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Trip from Sea Cliff, 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

5h 37m

Distance

272.4 mi

438 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$45

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 24m ★
6 AM
5h 38m
8 AM
6h 4m
10 AM
5h 47m
12 PM
5h 44m
3 PM
5h 48m
5 PM
6h 3m
8 PM
5h 30m

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

village in Nassau County, New York, United States

Sea Cliff, NY

Wikimedia Commons

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

Syracuse, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 272.4-mile drive from Sea Cliff, NY, to Syracuse, NY, is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes. The journey is primarily highway-focused, with 62% of the mileage on major interstates like I-81 and I-380, and the Christopher Columbus Highway. With an estimated fuel cost of $45, this route offers a straightforward path across New York State within the Northeast region. It’s a manageable distance for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. Consider this a practical and efficient way to travel between these two points.

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

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

136.2 miles from Sea Cliff, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 128.5 mi 2h 31m
Christopher Columbus Highway 68.2 mi 1h 20m
I 380 27.7 mi 30m
Keystone Shortway 17.3 mi 24m
Northern Boulevard 6.8 mi 12m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
Cross Island Parkway 2.3 mi 3m
New Jersey Turnpike 2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 128.5 mi, about 2h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Roslyn Avenue

0.1 mi · 30 sec · Roslyn Avenue
2

Turn right onto Glen Avenue

0.4 mi · 59 sec · Glen Avenue
3

Turn straight onto Prospect Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Prospect Avenue
4

Continue on Shore Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Shore Road
5

Continue on Scudders Lane

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Scudders Lane
6

Turn right onto Glenwood Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Glenwood Road
7

At end of road, turn right onto Bryant Avenue

0.9 mi · 1 min · Bryant Avenue
8

Turn left onto Wittes Lane

238 ft · 12 sec · Wittes Lane
9

Turn right

126 ft · 5 sec
10

Turn right onto NY 25A

6.8 mi · 12 min · Northern Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
11

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge Use the right lane.
12

Merge onto CI

2.3 mi · 3 min · Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 33 Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 295

1.8 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge
15

Continue on I 295

0.7 mi · 1 min · Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 295

6.6 mi · 8 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
18

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.6 mi · 59 sec · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
19

Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.5 mi · 48 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
20

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.6 mi · 39 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP

0.1 mi · 8 sec · I 95 EXPR; NJTP
22

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
24

Merge onto I 95; NJTP

2.0 mi · 2 min · New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 69 Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Continue on I 80

68 mi · 1 hr 20 min · Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

5.5 mi · 8 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

12 mi · 15 min · Keystone Shortway
29

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 46 sec
Exit 293 Toward I 380 North: Scranton
30

Continue on I 380

28 mi · 30 min · I 380
Use the straight lane.
31

Merge onto I 81

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
32

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
33

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

66 mi · 1 hr 17 min · I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

0.2 mi · 17 sec · I 81
Toward Syracuse Use the straight lane.
35

Continue on I-81

0.4 mi · 26 sec · I-81
36

Continue on I 81

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 81
37

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward Adams Street, Harrison Street Use the slight right lane.
38

Continue on Almond Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Almond Street
Use the left / slight left / straight / right lanes.
39

Turn left onto NY 92

0.3 mi · 36 sec · East Genesee Street
40

At end of road, turn right onto US 11

10 ft · 0 sec · South State Street
41

Arrive at destination

US 11

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour, 37-minute duration and 272.4-mile length, starting your trip from Sea Cliff, NY, in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight. With only one planned stop suggested, consider breaking up the 128.5-mile stretch on I-81 for a fuel and rest break. The estimated fuel cost is $45, so ensure your tank is full before departing. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you approach major interchanges. This route is well-suited for a single-day journey, offering flexibility without the pressure of an overnight commitment.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 136.2 miles from Sea Cliff, NY, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.5 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 60 miles or 1h 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 136.2 miles or 2h 56m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 39m

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 Sea Cliff, 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 Sea Cliff, NY

This is one driving day of about 272.4 miles and 5h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Sea Cliff, 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 I 81 for about 128.5 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

