This 250.9-mile journey from Syracuse, NY, to University Heights, NY, will take approximately 5 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Primarily a highway-focused drive, it's well-suited for a single-day trip, saving you the need for an overnight stay. With an estimated fuel cost of around $41, this route offers a straightforward drive through the Northeast region. You'll be spending a significant portion of your time on major interstates, making for a relatively efficient transit between these two New York locations. Consider this a practical option when you need to cover ground without extensive detours.
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
125.5 miles from Syracuse, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
127.9 mi
2h 31m
Keystone Shortway
80 mi
1h 37m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Christopher Columbus Highway
5.5 mi
5m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
I 95 EXPR
1.1 mi
1m
Fort Lee Road
1.1 mi
2m
US 6
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 127.9 mi, about 2h 31m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 336 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,190 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,979
Quietest
1 AM
~446 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 University Heights, 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 right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
10
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.
11
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.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
14
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·5 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
20
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
22
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
23
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
25
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
27
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.8 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 1C-DToward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany, Yankee StadiumUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 1CToward I 87 North: AlbanyUse the slight right lane.
31
Merge onto I 87
0.2 mi·15 sec·Major Deegan Expressway
32
Take the exit
0.1 mi·35 sec
Exit 8Toward West 179th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on West 179th Street
485 ft·29 sec·West 179th Street
34
Turn left onto Sedgwick Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Sedgwick Avenue
35
Turn right onto West 183rd Street
508 ft·22 sec·West 183rd Street
36
Keep slight right at fork onto West 183rd Street
38 ft·1 sec·West 183rd Street
37
Arrive at destination
West 183rd Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, starting your drive from Syracuse earlier in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. While the route features only one designated stop point, plan for additional brief breaks as needed, especially during the longest stretch of 127.9 miles on I-81. The estimated fuel cost of $41 is a good baseline, but monitoring your fuel gauge is always wise, particularly before heading into longer highway segments. Since this is a manageable one-day drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience.
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 125.5 miles from Syracuse, NY, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.9 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 55 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.5 miles or 2h 29m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near University Heights, 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 250.9 miles and 5h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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 81 for about 127.9 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 129.5 and 249.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
129.5 mi into trip|~2h 34m 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...
8
244 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Ne...
9
244.3 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
8
249.1 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany, Yankee Stadium
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 1C-D
Toward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany,...
8
249.3 mi into trip|~4h 59m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 87 North: Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1C
Toward I 87 North: Albany
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.32 one way
$88.64 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.86
$47.96
$95.91
premium
$5.28
$52.12
$104.23
diesel
$6.18
$61.04
$122.07
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
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
$44
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.3
0
$26.34
$12.04
Efficient EV
62.7
0
$21.95
$10.04
EV Truck/SUV
100.4
1
$35.13
$16.06
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Syracuse, NY
Late night
in Syracuse on Tuesday
Local time
4:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Sunny
W 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
University Heights, NY
Late night
in University Heights on Tuesday
Local time
4:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
NE 8 mph0% chanceLive forecast
63°F
Hawley, PA
125 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
2 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 3m 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.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 250.9
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 250.9
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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 242.3
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 242.3
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...
11 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 242.3
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 242.3
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 for most of this 250.9-mile trip, with 63% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I-81 and I-380. The Keystone Shortway also plays a role in connecting these segments. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 127.9 miles on I-81, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While the profile is largely highway, be prepared for the transition between these main arteries as you progress toward your destination. The character of the drive remains consistently geared towards efficient travel.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.9 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 129.5 miles in near US 6.
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 26 significant decision points across 250.9 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 129.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,906 ft162 ft
Total Climb
2,598 ft
Total Descent
2,836 ft
Highest Point
1,906 ft
~143.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,744 ft
Notable High Points
1,906 ft at ~143.4 miles+616 ft prominence
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 University Heights, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono and Milford.
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 3m. Total distance: 250.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 127.9 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with George Washington 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.
Yes — we found about 23 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 University Heights, 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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 129.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at University Heights, NY before the return drive.
