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Trip from Remsen, NY to Queens, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 24m

Distance

262.5 mi

422 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 11m ★
6 AM
5h 24m
8 AM
5h 51m
10 AM
5h 34m
12 PM
5h 31m
3 PM
5h 35m
5 PM
5h 50m
8 PM
5h 16m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Remsen, NY, NY

Remsen, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

borough in New York City, New York, United States

Queens, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 262.5-mile journey from Remsen, NY, to Queens, NY, will take you approximately 5 hours and 24 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing the New York State Thruway and State Highway 12, with a brief stint on NJ 17, this drive is best tackled in a single day. With an estimated fuel cost of $43, it's an economical option for a New York to New York trip. The profile suggests a turn-heavy local drive, so be prepared for varied road conditions as you transition from upstate to the city. This route offers a direct path into the heart of Queens, making it a convenient option for reaching your destination.

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

131.3 miles from Remsen, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 37m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New York State Thruway 201.9 mi 3h 53m
State Highway 12 15.4 mi 21m
NJ 17 14.1 mi 18m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 4.4 mi 5m
Van Wyck Expressway 4.3 mi 6m
Whitestone Expressway 2.3 mi 3m
Liberty Avenue 1.5 mi 4m
Longest stretch: New York State Thruway — 201.9 mi, about 3h 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Remsen, NY and Queens, NY.

1

Start on Main Street

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Main Street
2

Turn right onto Steuben Street

0.3 mi · 31 sec · Steuben Street
3

Turn left onto NY 12; NY 28

15 mi · 21 min · State Highway 12
4

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
5

Merge onto NY 49

0.4 mi · 26 sec · State Route 49
6

Continue on I 790; NY 5

0.2 mi · 13 sec · I 790; NY 5
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward Genesee Street South
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 90
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 90 East
10

Merge onto I 90

84 mi · 1 hr 36 min · New York State Thruway
11

Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway

118 mi · 2 hr 16 min · New York State Thruway
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston Use the slight right lane.
12

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.
13

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
14

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

14 mi · 18 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
17

Merge onto NJ 4

0.3 mi · 24 sec · NJ 4
Use the right lane.
18

Continue on NJ 4

6.4 mi · 8 min · NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
20

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.7 mi · 54 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
22

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
24

Continue on I 95; US 1

4.4 mi · 5 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 6A Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Merge onto I 678

0.8 mi · 1 min · Hutchinson River Expressway
27

Continue on I 678

1.3 mi · 2 min · Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
28

Continue on I 678

2.3 mi · 3 min · Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
29

Keep slight left at fork onto I 678

4.3 mi · 6 min · Van Wyck Expressway
Toward I 678 South: Kennedy Airport Use the slight left lane.
30

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 6 Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue Use the right lane.
31

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue Use the slight right lane.
32

Turn straight onto Van Wyck Expressway West

0.9 mi · 2 min · Van Wyck Expressway West
Use the straight / right lanes.
33

Turn right onto Liberty Avenue

1.5 mi · 4 min · Liberty Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
34

Turn left onto 104th Street

205 ft · 9 sec · 104th Street
35

Arrive at destination

104th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 24-minute duration, starting early from Remsen is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you get closer to Queens. While the route only lists one recommended stop, plan for additional brief breaks to stay refreshed. The longest uninterrupted stretch is over 200 miles on the New York State Thruway, so consider a fuel stop before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye out for the transitions between State Highway 12, the Thruway, and NJ 17, as these can indicate changes in speed limits and road conditions.

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 131.3 miles from Remsen, NY, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 201.9 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 58 miles or 1h 12m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 131.3 miles or 2h 37m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 14m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Queens, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Remsen, 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 Remsen, NY

This is one driving day of about 262.5 miles and 5h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Remsen, 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 201.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Poughkeepsie, NY

131 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.

