Traveling from Rouses Point to Islip covers 371.2 miles across New York state, typically requiring about 7 hours and 29 minutes of drive time. While this trip is feasible as a single-day push, it demands steady focus to manage the distance efficiently. You should budget approximately $60 for fuel to complete the journey. The route transitions from the northern border region down toward the coastal atmosphere of Islip. Since you are staying within the Northeast, you will experience a consistent regional feel, though the density of the landscape shifts significantly as you head south. Whether you prefer to power through in one go or take your time, planning for this drive is straightforward.
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
185.6 miles from Rouses Point, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Adirondack Northway
173.6 mi
3h 22m
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Southern State Parkway
24.7 mi
31m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
State Route 11
3.9 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Adirondack Northway
— 173.6 mi, about 3h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rouses Point, NY and Islip, NY.
1
Start on State Street
49 ft·3 sec·State Street
2
Turn right onto US 11
0.8 mi·56 sec·Lake Street
3
Turn right onto US 11
0.9 mi·58 sec·Champlain Street
4
Continue on US 11
3.8 mi·4 min·State Route 11
5
Enter roundabout onto US 11
126 ft·1 sec·State Route 11
6
Continue on US 11
401 ft·5 sec·State Route 11
7
Enter roundabout
222 ft·2 sec
8
Continue
0.2 mi·30 sec
9
Merge onto I 87
174 mi·3 hr 22 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi·31 sec·I 87
Exit 1E-WToward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·I 87
Toward I 87 South: New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
14
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
15
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
18
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
23
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
25
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
28
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
31
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
32
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
33
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft·9 sec·225th Street
Use the right lane.
34
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
35
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi·1 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 25AToward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long IslandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
37
Merge onto SO
25 mi·31 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork onto SO
0.2 mi·16 sec·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 41SToward Bay Shore Road South, Bay ShoreUse the slight right lane.
40
Turn straight onto CR 57
0.5 mi·1 min·Bay Shore Road
41
Continue on CR 57
0.3 mi·43 sec·Howells Road
42
Turn straight onto CR 57
341 ft·6 sec·Sunrise Highway
43
Keep slight right at fork onto CR 57
0.6 mi·1 min·Howells Road
Toward Howells Road SouthUse the right lane.
44
Continue on CR 57
0.2 mi·24 sec·Roosevelt Street
45
Continue on CR 57
0.7 mi·1 min·3rd Avenue
46
At end of road, turn left onto NY 27A
1.1 mi·1 min·East Main Street
47
Continue on Montauk Highway
0.2 mi·17 sec·Montauk Highway
48
Continue on NY 27A
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
49
Arrive at destination
NY 27A
Trip Plan
To tackle this 371.2-mile journey effectively, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential congestion as you approach the more populated regions near Islip. With two recommended stops built into the itinerary, use these breaks to stretch and refuel your vehicle without rushing the 7-hour and 29-minute duration. Since the route relies heavily on major arteries like I-87, keep an eye on real-time traffic updates to anticipate delays on the highway sections. Because the drive is rated for a single day, maintaining a consistent pace is your best strategy for a smooth arrival. Use the $60 fuel budget as a baseline, but remember to factor in potential variations based on current local pump prices.
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 185.6 miles from Rouses Point, NY, or about 3h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 173.6 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 82 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 185.6 miles or 3h 36m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Islip, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rouses Point, 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 Rouses Point, NY
This is one driving day of about 371.2 miles and 7h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from Rouses Point, 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 Adirondack Northway for about 173.6 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 179.4 and 366.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
179.4 mi into trip|~3h 29m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1E-W
Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
9
298 mi into trip|~5h 47m 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
299.4 mi into trip|~5h 48m 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
328.4 mi into trip|~6h 29m in|I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
9
366.6 mi into trip|~7h 20m in
Take the exit toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
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 41S
Toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$61.10 one way
$122.20 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg130 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$66.07
$132.14
premium
$4.92
$71.95
$143.89
diesel
$5.61
$81.96
$163.91
Estimated Tolls: $22.55
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
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
$61
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$109–$134
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 129.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
111.4
1
$38.98
$17.82
Efficient EV
92.8
1
$32.48
$14.85
EV Truck/SUV
148.5
1
$51.97
$23.76
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
43 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 Apr 12, 2026
Origin
Rouses Point, NY
Late night
in Rouses Point on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Islip, NY
Late night
in Islip on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Sunny
SE 8 to 13 mph2% chanceLive forecast
63°F
Ramapo, NY
186 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
11 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
7h 29m 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.
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
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 320
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...
In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 153.6
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 320
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 320
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 371.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience that blends high-speed transit with the practical realities of navigating New York. The route is roughly 50% highway, utilizing the Adirondack Northway, I-87, and the Southern State Parkway to keep you moving toward your destination. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the Adirondack Northway, which features a 173.6-mile stretch that serves as the longest uninterrupted segment of the trip. As you transition from these open stretches into the Southern State Parkway, the pace of the drive changes, requiring you to adjust to different traffic patterns. It is a functional, balanced route that offers a clear path from the northern edge of the state to the southern coast.
50% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 173.6 mi on Adirondack Northway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 179.4 miles in near I 87.
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 29 significant decision points across 371.2 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 179.4 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 298 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 299.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,036 ft12 ft
Total Climb
1,564 ft
Total Descent
1,662 ft
Highest Point
1,036 ft
~77.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,024 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Rouses Point, NY and Islip, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and Cross Island Parkway South - among others.
Champlain and Rouses Point are a pair of adjacent villages in Northern New York on the U.S.-Canada border. The villages, 20 miles (30 km) north of Plattsburgh and 40 miles (60 km) south of Montreal, are the northernmost in the state of New York.
Top landmarks
•Fort Montgomery — fort
•Rouses Point station — Amtrak intercity train station in Rouses Point, New York, United States
Islip (pronounced "ICE-lip") is a town on Long Island in the state of New York. Located within Suffolk County, the Town of Islip includes the villages of Brightwaters, Islandia, Ocean Beach and Saltaire. It also includes numerous hamlets including Bay Shore and Sayville which are ferry terminals for Fire Island. Other prominent communities are Bayport, Brentwood, Central Islip, Hauppauge, Islip village (the town seat), and Ronkonkoma.
Top landmarks
•Bayport Aerodrome — airport in Suffolk County, New York, United States
•Connetquot River State Park Preserve — state park in New York
•Modesty — oyster-dredging sloop built in Long Island
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 29m. Total distance: 371.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 29m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 173.6 miles on Adirondack Northway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.55 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 Islip, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 179.4 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 298 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 299.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Saratoga National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.5 hours each way, a round trip means 15.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Islip, NY before the return drive.
