Origin
Putnam Lake, NY
Morning in Putnam Lake on Sunday
Local time
10:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Putnam Lake, NY to Hempstead, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 37m
Distance
67.9 mi
109 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 30m
★
6 AM
1h 37m
8 AM
1h 52m
10 AM
1h 43m
12 PM
1h 41m
3 PM
1h 43m
5 PM
1h 51m
8 PM
1h 33m
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 Hempstead, NY is 67.9 miles and takes about 1h 37m via I 684, Hutchinson River Parkway, and Clearview Expressway, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive that should be manageable for most drivers looking for a direct path. Given its relatively short distance and duration, it's well-suited for a single-day excursion.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
33.9 miles from Putnam Lake, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 684 | 27.4 mi | 32m |
| Hutchinson River Parkway | 13.6 mi | 19m |
| Clearview Expressway | 5 mi | 5m |
| State Highway 22 | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| Doansburg Road | 2.2 mi | 5m |
| Throgs Neck Expressway | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Tulip Avenue | 2 mi | 3m |
| Throgs Neck Bridge | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 684
— 27.4 mi, about 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Putnam Lake, NY and Hempstead, 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
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Braddock Avenue
18
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
Jamaica Avenue
19
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Jericho Turnpike
20
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
21
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
New Hyde Park Road
22
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
23
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Front Street
Use the right lane.
24
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
25
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
Since this trip is under two hours and covers just 67.9 miles, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning, perhaps before the typical rush hour, could offer a smoother start. With only a 1h 37m estimated drive time, you likely won't need many stops, but there are ample opportunities for fuel and rest along I 684 and the Hutchinson River Parkway if needed. Keep an eye on traffic as you approach the Long Island area, as congestion can pick up.
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 33.9 miles from Putnam Lake, NY, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 27.4 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 15 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 33.9 miles or 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Putnam Lake, NY
This is one driving day of about 67.9 miles and 1h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Putnam Lake, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 684 for about 27.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
34 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 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 33.9 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 50.6 — 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
7
42.7 mi into trip
|
~57m in
|
Hutchinson River Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway toward Whitestone Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Whitestone Bridge
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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.18 one way
$22.35 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
24 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $12.09 | $24.17 |
| premium | $4.92 | $13.16 | $26.32 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $14.99 | $29.98 |
Estimated Tolls: $6.73
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
Hempstead Turnpike
(2 mi)
$0.14
Jericho Turnpike
(0.5 mi)
$0.04
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
$11
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 20.4 | 0 | $7.13 | $3.26 |
| Efficient EV | 17 | 0 | $5.94 | $2.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 27.2 | 0 | $9.51 | $4.35 |
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (67% 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
Hempstead, NY
Morning in Hempstead on Sunday
Local time
10:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Partly Cloudy
NE 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
43°F
Mount Vernon, NY
34 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
9 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
1h 37m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 51.5
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
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 51.5
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 56.2
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 51.5
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 56.2
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 56.2
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 highway-focused, with 82% of the drive taking place on major roads like I 684 and the Hutchinson River Parkway. You'll experience a consistent flow of traffic for much of the journey, especially on the longest stretch of 27.4 miles on I 684. Expect mostly highway driving with limited transitions to local roads, making it a predictable and efficient drive. The character remains largely consistent, prioritizing speed and directness over scenic detours.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 27.4 mi on I 684.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 684 and Hutchinson River Parkway. 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
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 67.9 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
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 42.7 miles (Hutchinson River Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 48.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward New York City and Long Island.
New York City
33.5 mi in
|
~44m
Long Island
50.6 mi in
|
~1h 9m
|
via I 695
About the Cities
Arriving in Hempstead, NY
Full guide →Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods. Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.
Top landmarks
- • Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, New York
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 1h 37m. Total distance: 67.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 27.4 miles on I 684. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.73 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 Hempstead, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
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 42.7 miles (Hutchinson River Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 48.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and African Burial Ground National Monument (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 Hempstead, 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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