Connecting Watervliet to Hempstead, this 168.9-mile journey typically takes about 3 hours and 32 minutes of drive time. Because the trip is relatively short, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, requiring no overnight stops. You will primarily utilize the New York State Thruway, I-787, and NJ 17 to navigate between these two Northeast locations. Expect to budget roughly $28 for fuel to complete the transit. This route offers a straightforward path between the Capital District and Long Island, making it an efficient choice for those looking to travel between these areas without needing a multi-day itinerary.
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
84.4 miles from Watervliet, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 41m 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
8.5 mi
12m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Tulip Avenue
2 mi
3m
Throgs Neck Bridge
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 111.2 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Watervliet, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on NY 2
67 ft·4 sec·19th Street
2
Turn right onto NY 32
0.2 mi·31 sec·2nd Avenue
3
Turn right onto 23rd Street
0.1 mi·22 sec·23rd Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 787 South
5
Merge onto I 787
7.8 mi·10 min·I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 787
0.6 mi·1 min·I 787
Exit 1Toward I 87 Toll: New York State Thruway
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1
8
Merge onto I 87
111 mi·2 hr 8 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
11
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.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
14
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
15
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
19
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
21
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
24
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi·2 min·Braddock Avenue
28
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi·34 sec·Jamaica Avenue
29
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi·56 sec·Jericho Turnpike
30
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi·3 min·Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
31
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi·56 sec·New Hyde Park Road
32
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi·3 min·Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
33
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi·1 min·Front Street
Use the right lane.
34
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
35
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi·26 sec·Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
Since this is a 168.9-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around local traffic patterns. You only need to account for one planned stop to keep your drive comfortable and efficient. Because a significant portion of the route involves local roads, keep an eye on your GPS to stay on track during the turn-heavy sections. Budgeting $28 for gas should cover your fuel needs, but always verify current local prices before you head out. To make the most of your travel, try to avoid peak commuting hours, as the local driving segments can become particularly congested as you approach the Hempstead area.
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 84.4 miles from Watervliet, NY, or about 1h 41m 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 37 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.4 miles or 1h 41m 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 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Watervliet, 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 Watervliet, NY
This is one driving day of about 168.9 miles and 3h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Watervliet, 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 9 and 151.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
9 mi into trip|~13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turn...
9
120.7 mi into trip|~2h 22m 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
122.1 mi into trip|~2h 24m 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
6
136.3 mi into trip|~2h 43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
8
151.1 mi into trip|~3h 4m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.80 one way
$55.60 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$30.06
$60.13
premium
$4.92
$32.74
$65.47
diesel
$5.61
$37.29
$74.58
Estimated Tolls: $28.29
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(111.2 mi)$5.56
Hempstead Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
Jericho Turnpike
(0.5 mi)$0.04
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
$28
Tolls
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.7
0
$17.73
$8.11
Efficient EV
42.2
0
$14.78
$6.76
EV Truck/SUV
67.6
0
$23.65
$10.81
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Watervliet, NY
Late night
in Watervliet on Sunday
Local time
3:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Late night
in Hempstead on Sunday
Local time
3:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Cloudy
NE 5 to 8 mph32% chanceLive forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
84 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
5 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 32m 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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 145.6
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 145.6
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...
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 145.6
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 145.6
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 145.6
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 145.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by a turn-heavy local drive profile, which accounts for the majority of the experience. While you will spend 28% of your time on highways, the route transitions frequently between high-speed travel and more technical driving segments. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the New York State Thruway, covering 111.2 miles of consistent cruising. As you move toward your destination, the road character shifts from the broader interstate sections into the more intricate local navigation required to reach Hempstead. Stay alert, as the mix of highway and local road layouts requires constant attention to shifting traffic patterns.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
36 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 9 miles in.
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 24 significant decision points across 168.9 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 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.1 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
639 ft26 ft
Total Climb
1,154 ft
Total Descent
1,125 ft
Highest Point
639 ft
~84.4 mi in
Elevation Range
613 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Watervliet, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods.
Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.
Top landmarks
•Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 168.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 32m 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 $28.29 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 Hempstead, 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 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.1 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Hempstead, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
