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Trip from Rochester, NY to Syracuse, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 45m

Distance

87 mi

140 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 38m ★
6 AM
1h 46m
8 AM
2h 2m
10 AM
1h 51m
12 PM
1h 50m
3 PM
1h 52m
5 PM
2h 1m
8 PM
1h 41m

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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county seat of Monroe County, New York, United States

Rochester, NY

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States

Syracuse, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 87-mile drive from Rochester to Syracuse, NY, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. With a projected fuel cost of $14, it's an economical option for a day trip within the Northeast region. The route primarily utilizes the New York State Thruway, I-490, and I-690, making it a familiar highway experience for many. Given its short duration and minimal stops, this is an ideal one-day journey, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. You'll find the roads are generally well-maintained and direct, connecting two major New York cities efficiently.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

43.5 miles from Rochester, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New York State Thruway 61.1 mi 1h 10m
I 490 14.9 mi 19m
I 690 7.9 mi 9m
West Genesee Street 0.4 mi 1m
South Plymouth Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
South State Street 0.2 mi <1m
James Street 0.1 mi <1m
Erie Boulevard East <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: New York State Thruway — 61.1 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY.

1

Start on South Plymouth Avenue

0.2 mi · 34 sec · South Plymouth Avenue
2

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward I 490 East
3

Merge onto I 490

15 mi · 19 min · I 490
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 90 East: Albany
5

Merge onto I 90

61 mi · 1 hr 10 min · New York State Thruway
6

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 39 Toward I 690, NY 690: Syracuse, Fulton Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward I 690 East: Fairgrounds, Syracuse
8

Continue on I 690

7.9 mi · 9 min · I 690
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Toward Downtown Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward Downtown Use the slight right lane.
11

Turn left onto NY 5

0.4 mi · 1 min · West Genesee Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
12

Continue on NY 5

0.1 mi · 23 sec · James Street
13

Turn right onto NY 5

317 ft · 11 sec · Oswego Boulevard
14

Continue on NY 5

524 ft · 18 sec · Erie Boulevard East
15

Turn right onto US 11

0.2 mi · 25 sec · South State Street
Use the straight lane.
16

Arrive at destination

US 11

Trip Plan

For this 1 hour and 45-minute drive, departing Rochester in the morning or mid-afternoon generally avoids peak traffic. With only 87 miles to cover and no specific stops recommended, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits you best. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $14, and plan to refuel before you leave Rochester or upon arrival in Syracuse. A key tip for this route is to be aware of the transitions between the New York State Thruway and the I-490/I-690 system, as these can involve quick lane changes or exits. Since it's a short drive, you can easily make it in one go without needing to split it.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.5 miles from Rochester, NY, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.1 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 19 miles or 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 43.5 miles or 52m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 27m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Rochester, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Rochester, NY

This is one driving day of about 87 miles and 1h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Rochester, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New York State Thruway for about 61.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Sullivan County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Thompson, NY

44 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Victor, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Tyre, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.5 miles from Rochester, 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 61.1 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Syracuse, New York

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 87

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13154358511

Visit website

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 87

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13154358511

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 43.5

Waterloo, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Applegreen Electric Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 43.5

Phelps, NY

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18885577099

Visit website

EVolve NY Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 37.3

Phelps, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 43.5

Waterloo, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 43.5

Waterloo, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Applegreen Electric Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 31.1

Clifton Springs, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18885577099

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 49.7

Waterloo, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 24.9

Shortsville, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Museum of Science & Technology

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 87

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+13154259068

Visit website

The Strong National Museum of Play

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Rochester, New York

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15852632700

Visit website

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Rochester, New York

Hours: 12–8:50 pm

+15854286755

Visit website

RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Rochester, New York

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+15852714320

Visit website

Channing H. Philbrick Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 6.2

Penfield, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+15853408655

Visit website

5 Wits Syracuse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 87

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13159884001

Visit website

Lights on the Lake

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 80.8

Liverpool, New York

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13154536712

Visit website

WonderWorks Destiny

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 87

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+13154667700

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 77.1 and 86.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
77.1 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in

Take the exit toward I 690, NY 690: Syracuse, Fulton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 39 Toward I 690, NY 690: Syracuse, Fulton
6
77.7 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 690 East: Fairgrounds, Syracuse

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 690 East: Fairgrounds, Syracuse
6
85.9 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in

Take the exit toward Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward Downtown
8
86 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward Downtown
6
86.8 mi into trip | ~1h 45m in | US 11 / South State Street

Turn right onto US 11 / South State Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.32 one way

$28.64 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $15.49 $30.97
premium $4.92 $16.86 $33.72
diesel $5.61 $19.21 $38.42

Estimated Tolls: $3.06

New York State Thruway (61.1 mi) $3.06

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

$14

Tolls

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26.1 0 $9.13 $4.18
Efficient EV 21.8 0 $7.61 $3.48
EV Truck/SUV 34.8 0 $12.18 $5.57

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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 16, 2026

Origin

Rochester, NY

Late night in Rochester on Sunday

Local time

12:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

38°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Syracuse, NY

Late night in Syracuse on Sunday

Local time

12:17 AM

EDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

59°F

Thompson, NY

44 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

19 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

1h 45m 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.

Women's Rights National Historical Park

Women's Rights National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human r...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 48
View on nps.gov
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 57
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 dynamic driving experience on this route, characterized by its turn-heavy local drive profile. While 26% of the journey is on highways, the road incorporates more varied segments. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 61.1 miles on the New York State Thruway, offering a period of consistent cruising. However, be prepared for shifts in road type as you transition between major arteries and local connections, requiring attentive driving. This blend means you won't be on a monotonous interstate for the entire 87 miles, offering a bit more engagement behind the wheel.

Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.1 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 77.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 77.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 77.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.9 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.

On the drive from Rochester, NY to Syracuse, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Fulton along the way.

Fulton

77.1 mi in | ~1h 31m

About the Cities

Starting in Rochester, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1834

Big-city culture and small-city charm combine in Rochester, a mid-sized city on the shore of Lake Ontario. The birthplace of amateur photography, Rochester was synonymous with Eastman Kodak for much of the 20th century, but the city's fame was established well before George Eastman came on the scene. Today, its historical treasures complement modern family-friendly attractions that rival those found in much larger communities. In Rochester, you can find the only museum in the world dedicated to play; award-winning music, dance, and acting ensembles; a dense festival calendar covering nearly every weekend of the year; minor-league sports of the highest caliber; and a trio of majestic waterfalls right in the middle of the city. The gateway to the scenic and culinary delights of New York's Finger Lakes region, Rochester is the perfect place to begin your exploration of Western New York.

Top landmarks

  • • George Eastman Museum — film and photography museum and archive in Rochester, New York, United States
  • • Memorial Art Gallery — art museum operated by the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York, Unite...
  • • The National Museum of Play — national museum dedicated to toys and play located in Rochester, New York, Unite...

Arriving in Syracuse, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1848

Syracuse is a city in Central New York. With a population of 149,000 in city proper and 662,000 in its metro area (2020), Syracuse is the fifth largest city in the state of New York, and the third largest in Upstate New York.

Top landmarks

  • • Oncenter War Memorial Arena — arena in Syracuse, New York
  • • Everson Museum of Art — art museum in Syracuse, New York
  • • Niagara Mohawk Building — historic commercial building in New York, United States

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 1h 45m. Total distance: 87 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 61.1 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $3.06 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.

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 Syracuse, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 77.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 77.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Women's Rights National Historical Park and Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. 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 Syracuse, NY before heading back.

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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