Trip from Staten Island, NY to Thurston, NY
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 26, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 40m
Distance
267.6 mi
431 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Staten Island, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Thurston, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Trip Overview
Staten Island, NY to Thurston, NY is 267.6 miles and takes about 5h 40m via I 86, I 81, and Christopher Columbus Highway, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. With over three-quarters of the route on highways, expect a relatively straightforward trip. This is a manageable one-day drive, making it a good option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
133.8 miles from Staten Island, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 86 | 84.2 mi | 1h 38m |
| I 81 | 58.1 mi | 1h 9m |
| 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 |
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
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 Thurston, NY.
Start on Croft Court
Turn left onto Corona Avenue
Continue on Cotter Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
Turn right onto Kensico Street
At end of road, turn right onto Richmond Road
Continue on Richmond Road
Continue on Rockland Avenue
Turn right onto Brielle Avenue
Turn left onto Bradley Avenue
Turn left onto North Gannon Avenue
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 278
Keep slight left at fork onto Staten Island Expressway
Continue on I 278
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Turn left onto NJ 439
Turn right onto NJ 439
Turn right onto CR 623
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 27
Turn left onto CR 628
Turn right onto CR 509
Turn right onto Paine Avenue
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 78
Keep slight right at fork
Continue on NJ 24
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 287
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Continue on NJ 10
Continue on US 46
Take the exit
Merge onto I 80
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
Take the exit
Continue on I 380
Merge onto I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
Take the exit
Turn left onto CR 333
Turn left onto CR 333
Turn right onto County Route 12
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5 hour 40 minute drive time, leaving Staten Island in the morning is recommended to allow ample time for the drive. While you could technically complete this in one day, there's only one suggested stop, so consider if you'd prefer a more relaxed pace with an overnight stay. The $43 fuel cost estimate is based on current averages, so check prices before you depart. Pay attention to exit numbers on I 86 as you cover that longest stretch; it's easy to lose track when you're in highway mode.
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.
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 59 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.8 miles or 3h 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Thurston, 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 267.6 miles and 5h 40m.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
134 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 133.8 miles from Staten Island, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 86 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 84.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest Area
Penn-Can Travel Plaza
Rest area
Rest Area
Rest Area
Nichols Rest Area
Owego Rest Area
Pennsylvania Welcome Center
Rest Area
Rest Area
Onvo Travel Plaza
Crescent Lake Rest Area
Erwin Text Zone / Parking Area
Onvo Travel Plaza
TA
Service Plaza
Pennsylvania Welcome Center
Flying J Travel Center
Onvo Travel Plaza
Service Plaza
Love's Travel Stop
TA
Whitney Houston Service Area
Campbell Rest Area
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 375 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.
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
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 NJ 24 West: Springfield, Morristown
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
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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.49 one way
$86.98 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.47 | $47.07 | $94.14 |
| premium | $4.87 | $51.27 | $102.53 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $56.92 | $113.85 |
Estimated Tolls: $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
$43
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 80.3 | 0 | $28.10 | $12.84 |
| Efficient EV | 66.9 | 0 | $23.42 | $10.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 107 | 1 | $37.46 | $17.13 |
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Staten Island, NY
Night in Staten Island on Saturday
Local time
9:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Light Rain
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 12:05AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Thurston, NY
Night in Thurston on Saturday
Local time
9:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Rain Showers Likely
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 12:05AM EDT by NWS Binghamton 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
5 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
5h 40m 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...
Castle Clinton National Monument
National Monument
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...
Federal Hall National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
Governors Island National Monument
National Monument
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...
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...
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 77% of the 267.6 miles on interstates. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 84.2 miles on I 86 without needing to exit. The highway portion will likely feel like continuous cruising, with the transition to surface roads occurring later in the drive as you approach your destination.
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.
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 267.6 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Thurston, NY, road signs point toward Morristown and Whippany.
Morristown
Whippany
About the Cities
Starting in Staten Island, NY
Full guide →Founded 1683
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
- • Fort Wadsworth — United States military base
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 40m. Total distance: 267.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Thurston, NY
Explore more options from Staten Island, NY or browse trips ending in Thurston, NY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.