Sheepshead Bay, NY to Kirkland, NY is 258.7 miles and takes about 5h 22m via NY 17 and the New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, taking you from the Northeast region of the state up towards its central part. You'll transition from more urban-influenced areas to a more rural setting as you drive. With just one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion.
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
129.4 miles from Sheepshead Bay, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
117.5 mi
2h 15m
New York State Thruway
85.1 mi
1h 38m
NJ 17
22.9 mi
28m
NJ 3
4.3 mi
5m
North-South Arterial Highway
3.6 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Coney Island Avenue
2.6 mi
5m
Clinton Road
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sheepshead Bay, NY and Kirkland, 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
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: RutherfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse 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
118 mi·2 hr 15 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
85 mi·1 hr 38 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
34
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 790, NY 8, NY 12: UticaUse the slight right lane.
35
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
36
Keep slight right at fork
159 ft·3 sec
37
Turn slight right onto North Genesee Street
1.0 mi·1 min·North Genesee Street
38
Continue on Genesee Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·Genesee Street
39
Turn right onto Court Street
0.3 mi·56 sec·Court Street
40
Turn slight left
0.1 mi·16 sec
41
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
42
Merge onto NY 5; NY 8; NY 12
2.8 mi·3 min·North-South Arterial Highway
43
Continue on NY 5; NY 12
0.8 mi·1 min·North-South Arterial Highway
44
Turn left onto NY 12B
2.0 mi·3 min·Clinton Road
45
Turn right onto NY 5B
1.7 mi·2 min·Limberlost Road
46
At end of road, turn left onto NY 5
0.4 mi·39 sec·Seneca Turnpike
47
Arrive at destination
NY 5
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 22m duration, leaving Sheepshead Bay in the morning will comfortably get you to Kirkland before evening. Since this is a one-day trip with only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you take breaks. Pay attention to the transition points between the New York State Thruway and surface roads, as this can affect your speed. The estimated fuel cost of $42 is a good baseline, but always check current prices. Be aware that NY 17 is your longest continuous stretch, so plan for that segment accordingly.
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 129.4 miles from Sheepshead Bay, NY, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 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 57 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.4 miles or 2h 47m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kirkland, 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 258.7 miles and 5h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 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 117.5 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 32
5 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
$45.28 one way
$90.57 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$49.07
$98.14
premium
$5.23
$53.27
$106.54
diesel
$6.28
$63.92
$127.84
Estimated Tolls: $20.25
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(85.1 mi)$4.25
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
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.6
0
$27.16
$12.42
Efficient EV
64.7
0
$22.64
$10.35
EV Truck/SUV
103.5
1
$36.22
$16.56
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 19, 2026
Origin
Sheepshead Bay, NY
Morning
in Sheepshead Bay on Friday
Local time
6:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
NE 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Kirkland, NY
Morning
in Kirkland on Friday
Local time
6:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
SW 3 mph0% chanceLive 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
2 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 22m 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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is a mix of highway and surface roads, with 57% of the route on highways. You'll experience a stretch of 117.5 miles on NY 17, which will likely feel like consistent cruising. Expect a significant portion of your travel to be on the New York State Thruway, potentially offering high-speed travel with fewer exits compared to surface roads. The transition from highway to surface roads will mark a change in driving pace and environment.
57% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.5 mi on NY 17.
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 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 32 significant decision points across 258.7 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
529 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,108 ft
Total Descent
592 ft
Highest Point
529 ft
~258.7 mi in
Elevation Range
522 ft
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 Kirkland, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City and New York State Thruway North: Albany.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 22m. Total distance: 258.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 117.5 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $20.25 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 28 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 Kirkland, 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. There are 28 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 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Governors Island 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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kirkland, NY before the return drive.
