Hainan
Near the end, short detour
Flushing, New York
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+19175637223
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 44m
Distance
227.4 mi
366 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Vestal, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Babylon, NY
Wikimedia Commons
This 227.4-mile drive from Vestal, NY, to Babylon, NY, will take approximately 4 hours and 44 minutes of driving time. It's a manageable trip that can comfortably be done in a single day, with an estimated fuel cost of $37. You'll spend about 56% of your journey on highways, primarily utilizing Keystone Shortway and I-81, before transitioning to I-380. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, and with only one recommended stop, you'll find this route efficient for getting from the Northeast region of New York to its eastern end. Plan for a straightforward journey that doesn't require 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
113.7 miles from Vestal, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone Shortway | 80 mi | 1h 37m |
| I 81 | 53.4 mi | 1h 3m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Southern State Parkway | 18 mi | 22m |
| Southern Tier Expressway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Cross Bronx Expressway | 6.6 mi | 8m |
| Christopher Columbus Highway | 5.5 mi | 5m |
| Clearview Expressway | 5 mi | 5m |
Step-by-step road directions between Vestal, NY and Babylon, NY.
Start on Front Street
Turn left onto Main Street
Turn right onto NY 434
Turn slight right
Turn straight onto NY 26
Take the ramp
Merge onto NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
Continue on I 84; I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight right at fork
Turn right
Turn straight onto CR 56
Continue on CR 56
Continue on CR 56
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
Take the exit
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
Continue on I 95; US 1
Continue on I 95; US 1
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
Merge onto I 295
Continue on I 295
Continue on I 295
Continue on NY 24
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
Turn right onto 225th Street
Take the ramp
Merge onto CI
Take the exit
Merge onto SO
Take the exit
Turn slight right onto NY 109
Continue on NY 109
Turn left onto NY 27A
Turn right onto South Carll Avenue
Arrive at destination
To make the most of this 4-hour and 44-minute journey, consider an early morning departure from Vestal to bypass potential traffic, especially as you approach the Babylon area. While the drive is feasible in one day, the longest stretch without a stop is 80 miles on the Keystone Shortway, so plan for a brief rest break around that point. Your estimated fuel cost is $37, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Vestal. Keep an eye on road conditions as you move from I-81 to I-380, as this transition can sometimes present unexpected slowdowns.
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.
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 50 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.7 miles or 2h 16m 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 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Babylon, NY than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Vestal, 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 Vestal, NY
This is one driving day of about 227.4 miles and 4h 44m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
114 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.
A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 113.7 miles from Vestal, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Flushing, New York
Near the end, short detour
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+19175637223
Lumis Restaurant
Fairfield, New Jersey
Bosphorus Restaurant
Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey
Top Coffee Stop
South Hackensack, New Jersey
Later in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
+12014265898
Marimba Cafe
Hackensack, New Jersey
Near the end, short detour
Flushing, New York
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+19175637223
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Fairfield, New Jersey
Hours: 12–9:30 pm
+19739442049
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey
Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm
+19733359690
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Paramus, New Jersey
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+12014871088
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
College Point, New York
Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm
+13473684407
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Little Neck, New York
Hours: 1–9 pm
+17182254949
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Rutherford, New Jersey
Hours: 5–9:30 pm
+19737213404
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~11 min detour
Boonton, New Jersey
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+19739173334
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
South Hackensack, New Jersey
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
+12014265898
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Hackensack, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+12012563010
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~11 min detour
Englewood, New Jersey
Hours: Closed
+12015675111
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18334662474
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Dover, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18668167584
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Vestal, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Binghamton, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
New Milford, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+15704652974
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Fairfield, New Jersey
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+19738822900
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Lodi, New Jersey
Hours: 1–7 pm
+18628997674
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Hackensack, New Jersey
Hours: 10 am–12 pm
+12013433545
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+12017132156
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Teterboro, New Jersey
Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm
+12012886344
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Lindenhurst, New York
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+16317861136
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Hackensack, New Jersey
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+12019680808
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Hackensack, New Jersey
Hours: 12–9 pm
+12014401329
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 66.7 and 203.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
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
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$37.43 one way
$74.86 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $40.48 | $80.95 |
| premium | $4.92 | $44.07 | $88.15 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $50.21 | $100.41 |
Estimated Tolls: $22.55
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
$37
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.2 | 0 | $23.88 | $10.92 |
| Efficient EV | 56.9 | 0 | $19.90 | $9.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 91 | 1 | $31.84 | $14.55 |
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Vestal on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Destination
Night in Babylon on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
49°F
Ramapo, NY
114 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
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...
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...
National Monument
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...
National Memorial
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
The character of this drive is a mixed bag, offering a blend of highway speeds and potentially more varied road conditions. With 56% of the route on highways, you'll experience stretches of consistent travel. The longest uninterrupted segment spans 80 miles on the Keystone Shortway, allowing for a good rhythm. As you progress, the transition from I-81 to I-380 will likely alter the driving feel, potentially introducing more curves or changes in traffic patterns. Expect a profile that keeps you engaged without being overly demanding.
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 66.7 miles in near US 6.
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 32 significant decision points across 227.4 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 66.7 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Vestal, NY and Babylon, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level - among others.
Mt Pocono
Milford
New York City
Leonia
Teaneck
George Washington Bridge Upper Level
Cross Island Parkway South
Southern State Parkway East
Eastern Long Island
Founded 1823
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 44m. Total distance: 227.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Vestal, NY or browse trips ending in Babylon, NY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.