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Trip from Rockland, NY to East Flatbush, NY

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

Drive Time

2h 50m

Distance

129.2 mi

208 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 39m ★
6 AM
2h 50m
8 AM
3h 12m
10 AM
2h 58m
12 PM
2h 56m
3 PM
2h 59m
5 PM
3h 11m
8 PM
2h 44m

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

Downtown Rockland, NY, NY

Rockland, NY

Peter Olexa

neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, USA

East Flatbush, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Rockland, NY to East Flatbush, NY is 129.2 miles and takes about 2h 50m via NY 17 and NJ 17, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, connecting two points in New York State. It's a practical, highway-focused drive that makes for a straightforward, single-day journey. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on main roads like the New York State Thruway, so expect a consistent pace. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without much fuss.

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

64.6 miles from Rockland, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 70.1 mi 1h 23m
NJ 17 22.7 mi 29m
New York State Thruway 13.7 mi 15m
NJ 3 4.2 mi 4m
Tonnelle Avenue 2.6 mi 3m
Holland Tunnel 1.9 mi 4m
NY 27 1.8 mi 3m
Linden Boulevard 1.4 mi 3m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 70.1 mi, about 1h 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Rockland, NY and East Flatbush, NY.

1

Start on Wilcox Avenue

33 ft · 3 sec · Wilcox Avenue
2

Turn right onto NY 206; CR 91

0.6 mi · 1 min · Rockland Road
3

Continue on NY 206; CR 179

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Old Route 17
4

Turn right onto CR 124

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Stewart Avenue
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward NY 17 East: New York City Use the left lane.
6

Merge onto NY 17

69 mi · 1 hr 22 min · NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York City Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto I 87

14 mi · 15 min · New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

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.
11

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
12

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

23 mi · 29 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
14

Merge onto NJ 3

4.2 mi · 4 min · NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on US 1; US 9

2.5 mi · 3 min · Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9

0.1 mi · 9 sec · Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel Use the left lane.
18

Merge onto NJ 139

0.7 mi · 1 min · Conrail Viaduct
19

Continue on NJ 139

0.4 mi · 32 sec · 12th Street Viaduct
20

Continue on I 78

0.3 mi · 54 sec · 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 78

1.9 mi · 4 min · Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
22

Take the exit

428 ft · 14 sec
Toward NY 9A
23

Turn slight left onto Laight Street

0.2 mi · 48 sec · Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
24

At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A

0.9 mi · 2 min · West Street
Use the straight lane.
25

Take the exit

2.6 mi · 5 min
Exit 2 Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn Use the left lane.
26

Continue on I 278

0.6 mi · 50 sec · Gowanus Expressway
27

Take the exit onto NY 27

1.5 mi · 2 min · NY 27
Exit 24 Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway Use the slight left / straight lanes.
28

Take the exit onto NY 27

0.4 mi · 47 sec · NY 27
Exit 5 Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical Center Use the slight right lane.
29

Turn left onto NY 27

1.2 mi · 2 min · Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
30

Continue on NY 27

1.4 mi · 3 min · Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
31

Arrive at destination

NY 27

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 2h 50m duration, this trip is easily completed in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. To make the most of the $22 fuel budget, consider filling up before you leave Rockland, NY. While the drive is focused on highways like NY 17, keep an eye on signs for upcoming rest areas, especially as you approach the 70.1-mile stretch on NY 17. Planning a brief stop around the midpoint can help break up the drive and ensure you arrive refreshed. Because this is a direct, highway-intensive route, there's less need for complex route planning and more opportunity to simply focus on covering the distance efficiently.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 64.6 miles from Rockland, NY, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.1 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 28 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.6 miles or 1h 18m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 9m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Rockland, 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 Rockland, NY

This is one driving day of about 129.2 miles and 2h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Rockland, 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 70.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

65 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

Monticello, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.6 miles from Rockland, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.1 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.1 and 117 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp toward NY 17 East: New York City

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward NY 17 East: New York City
8
70.5 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
9
85.7 mi into trip | ~1h 43m 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
87.1 mi into trip | ~1h 45m 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
117 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in

Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

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

Use the left lane. Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.27 one way

$42.53 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $23.00 $45.99
premium $4.92 $25.04 $50.08
diesel $5.61 $28.53 $57.05

Estimated Tolls: $16.68

Holland Tunnel $16.00
New York State Thruway (13.7 mi) $0.68

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

$21

Tolls

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.8 0 $13.57 $6.20
Efficient EV 32.3 0 $11.30 $5.17
EV Truck/SUV 51.7 0 $18.09 $8.27

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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 15, 2026

Origin

Rockland, NY

Morning in Rockland on Sunday

Local time

7:52 AM

EDT

Current temp

36°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

East Flatbush, NY

Morning in East Flatbush on Sunday

Local time

7:52 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Ramapo, NY

65 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

13 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

2h 50m 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.

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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Free near mile 120.3
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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 120.3
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Free near mile 120.3
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Monument

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...

2 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 120.3
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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 124.7
View on nps.gov
Statue Of Liberty National Monument

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

National Monument

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 124.7
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 78% of the journey taking place on major roadways. You'll primarily use NY 17 and NJ 17, with segments on the New York State Thruway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 70.1 miles on NY 17, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed and traffic flow. While largely a highway experience, the transition between these major roads defines the drive's character, offering a clear path with limited deviations into more local scenery. Expect a steady, predictable driving experience for most of the trip.

78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 70.1 mi on NY 17.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in.

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 22 significant decision points across 129.2 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 1.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 70.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Rockland, NY and East Flatbush, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan - among others.

Nyst: Albany

70.5 mi in | ~1h 25m

New York City

70.5 mi in | ~1h 25m

Jersey City

116.9 mi in | ~2h 23m | via US 1; US 9

Pulaski Skyway

116.9 mi in | ~2h 23m | via US 1; US 9

Hoboken

117 mi in | ~2h 23m

Manhattan

118.6 mi in | ~2h 26m | via I 78

Brooklyn

121.7 mi in | ~2h 34m

About the Cities

Arriving in East Flatbush, NY

Full guide →

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 2h 50m. Total distance: 129.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 70.1 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $16.68 in tolls one way, starting with Holland 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.

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 East Flatbush, 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 1.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 70.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Federal Hall National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). 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 East Flatbush, 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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