Sheepshead Bay, NY to Jamestown, NY is 376.5 miles and takes about 8h 2m via Keystone Shortway and US 219, with a fuel budget near $62 and enough daylight to finish in a day, though it's best split over two days. This drive stays within the Northeast region, starting and ending in New York. The majority of this route utilizes surface roads, offering a more local feel compared to pure highway travel. Consider this trip if you prefer a less direct, more scenic path with plenty of opportunities to experience towns along the way, rather than just the interstate.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
188.3 miles from Sheepshead Bay, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 51m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
200 mi
3h 44m
Christopher Columbus Highway
44.6 mi
52m
US 219
12.3 mi
18m
Market Street
11.9 mi
13m
NJ 3
10.9 mi
13m
US 46
10.8 mi
12m
Montmorenci Road
8.8 mi
13m
PA 948
8.6 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 200 mi, about 3h 44m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 298 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,993 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,681
Quietest
1 AM
~353 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sheepshead Bay, NY and Jamestown, 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 25Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, ManhattanUse 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 BridgeUse 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 JerseyUse 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: SecaususUse 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
11 mi·13 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto US 46
11 mi·12 min·US 46
Use the straight lane.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap
25
Continue on I 80W
1.6 mi·1 min·Interstate 80 West
Toward I 287: Morristown, MahwahUse the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water GapUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Merge onto I 80
45 mi·52 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
195 mi·3 hr 35 min·Keystone Shortway
30
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·32 sec
32
Turn straight onto PA 153
7.5 mi·13 min·State Park Road
33
Continue on PA 153
5.0 mi·8 min·Hoovertown Road
34
Continue on PA 153
3.7 mi·6 min·Penfield Road
35
At end of road, turn right onto US 219
12 mi·18 min·US 219
36
Turn right onto PA 948
1.0 mi·2 min·Montmorenci Avenue
37
Continue on PA 948
8.8 mi·13 min·Montmorenci Road
38
Continue on PA 948
5.4 mi·7 min·Highland Road
39
At end of road, turn left onto PA 66
2.7 mi·3 min·Kane-Russell City Road
40
Take the exit onto PA 948
8.6 mi·12 min·PA 948
41
Continue on PA 666
2.3 mi·4 min·PA 666
42
At end of road, turn left onto US 6
1.2 mi·2 min·West Main Street
43
Continue on US 6
4.5 mi·6 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
44
Continue on US 6
1.4 mi·2 min·South Main Street
45
Continue on US 6
2.9 mi·4 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
46
Continue on US 6
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
47
Continue on US 6
1.8 mi·3 min·Crescent Park
Use the straight lane.
48
Continue on Crescent Park
0.4 mi·1 min·Crescent Park
Use the right lane.
49
Turn right onto Hickory Bridge
0.1 mi·17 sec·Hickory Bridge
Use the right lane.
50
Continue on Hickory Street
0.2 mi·25 sec·Hickory Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
51
Turn right onto US 62
0.2 mi·23 sec·West 4th Avenue
52
Turn left onto US 62
12 mi·13 min·Market Street
53
Turn left onto Kiantone Road
5.0 mi·6 min·Kiantone Road
54
Turn left onto NY 60
2.0 mi·4 min·Foote Avenue
55
Continue on Foote Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Foote Avenue
56
Turn left onto East 2nd Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·East 2nd Street
57
Continue on East 3rd Street
220 ft·12 sec·East 3rd Street
58
Turn left onto East 2nd Street
39 ft·1 sec·East 2nd Street
59
Arrive at destination
East 2nd Street
Trip Plan
Given the 8-hour estimated drive time and the predominantly surface road profile, planning for two days is highly recommended to avoid fatigue. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight, especially if you plan to stop and explore. You'll want to budget around $62 for fuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as stops might be more spread out on the surface road sections. The longest stretch on highway is 200 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you hit that segment.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 188.3 miles from Sheepshead Bay, NY, or about 3h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 200 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 83 miles or 1h 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 188.3 miles or 3h 51m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 188.3 miles or 3h 51m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jamestown, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sheepshead Bay, NY
Aim for roughly 188 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Jamestown, NY
Aim for roughly 188 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Sheepshead Bay, NY.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 200 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 42
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.6 and 14.7 — 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...
7
11.2 mi into trip|~23m in|Hudson Street
Turn left onto Hudson Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
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
7
14.7 mi into trip|~31m in
Take the exit toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$65.90 one way
$131.80 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg132 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$71.42
$142.83
premium
$5.23
$77.52
$155.05
diesel
$6.28
$93.03
$186.06
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
$66
Tolls
$16
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$212–$322
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 131.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
113
1
$39.53
$18.07
Efficient EV
94.1
1
$32.94
$15.06
EV Truck/SUV
150.6
1
$52.71
$24.10
Gas CO2
132 kg
EV CO2
44 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 Oct 21, 2026
Origin
Sheepshead Bay, NY
Late night
in Sheepshead Bay on Saturday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Mostly Clear
N 18 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Jamestown, NY
Late night
in Jamestown on Saturday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
32°F
Patchy Fog
NE 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
65°F
Waverly, NY
188 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
18 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
8h 2m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily surface roads, with only about 13% on highways. You'll spend most of your time navigating local routes, with the longest continuous highway stretch being 200 miles on the Keystone Shortway. Expect frequent exits and a slower pace as you transition from the highway to these surface roads. This means more opportunities to see the landscape change as you drive through different communities.
Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
59 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 200 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. 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 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 42 significant decision points across 376.5 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 11.2 miles (Hudson Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,910 ft12 ft
Total Climb
3,853 ft
Total Descent
2,488 ft
Highest Point
1,910 ft
~107.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,898 ft
Notable High Points
1,910 ft at ~107.6 miles+731 ft prominence
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 Jamestown, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Penfield.
Jamestown is a city in Chautauqua County, in New York's Southern Tier. The birthplace of actress Lucille Ball, Jamestown is now home to the National Comedy Center, a state-of-the-art interactive museum. You can also enjoy the waterfront of Chautauqua Lake and the Chadakoin River.
Top landmarks
•Jamestown Gateway Train Station — Transit Center in Jamestown, New York
•Jamestown Downtown Historic District — national historic district located at Jamestown in Chautauqua County, New York
•Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center — Museum in Lucille Ball's hometown of Jamestown, New York
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 200 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 188 miles on day one.
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.
Yes — we found about 40 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Jamestown, 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. There are 40 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 11.2 miles (Hudson Street): Lane positioning matters here.
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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 16.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jamestown, NY before the return drive.
