Staten Island to West Sayville is 65.5 miles and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes via Sunrise Highway and Belt Parkway, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, taking you from the bustling Northeast region of Staten Island out towards Long Island. Given the relatively short distance and duration, it's a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect a mix of urban and suburban scenery as you make your way east. This route is ideal if you're looking for a manageable drive without extensive planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
32.7 miles from Staten Island, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Sunrise Highway
31.6 mi
42m
Belt Parkway
18.8 mi
28m
Montauk Highway
3.4 mi
5m
Staten Island Expressway
3.3 mi
5m
Manor Road
2 mi
4m
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
1.3 mi
1m
South Conduit Avenue
1 mi
1m
Richmond Road
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Sunrise Highway
— 31.6 mi, about 42m
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 West Sayville, 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
32 mi·42 min·Sunrise Highway
Use the slight right lane.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Exit 46AToward NY 27A, CR 85: Montauk Highway, Oakdale, Great RiverUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn left onto CR 85
3.4 mi·5 min·Montauk Highway
Use the left lane.
24
Arrive at destination
CR 85
Trip Plan
Since this is a 1 hour and 40-minute drive, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will help you avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you get closer to Long Island. With only 65.5 miles, you likely won't need many stops, but there are plenty of service areas along Sunrise Highway if you do need to stretch your legs or refuel. The estimated fuel cost is around $11, so plan accordingly. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transitions between Belt Parkway and Sunrise Highway to ensure you stay on track.
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 32.7 miles from Staten Island, NY, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.6 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 14 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 32.7 miles or 55m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Sayville, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Staten Island, NY
This is one driving day of about 65.5 miles and 1h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from Staten Island, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Sunrise Highway for about 31.6 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 61.9 — 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
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...
8
61.9 mi into trip|~1h 34m in
Take the exit toward NY 27A, CR 85: Montauk Highway, Oakdale, Great River
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 46A
Toward NY 27A, CR 85: Montauk Highway, Oakdale,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.57 one way
$23.14 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg23 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.86
$12.52
$25.04
premium
$5.28
$13.61
$27.21
diesel
$6.18
$15.93
$31.87
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 22.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
19.7
0
$6.88
$3.14
Efficient EV
16.4
0
$5.73
$2.62
EV Truck/SUV
26.2
0
$9.17
$4.19
Gas CO2
23 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (65% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Staten Island, NY
Afternoon
in Staten Island on Saturday
Local time
2:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 10 to 18 mph85% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 6:26PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 6:13PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
West Sayville, NY
Afternoon
in West Sayville on Saturday
Local time
2:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
W 8 to 21 mph86% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 6:26PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 6:13PM EDT by NWS Upton 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
1 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
1h 40m 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
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 15.8
Park Closure: History House at Sandy Hook 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 65.5
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 34% of this 65.5-mile drive is on highways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 31.6 miles on Sunrise Highway, which is a primary artery for this route. The profile is mixed highway and surface, meaning you'll transition between faster-paced highway driving and more local, surface road cruising. Be prepared for frequent exits and entrances as you navigate the highway segments.
34% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.6 mi on Sunrise Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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 Effort9/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 65.5 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (Clarke Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 4.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
232 ft-5 ft
Total Climb
203 ft
Total Descent
262 ft
Highest Point
232 ft
~4.7 mi in
Elevation Range
238 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 West Sayville, NY, road signs point toward Brooklyn, Upper Level, John F Kennedy International Airport, Belt Parkway East, Cr 85: Montauk Highway and Oakdale - 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 1h 40m. Total distance: 65.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (34%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 31.6 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 West Sayville, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (Clarke Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 4.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 West Sayville, NY before heading back.
