Potsdam to Washington Heights is 335.8 miles and takes about 7h 16m via I 87, with a fuel budget near $55 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York State, connecting the Northeast region from north to south. Given its mostly highway profile and achievable duration, it's a solid option for a single-day drive if you want to get to your destination efficiently. Plan for a straightforward transit between these two points in NY.
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
167.9 miles from Potsdam, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Adirondack Northway
77 mi
1h 30m
State Highway 56
31.4 mi
47m
State Highway 28N
30.3 mi
43m
Adirondack Trail
19.3 mi
27m
State Route 3
14.8 mi
20m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-87
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,496 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,286
Quietest
1 AM
~113 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
22.1×
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 Potsdam, NY and Washington Heights, NY.
1
Start on NY 11B
283 ft·17 sec·Elm Street
2
Turn left onto Park Street
248 ft·7 sec·Park Street
3
Keep slight left at fork onto Park Street
198 ft·7 sec·Park Street
4
Continue on NY 56
1.0 mi·2 min·Pierrepont Avenue
5
Continue on NY 56
31 mi·47 min·State Highway 56
6
At end of road, turn left onto NY 3
15 mi·20 min·State Route 3
7
Continue on NY 3
1.0 mi·2 min·Main Street
8
Continue on NY 3
1.2 mi·2 min·Demars Boulevard
9
Continue on NY 3
0.1 mi·30 sec·Lake Street
10
Turn left onto NY 3
282 ft·12 sec·Mill Street
11
Turn right onto NY 30
0.2 mi·33 sec·East Park Street
12
Turn left onto NY 30
1.9 mi·3 min·Wawbeek Avenue
13
Continue on NY 30
0.8 mi·1 min·Adirondack Trail
14
Continue on NY 30
0.5 mi·46 sec·Moody Road
15
Continue on NY 30
18 mi·25 min·Adirondack Trail
16
Continue on NY 30
0.3 mi·42 sec·Lake Street
17
Continue on NY 30
0.4 mi·58 sec·Adirondack Trail
18
At end of road, turn left onto NY 28N
0.7 mi·1 min·State Highway 28N
19
Continue on NY 28N
2.5 mi·3 min·Newcomb Road
20
Continue on NY 28N
30 mi·41 min·State Highway 28N
21
Turn slight left onto CR 30
2.8 mi·4 min·A P Morse Highway
22
Keep slight left at fork onto Donnelly Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Donnelly Road
23
Continue on CR 29
1.2 mi·1 min·County Highway 29
24
Continue on CR 19
4.8 mi·7 min·Olmstedville Road
25
Turn straight onto US 9
0.2 mi·38 sec·US 9
26
Turn left onto Valley Farm Road
0.3 mi·33 sec·Valley Farm Road
27
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
28
Merge onto I 87
77 mi·1 hr 30 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi·31 sec·I 87
Exit 1E-WToward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
30
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
31
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·I 87
Toward I 87 South: New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
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.
33
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
34
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
36
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
37
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
38
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
40
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
42
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.5 mi·45 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
43
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.
44
Keep slight left at fork onto US 9
0.2 mi·42 sec·US 9
Toward West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Turn left onto US 9
0.2 mi·34 sec·Broadway
Use the straight / left lanes.
46
Arrive at destination
US 9
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour drive, consider leaving early in the morning to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach Washington Heights. With two recommended stops, you can break up the 335.8 miles into manageable segments. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $55; knowing your longest stretch is 118.6 miles on I 87 helps you plan your refueling stops. This is a feasible one-day trip, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you could incorporate an overnight stay.
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 167.9 miles from Potsdam, NY, or about 3h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 74 miles or 1h 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167.9 miles or 3h 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h
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 Potsdam, 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 Potsdam, NY
This is one driving day of about 335.8 miles and 7h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Potsdam, 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 87 for about 118.6 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 191.8 and 335.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
191.8 mi into trip|~4h 23m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1E-W
Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
9
310.4 mi into trip|~6h 40m 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
311.8 mi into trip|~6h 42m 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
335.3 mi into trip|~7h 15m 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
335.4 mi into trip|~7h 15m 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
$54.32 one way
$108.65 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg118 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$58.95
$117.90
premium
$4.85
$64.09
$128.19
diesel
$4.80
$63.41
$126.81
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
$54
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$95–$120
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
100.7
1
$35.26
$16.12
Efficient EV
84
0
$29.38
$13.43
EV Truck/SUV
134.3
1
$47.01
$21.49
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Potsdam, NY
Afternoon
in Potsdam on Sunday
Local time
12:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Sunny
W 2 to 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Washington Heights, NY
Afternoon
in Washington Heights on Sunday
Local time
12:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Areas Of Smoke
NW 7 mph0% 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
12 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 16m 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.
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 335.8
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 335.8
In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 162.1
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 335.8
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 335.8
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 335.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 66% of this 335.8-mile drive on highways, primarily I 87. The longest continuous stretch on this highway system is 118.6 miles. After the highway segments, the route transitions to State Highway 56, indicating a shift to more local roads and potentially more frequent exits or slower speeds as you approach your destination. Expect a mix of open cruising and more developed areas.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 87 and Adirondack Northway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 191.8 miles in near I 87.
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 335.8 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 191.8 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 310.4 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 311.8 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,656 ft162 ft
Total Climb
1,452 ft
Total Descent
1,707 ft
Highest Point
1,656 ft
~72 mi in
Elevation Range
1,494 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Potsdam, NY and Washington Heights, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York and Buffalo.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 16m. Total distance: 335.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 118.6 miles on I 87. 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.
Yes — we found about 18 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 191.8 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 310.4 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 311.8 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Saratoga National Historical Park (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 14.6 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.
