Traveling from Richmond Hill to Amsterdam covers 185.5 miles, typically taking about 3 hours and 47 minutes behind the wheel. This journey is designed as a straightforward, one-day trip, making it an efficient option for those looking to reach the Mohawk Valley region from New York City. You should budget approximately $30 for fuel to complete the trek. Since the entire route stays within New York State, you will transition from the dense urban landscape of the Northeast to the more open settings upstate. It is a highly practical drive for commuters or weekend travelers who prefer a direct, highway-focused path over local 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
92.8 miles from Richmond Hill, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
117.5 mi
2h 15m
New York State Thruway
25.9 mi
29m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Van Wyck Expressway
4.9 mi
7m
I 95
4.8 mi
6m
Whitestone Expressway
2 mi
2m
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
1.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richmond Hill, NY and Amsterdam, NY.
1
Start on Jamaica Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·Jamaica Avenue
2
Turn left onto Van Wyck Expressway
0.1 mi·21 sec·Van Wyck Expressway
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on 138th Street
298 ft·6 sec·138th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway, Whitestone Bridge, Bronx
5
Merge onto I 678
4.8 mi·6 min·Van Wyck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 678
2.0 mi·2 min·Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 678
1.3 mi·1 min·Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
8
Continue on I 678
0.8 mi·1 min·Hutchinson River Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 19S-W; 19NToward I 95 South, I 278 West, I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan, New Haven ConnecticutUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 19S-WToward I 95 South, I 278 West: George Washington Bridge, ManhattanUse the slight left lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 95 South
12
Merge onto I 95
4.8 mi·6 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
14
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
15
Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.5 mi·48 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.6 mi·39 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, MahwahUse the straight lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
26
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
27
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
28
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
118 mi·2 hr 15 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
26 mi·29 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 27Toward NY 30: AmsterdamUse the slight right lane.
31
Continue on this road
367 ft·12 sec·this road
32
Turn right onto NY 30
1.0 mi·1 min·NY 30
33
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 67
238 ft·8 sec·Church Street
34
Turn right onto Joseph Jacobs Way
0.1 mi·39 sec·Joseph Jacobs Way
Use the right lane.
35
Turn right
355 ft·25 sec
36
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 3-hour and 47-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the majority of your time is spent on high-speed roads, try to depart during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion on the initial highway segments. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the longest 117.5-mile stretch on NY 17, as opportunities to pull off may vary. Because this is a relatively quick trip, the flexibility of a single-day itinerary allows you to arrive in Amsterdam with plenty of time to spare for your planned activities.
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 92.8 miles from Richmond Hill, NY, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 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 41 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 92.8 miles or 1h 57m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amsterdam, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Richmond Hill, 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 Richmond Hill, NY
This is one driving day of about 185.5 miles and 3h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Richmond Hill, 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 NY 17 for about 117.5 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 10 and 25.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
10 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, I 278 West, I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan, New Haven Connecticut
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 19S-W; 19N
Toward I 95 South, I 278 West, I 95 North: Geor...
10
10.2 mi into trip|~16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, I 278 West: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 19S-W
Toward I 95 South, I 278 West: George Washingto...
8
18.1 mi into trip|~27m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
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.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
9
18.3 mi into trip|~28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
8
25.4 mi into trip|~37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.53 one way
$61.07 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg65 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$33.02
$66.04
premium
$4.92
$35.95
$71.91
diesel
$5.61
$40.96
$81.91
Estimated Tolls: $23.85
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Whitestone Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(25.9 mi)$1.30
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
$31
Tolls
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
55.7
0
$19.48
$8.90
Efficient EV
46.4
0
$16.23
$7.42
EV Truck/SUV
74.2
0
$25.97
$11.87
Gas CO2
65 kg
EV CO2
22 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 14, 2026
Origin
Richmond Hill, NY
Late night
in Richmond Hill on Tuesday
Local time
4:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Mostly Cloudy then Isolated Rain Showers
W 6 to 10 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 11:26AM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Amsterdam, NY
Late night
in Amsterdam on Tuesday
Local time
4:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Ramapo, NY
93 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
1 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
3h 47m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 19.2
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 12.8
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 83% of your journey is spent on major thoroughfares. You will navigate a mix of roads, starting with NJ 17 and NY 17 before transitioning onto the New York State Thruway. The most significant portion of your time will be spent on the 117.5-mile stretch along NY 17, which serves as the backbone of this trip. While the route is largely consistent, the character of the drive shifts as you leave the congestion of the metro area and move toward the more open highway stretches leading into Amsterdam.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.5 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and New York State Thruway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10 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 25 significant decision points across 185.5 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 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
644 ft41 ft
Total Climb
1,214 ft
Total Descent
920 ft
Highest Point
644 ft
~79.5 mi in
Elevation Range
604 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Richmond Hill, NY and Amsterdam, NY, road signs point toward Manhattan, New Haven Connecticut, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South and Gsp North - among others.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 47m. Total distance: 185.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 117.5 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $23.85 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 Amsterdam, 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 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Amsterdam, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
