Staten Island to Wading River is 88.1 miles and takes about 2h 12m via Corona Avenue and Cotter Avenue, with a fuel budget near $15 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, traversing the Northeast region without touching any major highways. Expect a drive that primarily utilizes surface roads, offering a more local perspective on the landscape. Given its relatively short distance and duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing for a relaxed pace.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
44 miles from Staten Island, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Southern State Parkway
25.5 mi
32m
Belt Parkway
20.8 mi
30m
NY 25A
8.1 mi
14m
Nesconset Highway
7.9 mi
9m
Sagtikos State Parkway
4.1 mi
5m
Nesconset-Port Jefferson Highway
3.5 mi
4m
Staten Island Expressway
3.3 mi
5m
Long Island Expressway
2.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Southern State Parkway
— 25.5 mi, about 32m
Traffic on I-278
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,400 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~678 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 85 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 Wading River, 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
0.1 mi·9 sec·Gowanus Expressway
17
Take the exit
1.1 mi·2 min
Exit 16Toward John F Kennedy International Airport, Belt Parkway EastUse the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto BP
21 mi·30 min·Belt Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto SO
25 mi·31 min·Southern State Parkway
Exit 25AToward Southern State Parkway, Eastern Long IslandUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto SO
0.8 mi·1 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto SA
4.1 mi·5 min·Sagtikos State Parkway
Toward Kings Park
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit S1 EToward I 495 East: RiverheadUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 495 East: RiverheadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 495
2.2 mi·2 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.1 mi·14 sec
Exit 56Toward NY 111: Smithtown, IslipUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn straight onto Express Drive South
0.2 mi·23 sec·Express Drive South
27
Continue on Express Drive South
0.4 mi·44 sec·Express Drive South
28
Turn left onto NY 111
1.6 mi·2 min·Wheeler Road
29
Continue on NY 111
0.1 mi·17 sec·Townline Road
Use the left lane.
30
Turn left onto NY 111
0.4 mi·35 sec·Hauppauge Boulevard
Use the left lane.
31
Turn slight right onto NY 347
1.3 mi·2 min·Nesconset-Port Jefferson Highway
32
Continue on NY 347
7.7 mi·9 min·Nesconset Highway
Use the left lane.
33
Continue on NY 347
2.3 mi·2 min·Nesconset-Port Jefferson Highway
34
Continue on NY 347
0.2 mi·21 sec·Nesconset Highway
35
Continue on NY 25A
8.1 mi·14 min·NY 25A
Toward Route 25A EAST, Mount Sinai, Wading RiverUse the left lane.
36
Turn straight onto NY 25A
1.7 mi·2 min·Route 25A
Toward NY 25A
37
Continue on NY 25A
0.3 mi·36 sec·NY-25A
38
Turn left onto Wading River Manor Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Wading River Manor Road
Use the left lane.
39
Turn sharp right onto North Country Road
32 ft·0 sec·North Country Road
40
Arrive at destination
North Country Road
Trip Plan
For this 2h 12m drive, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to reach Wading River. Since the route is only 88.1 miles and entirely on surface roads, you won't need to plan for extensive rest stops, but consider a brief break if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is around $15. A good tip for this trip is to be mindful of local traffic patterns, especially on roads like Corona Avenue, which can experience more congestion during peak hours. This flexibility means you can depart when it's most convenient for you.
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 44 miles from Staten Island, NY, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.5 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 19 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44 miles or 1h 9m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wading River, 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 88.1 miles and 2h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Staten Island, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Southern State Parkway for about 25.5 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.2 and 63.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
9.2 mi into trip|~19m in
Take the exit toward John F Kennedy International Airport, Belt Parkway East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 16
Toward John F Kennedy International Airport, Be...
9
31 mi into trip|~52m in|SO / Southern State Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto SO / Southern State Parkway toward Southern State Parkway, Eastern Long Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 25A
Toward Southern State Parkway, Eastern Long Isl...
7
60.6 mi into trip|~1h 30m in
Take the exit toward I 495 East: Riverhead
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit S1 E
Toward I 495 East: Riverhead
8
60.8 mi into trip|~1h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 East: Riverhead
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 495 East: Riverhead
8
63.3 mi into trip|~1h 34m in
Take the exit toward NY 111: Smithtown, Islip
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 56
Toward NY 111: Smithtown, Islip
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.42 one way
$30.84 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$16.71
$33.42
premium
$5.23
$18.14
$36.28
diesel
$6.28
$21.77
$43.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.4
0
$9.25
$4.23
Efficient EV
22
0
$7.71
$3.52
EV Truck/SUV
35.2
0
$12.33
$5.64
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (68% 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 Oct 22, 2026
Origin
Staten Island, NY
Afternoon
in Staten Island on Thursday
Local time
3:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Sunny
N 8 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Wading River, NY
Afternoon
in Wading River on Thursday
Local time
3:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Mostly Sunny
N 9 to 16 mph0% chanceLive 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
3 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 12m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 15.2
Park Closure: History House at Sandy Hook Closed to the Public
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is entirely on surface roads, with a 0% highway share. You'll be navigating local streets like Corona Avenue and Cotter Avenue for the entire 88.1 miles. Since there are no highways, anticipate a driving experience with frequent intersections and lower average speeds. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is not specified, but the profile indicates a consistent surface road experience throughout.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 25.5 mi on Southern State Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern State Parkway and Belt Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.2 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 23 significant decision points across 88.1 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 9.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31 miles (SO / Southern State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 60.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
161 ft10 ft
Total Climb
203 ft
Total Descent
186 ft
Highest Point
161 ft
~75.5 mi in
Elevation Range
151 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 Wading River, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, John F Kennedy International Airport, Belt Parkway East, Eastern Long Island, Kings Park and Islip - among others.
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 12m. Total distance: 88.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (66%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 25.5 miles on Southern State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Wading River, 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. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 9.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31 miles (SO / Southern State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 60.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Gateway National Recreation Area, Governors Island National Monument and Statue Of Liberty National Monument (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 Wading River, NY before heading back.
