Waterford to Manhattan is 156.4 miles and takes about 3h 18m via New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New York, connecting the Northeast region from its northern part to the bustling heart of Manhattan. Given the relatively short distance and manageable duration, it's a straightforward trip, primarily using major highways before transitioning to surface roads as you approach your destination. Consider this a practical option for a quick trip between these two New York locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
78.2 miles from Waterford, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
111.2 mi
2h 8m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
I 787
9.1 mi
12m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Henry Hudson Parkway
4.2 mi
6m
Cohoes Boulevard
2.6 mi
4m
I 95 EXPR
1.5 mi
2m
Saratoga Avenue
0.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 111.2 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterford, NY and Manhattan, NY.
1
Start on Division Street
101 ft·6 sec·Division Street
2
Turn right onto 6th Street
514 ft·18 sec·6th Street
3
Turn right onto NY 32
0.1 mi·17 sec·Broad Street
4
Continue on NY 32
0.1 mi·22 sec·9th Street
5
Continue on NY 32
0.9 mi·2 min·Saratoga Avenue
6
Continue on NY 32
0.3 mi·53 sec·Saratoga Street
7
Turn left onto NY 787
2.6 mi·4 min·Cohoes Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Merge onto I 787
8.5 mi·11 min·I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 787
0.6 mi·1 min·I 787
Exit 1Toward I 87 Toll: New York State Thruway
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1
11
Merge onto I 87
111 mi·2 hr 8 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
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.
13
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
14
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.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
17
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
22
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.5 mi·45 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
23
Take the exit onto US 9
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 9
Exit 1AToward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, DowntownUse the straight lane.
26
Merge onto HH; NY 9A
4.2 mi·6 min·Henry Hudson Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Boat Basin, Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Children's Museum Of Manhattan, JCC in Manhattan, Lincoln Center, New York Historical Society, New York Institute of TechnologyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on West 79th Street
0.2 mi·51 sec·West 79th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Turn left onto Broadway
0.4 mi·56 sec·Broadway
30
Turn right onto West 86th Street
0.4 mi·1 min·West 86th Street
31
Continue on 86th Street Transverse
0.2 mi·35 sec·86th Street Transverse
Toward East SideUse the straight / left lanes.
32
Arrive at destination
86th Street Transverse
Trip Plan
For this 156.4-mile drive, leaving early in the morning can help you avoid some of the heavier traffic, especially as you get closer to Manhattan. With a duration of just over three hours and a fuel cost estimated at $25, you likely won't need to stop for gas unless your tank is very low. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to stop once if needed, perhaps for a quick break, or to push through if you prefer. Keep an eye on your GPS as you transition off the New York State Thruway and onto NJ 17 and I-787, as road conditions and traffic can change quickly in these areas.
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 78.2 miles from Waterford, NY, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.2 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 34 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 78.2 miles or 1h 37m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manhattan, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waterford, 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 Waterford, NY
This is one driving day of about 156.4 miles and 3h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Waterford, 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 New York State Thruway for about 111.2 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 125.1 and 150.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
125.1 mi into trip|~2h 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
126.4 mi into trip|~2h 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
150 mi into trip|~3h 5m in|US 9
Take the exit onto US 9 toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th Street
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 1A
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th...
7
150.1 mi into trip|~3h 5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway
8
150.4 mi into trip|~3h 6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downt...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.42 one way
$50.84 round trip
$4.13/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.47
$27.51
$55.02
premium
$4.87
$29.96
$59.92
diesel
$5.40
$33.27
$66.54
Estimated Tolls: $21.56
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(111.2 mi)$5.56
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
$25
Tolls
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
46.9
0
$16.42
$7.51
Efficient EV
39.1
0
$13.69
$6.26
EV Truck/SUV
62.6
0
$21.90
$10.01
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% 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 26, 2026
Origin
Waterford, NY
Late night
in Waterford on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Chance Light Rain
S 1 to 5 mph49% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 26 at 12:24AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 8:05PM EDT until April 26 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Destination
Manhattan, NY
Late night
in Manhattan on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Rain Showers
E 9 mph98% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 26 at 12:24AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 8:05PM EDT until April 26 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
43°F
Chester, NY
78 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
2 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
3h 18m 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.
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 156.4
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 156.4
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 156.4
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 156.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a 24% highway share, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on surface roads. The longest stretch on a highway is 111.2 miles, likely on the New York State Thruway, before you transition to more local streets and NJ 17. Expect to navigate more exits and traffic signals as you move from the highway sections to the predominantly surface road profile.
Only 24% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.2 mi on New York State Thruway.
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 125.1 miles in near NY 17.
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 22 significant decision points across 156.4 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 125.1 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 150 miles (US 9): 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 Waterford, NY and Manhattan, NY, road signs point toward Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Wall Street. Madison Avenue. 34th Street. Broadway. Times Square. Manhattan is so well known that even the names of its streets have become iconic and understood the world over. This long, thin island is only one of New York City's five boroughs, but it's Manhattan that has the concrete canyons and the inimitable skyline; Manhattan that has the world's brightest theater district; Manhattan that has Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Met; and Manhattan that includes iconic neighborhoods like Harlem, the Upper East Side, Times Square, and Greenwich Village.
The rest of New York City has much to see and do, but it's Manhattan that represents the city—and sometimes the entire United States—to the world. You could spend a month on this tiny island and still not see all there is to see.
Top landmarks
•Empire State Building — skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 18m. Total distance: 156.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111.2 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $21.56 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 Manhattan, 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 125.1 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 150 miles (US 9): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Manhattan, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
