Origin
Putnam Lake, NY
Late night in Putnam Lake on Sunday
Local time
5:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Putnam Lake, 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
2h 29m
Distance
107.6 mi
173 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 19m
★
6 AM
2h 29m
8 AM
2h 49m
10 AM
2h 36m
12 PM
2h 34m
3 PM
2h 37m
5 PM
2h 48m
8 PM
2h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Putnam Lake, NY
James Mirakian
Trip Overview
Putnam Lake, NY to Brookhaven, NY is 107.6 miles and takes about 2 hours 29 minutes via I-684 and the Long Island Expressway, with a fuel budget near $18 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, connecting the Northeast region to itself. Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of the journey, making it a straightforward point-to-point trip. It’s a practical choice if you need to get from this part of upstate New York down to Long Island without much fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
53.8 miles from Putnam Lake, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 14m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Long Island Expressway | 43.5 mi | 59m |
| I 684 | 27.4 mi | 32m |
| Hutchinson River Parkway | 13.6 mi | 19m |
| Horseblock Road | 4.1 mi | 6m |
| State Highway 22 | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| Clearview Expressway | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| Doansburg Road | 2.2 mi | 5m |
| Throgs Neck Expressway | 2.2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Long Island Expressway
— 43.5 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Putnam Lake, NY and Brookhaven, NY.
1
Start on CR 67
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Haviland Drive
2
Turn straight onto CR 66
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
Fairfield Drive
3
Turn left onto CR 65
2.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Doansburg Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Turn left onto NY 22
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 22
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Continue on I 684
27 mi
·
32 min
·
I 684
6
Keep slight left at fork
1.5 mi
·
2 min
Exit 1
Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
Use the straight lane.
7
Merge onto Hutchinson River Parkway
7.7 mi
·
10 min
·
Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway
5.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Hutchinson River Parkway
Toward Whitestone Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
141 ft
·
4 sec
Exit 2A
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 95
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
New England Thruway
12
Continue on I 95
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Bruckner Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Expressway
Exit 7A
Toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 295
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 4E-W
Toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 4E
Toward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island
18
Merge onto I 495
43 mi
·
59 min
·
Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 65
Toward CR 16: Horse Block Road, Centereach, Shirley
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn straight onto Express Drive South
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Express Drive South
Toward I 495, CR 101: Yaphank, Riverhead
21
Turn slight right onto CR 16
4.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Horseblock Road
Use the right lane.
22
At end of road, turn right onto CR 80
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Montauk Highway
Use the right lane.
23
Turn left onto CR 36
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
South Country Road
Use the left lane.
24
Arrive at destination
CR 36
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 2 hour 29 minute duration, this trip is easily completed in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. It’s advisable to start earlier in the day to potentially avoid heavier traffic, especially as you approach Long Island. With 0 planned stops, you can easily add a break if needed during the 107.6-mile journey. Keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $18, and consider refueling before you hit the Long Island Expressway if you’re running low, as services can be more spread out.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 53.8 miles from Putnam Lake, NY, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.5 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 24 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.8 miles or 1h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 1m
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 Putnam Lake, 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 Putnam Lake, NY
This is one driving day of about 107.6 miles and 2h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Putnam Lake, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Long Island Expressway for about 43.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
54 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 53.8 miles from Putnam Lake, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 175 decision points cluster between mile 33.5 and 57.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
33.5 mi into trip
|
~44m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1
Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
8
48.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell Avenue
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 2A
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, St...
8
48.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge
9
50.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 7A
Toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Is...
8
57.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m 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
$17.71 one way
$35.42 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
38 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $19.15 | $38.30 |
| premium | $4.92 | $20.85 | $41.71 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $23.76 | $47.51 |
Estimated Tolls: $6.55
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
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
$18
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 32.3 | 0 | $11.30 | $5.16 |
| Efficient EV | 26.9 | 0 | $9.42 | $4.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 43 | 0 | $15.06 | $6.89 |
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Brookhaven, NY
Late night in Brookhaven on Sunday
Local time
5:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
43°F
Mount Vernon, NY
54 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.
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
19 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
2h 29m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Fire Island National Seashore
National Seashore
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 107.6
Park Closure: Pet Restrictions, Beach Driving Closures in Effect March 15 through Labor Day
Caution: Avian Influenza (HPAI) Suspected in Dead Birds in Seashore Areas
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 51.9
View on nps.gov
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 51.9
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument
National Monument
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...
11 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 51.9
View on nps.gov
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 55.6
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument
National Monument
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 55.6
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 88% of the journey on major roads like I-684 and the Long Island Expressway. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 43.5 miles on the Long Island Expressway, offering a consistent pace. The Hutchinson River Parkway also contributes to the highway character, though you may notice transitions as you move between these major arteries. Overall, expect a relatively smooth, high-speed drive that prioritizes direct travel.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 43.5 mi on Long Island Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Long Island Expressway and I 684. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 33.5 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 17 significant decision points across 107.6 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 33.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.6 miles: 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Putnam Lake, NY and Brookhaven, NY, road signs point toward New York City, Long Island, Eastern Long Island, Centereach, Shirley and Cr 101: Yaphank - among others.
New York City
33.5 mi in
|
~44m
Long Island
50.6 mi in
|
~1h 9m
|
via I 695
Eastern Long Island
57.9 mi in
|
~1h 19m
Centereach
101.8 mi in
|
~2h 19m
Shirley
101.8 mi in
|
~2h 19m
Cr 101: Yaphank
102.1 mi in
|
~2h 20m
|
via Express Drive South
Riverhead
102.1 mi in
|
~2h 20m
|
via Express Drive South
About the Cities
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 2h 29m. Total distance: 107.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 43.5 miles on Long Island Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.55 in tolls one way, starting with Throgs Neck 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.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 33.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fire Island National Seashore, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and General Grant National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Brookhaven, NY before heading back.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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