Escaping Staten Island for Zena is a manageable 118.2-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 36 minutes. Because of the relatively short distance, this trip works perfectly as a one-day excursion, though you are welcome to extend your stay if you prefer a slower pace. You will primarily navigate via NJ 17 and NY 17 before transitioning to local routes like Sawkill Road to reach your destination. Budget approximately $19 for fuel to complete the trip. Since both your origin and destination are situated within the Northeast, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout your transit. It is a straightforward drive that balances highway efficiency with the transition into more localized New York roads.
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
59.1 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
NY 17
61.2 mi
1h 10m
NJ 17
22.9 mi
28m
Sawkill Road
5.1 mi
8m
Bayonne Bridge
4.6 mi
7m
New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
4.3 mi
5m
NJ 3
4.3 mi
5m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates Highway
2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 61.2 mi, about 1h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Staten Island, NY and Zena, 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
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
9
Turn right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
10
Turn left onto Bradley Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the left lane.
11
Turn left onto North Gannon Avenue
364 ft·8 sec·North Gannon Avenue
Use the left lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 278 West: Staten Island Expressway, Goethals Bridge, Elizabeth
13
Merge onto I 278
0.8 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 9Toward NY 440 North: Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Expressway, Bayonne BridgeUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto NY 440
1.3 mi·1 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
16
Continue on NY 440
4.6 mi·7 min·Bayonne Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward I 78 Toll, NJTP: Newark, Holland Tunnel
18
Merge onto Port Jersey Boulevard
0.4 mi·27 sec·Port Jersey Boulevard
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 78 East, NJTP East: Holland TunnelUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 78; NJTP
2.0 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
21
Continue on I 78; NJTP
2.3 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
Exit 14CUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn left onto Jersey Avenue
0.1 mi·26 sec·Jersey Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
23
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139
408 ft·5 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Use the left lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139
0.3 mi·24 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
25
Continue on NJ 139
0.8 mi·1 min·NJ 139 Lower Level
26
Continue on NJ 139
406 ft·7 sec·Pulaski Skyway
27
Take the exit
420 ft·14 sec
Toward US 1-9 North: SecaususUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
2.6 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Turn straight onto NJ 3
4.3 mi·5 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
32
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·3 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on NJ 17
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on NJ 17
4.1 mi·5 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
37
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
38
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
39
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
61 mi·1 hr 10 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
40
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 19Toward NY 28: Kingston, Rhinecliff Bridge
41
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·13 sec
42
Merge onto NY 28
0.3 mi·30 sec·State Route 28
43
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward US-209 North: Rhinebeck Bridge
44
Merge onto US 209
2.0 mi·2 min·Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates Highway
45
Take the exit
0.1 mi·23 sec
46
Turn left onto CR 31
5.1 mi·8 min·Sawkill Road
47
Turn sharp left onto CR 39
49 ft·1 sec·Zena Road
48
Arrive at destination
CR 39
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 2-hour and 36-minute drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic on the highway portions of the route. Planning for a single stop is ideal given the distance, allowing you to stretch your legs before tackling the final stretch toward Zena. With a fuel budget of $19, you can easily handle the trip on a single tank, but keeping an eye on your gauge during the 61.2-mile NY 17 segment is a smart move. Because the trip is short, you have the flexibility to leave early in the morning or later in the afternoon based on your preference. Prioritize refueling before you transition from the highway to the smaller Sawkill Road to ensure you have a stress-free arrival.
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 59.1 miles from Staten Island, NY, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.2 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 26 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.1 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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Zena, 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 118.2 miles and 2h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 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 NY 17 for about 61.2 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 34
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.2 and 25.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
5.2 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward NY 440 North: Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Expressway, Bayonne Bridge
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 9
Toward NY 440 North: Doctor Martin Luther King...
8
12.3 mi into trip|~24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 78 East, NJTP East: Holland Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 78 East, NJTP East: Holland Tunnel
7
17.1 mi into trip|~31m in|I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
18.3 mi into trip|~33m in
Take the exit toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
8
25.4 mi into trip|~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.46 one way
$38.91 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg41 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$21.04
$42.08
premium
$4.92
$22.91
$45.82
diesel
$5.61
$26.10
$52.19
Estimated Tolls: $16.61
Bayonne Bridge
$16.00
New Jersey Turnpike
(4.3 mi)$0.61
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
$19
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
35.5
0
$12.41
$5.67
Efficient EV
29.6
0
$10.34
$4.73
EV Truck/SUV
47.3
0
$16.55
$7.56
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 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 15, 2026
Origin
Staten Island, NY
Morning
in Staten Island on Sunday
Local time
10:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Zena, NY
Morning
in Zena on Sunday
Local time
10:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
59 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
14 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 36m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
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...
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...
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 highway-focused experience, as roughly 81% of this route consists of high-speed travel. You will spend the bulk of your time on major corridors, including a significant 61.2-mile uninterrupted stretch on NY 17. While the beginning of your trip relies on major arteries like NJ 17, the character of the road shifts as you approach Zena. Once you exit the highway system, the final leg of your journey involves navigating local roads such as Sawkill Road. This transition from fast-paced interstate driving to smaller, more localized roads provides a distinct change in rhythm for the driver.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.2 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.2 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 34 significant decision points across 118.2 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 5.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.1 miles (I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
560 ft5 ft
Total Climb
1,014 ft
Total Descent
716 ft
Highest Point
560 ft
~84.4 mi in
Elevation Range
555 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 Zena, NY, road signs point toward Njtp: Newark, Jersey City and New York State Thruway North: Albany.
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 36m. Total distance: 118.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.2 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.61 in tolls one way, starting with Bayonne 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 Zena, 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 5.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.1 miles (I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Castle Clinton National Monument, African Burial Ground 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 Zena, NY before heading back.
