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Trip from Thompson, NY to The Bronx, NY

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 8m

Distance

285.5 mi

459 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 55m ★
6 AM
6h 8m
8 AM
6h 34m
10 AM
6h 17m
12 PM
6h 15m
3 PM
6h 19m
5 PM
6h 33m
8 PM
6h 1m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

town in Sullivan County, New York, United States

Thompson, NY

Wikimedia Commons

borough of New York City, New York, United States

The Bronx, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 285.5-mile journey from Thompson, NY to The Bronx, NY is estimated to take around 6 hours and 8 minutes of driving time, making it a feasible, albeit long, day trip. With a fuel cost of approximately $47, the drive primarily utilizes I 81, the Keystone Shortway, and I 380, with 54% of the route on highways. You'll be traversing within the Northeast region, staying within New York State for the entirety of your travel. Consider starting early to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach your destination. This route is best suited for a single day of travel rather than splitting it into an overnight stay.

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

142.7 miles from Thompson, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 12m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 98.8 mi 1h 57m
Keystone Shortway 80 mi 1h 37m
I 380 23.6 mi 25m
East Lake Road 9.9 mi 14m
State Highway 41 9.8 mi 13m
Clark Street Road 9.6 mi 11m
New York State Thruway 6.3 mi 7m
Christopher Columbus Highway 5.5 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Thompson, NY and The Bronx, NY.

1

Start on Townline Road

0.9 mi · 3 min · Townline Road
2

Turn right onto Avery Road

0.7 mi · 3 min · Avery Road
3

Turn left onto NY 14

2.8 mi · 3 min · NY 14
4

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Use the right lane.
5

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 90 East: Albany
6

Merge onto I 90

6.3 mi · 7 min · New York State Thruway
7

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 58 sec
Exit 41 Toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork

327 ft · 7 sec
9

Continue on NY 414

0.3 mi · 35 sec · State Route 414
10

Turn left onto NY 318

4.1 mi · 7 min · NY 318
Use the left lane.
11

At end of road, turn left onto US 20; NY 5

1.9 mi · 2 min · Auburn Road
12

Continue on US 20; NY 5

9.6 mi · 11 min · Clark Street Road
Use the straight lane.
13

Turn right onto State Street

226 ft · 12 sec · State Street
14

Turn left onto Dill Street

0.1 mi · 21 sec · Dill Street
15

Continue on Loop Road

458 ft · 16 sec · Loop Road
16

Turn left onto Genesee Street

5.5 mi · 9 min · Genesee Street
17

Continue on US 20

2.2 mi · 4 min · West Genesee Street Road
18

Turn right onto NY 41

0.5 mi · 45 sec · East Lake Street
19

Continue on NY 41

9.4 mi · 13 min · East Lake Road
20

Continue on NY 41

4.8 mi · 7 min · State Route 41
21

Continue on NY 41

0.5 mi · 49 sec · East Lake Road
22

Continue on NY 41

9.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 41
23

Turn right onto NY 281

1.2 mi · 2 min · North West Street
24

Take the ramp

0.7 mi · 1 min
Use the left lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
26

Merge onto I 81

45 mi · 54 min · I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

53 mi · 1 hr 3 min · I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton Use the straight lane.
28

Keep slight right at fork onto US 6

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 6
Exit 187 Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
29

Continue on I 84; I 380

3.7 mi · 4 min · I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford Use the straight lane.
30

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

24 mi · 25 min · I 380
Exit 4 Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
31

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 1B Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
32

Merge onto I 80

80 mi · 1 hr 37 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
33

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

5.5 mi · 5 min · Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower Level Use the slight right lane.
34

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 38 sec
Exit 70A-B Toward Leonia, Teaneck Use the slight right lane.
36

Turn right

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Exit 70A Toward Leonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37

Turn straight onto CR 56

454 ft · 9 sec · Degraw Avenue
38

Continue on CR 56

1.1 mi · 2 min · Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
39

Continue on CR 56

469 ft · 13 sec · Main Street
40

Take the ramp

472 ft · 12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
41

Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46

0.3 mi · 28 sec · Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42

Take the exit

312 ft · 4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
43

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.3 mi · 20 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
45

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
46

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
47

Continue on I 95; US 1

2.9 mi · 3 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 4B Toward Rosedale Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
49

