Staten Island to Water Mill is 107.4 miles and takes about 2h 39m via Sunrise Highway, with a fuel budget near $17 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, traversing the Northeast region. The drive primarily uses surface roads, offering a more local feel compared to a pure highway experience. Given its relatively short duration and manageable fuel cost, it's a straightforward option for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
53.7 miles from Staten Island, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Sunrise Highway
69.5 mi
1h 31m
Belt Parkway
18.8 mi
28m
County Road 39
5.5 mi
11m
Staten Island Expressway
3.3 mi
5m
Montauk Highway
2.2 mi
4m
Manor Road
2 mi
4m
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
1.3 mi
1m
South Conduit Avenue
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Sunrise Highway
— 69.5 mi, about 1h 31m
Traffic on I-278
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 18 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,452 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~674 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 34 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 Water Mill, 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
19 mi·28 min·Belt Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi·22 sec
Exit 23BToward NY 27: Sunrise Highway, Brookville BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
20
Continue on NY 27
1.0 mi·1 min·South Conduit Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on NY 27
69 mi·1 hr 31 min·Sunrise Highway
Use the slight right lane.
22
Continue on NY 27; CR 39
5.5 mi·11 min·County Road 39
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
23
Turn left onto Montauk Highway
2.2 mi·4 min·Montauk Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
24
Turn left onto Scuttle Hole Road
33 ft·0 sec·Scuttle Hole Road
Use the left lane.
25
Arrive at destination
Scuttle Hole Road
Trip Plan
For this single-day trip, leaving Staten Island in the morning is advisable to make the most of your time in Water Mill. With a drive of just under three hours, you can comfortably complete it without needing to split the journey. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $17, and plan for potential traffic delays, especially if traveling during peak hours. The longest continuous stretch is on Sunrise Highway, so ensure you're comfortable with that segment before departing.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 53.7 miles from Staten Island, NY, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.5 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 24 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.7 miles or 1h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Water Mill, 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 107.4 miles and 2h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 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 Sunrise Highway for about 69.5 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 29.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.5 mi into trip|~1m in|Clarke Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
0.9 mi into trip|~3m in|Richmond Road
At end of road, turn right onto Richmond Road
Navigation decision point
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...
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...
8
29.1 mi into trip|~50m in
Take the exit toward NY 27: Sunrise Highway, Brookville Boulevard
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 23B
Toward NY 27: Sunrise Highway, Brookville Boule...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.06 one way
$38.12 round trip
$4.51/gal25.4 MPG avg38 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.85
$20.49
$40.98
premium
$5.24
$22.15
$44.30
diesel
$5.35
$22.62
$45.24
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
32.2
0
$11.28
$5.16
Efficient EV
26.9
0
$9.40
$4.30
EV Truck/SUV
43
0
$15.04
$6.87
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 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 May 22, 2026
Origin
Staten Island, NY
Evening
in Staten Island on Wednesday
Local time
6:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Partly Sunny
E 16 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued May 22 at 1:15PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
Destination
Water Mill, NY
Evening
in Water Mill on Wednesday
Local time
6:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Partly Sunny
E 10 to 15 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued May 22 at 1:15PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
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
2h 39m 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
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 14.8
Park Closure: Dead Horse Bay (Brooklyn) Remains Closed to the Public
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 70.4
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 11.1
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 11.1
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 11.1
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 surface roads, with only 21% of the route on highways. You'll experience a long stretch of 69.5 miles on Sunrise Highway, which is a significant portion of the total distance. Expect to navigate numerous exits and local traffic patterns as you transition from highway segments to surface streets. The bulk of your travel will be on roads with lower speed limits and more frequent intersections.
Only 21% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 69.5 mi on Sunrise Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near Clarke Avenue.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 107.4 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 0.5 miles (Clarke Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.9 miles (Richmond Road): Navigation decision point; at 4.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
147 ft-5 ft
Total Climb
232 ft
Total Descent
289 ft
Highest Point
147 ft
~92.1 mi in
Elevation Range
152 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 Water Mill, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, John F Kennedy International Airport and Belt Parkway East.
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 39m. Total distance: 107.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 69.5 miles on Sunrise Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Water Mill, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (Clarke Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.9 miles (Richmond Road): Navigation decision point; at 4.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Gateway National Recreation Area, Fire Island National Seashore and Governors Island 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 Water Mill, NY before heading back.