Popular next leg

Poughkeepsie, NY to Queens, NY

82.8 mi · 2h 3m

Pacing Suggestions

Johnstown, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Stockport, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 131.3 miles from Remsen, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 201.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Forest Hills, New York

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13475310873

Visit website

Best coffee break · home stretch

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 23min to go 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

+19172614093

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

2.6 mi

Kantu Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Forest Hills, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13475310873

Visit website

Park Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15167490697

Effy's Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+12122806200

Visit website

Tabbouleh Cafe & restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+17186738301

Visit website

Paola's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $50 to $10

New York, New York

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+12127941890

Visit website

Nangma Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30

Elmhurst, New York

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13477306117

Shogun Japan Japanese restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately

Hollis, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13322041966

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

+19172614093

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Utica, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Rotterdam, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18774943833

Visit website

Quick Charge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Amsterdam, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18552703107

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Amsterdam, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Harriman, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Fort Lee Historic Park, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4:45 pm

+12014611776

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

J. Hood Wright Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Firemen's Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015923750

Visit website

Bennett Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

New York, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Fort Tryon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12127951388

Visit website

Fort Tryon

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

Visit website

Riverbank State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

New York, New York

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+12126943600

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 24

5 decision points cluster between mile 101.7 and 259.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
101.7 mi into trip | ~2h 3m in | New York State Thruway

Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway toward I 87 South: New York, Boston

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
9
219.8 mi into trip | ~4h 19m 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
221.2 mi into trip | ~4h 21m 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
250 mi into trip | ~5h 1m in

Take the exit toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens

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 6A Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
9
259.9 mi into trip | ~5h 17m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.21 one way

$86.42 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 92 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $46.72 $93.45
premium $4.92 $50.88 $101.75
diesel $5.61 $57.96 $115.91

Estimated Tolls: $32.64

George Washington Bridge $16.00
New York State Thruway (201.9 mi) $10.09
Whitestone 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

$43

Tolls

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$101–$126

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 91.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 78.8 0 $27.56 $12.60
Efficient EV 65.6 0 $22.97 $10.50
EV Truck/SUV 105 1 $36.75 $16.80

Gas CO2

92 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 20, 2026

Origin

Remsen, NY

Afternoon in Remsen on Tuesday

Local time

12:00 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Queens, NY

Afternoon in Queens on Tuesday

Local time

12:00 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°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

11 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

5h 24m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 244.4
View on nps.gov
General Grant National Memorial

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 244.4
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 262.5
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 262.5
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 262.5
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument

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...

9 mi from route ~24 min detour Free near mile 262.5
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a route with a significant "turn-heavy local drive" profile, despite 20% of it being on highways. While you'll experience a substantial 201.9-mile stretch on the New York State Thruway, the overall character involves frequent transitions and navigating local roads. This means the drive will likely feel dynamic, shifting from faster highway speeds to more involved local driving as you approach your destination in Queens. Be ready to adjust your pace and attention as the road personality changes.

Only 20% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 201.9 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 101.7 miles in near New York State Thruway.

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 24 significant decision points across 262.5 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 101.7 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 221.2 miles (NJ 17): 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 Remsen, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South, Boston, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.

Genesee Street South

16.7 mi in | ~23m

Boston

101.7 mi in | ~2h 3m | via New York State Thruway

Gsp South: Paterson

235.3 mi in | ~4h 39m

Fort Lee

235.3 mi in | ~4h 39m

New York

235.3 mi in | ~4h 39m

About the Cities

Starting in Remsen, NY

Full guide →

Top landmarks

  • • Steuben Memorial State Historic Site

Arriving in Queens, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1683

Queens is a crescent-shaped (with a tail) borough traversing the north-to-south width of Long Island and including two of the major New York City area airports, LaGuardia (LGA IATA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK IATA). It also carries the largest ethnic diversity in its area of any region in the world, with many small enclaves. Jackson Heights, for example, includes a huge Indian area, followed by a Colombian area, and then a Mexican area. Each offers a wide array of authentic shops, native-style cuisine, and festivals modified only slightly by the generally colder New York City experience.

Top landmarks

  • • Queensboro Bridge — bridge in New York City
  • • Unisphere — Steel structure in Queens, 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 5h 24m. Total distance: 262.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 201.9 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $32.64 in tolls one way, starting with George Washington 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.

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 Queens, 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 101.7 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 221.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Queens, NY before the return drive.

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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