Spanning 141.9 miles, this drive from Ravena to Brooklyn typically takes about 3 hours and 2 minutes, making it a straightforward day trip. You will primarily navigate via the New York State Thruway, NJ 17, and US 9W to reach your destination. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, it is an economical route that requires minimal planning for overnight stays. While you remain within the Northeast region for the entire journey, the transition from the quieter environment of Ravena to the dense urban landscape of Brooklyn is significant. This trip is best suited for those looking for a direct transit between upstate and the city without unnecessary detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
70.9 miles from Ravena, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
93.5 mi
1h 47m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
US 9W
5.3 mi
9m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
NY 27
1.8 mi
3m
Caton Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 93.5 mi, about 1h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ravena, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on this road
22 ft·5 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto US 9W
5.3 mi·9 min·US 9W
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·17 sec
Use the left lane.
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·19 sec
Toward I 87 South: NY City
5
Merge onto I 87
94 mi·1 hr 47 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
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.
7
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
8
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
10
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
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
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
14
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
15
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
16
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
18
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
19
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
20
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
22
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
23
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
24
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
25
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
28
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever it best suits your schedule, though keep in mind that local road traffic can fluctuate. Plan for at least one stop during the 141.9-mile journey to keep your focus sharp, especially when transitioning off the Thruway. Given the $23 fuel budget, it is wise to ensure your tank is topped off before hitting the more congested stretches of NJ 17 and US 9W. Because this route is turn-heavy, rely on a reliable navigation system to handle the frequent transitions between road types. Staying flexible with your arrival time will help you manage the final, more technical miles into Brooklyn with less stress.
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 70.9 miles from Ravena, NY, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.5 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 31 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 70.9 miles or 1h 25m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ravena, 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 Ravena, NY
This is one driving day of about 141.9 miles and 3h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Ravena, 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 New York State Thruway for about 93.5 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 99.2 and 138.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
99.2 mi into trip|~1h 58m 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
100.6 mi into trip|~1h 59m 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
130.5 mi into trip|~2h 37m 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
8
135.2 mi into trip|~2h 48m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
7
138.3 mi into trip|~2h 54m in|NY 27
Take the exit onto NY 27 toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 24
Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.36 one way
$46.72 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg50 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$25.26
$50.51
premium
$4.92
$27.50
$55.01
diesel
$5.61
$31.33
$62.66
Estimated Tolls: $20.68
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(93.5 mi)$4.68
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
$23
Tolls
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
42.6
0
$14.90
$6.81
Efficient EV
35.5
0
$12.42
$5.68
EV Truck/SUV
56.8
0
$19.87
$9.08
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Forecast as of Apr 21, 2026
Origin
Ravena, NY
Afternoon
in Ravena on Tuesday
Local time
12:58 PM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Afternoon
in Brooklyn on Tuesday
Local time
12:58 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Ramapo, NY
71 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
14 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
3h 2m 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.
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...
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...
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...
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...
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 132.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that balances high-speed transit with more technical road segments. Only 25% of your journey is spent on highways, meaning you will spend a considerable amount of time navigating local roads as you approach the city. Your longest uninterrupted stretch is 93.5 miles along the New York State Thruway, which provides a necessary break from the tighter turns found elsewhere. As you progress toward Brooklyn, the driving experience shifts from open highway cruising to the more concentrated, stop-and-go nature of local traffic. Stay alert, as the mix of fast-paced interstate segments and winding local roads requires constant adjustments to your driving style.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.5 mi on New York State Thruway.
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 99.2 miles in near NY 17.
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 20 significant decision points across 141.9 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 99.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.6 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
663 ft7 ft
Total Climb
763 ft
Total Descent
949 ft
Highest Point
663 ft
~60.8 mi in
Elevation Range
656 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ravena, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan.
Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city.
Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest.
Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
Top landmarks
•Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
•Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 2m. Total distance: 141.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 93.5 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $20.68 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 Brooklyn, 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 99.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.6 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Castle Clinton National Monument, Federal Hall National Memorial and Governors Island National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Brooklyn, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
