Saranac Lake to Islip is 334.2 miles and takes about 7h 1m via I 87 and Southern State Parkway, with a fuel budget near $55 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This northeastern New York to New York trip is primarily highway-focused, making it a straightforward drive. Expect a direct route that covers a significant distance, generally heading south. With one day recommended, it’s a manageable journey for a single driver or for those looking to reach their destination efficiently. Consider this option if your priority is covering ground with minimal detours.
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
167.1 miles from Saranac Lake, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Adirondack Northway
103.7 mi
2h 1m
Southern State Parkway
24.7 mi
31m
State Highway 73
18.7 mi
27m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Cascade Road
5.3 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saranac Lake, NY and Islip, NY.
1
Start on NY 3; NY 86
0.4 mi·48 sec·Church Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto NY 86
0.2 mi·32 sec·River Street
3
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 86
304 ft·8 sec·River Street
4
Turn slight right onto NY 86
1.1 mi·2 min·Lake Flower Avenue
5
Continue on NY 86
4.9 mi·7 min·Saranac-Placid Road
6
Turn right onto CR 35
3.6 mi·6 min·Old Military Road
7
Turn straight onto NY 73
5.3 mi·7 min·Cascade Road
8
Continue on NY 73
7.2 mi·10 min·State Highway 73
9
Turn straight onto NY 9N; NY 73
1.8 mi·3 min·State Highway 9N
10
Continue on NY 73
11 mi·16 min·State Highway 73
11
Turn straight onto US 9
2.1 mi·2 min·US 9
12
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward I 87 South
13
Merge onto I 87
104 mi·2 hr 1 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
14
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.
15
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
16
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.
17
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.
18
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
19
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.
20
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
22
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
23
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
25
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
27
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
29
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
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.
31
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
32
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
35
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
36
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
37
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft·9 sec·225th Street
Use the right lane.
38
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
39
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi·1 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 25AToward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long IslandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
41
Merge onto SO
25 mi·31 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Keep slight left at fork onto SO
0.2 mi·16 sec·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 41SToward Bay Shore Road South, Bay ShoreUse the slight right lane.
44
Turn straight onto CR 57
0.5 mi·1 min·Bay Shore Road
45
Continue on CR 57
0.3 mi·43 sec·Howells Road
46
Turn straight onto CR 57
341 ft·6 sec·Sunrise Highway
47
Keep slight right at fork onto CR 57
0.6 mi·1 min·Howells Road
Toward Howells Road SouthUse the right lane.
48
Continue on CR 57
0.2 mi·24 sec·Roosevelt Street
49
Continue on CR 57
0.7 mi·1 min·3rd Avenue
50
At end of road, turn left onto NY 27A
1.1 mi·1 min·East Main Street
51
Continue on Montauk Highway
0.2 mi·17 sec·Montauk Highway
52
Continue on NY 27A
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
53
Arrive at destination
NY 27A
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour duration, starting your drive in Saranac Lake earlier in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. With only 2 recommended stops, plan them strategically along I 87 to break up the longest stretch. While the fuel cost is estimated at $55, keep an eye on prices, especially as you move further south. Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your stop timing based on your energy levels and any unexpected traffic. A key consideration for this route is ensuring your vehicle is in good condition for the sustained highway driving.
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 167.1 miles from Saranac Lake, NY, or about 3h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 74 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167.1 miles or 3h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 36m
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 Saranac Lake, 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 Saranac Lake, NY
This is one driving day of about 334.2 miles and 7h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Saranac Lake, 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 87 for about 118.6 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 142.4 and 329.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
142.4 mi into trip|~3h 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
261 mi into trip|~5h 18m 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
262.4 mi into trip|~5h 20m 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
291.4 mi into trip|~6h 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
329.6 mi into trip|~6h 52m 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
$55.01 one way
$110.02 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg117 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$59.48
$118.97
premium
$4.92
$64.77
$129.55
diesel
$5.61
$73.79
$147.57
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
$55
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$103–$128
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 116.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
100.3
1
$35.09
$16.04
Efficient EV
83.6
0
$29.24
$13.37
EV Truck/SUV
133.7
1
$46.79
$21.39
Gas CO2
117 kg
EV CO2
39 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 20, 2026
Origin
Saranac Lake, NY
Late night
in Saranac Lake on Tuesday
Local time
5:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Islip, NY
Late night
in Islip on Tuesday
Local time
5:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
5 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 1m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 61% highway, offering a predominantly fast-paced driving experience. You'll spend a good portion of your time on I 87, also known as the Adirondack Northway, including a longest stretch of 118.6 miles. The latter part of the journey transitions to the Southern State Parkway, which may offer a slightly different feel but remains a parkway. Overall, anticipate a drive characterized by consistent speed limits and limited opportunities for spontaneous stops, as the majority of the mileage is on major thoroughfares.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
53 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 87 and Adirondack Northway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 142.4 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 334.2 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 142.4 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 261 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 262.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Between Saranac Lake, NY and Islip, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and Cross Island Parkway South - among others.
Saranac Lake is a village in the Adirondacks in New York state. It lies in the towns of Harrietstown, St. Armand, and North Elba, inside the boundaries of Adirondack State Park.
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 1m. Total distance: 334.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 1m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 118.6 miles on I 87. 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 142.4 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 261 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 262.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 14.0 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.
