Remsen to Yonkers is 249.4 miles and takes about 4h 58m via New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York, transitioning from the Northeast region down to the southern part of the state. Expect a route that involves a good amount of steering, making it a more engaged driving experience than a straight shot. With a recommended one-day trip, you'll have ample time to complete the journey without needing an overnight stay.
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
124.7 miles from Remsen, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
221.9 mi
4h 18m
State Highway 12
15.4 mi
21m
Saw Mill River Parkway
7.8 mi
10m
Yonkers Avenue
0.7 mi
1m
Nepperhan Avenue
0.5 mi
<1m
State Route 49
0.4 mi
<1m
Steuben Street
0.3 mi
<1m
I 790
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 221.9 mi, about 4h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Remsen, NY and Yonkers, 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, BostonUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 87
19 mi·24 min·New York State Thruway
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
1.0 mi·1 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 7AToward Saw Mill River Parkway SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto Saw Mill River Parkway
7.8 mi·10 min·Saw Mill River Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Exit 5Toward West Yonkers AvenueUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn slight right onto Yonkers Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Yonkers Avenue
18
Continue on Nepperhan Avenue
0.5 mi·57 sec·Nepperhan Avenue
19
Turn sharp left onto US 9; NY 9A
229 ft·5 sec·South Broadway
Use the left lane.
20
Arrive at destination
US 9; NY 9A
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 58m estimated drive time, starting your journey in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. While the route is manageable in one day, factor in potential delays due to the 'turn-heavy' nature of the drive. You'll be using the New York State Thruway for a significant portion, so keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before embarking on the 221.9-mile stretch. The $39 fuel cost is an estimate, so it's wise to have a bit of buffer. Be prepared for the road to become more complex as you get closer to Yonkers.
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 124.7 miles from Remsen, NY, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 221.9 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 55 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.7 miles or 2h 29m 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 1m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Yonkers, 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 249.4 miles and 4h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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 221.9 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 101.7 and 249.4 — 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
6
238.9 mi into trip|~4h 43m in|I 87 / New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 / New York State Thruway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
239.8 mi into trip|~4h 45m in
Take the exit toward Saw Mill River Parkway South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 7A
Toward Saw Mill River Parkway South
7
248.1 mi into trip|~4h 56m in
Take the exit toward West Yonkers Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5
Toward West Yonkers Avenue
7
249.4 mi into trip|~4h 58m in|US 9; NY 9A / South Broadway
Turn sharp left onto US 9; NY 9A / South Broadway
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.05 one way
$82.11 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$44.39
$88.78
premium
$4.92
$48.34
$96.68
diesel
$5.61
$55.06
$110.13
Estimated Tolls: $11.09
New York State Thruway
(221.9 mi)$11.09
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
$41
Tolls
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.8
0
$26.19
$11.97
Efficient EV
62.4
0
$21.82
$9.98
EV Truck/SUV
99.8
1
$34.92
$15.96
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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
1:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Yonkers, NY
Afternoon
in Yonkers on Tuesday
Local time
1:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°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
3 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
4h 58m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting you'll be navigating a variety of road types. While approximately 10% of the route is on highways, the majority involves more frequent turns and potential for local traffic. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 221.9 miles on the New York State Thruway, offering a period of more consistent speed. As you progress, the road will likely transition from more open stretches to more developed areas as you approach Yonkers.
Only 10% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 221.9 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 Effort9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 249.4 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 238.9 miles (I 87 / New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 239.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Yonkers, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South and Boston.
Yonkers is a city of 211,569 people (2020) in Westchester County. The third most populous city in New York state, Yonkers is a suburb of New York City and borders the Borough of the Bronx. Yonkers is known as the "City of Seven Hills," which are Park, Nodine, Ridge, Cross, Locust, Glen, and Church hills.
Top landmarks
•Untermyer Park — public garden
•Hudson River Museum — museum in Yonkers, N.Y.
•Glenview Mansion — historic house in New York, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 58m. Total distance: 249.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 221.9 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $11.09 in tolls one way, starting with New York State Thruway. 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 Yonkers, 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 238.9 miles (I 87 / New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 239.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 10.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Yonkers, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