Continue on Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road

0.3 mi · 50 sec · Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road
50

Turn right onto Noble Avenue

0.1 mi · 20 sec · Noble Avenue
51

Turn right onto Bronx River Avenue

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Bronx River Avenue
52

Turn straight onto East Tremont Avenue

0.3 mi · 1 min · East Tremont Avenue
53

Turn left onto White Plains Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · White Plains Road
Use the left lane.
54

Turn right onto Cruger Avenue

0.1 mi · 32 sec · Cruger Avenue
55

Arrive at destination

Cruger Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour-plus drive, aim for an early morning departure from Thompson, NY, to avoid potential delays and maximize your daylight hours. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically along your route, perhaps around the halfway point, to break up the nearly 286 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before entering longer stretches like the 98.8 miles on I 81, and be prepared for increased traffic as you get closer to The Bronx. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means staying alert for changes in road conditions and speed limits.

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 142.7 miles from Thompson, NY, or about 3h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.8 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 63 miles or 1h 37m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 142.7 miles or 3h 12m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near The Bronx, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Thompson, 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 Thompson, NY

This is one driving day of about 285.5 miles and 6h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Thompson, 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 98.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Scranton, PA

143 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Cortland, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Deposit, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.7 miles from Thompson, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 37

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.4 and 276.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
4.4 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
8
11.1 mi into trip | ~18m in

Take the exit toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde

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 41 Toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
9
161.4 mi into trip | ~3h 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
275.9 mi into trip | ~5h 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
276.2 mi into trip | ~5h 51m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.00 one way

$93.99 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $50.82 $101.63
premium $4.92 $55.34 $110.67
diesel $5.61 $63.03 $126.07

Estimated Tolls: $16.32

George Washington Bridge $16.00
New York State Thruway (6.3 mi) $0.32

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

$47

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$88–$113

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 99.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 85.6 1 $29.98 $13.70
Efficient EV 71.4 0 $24.98 $11.42
EV Truck/SUV 114.2 1 $39.97 $18.27

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (67% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Thompson, NY

Late night in Thompson on Tuesday

Local time

4:13 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

The Bronx, NY

Late night in The Bronx on Tuesday

Local time

4:13 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

6h 8m 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.

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 29.5
View on nps.gov
General Grant National Memorial

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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 275.6
View on nps.gov
Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 285.5
View on nps.gov
Women's Rights National Historical Park

Women's Rights National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human r...

5 mi from route ~13 min detour Free near mile 9.8
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

Stonewall National Monument

National Monument

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...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour Free near mile 275.6
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 275.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, even with 54% of the route on highways. While you'll experience a significant 98.8-mile stretch on I 81, the overall character suggests a more dynamic driving experience than a pure interstate cruise. The combination of major highways and other roads means you'll encounter varying speed limits and road conditions. This isn't a monotonous drive; rather, it offers a mix that keeps you engaged behind the wheel as you navigate through different types of terrain.

Only 54% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
55 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.8 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 37 significant decision points across 285.5 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 4.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 161.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Thompson, NY and The Bronx, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono and Milford.

Mt Pocono

161.4 mi in | ~3h 34m | via US 6

Milford

162.2 mi in | ~3h 35m | via I 84; I 380

About the Cities

Starting in Thompson, NY

Full guide →

Top landmarks

  • Anshei Glen Wild Synagogue — historic building in Glen Wild, New York, United States

Arriving in The Bronx, NY

Full guide →

“The Boogie Down” · Founded 1898

The Bronx is one of the five boroughs of New York. Known for Yankee Stadium, the home field of the New York Yankees baseball team, it has been a borough of New York City since 1898. The vast Bronx Zoo houses hundreds of species of animals. Nearby, the sprawling New York Botanical Garden features a landmark greenhouse with rainforest and cactus displays. By the Hudson River, Wave Hill is a landscaped public garden with wooded paths and a cultural center.

Top landmarks

  • New York Botanical Garden — botanical garden in the Bronx, New York City
  • Woodlawn Cemetery — cemetery in the Bronx, New York City
  • Hall of Fame for Great Americans — architectural structure

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 8m. Total distance: 285.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 8m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 98.8 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $16.32 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.

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 The Bronx, 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 4.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 161.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, General Grant National Memorial and Hamilton Grange 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 The Bronx, NY before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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