Origin
Southport, NY
Late night in Southport on Sunday
Local time
4:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Southport, NY to Syracuse, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 6m
Distance
90.6 mi
146 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 58m
★
6 AM
2h 7m
8 AM
2h 24m
10 AM
2h 13m
12 PM
2h 11m
3 PM
2h 14m
5 PM
2h 24m
8 PM
2h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Southport, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Syracuse, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Southport, NY to Syracuse, NY is 90.6 miles and takes about 2h 6m via I 81 and NY 13, with a fuel budget near $15 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York, connecting two points in the Northeast region. It's a relatively short, straightforward trip primarily on major roadways, making it a convenient option for a quick journey. You'll find the route is mostly highway-focused, so expect consistent travel speeds for most of the drive. It's a good choice if you need to get between these two locations efficiently without a lot of fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
45.3 miles from Southport, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 3m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 29.5 mi | 34m |
| NY 13 | 19.4 mi | 22m |
| Dryden Road | 9.2 mi | 15m |
| Elmira Road | 7.6 mi | 12m |
| Southern Tier Expressway | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| NY13 | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| Cortland Road | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| West Road | 2.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 29.5 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southport, NY and Syracuse, NY.
1
Start on NY 14
272 ft
·
5 sec
·
Clemens Center Parkway
2
Continue on NY 14
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Clemens Center Parkway
3
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Pennsylvania Avenue
4
Turn straight onto Sly Street
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Sly Street
5
Continue on Madison Avenue
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
Madison Avenue
6
Turn right onto NY 352
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Church Street
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
8
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Southern Tier Expressway
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 54
Toward NY 13: Horseheads, Ithaca
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Toward NY 13: Ithaca
11
Merge onto NY 13
0.8 mi
·
55 sec
·
NY 13
12
Enter roundabout onto NY 13
97 ft
·
1 sec
·
NY 13
13
Continue on NY 13
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
NY 13
14
Enter roundabout onto NY 13
97 ft
·
1 sec
·
NY 13
15
Continue on NY 13
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
NY 13
16
Enter roundabout onto NY 13
90 ft
·
1 sec
·
NY 13
17
Continue on NY 13
17 mi
·
19 min
·
NY 13
18
Enter roundabout onto NY 13
115 ft
·
1 sec
·
Elmira Road
19
Continue on NY 13
7.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Elmira Road
20
Continue on Elmira Road
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
Elmira Road
Use the right lane.
21
Enter roundabout onto West Spencer Street
122 ft
·
3 sec
·
West Spencer Street
22
Continue on West Spencer Street
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
West Spencer Street
23
Continue on South Cayuga Street
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
South Cayuga Street
24
Turn right onto NY 79
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
East Green Street
25
Continue on NY 79
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
East State Street
26
Turn left onto NY 366
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Mitchell Street
Use the left lane.
27
At end of road, turn left onto NY 366
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
Ithaca Road
28
Continue on NY 366
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Dryden Road
29
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 366
9.1 mi
·
15 min
·
Dryden Road
30
Continue on NY 13
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
31
Turn left onto NY 13; NY 38
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North Street
32
Turn straight onto NY 13
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Cortland Road
33
Continue on NY 13
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
NY13
34
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 13
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
West Road
Use the straight lane.
35
Continue on NY 281
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Homer Road
36
Take the ramp
0.7 mi
·
1 min
37
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
38
Merge onto I 81
27 mi
·
31 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
I 81
Toward Syracuse
Use the straight lane.
40
Continue on I-81
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
I-81
41
Continue on I 81
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
I 81
42
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward Adams Street, Harrison Street
Use the slight right lane.
43
Continue on Almond Street
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
Almond Street
Use the left / slight left / straight / right lanes.
44
Turn left onto NY 92
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
East Genesee Street
45
At end of road, turn right onto US 11
10 ft
·
0 sec
·
South State Street
46
Arrive at destination
US 11
Trip Plan
With a total drive time of just over two hours and a fuel cost around $15, this is a perfect same-day trip. You have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best, perhaps in the morning to arrive in Syracuse by lunchtime. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, extensive stops aren't necessary, but you might consider a brief break around the halfway point. Keep an eye out for the transition from I 81 to NY 13, as this is where the road character subtly shifts.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 45.3 miles from Southport, NY, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.5 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 20 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 45.3 miles or 1h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Syracuse, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Southport, 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 Southport, NY
This is one driving day of about 90.6 miles and 2h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Southport, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 29.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
45 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 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 45.3 miles from Southport, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 255 decision points cluster between mile 7.9 and 89.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
7.9 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the exit toward NY 13: Horseheads, Ithaca
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 54
Toward NY 13: Horseheads, Ithaca
6
8.2 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 13: Ithaca
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward NY 13: Ithaca
6
54.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
|
NY 13 / West Road
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 13 / West Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
87.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
|
I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward Syracuse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Syracuse
7
89.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m in
Take the exit toward Adams Street, Harrison Street
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 Adams Street, Harrison Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.91 one way
$29.83 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
32 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $16.13 | $32.25 |
| premium | $4.92 | $17.56 | $35.12 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $20.00 | $40.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 31.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 27.2 | 0 | $9.51 | $4.35 |
| Efficient EV | 22.7 | 0 | $7.93 | $3.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 36.2 | 0 | $12.68 | $5.80 |
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 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
Syracuse, NY
Late night in Syracuse on Sunday
Local time
4:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live 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
16 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
2h 6m 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.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 84.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 65% of the journey utilizing major roads like I 81 and NY 13. You'll experience a consistent pace for much of the way, especially during the longest stretch of 29.5 miles on I 81. While it's predominantly high-speed travel, the inclusion of Dryden Road suggests some variation as you approach your destination. The overall feel is one of efficient transit, designed for making good time rather than lingering on scenic detours.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29.5 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and NY 13. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.9 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 25 significant decision points across 90.6 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 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 54.8 miles (NY 13 / West Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
On the drive from Southport, NY to Syracuse, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Ithaca along the way.
Ithaca
7.9 mi in
|
~11m
About the Cities
Arriving in Syracuse, NY
Full guide →Founded 1848
Syracuse is a city in Central New York. With a population of 149,000 in city proper and 662,000 in its metro area (2020), Syracuse is the fifth largest city in the state of New York, and the third largest in Upstate New York.
Top landmarks
- • Oncenter War Memorial Arena — arena in Syracuse, New York
- • Everson Museum of Art — art museum in Syracuse, New York
- • Niagara Mohawk Building — historic commercial building in 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 2h 6m. Total distance: 90.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (65%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 29.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Syracuse, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 54.8 miles (NY 13 / West Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Syracuse, NY before heading back.
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 Syracuse, NY
More trips to Syracuse, NY
Explore more options from Southport, NY or browse trips ending in Syracuse, NY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.