Syracuse to Pound Ridge is 245.8 miles and takes about 5h 17m via I-86, I-81, and US-6, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within New York, traversing the Northeast region. Most of your time will be spent on major highways, making for a straightforward drive. It’s a solid choice for a single-day trip if you're looking to cover ground efficiently.
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
122.9 miles from Syracuse, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 86
129.9 mi
2h 40m
I 81
74.5 mi
1h 28m
US 6
14.5 mi
21m
Crompond Road
5.1 mi
9m
Cross River Road
4 mi
6m
Bear Mountain Parkway
3.9 mi
6m
Amawalk Road
3.5 mi
6m
State Highway 121
2.9 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 129.9 mi, about 2h 40m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,058 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,330
Quietest
2 AM
~95 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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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 Syracuse, NY and Pound Ridge, NY.
1
Start on US 11
10 ft·5 sec·South State Street
2
Turn left onto NY 92
0.3 mi·31 sec·East Genesee Street
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto Almond Street
0.3 mi·28 sec·Almond Street
4
Turn slight right
296 ft·5 sec
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward I 81 South
6
Merge onto I 81
2.0 mi·2 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi·48 sec·I-81
8
Continue on I 81
73 mi·1 hr 25 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
130 mi·2 hr 40 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto US 6
7.1 mi·9 min·US 6
Exit 130AToward US 6: Bear Mountain
11
Enter roundabout onto US 6
0.1 mi·8 sec·US 6
12
Continue on US 6
2.9 mi·3 min·US 6
13
Enter roundabout onto US 6; US 202
260 ft·3 sec·US 6; US 202
14
Continue on US 6; US 202
4.2 mi·7 min·US 6; US 202
Use the left lane.
15
Enter roundabout onto US 6; US 9; US 202
115 ft·1 sec·US 6; US 9; US 202
Toward Peekskill
16
Continue on US 6; US 9; US 202
0.2 mi·20 sec·US 6; US 9; US 202
Toward Peekskill
17
Turn left onto Bear Mountain Parkway
3.9 mi·6 min·Bear Mountain Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 202; NY 35
5.1 mi·9 min·Crompond Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Turn left onto Hallocks Mill Road
0.4 mi·54 sec·Hallocks Mill Road
20
At end of road, turn right onto Ridge Street
71 ft·11 sec·Ridge Street
21
Turn left onto US 202; NY 35; NY 118
1.1 mi·2 min·Saw Mill River Road
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on US 202; NY 35; NY 118
3.5 mi·6 min·Amawalk Road
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on NY 35
1.4 mi·1 min·Woods Bridge Road
24
Continue on NY 35
4.0 mi·6 min·Cross River Road
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn right onto NY 121
2.9 mi·5 min·State Highway 121
26
Turn left onto Stone Hill Road
2.8 mi·4 min·Stone Hill Road
27
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 137
182 ft·5 sec·NY 137
28
Turn slight right onto NY 137
0.2 mi·30 sec·Westchester Avenue
29
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 137
54 ft·0 sec·Westchester Avenue
30
Arrive at destination
NY 137
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 17m estimated drive time, leaving Syracuse in the morning will allow you to reach Pound Ridge well before evening. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the midpoint of your 129.9-mile stretch on I-86. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially before entering longer stretches of highway where services might be spaced further apart. The $40 fuel estimate suggests this is an economical trip, so you shouldn't face major budget concerns.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 122.9 miles from Syracuse, NY, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 129.9 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 54 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.9 miles or 2h 28m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pound Ridge, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Syracuse, 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 Syracuse, NY
This is one driving day of about 245.8 miles and 5h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Syracuse, 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 I 86 for about 129.9 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 229.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0 mi into trip|~0m in|NY 92 / East Genesee Street
Turn left onto NY 92 / East Genesee Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
76.1 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|I 86; NY 17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17 toward New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward New York
6
220.3 mi into trip|~4h 31m in|US 6; US 9; US 202
Enter roundabout onto US 6; US 9; US 202 toward Peekskill
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Toward Peekskill
6
220.5 mi into trip|~4h 32m in|Bear Mountain Parkway
Turn left onto Bear Mountain Parkway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
229.8 mi into trip|~4h 49m in|US 202; NY 35; NY 118 / Saw Mill River Road
Turn left onto US 202; NY 35; NY 118 / Saw Mill River Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.62 one way
$87.25 round trip
$4.51/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.85
$46.90
$93.79
premium
$5.24
$50.70
$101.40
diesel
$5.35
$51.77
$103.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.7
0
$25.81
$11.80
Efficient EV
61.5
0
$21.51
$9.83
EV Truck/SUV
98.3
1
$34.41
$15.73
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jun 2, 2026
Origin
Syracuse, NY
Evening
in Syracuse on Wednesday
Local time
5:07 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
NW 3 to 9 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Pound Ridge, NY
Evening
in Pound Ridge on Wednesday
Local time
5:07 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Sunny
N 12 mph13% chanceLive forecast
55°F
Montague, NJ
123 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
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
5h 17m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 8.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is overwhelmingly highway, with 92% of the route on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 129.9 miles on I-86, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. The transition to surface roads will occur as you approach your destination, likely bringing more frequent exits and varied traffic patterns. Expect to encounter a high density of exits for a significant portion of the trip.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 129.9 mi on I 86.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near NY 92 / East Genesee Street.
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 19 significant decision points across 245.8 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: near the start (NY 92 / East Genesee Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 76.1 miles (I 86; NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 220.3 miles (US 6; US 9; US 202): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,373 ft400 ft
Total Climb
2,063 ft
Total Descent
1,837 ft
Highest Point
1,373 ft
~140.5 mi in
Elevation Range
973 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Syracuse, NY and Pound Ridge, NY, road signs point toward New York and Peekskill.
Syracuse is a city in Central New York. With a population of 149,000 in city proper and 662,000 in its metro area (2020), Syracuse is the fifth largest city in the state of New York, and the third largest in Upstate New York.
Top landmarks
•Oncenter War Memorial Arena — arena in Syracuse, New York
•Everson Museum of Art — art museum in Syracuse, New York
•Niagara Mohawk Building — historic commercial building in New York, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 17m. Total distance: 245.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 129.9 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 rest areas or service plazas 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 Pound Ridge, 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. There are 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (NY 92 / East Genesee Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 76.1 miles (I 86; NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 220.3 miles (US 6; US 9; US 202): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Yes — Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pound Ridge, NY before the return drive.
