This 83.2-mile drive from Staten Island, NY, to Putnam Lake, NY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. The journey has a highway-focused profile, with 83% of the route utilizing major arteries. You can expect a fuel cost of around $14 for this trip. Considering the relatively short duration and the efficient road network, this route is perfectly suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. The drive stays within New York State, keeping the regional context consistent throughout your travel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
41.6 miles from Staten Island, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 684
27.5 mi
32m
Hutchinson River Parkway
16 mi
23m
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
9.4 mi
15m
Gowanus Expressway
5.5 mi
8m
Staten Island Expressway
3.3 mi
5m
NY 22
3 mi
5m
Whitestone Expressway
2.8 mi
3m
Northern Boulevard
2.5 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 684
— 27.5 mi, about 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Staten Island, NY and Putnam Lake, 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
0.5 mi·1 min·Rockland Avenue
9
Turn right onto Manor Road
2.0 mi·4 min·Manor Road
10
Turn right onto Schmidts Lane
0.2 mi·42 sec·Schmidts Lane
11
Turn left onto Slosson Avenue
260 ft·9 sec·Slosson Avenue
12
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·30 sec
Toward I 278 East: Staten Island Expressway, Verrazano Bridge, Brooklyn
13
Merge onto I 278
2.6 mi·3 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
0.7 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
Toward Upper Level
15
Continue on I 278
1.3 mi·1 min·Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
16
Continue on I 278
5.5 mi·8 min·Gowanus Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 278
6.1 mi·10 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Exit 26Toward I 278 East: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, RFK Bridge, Hamilton AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
3.2 mi·5 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Exit 41Toward NY 25A: Northern BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
258 ft·8 sec
Toward NY 25A EastUse the right lane.
21
Turn right onto Northern Boulevard
2.5 mi·5 min·Northern Boulevard
22
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward I 678: Van Wyck Expressway, Kennedy Airport, Whitestone BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Merge onto Whitestone Expressway
2.8 mi·3 min·Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 678
1.3 mi·1 min·Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
25
Continue on I 678
1.2 mi·1 min·Hutchinson River Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on HR
16 mi·23 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork
1.6 mi·2 min
Exit 16AToward I 684 North: BrewsterUse the slight left lane.
28
Merge onto I 684
26 mi·30 min·I 684
29
Continue on I 684
1.3 mi·1 min·I 684
Exit |; 9W|9E
30
Continue on NY 22
3.0 mi·5 min·NY 22
31
Turn right onto CR 65
2.2 mi·5 min·Doansburg Road
32
Turn slight right
85 ft·4 sec
33
Turn right onto CR 66
0.3 mi·46 sec·Fairfield Drive
34
Turn slight left onto CR 67
0.2 mi·22 sec·Haviland Drive
35
Arrive at destination
CR 67
Trip Plan
Given this route is a manageable 2-hour drive, you have the flexibility to depart at a time that best suits your needs, though an early start can help you avoid peak traffic. With no designated stops in the data, you can plan for brief breaks as needed, perhaps during the 27.5-mile stretch on I 684. The estimated fuel cost is $14, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before setting off. Keep an eye on signage for I 684 as it forms the longest uninterrupted segment of your trip.
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 41.6 miles from Staten Island, NY, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 27.5 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 18 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 41.6 miles or 1h 10m 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 Putnam Lake, 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 83.2 miles and 2h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Staten Island, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 684 for about 27.5 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.4 and 48.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
4.4 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the ramp toward I 278 East: Staten Island Expressway, Verrazano Bridge, Brooklyn
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 278 East: Staten Island Expressway, Ve...
9
14.6 mi into trip|~27m in|I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway toward I 278 East: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, RFK Bridge, Hamilton Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 26
Toward I 278 East: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway,...
7
24 mi into trip|~43m in
Take the exit toward NY 25A: Northern Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 41
Toward NY 25A: Northern Boulevard
8
24.1 mi into trip|~43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 25A East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward NY 25A East
8
48.4 mi into trip|~1h 20m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 684 North: Brewster
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 16A
Toward I 684 North: Brewster
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.70 one way
$27.39 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$14.81
$29.62
premium
$4.92
$16.13
$32.25
diesel
$5.61
$18.37
$36.74
Estimated Tolls: $6.55
Whitestone Bridge
$6.55
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
$14
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
25
0
$8.74
$3.99
Efficient EV
20.8
0
$7.28
$3.33
EV Truck/SUV
33.3
0
$11.65
$5.32
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 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.
Forecast as of Apr 13, 2026
Origin
Staten Island, NY
Morning
in Staten Island on Sunday
Local time
8:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 8 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 13 at 12:55AM EDT until April 13 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 12:22AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Putnam Lake, NY
Morning
in Putnam Lake on Sunday
Local time
8:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 6 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 13 at 12:55AM EDT until April 13 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 12:22AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
43°F
Mount Vernon, NY
42 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
4 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
2h 7m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive that is predominantly highway-focused, making up 83% of the total mileage. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on routes like I 684, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 27.5 miles on I 684. While the majority is high-speed travel, be prepared for potential traffic, especially when navigating through more urbanized sections early in your journey. The road's personality is geared towards efficient travel between points.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 27.5 mi on I 684.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 684 and Hutchinson River Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.4 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 21 significant decision points across 83.2 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 4.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.6 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
543 ft11 ft
Total Climb
925 ft
Total Descent
488 ft
Highest Point
543 ft
~59.4 mi in
Elevation Range
531 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 Putnam Lake, NY, road signs point toward Brooklyn, Upper Level and Kennedy Airport.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 7m. Total distance: 83.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 27.5 miles on I 684. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.55 in tolls one way, starting with Whitestone 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.
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 Putnam Lake, 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 4.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.6 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). 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 Putnam Lake, NY before heading back.
