Origin
Watertown, NY
Night in Watertown on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Watertown, 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
7h 13m
Distance
351.2 mi
565 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$58
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 3m
★
6 AM
7h 13m
8 AM
7h 35m
10 AM
7h 21m
12 PM
7h 19m
3 PM
7h 22m
5 PM
7h 34m
8 PM
7h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Watertown, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Babylon, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 351.2-mile drive from Watertown, NY to Babylon, NY is estimated to take about 7 hours and 13 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip for most. You'll be navigating a mix of major highways and local roads, with a projected fuel cost of around $58. The route predominantly stays within the Northeast region, connecting two points within New York State. With two planned stops, this journey offers a balanced approach to covering the distance efficiently. Consider this drive if you're looking for a straightforward trip with a clear end in sight.
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
175.6 miles from Watertown, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 34m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Thruway | 201.9 mi | 3h 53m |
| State Highway 12 | 35.1 mi | 46m |
| Bea Luck Road | 19.8 mi | 23m |
| Southern State Parkway | 18 mi | 22m |
| NJ 17 | 14.1 mi | 18m |
| Erwin Parkway | 9.7 mi | 11m |
| Van Allen Road | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| NJ 4 | 6.7 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 201.9 mi, about 3h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown, NY and Babylon, NY.
1
Start on NY 3; NY 12
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
Public Square
2
Continue on NY 3; NY 12
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
State Street
3
Turn right onto NY 12
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Gifford Street
4
Continue on NY 12
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Van Allen Road
5
Continue on NY 12
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 12
6
Continue on NY 12
0.6 mi
·
41 sec
·
Main Street
7
Continue on NY 12
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
High Street
8
Continue on NY 12
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
County Road 14
9
Continue on NY 12
11 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 12
10
Continue on NY 12
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Dayan Street
11
Turn right onto NY 12; NY 26
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South State Street
12
Continue on NY 12
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Utica Boulevard
13
Continue on NY 12
20 mi
·
23 min
·
Bea Luck Road
14
Continue on NY 12
0.8 mi
·
51 sec
·
State Highway 12
15
Continue on NY 12
9.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Erwin Parkway
16
Continue on NY 12
22 mi
·
30 min
·
State Highway 12
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
18
Merge onto NY 49
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
State Route 49
19
Continue on I 790; NY 5
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
I 790; NY 5
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward Genesee Street South
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 90
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 90 East
23
Merge onto I 90
84 mi
·
1 hr 36 min
·
New York State Thruway
24
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway
118 mi
·
2 hr 16 min
·
New York State Thruway
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
Use the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi
·
59 sec
·
NY 17
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Use the slight right lane.
26
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
I 287; NJ 17
27
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi
·
18 min
·
NJ 17
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
30
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
NJ 4
Use the right lane.
31
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
33
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi
·
54 sec
·
I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95 EXPR
35
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Trans-Manhattan Expressway
37
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
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.
39
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi
·
58 sec
·
Throgs Neck Expressway
40
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
43
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
44
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Hempstead Avenue
45
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft
·
9 sec
·
225th Street
Use the right lane.
46
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
47
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 25A
Toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long Island
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
49
Merge onto SO
18 mi
·
22 min
·
Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
50
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 33
Toward NY 109 East: Babylon
Use the slight right lane.
51
Turn slight right onto NY 109
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Farmingdale Road
Use the left lane.
52
Continue on NY 109
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Little East Neck Road North
53
Turn left onto NY 27A
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
West Main Street
54
Turn right onto South Carll Avenue
68 ft
·
2 sec
·
South Carll Avenue
55
Arrive at destination
South Carll Avenue
Trip Plan
With a 7-hour and 13-minute estimated duration, starting your drive from Watertown early in the morning is advisable to reach Babylon with daylight to spare. Factor in your two stops to break up the 351.2 miles; the longest uninterrupted stretch is 201.9 miles, so planning a break before or after that segment makes sense. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you transition from the New York State Thruway to smaller state highways. The $58 fuel cost is an estimate, so be prepared for fluctuations. Given the route's profile, aim for a departure time that allows for a relaxed pace.
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 175.6 miles from Watertown, NY, or about 3h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 201.9 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 77 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 175.6 miles or 3h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 49m
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 Watertown, 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 Watertown, NY
This is one driving day of about 351.2 miles and 7h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Watertown, 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 New York State Thruway for about 201.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
176 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 77 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 175.6 miles from Watertown, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 201.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 305 decision points cluster between mile 166.2 and 327.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
166.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m in
|
New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
9
284.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 40m 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
285.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 41m 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
314.8 mi into trip
|
~6h 22m 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
327.7 mi into trip
|
~6h 40m 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
$57.81 one way
$115.62 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
123 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $62.51 | $125.02 |
| premium | $4.92 | $68.07 | $136.14 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $77.54 | $155.08 |
Estimated Tolls: $32.64
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(201.9 mi)
$10.09
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
$58
Tolls
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$115–$140
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 122.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 105.4 | 1 | $36.88 | $16.86 |
| Efficient EV | 87.8 | 1 | $30.73 | $14.05 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 140.5 | 1 | $49.17 | $22.48 |
Gas CO2
123 kg
EV CO2
41 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.
Destination
Babylon, NY
Night in Babylon on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Patchy Fog
SW 6 to 10 mph
19% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 7:08PM EDT until April 14 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 7:07PM EDT until April 14 at 8:00PM 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
15 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
7h 13m 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.
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 314.9
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 314.9
View on nps.gov
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...
11 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 314.9
View on nps.gov
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 314.9
View on nps.gov
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 314.9
View on nps.gov
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...
13 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 314.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile for this 351.2-mile journey. While 29% of your travel will be on highways, including a significant 201.9-mile stretch on the New York State Thruway, the overall character leans towards more engaged driving. You'll transition from the efficiency of the Thruway to State Highway 12 and then Bea Luck Road, indicating a change in pace and road type. This blend means you won't be in a monotonous highway loop but rather experiencing a more varied driving experience as you progress south.
Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
55 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 201.9 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 166.2 miles in near New York State Thruway.
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 30 significant decision points across 351.2 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 166.2 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 284.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 285.7 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Watertown, NY and Babylon, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South, Boston, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York and Cross Island Parkway South - among others.
Genesee Street South
81.2 mi in
|
~1h 44m
Boston
166.2 mi in
|
~3h 23m
|
via New York State Thruway
Gsp South: Paterson
299.8 mi in
|
~6h
Fort Lee
299.8 mi in
|
~6h
New York
299.8 mi in
|
~6h
Cross Island Parkway South
326.2 mi in
|
~6h 38m
Southern State Parkway East
327.7 mi in
|
~6h 40m
Eastern Long Island
327.7 mi in
|
~6h 40m
About the Cities
Starting in Watertown, NY
Full guide →Founded 1800
Watertown is a small city in New York's North Country, and the seat of Jefferson County.
Top landmarks
- • Public Square — historic district in Watertown, New York
- • Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library — Library on the National Registry of Historic Places in Watertown, New York
- • Trinity Episcopal Church and Parish House — church building in Watertown, New York, United States
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 7h 13m. Total distance: 351.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 13m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 201.9 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $32.64 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 166.2 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 284.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 285.7 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange 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 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.4 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.
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.
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