Spencer, NY to Queens, NY is 228.4 miles and takes about 4h 59m via Keystone Shortway and I-81, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, covering ground within New York State. Expect a drive that balances highway cruising with stretches on surface roads, making it a manageable one-day excursion. With a single recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a straightforward trip without extensive planning.
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
114.2 miles from Spencer, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
70.8 mi
1h 27m
I 81
53.4 mi
1h 3m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Southern Tier Expressway
23.5 mi
28m
NJ 3
10.5 mi
11m
State Highway 96
6.5 mi
9m
Spencer Road
4 mi
5m
Woodhaven Boulevard
3.9 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 70.8 mi, about 1h 27m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 123 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,393 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,118
Quietest
1 AM
~445 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Spencer, NY and Queens, NY.
1
Start on NY 34
0.3 mi·45 sec·West Tioga Street
2
Continue on NY 96
0.3 mi·27 sec·Candor Road
3
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi·1 min·State Highway 96
4
Continue on NY 96
2.4 mi·3 min·Candor Road
5
Continue on NY 96
4.0 mi·5 min·Spencer Road
6
Continue on NY 96
0.1 mi·15 sec·Spencer Avenue
7
Turn right onto NY 96
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
8
At end of road, turn right onto NY 96
0.4 mi·54 sec·Owego Street
9
Continue on NY 96
2.3 mi·3 min·Owego Road
10
Continue on NY 96
5.4 mi·7 min·State Highway 96
11
At end of road, turn right onto NY 96
1.7 mi·3 min·NY 96
12
At end of road, turn right onto NY 96
335 ft·15 sec·Main Street
13
Turn left onto NY 17C; NY 96
0.1 mi·20 sec·Park Street
14
Turn slight left onto Susquehanna River Bridge Road
89 ft·3 sec·Susquehanna River Bridge Road
15
Continue on NY 96
0.3 mi·45 sec·Susquehanna River Bridge Road
16
Turn left onto NY 434
2.0 mi·3 min·Southside Drive
17
Take the ramp
372 ft·9 sec
18
Merge onto I 86
24 mi·28 min·Southern Tier Expressway
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
23
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
24
Merge onto I 80
71 mi·1 hr 27 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.5 mi·59 sec
Exit 53Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln TunnelUse the slight right lane.
26
Merge onto US 46
2.1 mi·2 min·US 46
27
Continue on US 46
1.6 mi·1 min·US 46
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn slight left onto NJ 3
11 mi·11 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel, Kennedy BoulevardUse the straight / right lanes.
30
Merge onto NJ 495
1.1 mi·1 min·NJ 495
31
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward Weehawken, Hoboken, Ferries to New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Continue on South Marginal Highway
0.1 mi·10 sec·South Marginal Highway
33
Turn right onto Boulevard East
0.4 mi·1 min·Boulevard East
Use the left lane.
34
Take the ramp
123 ft·14 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York CityUse the straight / right lanes.
35
Turn right
0.2 mi·57 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel access
36
Merge onto NJ 495
1.6 mi·4 min·Lincoln Tunnel
37
Keep slight right at fork
265 ft·6 sec
Toward Dyer Avenue
38
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft·8 sec
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden
39
Continue on Dyer Avenue
350 ft·19 sec·Dyer Avenue
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square GardenUse the left / straight lanes.
40
Turn left onto West 36th Street
1.3 mi·3 min·West 36th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
41
Take the ramp
68 ft·1 sec
Toward I 495: Queens-Midtown Tunnel
42
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495
2.5 mi·4 min·I 495
43
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17W-EToward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Merge onto I 495
2.0 mi·2 min·Long Island Expressway
45
Take the exit
0.4 mi·35 sec
Exit 19Toward NY 25: Woodhaven BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
46
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·41 sec
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, RockawaysUse the straight / slight left lanes.
47
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·24 sec
Toward Woodhaven Boulevard, RockawaysUse the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Turn right onto Woodhaven Boulevard
3.9 mi·10 min·Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the right lane.
49
Turn left onto Rockaway Boulevard
344 ft·9 sec·Rockaway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
50
Turn slight left onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Liberty Avenue
51
Turn right onto 104th Street
205 ft·9 sec·104th Street
52
Arrive at destination
104th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 59m drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you near Queens. While only one stop is recommended, the relatively short distance allows for flexibility; you can decide on a break point based on your comfort level. Keep an eye on your fuel as you transition from the Keystone Shortway to I-81 and then onto surface roads, as gas station availability can vary. The $38 fuel estimate should cover your needs for the 228.4 miles, but it's always wise to have a little extra buffer.
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 114.2 miles from Spencer, NY, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.8 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 50 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.2 miles or 2h 24m 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 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Queens, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Spencer, 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 Spencer, NY
This is one driving day of about 228.4 miles and 4h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Spencer, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 70.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 114.2 miles from Spencer, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.8 miles.
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 37
5 decision points cluster between mile 98.1 and 223.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
98.1 mi into trip|~2h 6m 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...
8
198.1 mi into trip|~4h 6m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln 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.
Exit 53
Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunn...
8
214.8 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Take the ramp toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
8
220.6 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia 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 17W-E
Toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia A...
8
223.6 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boule...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.12 one way
$74.24 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$40.18
$80.35
premium
$4.87
$43.76
$87.51
diesel
$5.40
$48.58
$97.17
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Lincoln 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
$37
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
EV Charging Along Route
70 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
ChargePoint Charging Station
Hoboken, New Jersey
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Union City, New Jersey
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Electric Vehicle Charge Point
New York, New York
Other
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Randolph, New Jersey
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Denville, New Jersey
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
Dover, New Jersey
EV Connect
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Blink
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Scranton, Pennsylvania
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 33
Other: 16
EV Connect: 5
Blink: 5
Tesla: 5
Electrify America: 3
EVgo: 2
Tesla Destination: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.5
0
$23.98
$10.96
Efficient EV
57.1
0
$19.99
$9.14
EV Truck/SUV
91.4
1
$31.98
$14.62
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% 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 Apr 26, 2026
Origin
Spencer, NY
Late night
in Spencer on Sunday
Local time
12:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Rain Showers
E 2 to 6 mph90% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 8:05PM EDT until April 26 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 1:03PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Queens, NY
Late night
in Queens on Sunday
Local time
12:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Rain Showers
E 12 mph97% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 8:05PM EDT until April 26 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 1:03PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
42°F
Montague, NJ
114 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.
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
3 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
4h 59m 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.
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 220.6
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 220.6
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 220.6
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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 220.6
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 212.7
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 220.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 58% of this 228.4-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on highway is 70.8 miles along the Keystone Shortway. After this, expect a transition to mostly surface roads. This means you'll likely notice more local traffic and varied speed limits as you approach your destination.
Only 58% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
52 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 70.8 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 98.1 miles in near US 6.
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 37 significant decision points across 228.4 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 98.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 198.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 214.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Spencer, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Clifton, Weehawken, Hoboken and Ferries To New York City - among others.
Queens is a crescent-shaped (with a tail) borough traversing the north-to-south width of Long Island and including two of the major New York City area airports, LaGuardia (LGA IATA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK IATA). It also carries the largest ethnic diversity in its area of any region in the world, with many small enclaves. Jackson Heights, for example, includes a huge Indian area, followed by a Colombian area, and then a Mexican area. Each offers a wide array of authentic shops, native-style cuisine, and festivals modified only slightly by the generally colder New York City experience.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 59m. Total distance: 228.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 70.8 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Lincoln 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 Queens, 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 98.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 198.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 214.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 10.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Queens, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
