Union, NY to Sheepshead Bay, NY is 247.3 miles and takes about 5h 25m via NY 17 and NJ 17, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, primarily traversing New York and New Jersey. Expect a drive that is mostly highway, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. Given the relatively short duration and the efficient route, it's a practical choice for getting from point A to point B without significant 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
123.6 miles from Union, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
106 mi
2h 12m
State Highway 8
36.8 mi
41m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
New York State Thruway
13.7 mi
15m
County Road 16
11.8 mi
16m
State Route 80
8.8 mi
12m
Rexford Street
8.3 mi
9m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 106 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union, NY and Sheepshead Bay, NY.
1
Start on Kiley Road
73 ft·4 sec·Kiley Road
2
Turn right onto CR 46
0.7 mi·1 min·Delphi Road
3
Turn right onto NY 13
1.4 mi·1 min·Rippleton Road
4
Continue on NY 13
0.2 mi·25 sec·State Route 13
5
Turn left onto NY 13; NY 80
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
6
Continue on NY 13; NY 80
1.1 mi·1 min·McKinley Street
7
Continue on NY 13; NY 80
1.9 mi·2 min·State Route 13
8
Continue on NY 80
6.1 mi·8 min·State Route 80
9
Continue on NY 26; NY 80
2.7 mi·3 min·State Route 80
10
Continue on NY 26; NY 80
2.2 mi·3 min·State Highway 26
11
Turn left onto CR 16
12 mi·16 min·County Road 16
12
Turn left onto NY 23
1.2 mi·1 min·NY 23
13
Turn left onto CR 44
2.8 mi·3 min·County Road 44
14
Turn right onto NY 12
1.2 mi·1 min·State Highway 12
15
Continue on NY 12
0.6 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
16
Turn left onto NY 23
8.3 mi·9 min·Rexford Street
17
Turn right onto NY 8
18 mi·20 min·State Highway 8
18
Continue on NY 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·Airport Road
19
Continue on NY 8
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
20
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
21
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.4 mi·44 sec·State Highway 10
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
23
Merge onto NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
26
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
28
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
29
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
31
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
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
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
35
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
36
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
37
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
38
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
39
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
40
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
41
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
42
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
43
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
44
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.
45
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.
46
Turn left onto NY 27
0.3 mi·45 sec·Caton Avenue
47
Turn right onto NY 27
2.7 mi·5 min·Coney Island Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
48
Turn left onto Avenue P
0.5 mi·1 min·Avenue P
Use the left lane.
49
Turn right onto Ocean Avenue
1.4 mi·2 min·Ocean Avenue
50
Turn left onto Avenue Y
0.3 mi·1 min·Avenue Y
Use the left lane.
51
Arrive at destination
Avenue Y
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid potential rush hour congestion, especially as you get closer to the New York City metropolitan area. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $40, this route is easily manageable in a single day. The longest continuous stretch is 106 miles on NY 17, so plan your break around that point if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can sometimes be more spread out on interstate stretches.
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 123.6 miles from Union, NY, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106 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 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.6 miles or 2h 37m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sheepshead Bay, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Union, 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 Union, NY
This is one driving day of about 247.3 miles and 5h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Union, 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 NY 17 for about 106 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 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 186 and 237.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
186 mi into trip|~3h 55m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
9
201.2 mi into trip|~4h 14m in|NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
202.6 mi into trip|~4h 15m in|NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
232.5 mi into trip|~4h 53m 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
237.2 mi into trip|~5h 5m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.03 one way
$78.07 round trip
$4.01/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$43.63
$87.26
premium
$4.86
$47.33
$94.66
diesel
$4.69
$45.70
$91.40
Estimated Tolls: $16.68
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
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
$39
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.5 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.2
0
$25.97
$11.87
Efficient EV
61.8
0
$21.64
$9.89
EV Truck/SUV
98.9
1
$34.62
$15.83
Gas CO2
87 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Union, NY
Evening
in Union on Monday
Local time
8:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Areas Of Smoke
SW 9 to 13 mph100% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:46AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 18 at 2:52AM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
Sheepshead Bay, NY
Evening
in Sheepshead Bay on Monday
Local time
8:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Areas Of Smoke
S 7 to 13 mph95% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:46AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 18 at 2:52AM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
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 25m 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.
Governors Island National Monument
National Monument
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 238.8
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 238.8
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 238.8
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 238.8
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 247.3
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 238.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway, with 76% of the drive on freeways. You'll experience a long stretch of 106 miles on NY 17, which is a significant portion of the total distance. The transition to surface roads will occur after this extensive highway segment. Be prepared for a high number of exits and potential merging traffic as you approach your destination, typical for routes with a large highway component.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
51 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 186 miles in.
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 33 significant decision points across 247.3 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 186 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.6 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,628 ft12 ft
Total Climb
1,287 ft
Total Descent
2,534 ft
Highest Point
1,628 ft
~123.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,616 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Union, NY and Sheepshead Bay, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 25m. Total distance: 247.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.68 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 9 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 Sheepshead Bay, 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 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 186 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.6 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Governors Island 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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Sheepshead Bay, NY before the return drive.
