Embarking on a 130-mile journey from Red Oaks Mill, NY, to Brookhaven, NY, will take you approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes. This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 87% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I-684 and I-84 before transitioning to the Long Island Expressway. Given its manageable distance and duration, this trip is well-suited for a single-day excursion, with a projected fuel cost of around $21. You'll be staying within New York State throughout, experiencing a straightforward drive primarily through the Northeast region.
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
65 miles from Red Oaks Mill, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Long Island Expressway
43.5 mi
59m
I 684
26.8 mi
31m
I 84
15.5 mi
18m
Hutchinson River Parkway
13.6 mi
19m
Horseblock Road
4.1 mi
6m
Clearview Expressway
3.2 mi
3m
Taconic State Parkway
3.2 mi
4m
State Highway 376
2.7 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Long Island Expressway
— 43.5 mi, about 59m
Traffic on I-495
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~4,880 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~521 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 24 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 Red Oaks Mill, NY and Brookhaven, NY.
1
Start on NY 113
55 ft·3 sec·Spackenkill Road
2
Continue on NY 376
2.4 mi·4 min·New Hackensack Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Enter roundabout onto NY 376
211 ft·5 sec·State Highway 376
4
Continue on NY 376
2.6 mi·3 min·State Highway 376
5
Continue on NY 376
1.0 mi·1 min·Route 376
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on CR 29
0.6 mi·56 sec·Hillside Lake Road
7
Keep slight right at fork onto CR 29
2.0 mi·3 min·Clove Branch Road
8
Continue on CR 29
0.9 mi·1 min·Carpenter Road
9
At end of road, turn right onto Taconic State Parkway
3.2 mi·4 min·Taconic State Parkway
Use the right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Toward I 84 East: Danbury
11
Merge onto I 84
15 mi·18 min·I 84
12
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 68AToward I 684 South: White PlainsUse the right lane.
13
Merge onto I 684
27 mi·31 min·I 684
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.5 mi·2 min
Exit 1Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York CityUse the straight lane.
15
Merge onto Hutchinson River Parkway
7.7 mi·10 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway
5.9 mi·8 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Toward Whitestone BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
141 ft·4 sec
Exit 2AToward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·47 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95
0.4 mi·31 sec·New England Thruway
20
Continue on I 95
1.3 mi·2 min·Bruckner Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695
2.2 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Exit 7AToward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long IslandUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 295
3.2 mi·3 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 4E-WToward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long IslandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 4EToward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island
26
Merge onto I 495
43 mi·59 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 65Toward CR 16: Horse Block Road, Centereach, ShirleyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Turn straight onto Express Drive South
0.2 mi·21 sec·Express Drive South
Toward I 495, CR 101: Yaphank, Riverhead
29
Turn slight right onto CR 16
4.1 mi·6 min·Horseblock Road
Use the right lane.
30
At end of road, turn right onto CR 80
0.9 mi·1 min·Montauk Highway
Use the right lane.
31
Turn left onto CR 36
0.4 mi·50 sec·South Country Road
Use the left lane.
32
Arrive at destination
CR 36
Trip Plan
With a drive time under 3 hours, this 130-mile route from Red Oaks Mill to Brookhaven offers flexibility. Consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Long Island. You'll encounter one recommended stop, which can be timed as a brief break or a meal stop. The estimated fuel cost is $21, so ensure your tank is adequately filled. A specific tip for this route: be mindful of the Long Island Expressway's variable speed limits and potential congestion as you get closer to your destination.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 65 miles from Red Oaks Mill, NY, or about 1h 24m 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 29 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65 miles or 1h 24m 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 23m
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 Red Oaks Mill, 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 Red Oaks Mill, NY
This is one driving day of about 130 miles and 2h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Red Oaks Mill, 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 Long Island Expressway for about 43.5 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 55.9 and 80.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
55.9 mi into trip|~1h 12m 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
71 mi into trip|~1h 33m 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
71 mi into trip|~1h 33m 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
73 mi into trip|~1h 37m 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
80.3 mi into trip|~1h 47m 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
$21.13 one way
$42.26 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg46 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$22.87
$45.74
premium
$4.87
$24.90
$49.81
diesel
$5.40
$27.65
$55.31
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
$21
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
39
0
$13.65
$6.24
Efficient EV
32.5
0
$11.38
$5.20
EV Truck/SUV
52
0
$18.20
$8.32
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Forecast as of Apr 24, 2026
Origin
Red Oaks Mill, NY
Evening
in Red Oaks Mill on Saturday
Local time
7:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brookhaven, NY
Evening
in Brookhaven on Saturday
Local time
7:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 56m 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...
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 71.7
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 71.7
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 80.7
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
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 76.2
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 80.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-centric experience for most of this 130-mile trip, as 87% of the route is on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 43.5 miles along the Long Island Expressway, offering a period of consistent cruising. The character of the drive is largely defined by these high-speed roadways, facilitating efficient travel. You'll find the focus remains on covering distance effectively rather than winding through varied local landscapes.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 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 55.9 miles in.
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 22 significant decision points across 130 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 55.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71 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.
Between Red Oaks Mill, NY and Brookhaven, NY, road signs point toward New York City, Long Island and Eastern Long Island.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 56m. Total distance: 130 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). 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. 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 55.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 71 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.
