Origin
Sheepshead Bay, NY
Late night in Sheepshead Bay on Tuesday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sheepshead Bay, NY to Albany, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 24m
Distance
159.8 mi
257 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 13m
★
6 AM
3h 25m
8 AM
3h 49m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 31m
3 PM
3h 35m
5 PM
3h 48m
8 PM
3h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sheepshead Bay, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Sheepshead Bay to Albany is 159.8 miles and takes about 3h 24m via NY 17, NJ 17, and NJ 3, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, offering a straightforward drive north. It's a route that prioritizes getting you to your destination efficiently, with most of the journey on well-maintained highways. Consider this an ideal option if you're looking for a simple, single-day transit between these two points 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
79.9 miles from Sheepshead Bay, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NY 17 | 111.7 mi | 2h 8m |
| NJ 17 | 22.9 mi | 28m |
| NJ 3 | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Tonnelle Avenue | 2.6 mi | 3m |
| Coney Island Avenue | 2.6 mi | 5m |
| Prospect Expressway | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Holland Tunnel | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| I 787 | 1.6 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sheepshead Bay, NY and Albany, NY.
1
Start on Avenue Y
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Avenue Y
2
Turn right onto Ocean Avenue
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Ocean Avenue
3
Turn left onto Avenue P
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Avenue P
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto Coney Island Avenue
2.6 mi
·
5 min
·
Coney Island Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left onto NY 27
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Church Avenue
Use the left lane.
6
Turn right onto NY 27
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Prospect Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 27
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
NY 27
Toward I 278 East: Queens, Bronx
8
Merge onto I 278
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
Gowanus Expressway
9
Keep slight left at fork
2.3 mi
·
4 min
Exit 25
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
230 ft
·
10 sec
Toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge
Use the right lane.
11
At end of road, turn right onto NY 9A
1.1 mi
·
3 min
·
West Street
Use the right lane.
12
Turn right onto Vestry Street
0.2 mi
·
47 sec
·
Vestry Street
13
Turn left onto Hudson Street
374 ft
·
18 sec
·
Hudson Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
14
Take the exit
406 ft
·
14 sec
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Merge onto I 78
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Holland Tunnel
16
Continue on I 78
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
14th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
14th Street Viaduct
Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
18
Continue on NJ 139
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
NJ 139 Lower Level
19
Continue on NJ 139
406 ft
·
7 sec
·
Pulaski Skyway
20
Take the exit
420 ft
·
14 sec
Toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Turn straight onto NJ 3
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on NJ 17
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on NJ 17
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi
·
9 min
·
NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
·
NJ 17
30
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 17
31
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi
·
10 sec
·
I 287; NY 17
32
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
112 mi
·
2 hr 8 min
·
NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
Exit 23
Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy
Use the slight right lane.
34
Continue on I 787
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 4
Toward US 9 North, US 20 West: Downtown Albany
Use the slight right lane.
36
Turn straight onto Quay Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
Quay Street
37
Turn left onto NY 5
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
NY 5
38
Turn left onto NY 5
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
·
State Street
39
At end of road, turn right onto NY 5
182 ft
·
5 sec
·
Eagle Street
40
Turn straight onto NY 5
498 ft
·
19 sec
·
Washington Avenue
41
Turn left
30 ft
·
2 sec
42
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 24m estimated duration, this route is easily manageable as a same-day trip. You'll want to depart with enough daylight to comfortably complete the 159.8 miles, especially considering the 90% highway share. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility; perhaps plan a brief break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel as you approach the 111.7-mile stretch on NY 17, ensuring you're topped up before heading into that longer segment.
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 79.9 miles from Sheepshead Bay, NY, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 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 35 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79.9 miles or 1h 50m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Albany, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sheepshead Bay, 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 Sheepshead Bay, NY
This is one driving day of about 159.8 miles and 3h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Sheepshead Bay, 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 111.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 79.9 miles from Sheepshead Bay, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.7 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 285 decision points cluster between mile 7.6 and 45.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
7.6 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 25
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan
8
9.9 mi into trip
|
~19m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel...
8
11.3 mi into trip
|
~24m in
Take the exit toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
8
21.7 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
8
45.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
NY 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17 toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.30 one way
$52.61 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $28.44 | $56.89 |
| premium | $4.92 | $30.97 | $61.94 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.28 | $70.56 |
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
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
$26
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 47.9 | 0 | $16.78 | $7.67 |
| Efficient EV | 40 | 0 | $13.98 | $6.39 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 63.9 | 0 | $22.37 | $10.23 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Albany, NY
Late night in Albany on Tuesday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Ramapo, NY
80 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 24m 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
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 11
View on nps.gov
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 11
View on nps.gov
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 11
View on nps.gov
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 11
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
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 11
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 90% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on NY 17, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch at 111.7 miles. The character is largely that of a steady, high-speed transit, designed for covering distance. Expect consistent road conditions and predictable travel times as you navigate these primary arteries.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.7 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 7.6 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 159.8 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 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.3 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sheepshead Bay, NY and Albany, NY, road signs point toward New Jersey, Jersey City and New York State Thruway North: Albany.
New Jersey
11.3 mi in
|
~24m
Jersey City
13.5 mi in
|
~29m
|
via NJ 139
New York State Thruway North: Albany
45.1 mi in
|
~1h 9m
|
via NY 17
About the Cities
Arriving in Albany, NY
Full guide →Founded 1686
Albany is the capital of New York. Albany is an interesting showcase of several centuries' worth of architectural styles, including the modernistic Empire State Plaza.
Top landmarks
- • New York State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of New York
- • Fort Orange — fort in New Netherland (now Albany, New York)
- • Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — historic cathedral in Albany, 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 3h 24m. Total distance: 159.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111.7 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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.
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 Albany, 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 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Albany, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Albany, NY
More trips to Albany, NY
Explore more options from Sheepshead Bay, NY or browse trips ending in Albany, NY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.