This 245.7-mile journey from Warrensburg, NY to Babylon, NY is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours. It's a feasible day trip, especially if you plan your departure strategically. The estimated fuel cost is around $40, making it an economical option for a quick getaway within New York State. You'll primarily be on I-87, also known as the Adirondack Northway, before transitioning to the Southern State Parkway. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to travel south through the state 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
122.9 miles from Warrensburg, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Adirondack Northway
58.7 mi
1h 9m
Southern State Parkway
18 mi
22m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Farmingdale Road
3.5 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-87
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 60 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,467 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,399
Quietest
1 AM
~114 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
21.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 79 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Warrensburg, NY and Babylon, NY.
1
Start on US 9
1.2 mi·3 min·Main Street
2
Turn left onto CR 35
506 ft·11 sec·Diamond Point-Bakers Crossing Road
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
4
Merge onto I 87
59 mi·1 hr 9 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi·31 sec·I 87
Exit 1E-WToward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
6
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·I 87
Toward I 87 South: New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
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.
9
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
10
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
13
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
14
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
16
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
18
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
20
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
23
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
26
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
28
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft·9 sec·225th Street
Use the right lane.
29
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
30
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi·1 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 25AToward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long IslandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
32
Merge onto SO
18 mi·22 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 33Toward NY 109 East: BabylonUse the slight right lane.
34
Turn slight right onto NY 109
3.5 mi·5 min·Farmingdale Road
Use the left lane.
35
Continue on NY 109
0.9 mi·1 min·Little East Neck Road North
36
Turn left onto NY 27A
0.5 mi·49 sec·West Main Street
37
Turn right onto South Carll Avenue
68 ft·2 sec·South Carll Avenue
38
Arrive at destination
South Carll Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you get closer to Long Island. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 118.6 miles, you can easily manage fuel and rest breaks. Aim to fill up before you leave Warrensburg or during the first half of your drive on I-87. Since this is a manageable day trip, you have flexibility; however, being mindful of the Southern State Parkway's characteristics as you near Babylon can help ensure a smooth arrival.
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 122.9 miles from Warrensburg, NY, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.9 miles or 2h 26m 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 2m
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 Warrensburg, 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 Warrensburg, NY
This is one driving day of about 245.7 miles and 5h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Warrensburg, 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 I 87 for about 118.6 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 60.2 and 222.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
60.2 mi into trip|~1h 13m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1E-W
Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
9
178.8 mi into trip|~3h 31m 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
180.2 mi into trip|~3h 33m 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
209.3 mi into trip|~4h 13m 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
222.2 mi into trip|~4h 32m 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
$43.01 one way
$86.01 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$46.61
$93.21
premium
$5.23
$50.59
$101.18
diesel
$6.28
$60.71
$121.42
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
$43
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.7
0
$25.80
$11.79
Efficient EV
61.4
0
$21.50
$9.83
EV Truck/SUV
98.3
1
$34.40
$15.72
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Warrensburg, NY
Night
in Warrensburg on Thursday
Local time
10:15 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
S 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Babylon, NY
Night
in Babylon on Thursday
Local time
10:15 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Sunny
NE 7 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
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
5h 4m 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
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 203.4
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 203.4
In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 33.9
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
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 203.4
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 203.4
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 203.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The majority of this drive, about 71%, is on major highways, offering a predominantly high-speed experience. You'll encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch of 118.6 miles on I-87, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While largely highway-focused, the transition onto the Southern State Parkway may offer a slightly different feel as you approach your destination. Overall, expect a smooth, efficient journey on well-maintained roads, designed for covering distance effectively.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 87 and Adirondack Northway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 60.2 miles in near I 87.
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 27 significant decision points across 245.7 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 60.2 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 180.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
399 ft7 ft
Total Climb
359 ft
Total Descent
597 ft
Highest Point
399 ft
~175.5 mi in
Elevation Range
392 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Warrensburg, NY and Babylon, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and Cross Island Parkway South - among others.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 4m. Total distance: 245.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 118.6 miles on I 87. 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.
Yes — we found about 17 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 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. There are 17 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 60.2 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 180.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Saratoga National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Babylon, NY before the return drive.
