This 63.7-mile drive from Wading River to Jamaica, NY, will take you about 1 hour and 31 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. You'll primarily navigate via Sunrise Highway and William Floyd Parkway, with a portion on Patchogue-Yaphank Road. The estimated fuel cost is around $10. This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' so expect frequent intersections and changes in scenery as you traverse within the Northeast region of New York. It’s a straightforward journey that doesn’t require an overnight stay, offering a manageable travel experience.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
31.9 miles from Wading River, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Sunrise Highway
42.9 mi
57m
William Floyd Parkway
7.1 mi
10m
Patchogue-Yaphank Road
2.6 mi
4m
Belt Parkway
2.3 mi
3m
Route 25A
1.6 mi
2m
Long Island Expressway
1.4 mi
1m
Van Wyck Expressway
1 mi
1m
Sills Road
0.7 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Sunrise Highway
— 42.9 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wading River, NY and Jamaica, NY.
1
Start on North Country Road
32 ft·8 sec·North Country Road
2
Turn sharp left onto Wading River Manor Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Wading River Manor Road
3
Turn right onto NY 25A
0.3 mi·29 sec·NY-25A
4
Continue on NY 25A
1.6 mi·2 min·Route 25A
5
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Toward CR 46 south: Smith Point ParkUse the left lane.
6
Continue on CR 46
7.1 mi·10 min·William Floyd Parkway
7
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 495 West: New YorkUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 495
1.4 mi·1 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·53 sec
Exit 66Toward CR 101: Sills Road, Yaphank, East PatchogueUse the slight right lane.
10
Turn left onto CR 101
2.6 mi·4 min·Patchogue-Yaphank Road
Toward I 495 East, NY 27, CR 16: East Patchogue, RiverheadUse the left / straight lanes.
11
Continue on CR 101
0.7 mi·57 sec·Sills Road
Use the right lane.
12
Turn right onto Sunrise Service Road North
0.1 mi·18 sec·Sunrise Service Road North
Use the right lane.
13
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward NY 27 West
14
Merge onto NY 27
43 mi·57 min·Sunrise Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward Belt Parkway West, Verrazano Bridge
16
Merge onto BP
1.8 mi·2 min·Belt Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto BP
0.4 mi·39 sec·Belt Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 19Toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway, Whitestone BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·25 sec
21
Continue on I 678
1.0 mi·1 min·Van Wyck Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
22
Take the exit
504 ft·15 sec
Exit 4Toward Liberty AvenueUse the slight right lane.
23
Continue on Van Wyck Expressway East
0.1 mi·14 sec·Van Wyck Expressway East
24
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
0.2 mi·19 sec·Liberty Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn right onto Inwood Street
0.2 mi·44 sec·Inwood Street
26
Turn right onto Tuskegee Airmen Way
56 ft·2 sec·Tuskegee Airmen Way
27
Arrive at destination
Tuskegee Airmen Way
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 31 minutes and the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, flexibility is your best asset on this 63.7-mile trip. There are no designated stops in the data, so plan your own based on your needs, but with a fuel cost of only $10, you won't need to budget heavily for gas. Departing during off-peak hours can help you avoid some of the potential delays associated with frequent turns on local roads. A practical tip for this route is to pay close attention to your GPS, as the numerous turns on Sunrise Highway and connecting roads like Patchogue-Yaphank Road require careful navigation.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 31.9 miles from Wading River, NY, or about 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.9 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 14 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 31.9 miles or 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jamaica, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wading River, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Wading River, NY
This is one driving day of about 63.7 miles and 1h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from Wading River, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Sunrise Highway for about 42.9 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 63.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2.3 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the exit toward CR 46 south: Smith Point Park
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward CR 46 south: Smith Point Park
8
11.9 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward CR 101: Sills Road, Yaphank, East Patchogue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 66
Toward CR 101: Sills Road, Yaphank, East Patcho...
8
61 mi into trip|~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway, Whitestone Bridge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 19
Toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway, Whites...
7
63.2 mi into trip|~1h 30m in
Take the exit toward Liberty Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 4
Toward Liberty Avenue
7
63.4 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|Liberty Avenue
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.49 one way
$20.97 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg22 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$11.34
$22.68
premium
$4.92
$12.35
$24.69
diesel
$5.61
$14.06
$28.13
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$35–$60
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 22.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
19.1
0
$6.69
$3.06
Efficient EV
15.9
0
$5.57
$2.55
EV Truck/SUV
25.5
0
$8.92
$4.08
Gas CO2
22 kg
EV CO2
7 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 16, 2026
Origin
Wading River, NY
Late night
in Wading River on Tuesday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Jamaica, NY
Late night
in Jamaica on Tuesday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 6 to 12 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 15 at 11:57PM EDT by NWS Binghamton 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
42 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
1h 31m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
Fire Island National Seashore
National Seashore
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 17.6
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 61.5
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
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 63.7
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 63.7
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
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 63.7
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 63.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, with a highway share of only 21%. While you'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 42.9 miles on Sunrise Highway, the overall character is one of frequent turns and local road navigation. The journey isn't a monotonous highway cruise; instead, expect a more engaged driving experience as you transition between Sunrise Highway, William Floyd Parkway, and Patchogue-Yaphank Road. This drive offers a dynamic feel, moving you through various local environments rather than a continuous high-speed path.
Only 21% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.9 mi on Sunrise Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 63.7 miles you will encounter 20 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61 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 Wading River, NY and Jamaica, NY, road signs point toward Yaphank, Patchogue, Cr 16: East Patchogue, Riverhead and Belt Parkway West.
Jamaica is an expansive neighborhood located in eastern Queens. Historically consisting of predominantly black communities, Jamaica now is home to an extremely diverse array of peoples and cultures.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 31m. Total distance: 63.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.9 miles on Sunrise Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Jamaica, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fire Island National Seashore, Gateway National Recreation Area and African Burial Ground National Monument (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 Jamaica, NY before heading back.
