Trumansburg, NY to New York City, NY is 234 miles and takes about 5h 1m via I 81, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip moves you from the Northeast region of New York to the Northeast region of New York, featuring a mix of highway and surface road driving. With a recommended one-day duration and a straightforward path, it's a practical option for reaching the city. You'll find the bulk of the mileage is on well-traveled interstates, making for a predictable and efficient transit.
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
117 miles from Trumansburg, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
73.5 mi
1h 28m
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
State Highway 79
15.2 mi
17m
Slaterville Road
11.1 mi
16m
Trumansburg Road
8.7 mi
12m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 73.5 mi, about 1h 28m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 196 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,211 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,106
Quietest
1 AM
~488 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.6×
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 Trumansburg, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 96
1.1 mi·1 min·West Main Street
2
Continue on NY 96
8.7 mi·12 min·Trumansburg Road
3
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi·2 min·Cliff Street
4
Continue on NY 96
0.2 mi·22 sec·West Buffalo Street
5
Turn right onto Taughannock Boulevard
523 ft·24 sec·Taughannock Boulevard
6
Turn left onto NY 79
510 ft·11 sec·West State Street
7
Turn right onto NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79
345 ft·12 sec·South Fulton Street
Use the right lane.
8
Turn left onto NY 79
0.8 mi·2 min·West Green Street
Use the slight left lane.
9
Continue on NY 79
1.1 mi·2 min·East State Street
10
Continue on NY 79
11 mi·16 min·Slaterville Road
11
Continue on NY 79
15 mi·17 min·State Highway 79
12
Continue on NY 79
3.1 mi·3 min·Main Street
13
Turn right onto NY 26
0.6 mi·47 sec·NY 26
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 81 South
15
Merge onto I 81
20 mi·24 min·I 81
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
17
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.
18
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.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
20
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
21
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
23
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
25
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
29
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
30
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
31
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
32
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
34
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
36
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
38
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour estimated drive time, departing Trumansburg in the morning is your best bet to arrive in New York City with ample time. The single recommended stop suggests you can comfortably make this trip in one day without needing an overnight. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $37, and plan your fill-up accordingly, especially before heading into more urban areas. The longest stretch without a major exit is 73.5 miles on I 81, so ensure you're fueled up before that segment.
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 117 miles from Trumansburg, NY, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.5 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 51 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117 miles or 2h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Trumansburg, 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 Trumansburg, NY
This is one driving day of about 234 miles and 5h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Trumansburg, 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 73.5 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 11.1 and 229.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
11.1 mi into trip|~17m in|NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street
Turn right onto NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
63.7 mi into trip|~1h 26m 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
117 mi into trip|~2h 30m 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
229.1 mi into trip|~4h 49m 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
229.3 mi into trip|~4h 50m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.96 one way
$81.92 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$44.39
$88.77
premium
$5.23
$48.18
$96.36
diesel
$6.28
$57.82
$115.64
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
$41
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.2
0
$24.57
$11.23
Efficient EV
58.5
0
$20.48
$9.36
EV Truck/SUV
93.6
1
$32.76
$14.98
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 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 23, 2026
Origin
Trumansburg, NY
Morning
in Trumansburg on Sunday
Local time
7:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Partly Sunny
N 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
7:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Sunny
NE 8 mph0% chanceLive 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
6 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
5h 1m 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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 234-mile drive consists of 58% highway, meaning you'll spend over half the time on faster-paced roads. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 73.5 miles on I 81. Expect to transition from highway to surface roads as you approach your destination. The mixed profile suggests periods of higher speed cruising interspersed with more local traffic and varied speed limits.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.5 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.1 miles in near NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street.
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 25 significant decision points across 234 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 11.1 miles (NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 63.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 117 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,892 ft34 ft
Total Climb
2,352 ft
Total Descent
3,281 ft
Highest Point
1,892 ft
~133.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,858 ft
Notable High Points
1,892 ft at ~133.8 miles+906 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Trumansburg, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Trumansburg is a village the Finger Lakes region of central New York, between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. It offers a distinctive mix of an old rural village and modern funkiness. Named after Abner Truman, it is in the Town of Ulysses.
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation.
From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.
Top landmarks
•Statue of Liberty — monument in New York
•National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
•Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 1m. Total distance: 234 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.5 miles on I 81. 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.
Yes — we found about 27 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 New York City, 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 27 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.1 miles (NY 13; NY 34; NY 96; NY 79 / South Fulton Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 63.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 117 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 5.0 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 New York City, NY before the return drive.
