Traveling from Staten Island to Alabama, NY, covers 361.4 miles and typically takes about 7 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. Since the entire trip stays within New York state, you will experience a consistent regional transition as you head north. With a total fuel cost estimated at $59, this route is manageable as a single-day journey for those comfortable with a full day behind the wheel. The drive relies heavily on major corridors, specifically I-86, I-81, and the Genesee Expressway. While it can be done in one go, consider your personal endurance before committing to the nearly eight-hour trek.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
180.7 miles from Staten Island, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 86
100 mi
1h 56m
I 81
58.1 mi
1h 9m
Genesee Expressway
38.6 mi
44m
Christopher Columbus Highway
29 mi
34m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
NJ 10
12.8 mi
18m
NY 63
11.7 mi
20m
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 100 mi, about 1h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Staten Island, NY and Alabama, NY.
1
Start on Croft Court
147 ft·13 sec·Croft Court
2
Turn left onto Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·38 sec·Corona Avenue
3
Continue on Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·Cotter Avenue
4
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
5
Turn right onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
6
At end of road, turn right onto Richmond Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
7
Continue on Richmond Road
447 ft·14 sec·Richmond Road
8
Continue on Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
9
Turn right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
10
Turn left onto Bradley Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the left lane.
11
Turn left onto North Gannon Avenue
364 ft·8 sec·North Gannon Avenue
Use the left lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 278 West: Staten Island Expressway, Goethals Bridge, Elizabeth
13
Merge onto I 278
2.1 mi·3 min·Staten Island Expressway
14
Keep slight left at fork onto Staten Island Expressway
1.1 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 278
1.4 mi·2 min·Goethals Bridge
16
Take the exit
150 ft·4 sec
Exit 3B; 3CToward NJ 439 North: Bayway Avenue, ElizabethUse the slight right lane.
Toward I 287 North: MahwahUse the slight right lane.
30
Merge onto I 287
0.9 mi·1 min·I 287
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 39Toward NJ 10: Dover, WhippanyUse the slight right lane.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 10 West: DoverUse the slight left lane.
33
Continue on NJ 10
13 mi·18 min·NJ 10
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Continue on US 46
1.2 mi·1 min·US 46
35
Take the exit
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward I 80 West
36
Merge onto I 80
29 mi·34 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
39
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
40
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
41
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
42
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
100 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
43
Keep slight left at fork onto I 390
39 mi·44 min·Genesee Expressway
Toward I 390: Rochester
44
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 7Toward NY 408, NY 63: Mount Morris, Letchworth Park
45
Turn right onto NY 408
0.1 mi·10 sec·Mount Morris-Geneseo Road
46
Continue on NY 63
3.3 mi·4 min·Geneseo-Mount Morris Road
47
Turn left onto NY 63
1.3 mi·1 min·Genesee Street
48
Enter roundabout onto NY 63
100 ft·1 sec·Genesee Street
49
Continue on NY 63
7.5 mi·11 min·Genesee Street
50
Continue on NY 63
0.7 mi·54 sec·State Highway 63
51
Continue on NY 63
4.1 mi·6 min·Big Tree Road
52
Continue on NY 63
10 mi·15 min·Ellicott Street Road
53
Turn right onto Cedar Street
0.9 mi·2 min·Cedar Street
54
Turn left onto NY 5
2.3 mi·4 min·East Main Street
55
Turn slight right onto NY 63
12 mi·20 min·NY 63
56
Turn right onto NY 63; NY 77
1.5 mi·2 min·Alleghany Road
57
Turn right onto Lewiston Road
31 ft·0 sec·Lewiston Road
58
Arrive at destination
Lewiston Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 7-hour and 45-minute drive, plan for at least two deliberate stops to break up the monotony of the interstate. Since you are looking at a full day on the road, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and potential traffic bottlenecks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout the trip, as the $59 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local pricing along the highway. Because the route is dominated by long stretches like the 100-mile segment on I-86, ensure your vehicle is prepped for sustained high-speed travel before you leave Staten Island.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 180.7 miles from Staten Island, NY, or about 3h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100 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 80 miles or 1h 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 180.7 miles or 3h 55m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alabama, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Staten Island, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Staten Island, NY
This is one driving day of about 361.4 miles and 7h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Staten Island, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 86 for about 100 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 42
5 decision points cluster between mile 9 and 30.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
9 mi into trip|~19m in
Take the exit toward NJ 439 North: Bayway Avenue, Elizabeth
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 3B; 3C
Toward NJ 439 North: Bayway Avenue, Elizabeth
8
9 mi into trip|~19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 439 West: Elizabeth, Bayway Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward I 287 North: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 287 North: Mahwah
8
30.9 mi into trip|~52m in
Take the exit toward NJ 10: Dover, Whippany
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 39
Toward NJ 10: Dover, Whippany
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$59.49 one way
$118.98 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg126 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$64.33
$128.65
premium
$4.92
$70.05
$140.09
diesel
$5.61
$79.79
$159.59
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Goethals Bridge
$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
$59
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$100–$125
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 126.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
108.4
1
$37.95
$17.35
Efficient EV
90.4
1
$31.62
$14.46
EV Truck/SUV
144.6
1
$50.60
$23.13
Gas CO2
126 kg
EV CO2
42 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
Staten Island, NY
Late night
in Staten Island on Sunday
Local time
12:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
E 6 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Alabama, NY
Late night
in Alabama on Sunday
Local time
12:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°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
19 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
7h 45m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 12.5
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 12.5
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 12.5
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 12.5
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 12.5
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This highway-focused route is designed for efficiency, with 74% of the journey spent on high-speed roads. You will find yourself settling into a rhythm quickly, as the longest uninterrupted stretch spans 100 miles on I-86. The experience is primarily an interstate grind rather than a winding backroads tour, making it ideal for those who prefer steady, predictable pavement. As you transition between the primary arteries like I-81 and the Genesee Expressway, the character of the road remains consistent, allowing you to maintain a steady pace for the majority of the 361.4-mile trip.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
58 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100 mi on I 86.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9 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 42 significant decision points across 361.4 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 9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,829 ft72 ft
Total Climb
3,420 ft
Total Descent
2,847 ft
Highest Point
1,829 ft
~105.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,757 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Staten Island, NY and Alabama, NY, road signs point toward Morristown, Whippany and Letchworth Park.
Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.
Top landmarks
•Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
•Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
Alabama is a state in the Southern United States. Alabama is known for its civil rights history and scenic beauty, and has a lot to offer those who enjoy the great outdoors, from Gulf Coast beaches to 40 National and stare parks.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 45m. Total distance: 361.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 45m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 100 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Goethals 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 Alabama, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Statue Of Liberty National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Governors Island National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Alabama, NY before the return drive.
