Staten Island to Gowanda is 376 miles and takes about 8 hours 9 minutes via I 86, I 81, and Christopher Columbus Highway, with a fuel budget near $63 and enough daylight to finish in a day, though it's recommended to split it over 2 days. This trip stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region towards the western part of the state. You'll spend most of your time on the highway, making for a straightforward drive. With just 2 recommended stops, you can cover a good amount of ground efficiently.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
188 miles from Staten Island, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 4m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 86
100 mi
1h 56m
I 81
58.1 mi
1h 9m
Christopher Columbus Highway
29 mi
34m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Genesee Expressway
22.8 mi
26m
State Highway 39
22.4 mi
31m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
NJ 10
12.8 mi
18m
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 100 mi, about 1h 56m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 23 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 Gowanda, 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
23 mi·26 min·Genesee Expressway
Toward I 390: Rochester
44
Take the exit
0.2 mi·40 sec
Exit 4Toward NY 36: Dansville
45
Turn left onto NY 36
0.4 mi·37 sec·Clara Barton Street
46
Turn left onto Lincoln Street
0.2 mi·51 sec·Lincoln Street
47
Turn left onto NY 36
0.7 mi·1 min·Ossian Street
48
Continue on NY 436
12 mi·16 min·Nunda-Dansville Road
49
Continue on NY 436
1.0 mi·1 min·Mill Street
50
Continue on NY 436
5.6 mi·8 min·Portage Street
51
Continue on NY 436
360 ft·10 sec·Main Street
52
Turn right onto NY 436
0.3 mi·43 sec·Hamilton Street
53
Continue on NY 19A; NY 436
2.2 mi·3 min·NY 19A; NY 436
54
Turn left onto NY 436
1.8 mi·2 min·Denton Corners Road
55
Turn left onto NY 39
2.7 mi·3 min·State Highway 39
56
Continue on NY 39
15 mi·22 min·State Highway 39
57
Continue on NY 39
2.3 mi·5 min·East Main Street
58
Continue on NY 39
1.1 mi·2 min·State Route 39
59
Turn right onto NY 16; NY 39
0.2 mi·19 sec·Olean Road
60
Continue on NY 16; NY 39
0.6 mi·1 min·State Highway 16
61
Turn left onto NY 39
1.4 mi·1 min·Schutt Road
62
Turn slight left onto NY 39
0.2 mi·10 sec·State Highway 39
63
Continue on NY 39
7.7 mi·8 min·Springville Sardinia Highway
64
Continue on NY 39
2.5 mi·6 min·East Main Street
65
Continue on NY 39
4.2 mi·5 min·State Highway 39
66
Continue on NY 39
8.7 mi·14 min·Main Street
67
At end of road, turn left onto US 62; NY 39
1.8 mi·2 min·US 62; NY 39
68
Turn left onto US 62; NY 39
0.7 mi·1 min·Buffalo Street
69
At end of road, turn right onto US 62; NY 39
468 ft·10 sec·East Main Street
70
Continue on NY 39
179 ft·3 sec·West Main Street
71
Arrive at destination
NY 39
Trip Plan
Since this drive takes over 8 hours, splitting it into two days is a good idea to avoid fatigue. Plan to make your two recommended stops strategically, perhaps one mid-morning and another for lunch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 100-mile stretch on I 86, as services can be more spread out. Departing earlier in the morning will give you more flexibility to reach your overnight stopping point at a reasonable hour.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 188 miles from Staten Island, NY, or about 4h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 83 miles or 2h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 188 miles or 4h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 188 miles or 4h 4m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gowanda, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Staten Island, NY
Aim for roughly 188 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Gowanda, NY
Aim for roughly 188 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Staten Island, NY.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
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 46
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
$60.83 one way
$121.65 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg132 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$66.01
$132.01
premium
$4.85
$71.77
$143.53
diesel
$4.80
$71.00
$141.99
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
$61
Tolls
$16
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$207–$317
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 131.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
112.8
1
$39.48
$18.05
Efficient EV
94
1
$32.90
$15.04
EV Truck/SUV
150.4
1
$52.64
$24.06
Gas CO2
132 kg
EV CO2
44 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Staten Island, NY
Afternoon
in Staten Island on Sunday
Local time
1:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Smoke
NW 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Gowanda, NY
Afternoon
in Gowanda on Sunday
Local time
1:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Smoke
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
84°F
Barton, NY
188 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
13 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
8h 9m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 route is mostly highway driving, with 71% of the 376 miles spent on major roads like I 86 and I 81. Expect a long stretch of 100 miles on I 86 without needing to exit. The drive transitions from highway to surface roads as you approach your destination. You'll notice plenty of exits and merges as you navigate the interstate system.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
71 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 46 significant decision points across 376 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
1,927 ft72 ft
Total Climb
3,272 ft
Total Descent
2,583 ft
Highest Point
1,927 ft
~107.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,855 ft
Notable High Points
1,927 ft at ~107.4 miles+840 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 Gowanda, 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
The longest stretch is about 100 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 188 miles on day one.
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 30 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 Gowanda, 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. There are 30 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 8.2 hours each way, a round trip means 16.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Gowanda, NY before the return drive.
