Origin
Queensbury, NY
Morning in Queensbury on Tuesday
Local time
6:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Queensbury, NY to New York City, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 17m
Distance
208.2 mi
335 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 4m
★
6 AM
4h 18m
8 AM
4h 44m
10 AM
4h 27m
12 PM
4h 24m
3 PM
4h 28m
5 PM
4h 43m
8 PM
4h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Queensbury, NY
Wikimedia Commons
New York City, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Queensbury, NY to New York City, NY is 208 miles and takes about 4 hours 17 minutes via I 87, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Northeast, beginning in upstate New York and heading south towards the bustling metropolis. Expect a mostly highway experience, making it a straightforward drive. With only one recommended stop and a single day of driving, this trip is ideal if you want to get to your destination efficiently. The fuel cost is estimated at $34, so factor that into your overall budget.
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
104.1 miles from Queensbury, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 87 | 118.6 mi | 2h 17m |
| Adirondack Northway | 46.8 mi | 55m |
| NJ 17 | 22.7 mi | 29m |
| NJ 3 | 4.2 mi | 4m |
| Ridge Road | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| Tonnelle Avenue | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| Holland Tunnel | 2 mi | 4m |
| Quaker Road | 1.9 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Queensbury, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on CR 39
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Sunnyside Road East
2
Turn left onto NY 9L
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Ridge Road
3
Turn right onto NY 254; CR 70
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Quaker Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Continue on NY 254
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Aviation Road
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 87 South
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
Merge onto I 87
47 mi
·
55 min
·
Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
I 87
Exit 1E-W
Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
I 87
Exit 1W
Toward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi
·
2 hr 16 min
·
I 87
Toward I 87 South: New York
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
I 287; NJ 17
12
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi
·
29 min
·
NJ 17
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
14
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Use the left lane.
18
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Conrail Viaduct
19
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
12th Street Viaduct
20
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
22
Take the exit
305 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Brooklyn
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft
·
7 sec
·
Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker Street
Use the straight lane.
24
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway
Use the straight lane.
26
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 17 minute estimated drive time, starting your trip in Queensbury early in the morning is advisable to avoid the worst of the traffic entering New York City. The route is designed for a single day, with only one stop suggested. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longer 118.6-mile stretch on I 87, as services can be more spread out in certain sections. The relatively short duration means you have flexibility, but planning your final approach into the city is key to a smooth arrival.
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 104.1 miles from Queensbury, NY, or about 2h 7m 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 46 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 104.1 miles or 2h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Queensbury, 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 Queensbury, NY
This is one driving day of about 208.2 miles and 4h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Queensbury, 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 I 87 for about 118.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
104 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 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 104.1 miles from Queensbury, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 87 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118.6 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 195 decision points cluster between mile 54.1 and 203.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
54.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m 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...
7
54.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 10m in
|
I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 South: New York
9
172.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 27m 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
174 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m 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
203.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 6m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.27 one way
$68.54 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
73 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $37.06 | $74.12 |
| premium | $4.92 | $40.35 | $80.71 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $45.97 | $91.94 |
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Holland Tunnel
$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
$34
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 62.5 | 0 | $21.86 | $9.99 |
| Efficient EV | 52.1 | 0 | $18.22 | $8.33 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 83.3 | 1 | $29.15 | $13.32 |
Gas CO2
73 kg
EV CO2
24 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
New York City, NY
Morning in New York City on Tuesday
Local time
6:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°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
6 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
4h 17m 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?
This drive is primarily highway, with 71% of the 208.2 miles spent on major arteries like I 87. You'll experience one long stretch of 118.6 miles on I 87 before transitioning to other main roads. As you approach New York City, anticipate an increase in traffic density and more frequent exits.
71% 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: 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 54.1 miles in near I 87.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 208.2 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 54.1 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.9 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 172.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Queensbury, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York and Buffalo.
Albany
54.1 mi in
|
~1h 9m
|
via I 87
New York
54.1 mi in
|
~1h 9m
|
via I 87
Buffalo
54.1 mi in
|
~1h 9m
|
via I 87
About the Cities
Arriving in New York City, NY
Full guide →“The City That Never Sleeps” · Founded 1624
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation. From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.
Top landmarks
- • Statue of Liberty — American icon in New York, United States
- • National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
- • Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City
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 4h 17m. Total distance: 208.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 Holland Tunnel. 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 New York City, 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 54.1 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 54.9 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 172.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at New York City, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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