Trip from Smithville, NY to New York City, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 27m

Distance

311 mi

501 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$51

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

6h 16m ★

6 AM

6h 28m

8 AM

6h 53m

10 AM

6h 37m

12 PM

6h 34m

3 PM

6h 38m

5 PM

6h 51m

8 PM

6h 21m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Smithville, NY

Peter Olexa

New York City, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 311-mile drive from Smithville, NY to New York City, NY is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in a single day, taking about 6 hours and 27 minutes. Primarily utilizing I 81, the Keystone Shortway, and I 380, the route is largely on major interstates, making it efficient for covering ground. With a projected fuel cost of $51, it's an economical trip for a day excursion. The drive stays within the Northeast region, offering a familiar landscape as you head toward the bustling metropolis of New York City. This route is ideal if you're looking for a direct and predictable path.

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

155.5 miles from Smithville, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	187.7 mi	3h 41m
Keystone Shortway	63.3 mi	1h 19m
I 380	23.6 mi	25m
Essex Freeway	15.8 mi	20m
I 84	3.7 mi	4m
South Harbor Road	2.9 mi	5m
Holland Tunnel	2 mi	4m
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike	2 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 187.7 mi, about 3h 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Smithville, NY and New York City, NY.

Start on CR 63

2.0 mi · 7 min · Massey Street Road

Turn right onto South Harbor Road

2.9 mi · 5 min · South Harbor Road

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Toward I 81 South

Merge onto I 81

51 mi · 58 min · I 81

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I-81

0.5 mi · 33 sec · I-81

Continue on I 81

11 mi · 14 min · I 81

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I-81

0.8 mi · 48 sec · I-81

Continue on I 81

73 mi · 1 hr 25 min · I 81

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

53 mi · 1 hr 3 min · I 81

Toward I 81 South: Scranton Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 6

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 6

Exit 187 Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 84; I 380

3.7 mi · 4 min · I 84; I 380

Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

24 mi · 25 min · I 380

Exit 4 Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min

Exit 1B Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg

Merge onto I 80

63 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Keystone Shortway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 49 sec

Exit 47A Toward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark

Continue on I 280

16 mi · 20 min · Essex Freeway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 17A Toward CR 508 East: Jersey City

Merge onto CR 508

2.0 mi · 3 min · Newark-Jersey City Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on NJ 7

0.5 mi · 43 sec · New Wittpenn Bridge

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Turn straight

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Use the straight lane.

Merge onto NJ 139

0.7 mi · 1 min · Conrail Viaduct

Continue on NJ 139

0.4 mi · 32 sec · 12th Street Viaduct

Continue on I 78

0.3 mi · 54 sec · 12th Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 78

2.0 mi · 4 min · Holland Tunnel

Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan

Take the exit

305 ft · 10 sec

Toward Brooklyn Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on Beach Street

121 ft · 7 sec · Beach Street

Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker Street Use the straight lane.

Turn slight right onto Walker Street

0.2 mi · 1 min · Walker Street

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto Broadway

0.4 mi · 1 min · Broadway

Use the straight lane.

Arrive at destination

Broadway

Trip Plan

For this single-day, 6-hour and 27-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Smithville to maximize your daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic as you approach New York City. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically around the halfway point or where you anticipate needing a break. The longest stretch without a major change is 187.7 miles on I 81, so ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that segment. Keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise, as services can be more spread out on certain interstate portions.

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 155.5 miles from Smithville, NY, or about 3h 10m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 187.7 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 68 miles or 1h 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 155.5 miles or 3h 10m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 9m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Smithville, 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 Smithville, NY

This is one driving day of about 311 miles and 6h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Smithville, 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 187.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Broome County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Binghamton, NY

156 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.

