Skip to main content

Trip from Vestal, NY to Babylon, NY

Compiled 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

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 31m ★
6 AM
4h 44m
8 AM
5h 11m
10 AM
4h 54m
12 PM
4h 51m
3 PM
4h 55m
5 PM
5h 10m
8 PM
4h 36m

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

town in Broome County, New York, United States

Vestal, NY

Wikimedia Commons

town in Long Island, New York, United States

Babylon, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

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 .

Main Roads

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
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 80 mi, about 1h 37m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Vestal, NY and Babylon, NY.

1

Start on Front Street

103 ft · 10 sec · Front Street
2

Turn left onto Main Street

243 ft · 8 sec · Main Street
3

Turn right onto NY 434

0.7 mi · 1 min · Vestal Parkway East
4

Turn slight right

0.2 mi · 48 sec
5

Turn straight onto NY 26

516 ft · 8 sec · NY 26
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 52 sec
Toward NY 17 East: Binghamton
7

Merge onto NY 17

12 mi · 15 min · Southern Tier Expressway
8

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.
9

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.
10

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.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

24 mi · 25 min · I 380
Exit 4 Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
12

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 1B Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
13

Merge onto I 80

80 mi · 1 hr 37 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

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.
15

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.
16

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 38 sec
Exit 70A-B Toward Leonia, Teaneck Use the slight right lane.
17

Turn right

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Exit 70A Toward Leonia Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Turn straight onto CR 56

454 ft · 9 sec · Degraw Avenue
19

Continue on CR 56

1.1 mi · 2 min · Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Continue on CR 56

469 ft · 13 sec · Main Street
21

Take the ramp

472 ft · 12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
22

Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46

0.3 mi · 28 sec · Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

312 ft · 4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
24

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.3 mi · 20 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
26

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
28

Continue on I 95; US 1

4.7 mi · 6 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295

2.0 mi · 2 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6B Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
30

Merge onto I 295

0.6 mi · 58 sec · Throgs Neck Expressway
31

Continue on I 295

2.0 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Continue on I 295

5.0 mi · 5 min · Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Continue on NY 24

0.7 mi · 1 min · Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
34

At end of road, turn left onto NY 24

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
35

Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue

0.9 mi · 2 min · Hempstead Avenue
36

Turn right onto 225th Street

228 ft · 9 sec · 225th Street
Use the right lane.
37

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
38

Merge onto CI

1.3 mi · 1 min · Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 25A Toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long Island Use the slight left / straight lanes.
40

Merge onto SO

18 mi · 22 min · Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Exit 33 Toward NY 109 East: Babylon Use the slight right lane.
42

Turn slight right onto NY 109

3.5 mi · 5 min · Farmingdale Road
Use the left lane.
43

Continue on NY 109

0.9 mi · 1 min · Little East Neck Road North
44

Turn left onto NY 27A

0.5 mi · 49 sec · West Main Street
45

Turn right onto South Carll Avenue

68 ft · 2 sec · South Carll Avenue
46

Arrive at destination

South Carll Avenue

Trip Plan

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 113.7 miles from Vestal, NY, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80 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 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.

Before You Leave

+

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.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Vestal, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 80 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

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.

Pacing Suggestions

Scranton, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

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 check

Top 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Hainan

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Flushing, New York

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 194.9

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19175637223

Visit website

Lumis Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fairfield, New Jersey

2.7 mi

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

2.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 178.7

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hackensack, New Jersey

1.2 mi

Hainan

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 194.9

Flushing, New York

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19175637223

Visit website

Lumis Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $50 to $10 mile 162.5

Fairfield, New Jersey

Hours: 12–9:30 pm

+19739442049

Visit website

Bosphorus Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 162.5

Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+19733359690

Visit website

Chuck E. Cheese

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 178.7

Paramus, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12014871088

Visit website

Sabor Restaurant & Bakery

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 194.9

College Point, New York

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+13473684407

Visit website

Lima 33 Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 194.9

Little Neck, New York

Hours: 1–9 pm

+17182254949

Visit website

Fiorentini Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 178.7

Rutherford, New Jersey

Hours: 5–9:30 pm

+19737213404

Visit website

Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 162.5

Boonton, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19739173334

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 178.7

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 178.7

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 178.7

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 65

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

IONNA Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 65

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18334662474

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 146.2

Dover, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 65

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 65

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Vestal, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 16.2

Binghamton, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 32.5

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

Escape Garden State

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 162.5

Fairfield, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19738822900

Visit website

Posh Princess Palace

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 178.7

Lodi, New Jersey

Hours: 1–7 pm

+18628997674

Visit website

Bowler City

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 178.7

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+12013433545

Visit website

Catch Air Hasbrouck

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 178.7

Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12017132156

Visit website

New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 178.7

Teterboro, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

+12012886344

Visit website

Venetian Shores Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 227.4

Lindenhurst, New York

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+16317861136

Visit website

Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc.

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 178.7

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12019680808

Visit website

Shooting Zone

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 178.7

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 12–9 pm

+12014401329

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 32

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.

9
66.7 mi into trip | ~1h 22m 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
181.3 mi into trip | ~3h 38m 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
181.5 mi into trip | ~3h 38m 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
8
191 mi into trip | ~3h 52m in | I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 6B Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
8
203.9 mi into trip | ~4h 11m in

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

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 25A Toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Lon...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.43 one way

$74.86 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 80 kg CO2
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

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55

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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Vestal, NY

Night in Vestal on Saturday

Local time

10:48 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Babylon, NY

Night in Babylon on Saturday

Local time

10:48 PM

EDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

3 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

4h 44m 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.

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...

3 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 188.2
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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 188.2
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 180.4
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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 180.4
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

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...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 180.4
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

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...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 180.4
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

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.

56% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80 mi on Keystone Shortway.

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 66.7 miles in near US 6.

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 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.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

66.7 mi in | ~1h 22m | via US 6

Milford

67.5 mi in | ~1h 23m | via I 84; I 380

New York City

181.3 mi in | ~3h 38m

Leonia

181.5 mi in | ~3h 38m

Teaneck

181.5 mi in | ~3h 38m

George Washington Bridge Upper Level

183.8 mi in | ~3h 42m

Cross Island Parkway South

202.4 mi in | ~4h 9m

Southern State Parkway East

203.9 mi in | ~4h 11m

Eastern Long Island

203.9 mi in | ~4h 11m

About the Cities

Starting in Vestal, NY

Full guide →

Founded 1823

Arriving in Babylon, NY

Full guide →

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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 80 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $22.55 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 Babylon, 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 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.

Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Babylon, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.

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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Vestal, NY or browse trips ending in Babylon, NY.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.