Richmond Hill, NY to Depew, NY is 380.3 miles and takes about 7h 58m via I 86, with a fuel budget near $63 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York State, connecting the Northeast region from the city to western parts of the state. Expect a drive that's mostly highway, making for a straightforward transit. With just two recommended stops and a total drive time under eight hours, it's a manageable one-day excursion if you get an early start.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
190.1 miles from Richmond Hill, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 86
100 mi
1h 56m
I 81
58.1 mi
1h 9m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
Genesee Expressway
38.6 mi
44m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
Broadway Road
13.9 mi
19m
Broadway Street
11.6 mi
21m
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 100 mi, about 1h 56m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 123 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,393 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,118
Quietest
1 AM
~445 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Richmond Hill, NY and Depew, 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
2.7 mi·3 min·Van Wyck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·58 sec
Exit 12BToward I 495 West: Midtown TunnelUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 495
3.4 mi·5 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 17WToward I 278 West: BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·49 sec
Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, ManhattanUse the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 495
1.4 mi·2 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
1.3 mi·2 min·Queens-Midtown Tunnel
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward Crosstown, 37th StreetUse the slight left lane.
13
Turn slight left onto East 37th Street
1.1 mi·3 min·East 37th Street
Use the slight left lane.
14
Take the ramp
474 ft·11 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel
15
Turn right
342 ft·11 sec
Use the right lane.
16
Merge onto NY 495
105 ft·4 sec·Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 495
3.7 mi·6 min·Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
Toward Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·29 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: SecaucusUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
453 ft·7 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: CliftonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto NJ 3
10 mi·12 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto US 46
11 mi·12 min·US 46
Use the straight lane.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap
23
Continue on I 80W
1.6 mi·1 min·Interstate 80 West
Toward I 287: Morristown, MahwahUse the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water GapUse the straight / slight left lanes.
25
Merge onto I 80
45 mi·52 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
28
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
29
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
30
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
100 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
32
Keep slight left at fork onto I 390
39 mi·44 min·Genesee Expressway
Toward I 390: Rochester
33
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 7Toward NY 408, NY 63: Mount Morris, Letchworth Park
34
Turn right onto NY 408
0.1 mi·10 sec·Mount Morris-Geneseo Road
35
Continue on NY 63
3.3 mi·4 min·Geneseo-Mount Morris Road
36
Turn left onto NY 63
1.3 mi·1 min·Genesee Street
37
Enter roundabout onto NY 63
100 ft·1 sec·Genesee Street
38
Continue on NY 63
7.5 mi·11 min·Genesee Street
39
Continue on NY 63
0.7 mi·54 sec·State Highway 63
40
Continue on NY 63
4.1 mi·6 min·Big Tree Road
41
Continue on NY 63
3.0 mi·4 min·Ellicott Street Road
42
Turn left onto US 20
6.5 mi·8 min·Telephone Road
43
Continue on US 20
14 mi·19 min·Broadway Road
44
Continue on US 20
1.6 mi·3 min·Broadway Street
45
Continue on US 20
10.0 mi·17 min·Broadway Street
46
Turn slight right onto Bloomfield Avenue
0.3 mi·38 sec·Bloomfield Avenue
47
Turn slight left onto Terrace Boulevard
220 ft·6 sec·Terrace Boulevard
48
Arrive at destination
Terrace Boulevard
Trip Plan
To make the most of this roughly 8-hour drive, consider leaving Richmond Hill early in the morning, around 7 AM, to avoid the worst of the morning commute and ensure you arrive in Depew with plenty of daylight. You'll have two stops built into this plan, so aim to take a break around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch. Watch your fuel levels, especially as you approach the 100-mile stretch on I 86, and plan your refueling stops accordingly. The fuel cost estimate is around $63, so keep that in mind when budgeting for the trip.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 190.1 miles from Richmond Hill, NY, or about 3h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100 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 84 miles or 1h 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 190.1 miles or 3h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Depew, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Richmond Hill, NY
This is one driving day of about 380.3 miles and 7h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Richmond Hill, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 86 for about 100 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 35
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.8 and 17.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
3.8 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the exit toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 12B
Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel
7
7.7 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward I 278 West: Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 17W
Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn
8
8.7 mi into trip|~13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan
8
12 mi into trip|~19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Crosstown, 37th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Crosstown, 37th Street
8
17.4 mi into trip|~31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 3 West: Clifton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 3 West: Clifton
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.52 one way
$123.04 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg133 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$66.76
$133.52
premium
$4.85
$72.59
$145.17
diesel
$4.80
$71.81
$143.62
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Lincoln Tunnel
$16.00
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
$62
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$103–$128
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 133.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
114.1
1
$39.93
$18.25
Efficient EV
95.1
1
$33.28
$15.21
EV Truck/SUV
152.1
1
$53.24
$24.34
Gas CO2
133 kg
EV CO2
44 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Richmond Hill, NY
Late night
in Richmond Hill on Sunday
Local time
5:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Smoke
NW 8 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Depew, NY
Late night
in Depew on Sunday
Local time
5:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Smoke
NE 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
84°F
Barton, NY
190 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
12 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
7h 58m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Stonewall National Monument
National Monument
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...
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...
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...
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
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 13.1
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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 13.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 68% of this 380.3-mile route is on highways, meaning you'll spend a significant portion of your time cruising. The longest continuous stretch without a major change in road type is 100 miles on I 86. After the highway sections, you'll transition to surface roads, which can mean more local traffic and frequent intersections as you approach your destination. You'll notice a change in the pace of driving as you move from high-speed interstate travel to more local road conditions.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100 mi on I 86.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.8 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 35 significant decision points across 380.3 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 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,943 ft59 ft
Total Climb
3,908 ft
Total Descent
3,298 ft
Highest Point
1,943 ft
~108.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,883 ft
Notable High Points
1,943 ft at ~108.6 miles+877 ft prominence
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 Depew, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Letchworth Park.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 58m. Total distance: 380.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 58m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 100 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Lincoln 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.
Yes — we found about 43 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Depew, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 43 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Stonewall National Monument, African Burial Ground National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 16.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Depew, NY before the return drive.