Popular next leg

Binghamton, NY to New York City, NY

175.1 mi · 3h 43m

Pacing Suggestions

Syracuse, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Binghamton, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 155.5 miles from Smithville, 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 187.7 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

Le Coucou

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $100 or ab mile 311

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+12122714252

Visit website

Coppola Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

1.3 mi

Veselka

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

1.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Amano Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 311

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15858883232

Visit website

Le Cafe Coffee

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

New York, New York

1.6 mi

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Syracuse, New York

2.5 mi

Le Coucou

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $100 or ab mile 311

New York, New York

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+12122714252

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 311

New York, New York

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12125642723

51st Bakery & Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 311

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+17187070554

Visit website

Roots Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 311

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+19293015535

Visit website

Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 311

Long Island City, New York

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+19178326726

Visit website

Cafe Grumpy - Park Slope

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 311

Brooklyn, New York

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17184994404

Visit website

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 311

New York, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 311

Hoboken, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

African Burial Ground National Monument

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 311

New York, New York

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12122384367

Visit website

BrainXcape Escape Room NYC

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 311

New York, New York

Hours: 11 am–10:30 pm

+13476961408

Visit website

Pier 25 at Hudson River Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 140.7 and 306.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

140.7 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in | I 81

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward I 81 South: Scranton

194.1 mi into trip | ~3h 56m in | US 6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 187 Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...

198.5 mi into trip | ~4h 2m in | I 380

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 4 Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono

306.1 mi into trip | ~6h 15m in

Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

306.3 mi into trip | ~6h 16m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$51.19 one way

$102.39 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 109 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.52	$55.36	$110.71
premium	$4.92	$60.28	$120.56
diesel	$5.61	$68.66	$137.33

Estimated Tolls: $16.14

Holland Tunnel $16.00

Newark-Jersey City Turnpike (2 mi) $0.14

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

$51

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$92–$117

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 108.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	93.3	1	$32.65	$14.93
Efficient EV	77.8	0	$27.21	$12.44
EV Truck/SUV	124.4	1	$43.54	$19.90

Gas CO2

109 kg

EV CO2

36 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Smithville, NY

Morning in Smithville on Sunday

Local time

8:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

35°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

New York City, NY

Morning in New York City on Sunday

Local time

8:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny

E 6 to 14 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT

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

24 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

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

National Monument

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 311

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 76% of this 311-mile trip. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I 81, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch at 187.7 miles. While interstates dominate, the inclusion of the Keystone Shortway and I 380 offers some variation in scenery and road configuration. This route is designed for steady progress rather than winding scenic byways. The overall feel is one of consistent travel on well-maintained, high-speed roads, making it a functional drive to reach your destination.

76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 187.7 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 140.7 miles in near I 81.

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 22 significant decision points across 311 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 140.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 194.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 198.5 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Smithville, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.

Mt Pocono

194.1 mi in | ~3h 56m | via US 6

Milford

194.8 mi in | ~3h 57m | via I 84; I 380

Newark

286.4 mi in | ~5h 48m

About the Cities

Arriving in New York City, NY

Full guide →

“The City That Never Sleeps” · Founded 1624

New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation. From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.

Top landmarks

• Statue of Liberty — American icon in New York, United States
• National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
• Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City

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 6h 27m. Total distance: 311 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 27m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 187.7 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $16.14 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 New York City, 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.

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 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New York City, 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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Trip from Smithville, NY to New York City, NY

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Le Coucou

Amano Cafe

Le Coucou

Coppola Cafe

Veselka

Dekalb Market Hall

Grace Street Coffee & Desserts

Elysian Cafe

Buena Vista Restaurant & Bar

Little Armenia Cafe

Amano Cafe

Le Cafe Coffee

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Aleef Cafe

51st Bakery & Cafe

Roots Cafe

Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters

Cafe Grumpy - Park Slope

Tesla Supercharger

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

EVgo Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

African Burial Ground National Monument

BrainXcape Escape Room NYC

Pier 25 at Hudson River Park

Pier 15 East River Esplanade

Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier 1

New York City Fire Museum

Brooklyn Bridge Park

National Museum of the American Indian

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Smithville, NY

New York City, NY

Same local time

24 degrees warmer at arrival

6h 27m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

African Burial Ground National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

Federal Hall National Memorial

Stonewall National Monument

Governors Island National Monument

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in New York City, NY

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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