136 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

City of Scranton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 136.2 miles from Sea Cliff, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 128.5 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 Restaurant

Fusion 27 restaurant and catering services

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Totowa, New Jersey

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 38.9

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+19735955595

Visit website

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 272.4

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13154358511

Visit website

Fusion 27 restaurant and catering services

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 38.9

Totowa, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+19735955595

Visit website

Hapgoods Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 58.4

Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19732993399

Visit website

Sabor Restaurant & Bakery

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.5

College Point, New York

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+13473684407

Visit website

Triplets Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.3

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+15704216566

Visit website

Honey Day Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 38.9

Glen Rock, New Jersey

Hours: 8:30 am–3 pm

+12013893535

Visit website

Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 58.4

Boonton, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19739173334

Visit website

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 272.4

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm

+13154358511

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.5

New York, New York

+19172614093

Eagle Rock Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 38.9

Montclair, New Jersey

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+19733586543

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 58.4

Rockaway, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 58.4

Denville, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 175.1

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 175.1

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

Renewable Grid

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Glen Cove, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13479154409

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 194.6

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 116.7

Mt Pocono, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Glen Cove, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Museum of Science & Technology

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 272.4

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+13154259068

Visit website

5 Wits Syracuse

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 272.4

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13159884001

Visit website

WonderWorks Destiny

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 272.4

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+13154667700

Visit website

Claremont Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 19.5

Bronx, NY

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Get Air Trampoline Park

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 272.4

Syracuse, New York

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+13152165833

Visit website

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 19.5

Bronx, New York

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+17186816000

Visit website

Yankee Stadium

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 19.5

Bronx, New York

+12129265337

Visit website

Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 19.5

Bronx, New York

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 28

5 decision points cluster between mile 10.6 and 27.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
10.6 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the ramp toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone B...
8
13.1 mi into trip | ~24m in

Take the exit toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 33 Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx,...
8
25.3 mi into trip | ~42m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
25.5 mi into trip | ~42m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
27.9 mi into trip | ~45m in

Take the exit toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 69 Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$44.84 one way

$89.68 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 95 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $48.49 $96.97
premium $4.92 $52.80 $105.59
diesel $5.61 $60.14 $120.28

Estimated Tolls: $22.83

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55
New Jersey Turnpike (2 mi) $0.28

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

$45

Tolls

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$93–$118

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 95.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 81.7 1 $28.60 $13.08
Efficient EV 68.1 0 $23.83 $10.90
EV Truck/SUV 109 1 $38.14 $17.43

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (66% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Sea Cliff, NY

Evening in Sea Cliff on Sunday

Local time

5:58 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Syracuse, NY

Evening in Syracuse on Sunday

Local time

5:58 PM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

W 6 mph 86% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 16 at 7:20PM EDT until April 16 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Albany NY

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 16 at 7:15PM EDT until April 16 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT

49°F

Ramapo, NY

136 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

6 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

5h 37m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

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 28.2
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
View on nps.gov
Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

5 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 28.2
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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 28.2
View on nps.gov
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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 28.2
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...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 28.2
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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 28.2
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 highway-focused experience for most of this 5-hour, 37-minute journey. With 62% of the route utilizing major interstates, including I-81 and I-380, you'll encounter consistent speeds for long stretches. The longest uninterrupted segment clocks in at 128.5 miles on I-81, offering a period of steady progress. While predominantly high-speed, the inclusion of the Christopher Columbus Highway might introduce slight variations. Overall, this drive prioritizes efficient travel over winding scenic byways.

62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.5 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.6 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 28 significant decision points across 272.4 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 10.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Sea Cliff, NY and Syracuse, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Hackensack and Albany.

Upper Level

22.8 mi in | ~38m | via I 95; US 1

Njtp South: Hackensack

25.3 mi in | ~42m

Hackensack

27.9 mi in | ~45m

Albany

200.6 mi in | ~4h 12m | via I 81

About the Cities

Starting in Sea Cliff, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1883

Top landmarks

  • Sea Cliff railway station — Historic Long Island Rail Road station

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 5h 37m. Total distance: 272.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 128.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $22.83 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 Syracuse, 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 10.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Syracuse, NY before the return drive.

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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