This 287.8-mile journey from Sylvan Beach, NY to Brooklyn, NY will take you approximately 5 hours and 18 minutes to complete. With no highway driving, expect a more leisurely pace on local roads like Lakeshore Drive, Lake Street, and County Road 26. This route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing you to arrive in Brooklyn without needing an overnight stop. Budget around $47 for fuel, and be prepared for a route that involves frequent turns. The drive stays within the Northeast region, offering a consistent local feel throughout.
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
140.1 miles from Sylvan Beach, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 3m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Sylvan Beach, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on Bubbling Spring Road
162 ft·10 sec·Bubbling Spring Road
2
At end of road, turn left onto Lakeshore Drive
419 ft·18 sec·Lakeshore Drive
3
Continue on Lake Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Lake Street
4
Continue on CR 26
509 ft·15 sec·County Road 26
5
Turn right onto NY 230
7.0 mi·12 min·State Route 230
6
At end of road, turn right onto NY 14A
0.6 mi·1 min·State Highway 14A
7
Continue on NY 14A
0.8 mi·1 min·Millard Street
8
Turn right onto NY 14A
0.2 mi·20 sec·Water Street
9
Continue on NY 14A
0.4 mi·38 sec·Main Street
10
Turn left onto Saunders Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Saunders Street
11
Continue on Dundee-Glenora Road
2.9 mi·7 min·Dundee-Glenora Road
12
Turn right onto NY 14
8.7 mi·10 min·NY Route 14
13
Continue on NY 14
385 ft·4 sec·Lake Shore Drive
14
Continue on NY 14
2.3 mi·4 min·North Franklin Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on NY 14
6.0 mi·7 min·North Catherine Street
16
Continue on NY 14
1.5 mi·3 min·Main Street
17
Continue on NY 14
6.4 mi·8 min·Watkins Road
18
Continue on North Main Street
1.3 mi·2 min·North Main Street
19
Take the ramp onto NY 13
0.2 mi·28 sec·NY 13
20
Merge onto I 86; NY 17; NY 13
64 mi·1 hr 15 min·Southern Tier Expressway
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
25
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
26
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
28
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
30
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
33
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
34
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
35
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
36
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
37
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
39
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
40
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
41
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
42
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
43
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
44
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
45
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
46
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
47
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
48
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
49
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 18-minute duration and the turn-heavy nature, consider an early morning departure from Sylvan Beach to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach Brooklyn. With only one recommended stop and no long highway stretches, you have the flexibility to take breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, as local roads can sometimes have fewer services than major highways. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to your GPS or navigation system, as the numerous turns on Lakeshore Drive, Lake Street, and County Road 26 require constant attention.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 140.1 miles from Sylvan Beach, NY, or about 3h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.8 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 62 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.1 miles or 3h 3m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sylvan Beach, 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 Sylvan Beach, NY
This is one driving day of about 280.2 miles and 6h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Sylvan Beach, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 63.8 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 102.8 and 273.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
102.8 mi into trip|~2h 19m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
156.2 mi into trip|~3h 22m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
7
268.2 mi into trip|~5h 42m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
268.4 mi into trip|~5h 42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
273.5 mi into trip|~5h 54m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.12 one way
$92.25 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$49.87
$99.75
premium
$4.92
$54.31
$108.62
diesel
$5.61
$61.86
$123.73
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$46
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84.1
1
$29.42
$13.45
Efficient EV
70.1
0
$24.52
$11.21
EV Truck/SUV
112.1
1
$39.23
$17.93
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 14, 2026
Origin
Sylvan Beach, NY
Late night
in Sylvan Beach on Tuesday
Local time
4:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night
in Brooklyn on Tuesday
Local time
4:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
S 12 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 2:55PM EDT until April 14 at 3:45PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 2:52PM EDT until April 14 at 3:30PM EDT by NWS Buffalo 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
35 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 7m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 270.5
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 270.5
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 270.5
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 270.5
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 270.5
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 270.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be navigating a variety of smaller roads with a 0% highway share. Expect a dynamic driving experience where you'll be making frequent adjustments to your course. Since there's no longest uninterrupted stretch mentioned, be ready for a continuous series of turns and intersections. This isn't a route for cruising at high speeds; instead, it's about engaging with the local road network as you make your way south.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.8 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 102.8 miles in near I 81.
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 30 significant decision points across 280.2 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 102.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 156.2 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 268.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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.
Between Sylvan Beach, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city.
Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest.
Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
Top landmarks
•Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
•Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 7m. Total distance: 280.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 7m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.8 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 in tolls one way, starting with Holland Tunnel. 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Brooklyn, 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 102.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 156.2 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 268.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brooklyn, NY before the return drive.
