Tusten, NY to Brooklyn, NY is 106.4 miles and takes about 2h 35m via State Route 97, with a fuel budget near $18 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Northeast region of New York to the Northeast region of New York, primarily on State Route 97 and NJ 23. Expect a drive that's largely highway-focused, making it a straightforward option for a single-day journey. Given the relatively short distance and duration, you'll have plenty of flexibility for departure times and stops.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
53.2 miles from Tusten, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
State Route 97
28.2 mi
41m
NJ 23
18.8 mi
25m
Walling Avenue
18.1 mi
27m
NJ 3
10.9 mi
12m
Paterson - Hamburg Turnpike
9.8 mi
11m
US 46
3.7 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
West Main Street
1.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
State Route 97
— 28.2 mi, about 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tusten, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on Crawford Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Crawford Road
2
Turn sharp right onto NY 97
28 mi·41 min·State Route 97
3
Continue on NY 42; NY 97
1.9 mi·2 min·West Main Street
4
Turn right onto CR 15
0.4 mi·31 sec·CR 15
5
Continue on NJ 23
13 mi·17 min·NJ 23
6
Continue on NJ 23
18 mi·27 min·Walling Avenue
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on NJ 23
9.8 mi·11 min·Paterson - Hamburg Turnpike
8
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 23
6.2 mi·7 min·NJ 23
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
297 ft·7 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 46 East: New York, Clifton
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward US 46 East: Clifton
11
Merge onto US 46
2.1 mi·2 min·US 46
12
Continue on US 46
1.6 mi·1 min·US 46
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Turn slight left onto NJ 3
11 mi·12 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
17
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
18
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
19
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
21
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
22
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
23
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
24
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
25
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
26
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.
27
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.
28
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
30
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
31
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this 106.4-mile trip is easily completed in under three hours, you have the advantage of flexibility. Leaving Tusten, NY in the morning or early afternoon should allow ample time to reach Brooklyn, NY before evening. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $18, you won't need to worry excessively about frequent refueling. Pay attention to the transitions between State Route 97, NJ 23, and Walling Avenue, as these are key points where the road character changes, and be mindful of potential traffic as you get closer to Brooklyn.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 53.2 miles from Tusten, NY, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.2 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 23 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.2 miles or 1h 18m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 1m
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 Tusten, 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 Tusten, NY
This is one driving day of about 106.4 miles and 2h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Tusten, 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 State Route 97 for about 28.2 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 71.2 and 104.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
71.2 mi into trip|~1h 42m in|NJ 23
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 23
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
95 mi into trip|~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
99.7 mi into trip|~2h 21m 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
7
102.8 mi into trip|~2h 27m in|NY 27
Take the exit onto NY 27 toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 24
Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
7
104.3 mi into trip|~2h 30m in|NY 27
Take the exit onto NY 27 toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5
Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical Cente...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.51 one way
$35.03 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg37 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$18.94
$37.88
premium
$4.92
$20.62
$41.24
diesel
$5.61
$23.49
$46.98
Estimated Tolls: $16.69
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Paterson - Hamburg Turnpike
(9.8 mi)$0.69
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
$18
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31.9
0
$11.17
$5.11
Efficient EV
26.6
0
$9.31
$4.26
EV Truck/SUV
42.6
0
$14.90
$6.81
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Tusten, NY
Late night
in Tusten on Tuesday
Local time
4:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night
in Brooklyn on Tuesday
Local time
4:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Ramapo, NY
53 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
14 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
2h 35m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 100.1
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 is a highway-focused drive, with about 70% of the route utilizing faster roads. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 28.2 miles on State Route 97, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. The transition between State Route 97, NJ 23, and Walling Avenue means you'll encounter a mix of speeds, but the overall character leans towards efficient travel rather than winding country lanes. Be prepared for sections that feel like a typical highway commute as you approach your destination.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.2 mi on State Route 97.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Route 97 and NJ 23. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 71.2 miles in near NJ 23.
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 18 significant decision points across 106.4 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 71.2 miles (NJ 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 95 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.7 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 Tusten, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Clifton, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan.
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 2h 35m. Total distance: 106.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 28.2 miles on State Route 97. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.69 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.
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 71.2 miles (NJ 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 95 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.7 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Brooklyn, NY before heading back.
