrive at destination
US 9
Trip Plan
Given the 8h 26m estimated drive time, splitting this trip over two days is highly recommended. Aim to start early on your first day to cover about half the distance, allowing for a relaxed evening. You'll have two planned stops, so use these to break up the driving and refuel. Pay attention to your fuel gauge, especially as you move further from major highway corridors, and consider filling up whenever you see a station in a more rural area. The route's extensive surface road mileage means you'll encounter more intersections and potentially slower traffic, so factor that into your daily mileage goals.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 198.6 miles from Portland, NY, or about 4h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 262.7 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 87 miles or 2h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 198.6 miles or 4h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 198.6 miles or 4h 38m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington Heights, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Portland, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Portland, NY
Aim for roughly 199 miles and 4.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Washington Heights, NY
Aim for roughly 199 miles and 4.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Portland, NY.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 262.7 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 38
5 decision points cluster between mile 387 and 396.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
387 mi into trip|~8h 11m 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
392.5 mi into trip|~8h 17m 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
392.7 mi into trip|~8h 18m 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
8
396.6 mi into trip|~8h 24m in|US 9
Take the exit onto US 9 toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th Street
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 1A
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th...
8
396.7 mi into trip|~8h 25m in|US 9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 9 toward West 178th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward West 178th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$64.54 one way
$129.07 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg139 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$69.85
$139.70
premium
$4.87
$76.07
$152.15
diesel
$5.40
$84.47
$168.94
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
$65
Tolls
$16
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$211–$321
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 138.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
119.1
1
$41.70
$19.06
Efficient EV
99.3
1
$34.75
$15.88
EV Truck/SUV
158.8
1
$55.59
$25.41
Gas CO2
139 kg
EV CO2
46 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 25, 2026
Origin
Portland, NY
Afternoon
in Portland on Saturday
Local time
4:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Chance Rain Showers
NW 8 mph51% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 1:03PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Washington Heights, NY
Afternoon
in Washington Heights on Saturday
Local time
4:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Rain Showers
SE 8 to 12 mph88% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 1:03PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
42°F
Woodward, PA
199 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
8 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
8h 26m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 397.1
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 397.1
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 397.1
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
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 397.1
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
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 397.1
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 397.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly on surface roads, with only 13% of the total mileage on highways. You'll spend the vast majority of your time cruising at lower speeds. The longest continuous stretch on a primary road is 262.7 miles on the Keystone Shortway, indicating long segments of consistent driving. Expect to encounter more local traffic and varied road conditions as you transition away from highway speeds.
Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
62 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 262.7 mi on Keystone Shortway.
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 387 miles in near I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway.
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 38 significant decision points across 397.1 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 387 miles (I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 392.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 392.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 262.7 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 199 miles on day one.
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.
Yes — we found about 35 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Washington Heights, 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. There are 35 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 387 miles (I 80 / Christopher Columbus Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 392.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 392.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.4 hours each way, a round trip means 16.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Washington Heights, NY before the return drive.
