This 368.8-mile journey from Washington Heights, NY, to Depew, NY, is a substantial drive, estimated to take around 7 hours and 36 minutes. Designed as a highway-focused experience, it's entirely achievable in a single day, though you’ll want an early start. You'll be navigating primarily via I-86 and I-81, with about 62% of the trip on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $61 and a plan for two stops, this route offers a straightforward path across New York State. It's a practical option for those prioritizing reaching their destination efficiently within the Northeast region.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
184.4 miles from Washington Heights, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 86
100 mi
1h 56m
Christopher Columbus Highway
68.2 mi
1h 20m
I 81
58.1 mi
1h 9m
Genesee Expressway
38.6 mi
44m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
Broadway Road
13.9 mi
19m
Broadway Street
11.6 mi
21m
Longest stretch:
I 86
— 100 mi, about 1h 56m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 168 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,210 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,900
Quietest
1 AM
~430 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Washington Heights, NY and Depew, NY.
1
Start on US 9
0.1 mi·26 sec·Broadway
2
Turn right onto US 9
0.1 mi·20 sec·West 179th Street
3
Take the ramp onto US 9
0.3 mi·39 sec·US 9
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, New Jersey
4
Merge onto I 95; US 1; US 9
0.4 mi·43 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
5
Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.5 mi·48 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.6 mi·39 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
2.0 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 69Toward I 80 West: Paterson, HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 80
68 mi·1 hr 20 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
16
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
17
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
100 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 390
39 mi·44 min·Genesee Expressway
Toward I 390: Rochester
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 7Toward NY 408, NY 63: Mount Morris, Letchworth Park
21
Turn right onto NY 408
0.1 mi·10 sec·Mount Morris-Geneseo Road
22
Continue on NY 63
3.3 mi·4 min·Geneseo-Mount Morris Road
23
Turn left onto NY 63
1.3 mi·1 min·Genesee Street
24
Enter roundabout onto NY 63
100 ft·1 sec·Genesee Street
25
Continue on NY 63
7.5 mi·11 min·Genesee Street
26
Continue on NY 63
0.7 mi·54 sec·State Highway 63
27
Continue on NY 63
4.1 mi·6 min·Big Tree Road
28
Continue on NY 63
3.0 mi·4 min·Ellicott Street Road
29
Turn left onto US 20
6.5 mi·8 min·Telephone Road
30
Continue on US 20
14 mi·19 min·Broadway Road
31
Continue on US 20
1.6 mi·3 min·Broadway Street
32
Continue on US 20
10.0 mi·17 min·Broadway Street
33
Turn slight right onto Bloomfield Avenue
0.3 mi·38 sec·Bloomfield Avenue
34
Turn slight left onto Terrace Boulevard
220 ft·6 sec·Terrace Boulevard
35
Arrive at destination
Terrace Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour, 36-minute duration for this 368.8-mile trip, starting your drive from Washington Heights before 8 AM will help you avoid significant traffic and arrive in Depew with daylight to spare. Plan for two stops along the way; a good midway point might be around the I-86 and I-81 interchange area to break up the longest stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel as you approach the 100-mile segment on I-86, as services can sometimes be more spaced out on longer highway stretches. The estimated $61 fuel cost is a good budget to keep in mind for this drive.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 184.4 miles from Washington Heights, NY, or about 3h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100 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 81 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 184.4 miles or 3h 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Depew, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Washington Heights, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Washington Heights, NY
This is one driving day of about 368.8 miles and 7h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from Washington Heights, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 86 for about 100 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 1.4 and 73.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.4 mi into trip|~2m in|I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
2.2 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
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.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
2.4 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
4.8 mi into trip|~7m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack
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 69
Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack
6
73.8 mi into trip|~1h 29m in|I 80 / Keystone Shortway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 / Keystone Shortway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$59.66 one way
$119.32 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg129 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$64.74
$129.49
premium
$4.85
$70.39
$140.78
diesel
$4.80
$69.64
$139.27
Estimated Tolls: $16.28
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New Jersey Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.28
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
$60
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$101–$126
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 129 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
110.6
1
$38.72
$17.70
Efficient EV
92.2
1
$32.27
$14.75
EV Truck/SUV
147.5
1
$51.63
$23.60
Gas CO2
129 kg
EV CO2
43 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Washington Heights, NY
Morning
in Washington Heights on Sunday
Local time
11:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Smoke
NW 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Depew, NY
Morning
in Depew on Sunday
Local time
11:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Smoke
SW 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
84°F
Barton, NY
184 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
10 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
7h 36m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 368.8-mile trip, with 62% of it spent on interstates. The route is characterized by significant stretches of high-speed travel, including a notable 100-mile segment on I-86 where you can make good time. While primarily an interstate experience, you'll also encounter portions of the Christopher Columbus Highway and I-81, offering varied but generally flowing traffic conditions. This drive prioritizes forward momentum over leisurely cruising, making it ideal for covering distance.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100 mi on I 86.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 86 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in near I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR.
Driving Effort9/10
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 20 significant decision points across 368.8 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 1.4 miles (I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,823 ft178 ft
Total Climb
3,248 ft
Total Descent
2,757 ft
Highest Point
1,823 ft
~105.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,645 ft
Notable High Points
1,823 ft at ~105.4 miles+602 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Washington Heights, NY to Depew, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Letchworth Park along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 36m. Total distance: 368.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 100 miles on I 86. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.28 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 33 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 Depew, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles (I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Depew, NY before the return drive.
