Origin
Watertown, NY
Night in Watertown on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Watertown, NY to Staten Island, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 41m
Distance
319.8 mi
515 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$53
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 29m
★
6 AM
6h 41m
8 AM
7h 5m
10 AM
6h 50m
12 PM
6h 47m
3 PM
6h 51m
5 PM
7h 4m
8 PM
6h 34m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Watertown, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 326.8-mile journey from Watertown, NY to Staten Island, NY is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 32 minutes of driving time. You'll be navigating a route with a 0% highway share, indicating a focus on local roads and a more involved driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $53, making it an economical option for a full day's travel. With one recommended stop, you can easily manage the drive without needing an overnight stay. This route offers a direct path within New York State, connecting two distinct parts of 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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
159.9 miles from Watertown, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 191.5 mi | 3h 46m |
| Keystone Shortway | 46.1 mi | 59m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| NJ 24 | 9.3 mi | 10m |
| Route 10 East | 9.2 mi | 11m |
| Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway | 4.6 mi | 5m |
| I 84 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| Washington Street | 3.6 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 191.5 mi, about 3h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watertown, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on NY 3; NY 12
27 ft
·
4 sec
·
Public Square
2
Turn right onto US 11
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
Washington Street
3
Turn right onto NY 232
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 232
4
Continue on County Road 62
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
County Road 62
5
Turn left onto Cady Road
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
Cady Road
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 81 South
7
Merge onto I 81
55 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I-81
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
I-81
9
Continue on I 81
11 mi
·
14 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi
·
48 sec
·
I-81
11
Continue on I 81
73 mi
·
1 hr 25 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford
Use the straight lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
16
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
17
Merge onto I 80
46 mi
·
59 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 28
Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
Use the slight right lane.
19
Continue on CR 631
0.2 mi
·
12 sec
·
Ledgewood Road
20
Continue on US 46
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 46
21
Continue on US 46
213 ft
·
4 sec
·
US 46
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
22
Turn straight onto NJ 10
9.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Route 10 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on NJ 10
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 10
Use the right lane.
24
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Morristown Airport
25
Merge onto I 287
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 287
26
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 37
Toward NJ 24 East: Springfield
Use the slight right lane.
27
Continue on NJ 24
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: Newark
Use the slight right lane.
30
Merge onto I 78
4.6 mi
·
5 min
·
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Exit 54
Toward Hillside, Irvington
Use the slight right lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
Toward Hillside
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Continue on Winans Avenue
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Winans Avenue
34
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Liberty Avenue
35
Turn left onto CR 628
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Hillside Avenue
36
Continue on CR 628
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
Hillside Avenue
37
At end of road, turn right onto CR 623
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
North Broad Street
38
Continue on CR 623
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Broad Street
39
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
Bayway
40
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Brunswick Avenue
Use the left lane.
41
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 278 Toll East: Goethals Bridge
42
Merge onto I 278
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Goethals Bridge
43
Continue on I 278
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 11
Toward I 278 West: Bradley Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
46
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Gannon Avenue
47
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
48
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Brielle Avenue
49
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Rockland Avenue
50
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Richmond Road
51
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Kensico Street
52
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft
·
13 sec
·
Clarke Avenue
53
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
Cotter Avenue
54
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
Corona Avenue
55
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft
·
6 sec
·
Croft Court
56
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 32-minute estimated drive time and the turn-heavy nature of the route, departing early from Watertown is recommended to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach Staten Island. While this 326.8-mile trip is feasible in one day with one stop, consider breaking it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace. The $53 fuel cost is an estimate, so topping up your tank before leaving Watertown is a smart move. Pay close attention to local speed limits and road signs, as the absence of highway driving means you'll encounter more varied traffic patterns.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 159.9 miles from Watertown, NY, or about 3h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 191.5 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 70 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 159.9 miles or 3h 11m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Staten Island, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Watertown, NY
This is one driving day of about 319.8 miles and 6h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Watertown, 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 81 for about 191.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
160 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 70 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 159.9 miles from Watertown, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 191.5 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 375 decision points cluster between mile 145.7 and 305.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
145.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m in
|
I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
199.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 57m in
|
US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
8
274.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 29m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 28
Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
8
305 mi into trip
|
~6h 8m in
Take the exit toward Hillside, Irvington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 54
Toward Hillside, Irvington
8
305.1 mi into trip
|
~6h 8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Hillside
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.64 one way
$105.28 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
112 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $56.92 | $113.84 |
| premium | $4.92 | $61.98 | $123.97 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $70.61 | $141.22 |
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Goethals Bridge
$16.00
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
$53
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$94–$119
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 111.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 95.9 | 1 | $33.58 | $15.35 |
| Efficient EV | 80 | 0 | $27.98 | $12.79 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 127.9 | 1 | $44.77 | $20.47 |
Gas CO2
112 kg
EV CO2
37 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
Staten Island, NY
Night in Staten Island on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live 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
9 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
6h 41m 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.
Statue Of Liberty National Monument
National Monument
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 308.7
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 308.7
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 308.7
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument
National Monument
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...
11 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 308.7
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 308.7
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 319.8
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 for the entirety of this 326.8-mile trip, with no highway segments contributing to the total distance. Your journey will primarily utilize Washington Street, Highway 232, and County Road 62, suggesting a route that weaves through local communities and varied terrain rather than a straight shot. The absence of long highway stretches means you'll be constantly engaged with the road, making frequent adjustments. This profile points to a driving experience that is more about the journey itself, with constant turns and a consistent pace.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
56 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 191.5 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 145.7 miles in near I 81.
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 37 significant decision points across 319.8 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 145.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 274.3 miles: 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.
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 Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport, New York City and Newark.
Mt Pocono
199.1 mi in
|
~3h 57m
|
via US 6
Milford
199.8 mi in
|
~3h 58m
|
via I 84; I 380
Lake Hopatcong
274.3 mi in
|
~5h 29m
Morristown Airport
288.4 mi in
|
~5h 47m
New York City
299.8 mi in
|
~6h 2m
Newark
299.8 mi in
|
~6h 2m
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 Staten Island, NY
Full guide →Founded 1683
Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.
Top landmarks
- • Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
- • Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
- • Fort Wadsworth — United States military base
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 6h 41m. Total distance: 319.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 41m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 191.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with Goethals 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 Staten Island, 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 145.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 274.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Statue Of Liberty National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Staten Island, 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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