Giovanna's Cafe
Near the end, right off the route
Ramsey, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+12018255835
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h
Distance
337.9 mi
544 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$56
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Watertown, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Oyster Bay, NY
Wikimedia Commons
This 337.9-mile drive from Watertown, NY to Oyster Bay, NY is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 7 hours. You'll primarily navigate portions of the New York State Thruway, State Highway 12, and Bea Luck Road. With a fuel cost estimated at $56, this route offers a straightforward journey through New York State, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. The drive is relatively turn-heavy, so be prepared for frequent adjustments, but the bulk of your travel will be on the highway. Two planned stops are recommended to break up the journey.
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
169 miles from Watertown, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 27m into the drive .
| 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 |
| Northern Boulevard | 14.5 mi | 24m |
| 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 |
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown, NY and Oyster Bay, NY.
Start on NY 3; NY 12
Continue on NY 3; NY 12
Turn right onto NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Turn right onto NY 12; NY 26
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Continue on NY 12
Take the exit
Merge onto NY 49
Continue on I 790; NY 5
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 90
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto NJ 4
Continue on NJ 4
Take the exit
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
Continue on I 95; US 1
Continue on I 95; US 1
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
Merge onto I 295
Continue on I 295
Continue on I 295
Take the exit
Continue on Clearview Expressway
Turn left onto NY 25A
Turn left onto NY 106
Turn straight onto NY 106
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 106
Continue on NY 106
Continue on NY 106
Turn right onto Berry Hill Road
Continue on Berry Hill Road
Arrive at destination
Given the 7-hour estimated duration, starting your drive early from Watertown, NY is advisable to make the most of daylight. While this is a feasible day trip, planning for two stops will help break up the 337.9 miles and keep you alert. Pay attention to the "turn-heavy local drive" profile, as this suggests you'll need to be mindful of your navigation and adjust your speed accordingly on State Highway 12 and Bea Luck Road. The $56 fuel cost is a good baseline for budgeting, and ensuring your tank is full before departing the New York State Thruway for the local segments is a smart move.
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.
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 74 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 169 miles or 3h 27m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oyster Bay, NY than in the middle of the route.
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 337.9 miles and 7h.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
169 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.
A short stop after about 74 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 169 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.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Ramsey, New Jersey
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+12018255835
Barcelona Restaurant-Wine Bar
Albany, New York
Café Panache
Ramsey, New Jersey
Top Coffee Stop
Saddle River, New Jersey
Near the end, short detour
Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm
+12012822300
Near the end, right off the route
Ramsey, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+12018255835
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Albany, New York
Hours: 11 am–2 pm
+15184381144
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Ramsey, New Jersey
Hours: 12–1:30 pm
+12019340030
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Ramsey, New Jersey
Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm
+12016493600
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Albany, New York
Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm
+15189351094
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~9 min detour
Monroe, New York
Hours: 8 am–1 pm
+18457830901
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Albany, New York
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+15184592180
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Bronx, New York
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13472027123
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Saddle River, New Jersey
Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm
+12012822300
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
New York, New York
+19172614093
Near the end, right off the route
Oyster Bay, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Herkimer, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Pattersonville, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18885577099
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
Mahwah, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Amsterdam, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18668167584
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Amsterdam, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18552703107
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
Syosset, New York
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Central Valley, New York
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Oyster Bay, New York
+15166246202
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Albany, New York
Hours: 12–8 pm
+15187592288
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Bronx, NY
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+12126399675
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Albany, New York
Hours: 12–2 pm
+15184351979
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Bronx, New York
Hours: 11 am–6 pm
+17186816000
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Boonville, New York
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13159426763
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Bronx, New York
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+17184025155
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Bronx, New York
+12129265337
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 166.2 and 321.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
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
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
Take the exit toward NY 25A: Northern Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$55.62 one way
$111.24 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $60.14 | $120.29 |
| premium | $4.92 | $65.49 | $130.98 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $74.60 | $149.21 |
Estimated Tolls: $32.64
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
$56
Tolls
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$113–$138
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 118.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 101.4 | 1 | $35.48 | $16.22 |
| Efficient EV | 84.5 | 0 | $29.57 | $13.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 135.2 | 1 | $47.31 | $21.63 |
Gas CO2
118 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (66% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Watertown on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Destination
Night in Oyster Bay on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Expect a "turn-heavy local drive" profile for this route, with only 23% of the journey on highways. While there's a significant stretch of 201.9 miles on the New York State Thruway, much of your time will be spent on State Highway 12 and Bea Luck Road, which are likely to be more winding and require closer attention. This means the drive will feel more like navigating local roads with frequent directional changes rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. The character of the road shifts considerably, moving from faster highway sections to more involved local driving.
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.
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 24 significant decision points across 337.9 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.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Watertown, NY and Oyster Bay, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South, Boston, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Genesee Street South
Boston
Gsp South: Paterson
Fort Lee
New York
Founded 1800
Watertown is a small city in New York's North Country, and the seat of Jefferson County.
Top landmarks
Oyster Bay is one of three towns in Nassau County, on Long Island, New York. The town of Oyster Bay comprises a large portion of eastern Nassau County and includes a slew of villages and other communities. This article covers North Oyster Bay – the area closest to Oyster Bay itself (in other words, everything that is north of the Long Island Expressway). See South Oyster Bay for the southern half of the town (in other words, the area south of the expressway). See the article for Glen Cove for communities in the northwest part of the town that are closest to that city.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h. Total distance: 337.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
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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