Staten Island to Elmira is 235.2 miles and takes about 5 hours via I-81 and I-86, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward trip entirely within New York, taking you from the bustling Northeast region towards the Southern Tier. The route is primarily highway, making it a practical choice for a single-day drive when you want to get to your destination efficiently. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, so expect a steady pace for the majority of the trip.
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
117.6 miles from Staten Island, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
58.1 mi
1h 9m
I 86
54.7 mi
1h 4m
Christopher Columbus Highway
29 mi
34m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
NJ 10
12.8 mi
18m
NJ 24
9.4 mi
11m
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
4.6 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 58.1 mi, about 1h 9m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 46 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,553 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,185
Quietest
midnight
~450 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
3.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 46 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 Staten Island, NY and Elmira, 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
55 mi·1 hr 4 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
43
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 56Toward NY 352: Elmira, Jerusalem Hill
44
Keep slight left at fork
103 ft·6 sec
45
Turn left onto NY 352
1.3 mi·2 min·East Water Street
46
Turn right onto North Main Street
0.2 mi·18 sec·North Main Street
47
Turn right onto NY 352
128 ft·2 sec·West Church Street
48
Arrive at destination
NY 352
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, leaving in the morning gives you ample time to reach Elmira without feeling rushed. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops. The longest stretch without a break is 58.1 miles on I-81, so keep that in mind for planning your fuel and restroom breaks. With a fuel cost estimated at $39, it's a budget-friendly option. Being entirely within New York means no border crossings or state-specific driving law changes to worry about.
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 117.6 miles from Staten Island, NY, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.1 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 52 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.6 miles or 2h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elmira, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Staten Island, NY
This is one driving day of about 235.2 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Staten Island, 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 58.1 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 38
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
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.6
0
$24.70
$11.29
Efficient EV
58.8
0
$20.58
$9.41
EV Truck/SUV
94.1
1
$32.93
$15.05
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
28 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 Jul 20, 2026
Origin
Staten Island, NY
Evening
in Staten Island on Monday
Local time
8:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
SE 9 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
Elmira, NY
Evening
in Elmira on Monday
Local time
8:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
SW 5 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 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.
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...
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 8.1
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
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 8.1
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 8.1
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 8.1
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 drive is mostly highway, with 73% of the 235.2 miles on major roads like I-81 and I-86. You'll encounter a long stretch of 58.1 miles on I-81 without a stop, so plan your breaks accordingly. The profile is described as 'mostly highway,' suggesting a consistent cruising experience for a significant portion of the trip. Expect a good number of exits along the interstate segments.
73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 58.1 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 86. 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 38 significant decision points across 235.2 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
Gently rolling terrain
1,952 ft72 ft
Total Climb
2,292 ft
Total Descent
1,507 ft
Highest Point
1,952 ft
~100.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,879 ft
Notable High Points
1,952 ft at ~100.8 miles+614 ft prominence
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 Elmira, NY, road signs point toward Morristown and Whippany.
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
Elmira is the name of both a small city and a township in Chemung County in New York state. Visitors come to see the study where Mark Twain wrote parts of his novels.
Top landmarks
•F. M. Howell and Company — historic buildings in Elmira, New York, United States
•John Brand Jr. House — historic house in New York, United States
•Near Westside Historic District — historic district in Elmira, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h. Total distance: 235.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 58.1 miles on I 81. 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.
Yes — we found about 23 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Elmira, 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. There are 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Elmira, NY before the return drive.
