Smithtown, NY to Watervliet, NY is 193.5 miles and takes about 4h 5m via NY 17 and the Long Island Expressway, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, primarily traversing New York. Given its relatively short distance and mostly highway profile, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, making for straightforward travel between these two New York locations.
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
96.8 miles from Smithtown, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
111.7 mi
2h 8m
Long Island Expressway
24.8 mi
33m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
I 787
8.4 mi
11m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Jericho Turnpike
4 mi
6m
Cross Island Parkway
3.1 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m
Traffic on I-495
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~4,880 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~521 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 24 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 Smithtown, NY and Watervliet, NY.
1
Start on NY 25; NY 25A
0.6 mi·51 sec·West Main Street
2
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 25; NY 25A
179 ft·5 sec·West Main Street
3
Continue on NY 25
4.0 mi·6 min·Jericho Turnpike
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward SM South: Bay Shore
5
Merge onto SM
1.9 mi·2 min·Sunken Meadow State Parkway
6
Continue on SA
0.8 mi·49 sec·Sagtikos State Parkway
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Exit S1WToward I 495 West: New YorkUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 495 West: New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn straight onto LIE North Service Road
0.4 mi·33 sec·LIE North Service Road
10
Turn straight onto North Service Road
0.1 mi·14 sec·North Service Road
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 495 West: New York
12
Merge onto I 495
25 mi·33 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 31N-SToward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 31NToward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone BridgeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto CI
3.1 mi·4 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 33Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New EnglandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 295
1.8 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
18
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi·1 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
6.6 mi·8 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
21
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
22
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
23
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.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, MahwahUse the straight lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
33
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
34
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
35
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: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 23Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, TroyUse the slight right lane.
37
Continue on I 787
8.4 mi·11 min·I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Take the exit onto 8
0.2 mi·35 sec·8
Exit 8Toward Watervliet, Green IslandUse the slight right lane.
39
Turn left onto 23rd Street
0.2 mi·38 sec·23rd Street
Use the straight lane.
40
Turn left onto NY 32
0.2 mi·33 sec·2nd Avenue
41
Turn left onto NY 2
334 ft·9 sec·19th Street
Use the left lane.
42
Continue on NY 2
0.2 mi·33 sec·Congress Street
43
Turn slight right
0.1 mi·29 sec
44
Turn right onto Division Street
221 ft·6 sec·Division Street
45
Continue on Front Street
0.2 mi·27 sec·Front Street
46
Turn right onto Congress Street
217 ft·10 sec·Congress Street
47
Turn right onto NY 2
438 ft·12 sec·River Street
48
Continue on NY 2
0.3 mi·48 sec·19th Street
49
Arrive at destination
NY 2
Trip Plan
Since this drive is under 5 hours, you can easily complete it in one day. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and avoid potential rush hour congestion. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $31, planning is straightforward. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 111.7-mile stretch on NY 17, as services might be less frequent than in more urban areas. This short duration offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust your departure time as needed.
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 96.8 miles from Smithtown, NY, or about 2h 8m 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 43 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 96.8 miles or 2h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Watervliet, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Smithtown, 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 Smithtown, NY
This is one driving day of about 193.5 miles and 4h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Smithtown, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.6 and 49.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
7.6 mi into trip|~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 West: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 495 West: New York
8
33.3 mi into trip|~46m in
Take the exit toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge, Kennedy Airport
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 31N-S
Toward Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Bridge,...
10
33.5 mi into trip|~46m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 31N
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone B...
8
36.9 mi into trip|~51m 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,...
9
49.3 mi into trip|~1h 10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.30 one way
$62.61 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg68 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$33.97
$67.94
premium
$4.85
$36.93
$73.87
diesel
$4.80
$36.54
$73.07
Estimated Tolls: $22.83
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
Jericho Turnpike
(4 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
$31
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
58.1
0
$20.32
$9.29
Efficient EV
48.4
0
$16.93
$7.74
EV Truck/SUV
77.4
0
$27.09
$12.38
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Forecast as of Jul 21, 2026
Origin
Smithtown, NY
Morning
in Smithtown on Tuesday
Local time
7:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Partly Cloudy
S 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 20 at 2:37PM EDT until July 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 20 at 2:31PM EDT until July 22 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
Watervliet, NY
Morning
in Watervliet on Tuesday
Local time
7:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 20 at 2:37PM EDT until July 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 20 at 2:31PM EDT until July 22 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Upton NY
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
4 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
4h 5m 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.
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...
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...
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
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 46.7
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
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 46.7
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 46.7
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
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 46.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 96% highway, meaning you'll be on high-speed roads for almost the entire trip. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 111.7 miles, likely on NY 17. You'll experience a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits as you transition from the Long Island Expressway onto NJ 17 and then NY 17. Expect minimal time on surface streets as you approach your destination.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
49 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 Long Island Expressway. 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 31 significant decision points across 193.5 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; at 33.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
669 ft14 ft
Total Climb
1,131 ft
Total Descent
1,159 ft
Highest Point
669 ft
~110.6 mi in
Elevation Range
654 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Smithtown, NY and Watervliet, NY, road signs point toward Kennedy Airport, Cross Island Parkway North, Bronx, New England, Upper Level and Njtp South: Hackensack - among others.
Smithtown is a town of 117,000 people (2016) in Suffolk County, on Long Island, in New York. Smithtown is comprised of the villages and hamlets of Commack (in part, with the Town of Huntington), Fort Salonga (in part, with the Town of Huntington), Hauppauge (in part, with the Town of Islip), Head of the Harbor, Kings Park, Lake Ronkonkoma (in part with the Town of Brookhaven and Town of Islip), Nesconset, Nissequogue, Smithtown, St. James, & Village of the Branch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 5m. Total distance: 193.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). 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 $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 Watervliet, 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; at 33.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Watervliet, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
