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Trip from Waverly, 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

4h 40m

Distance

218.1 mi

351 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 27m ★
6 AM
4h 40m
8 AM
5h 7m
10 AM
4h 50m
12 PM
4h 47m
3 PM
4h 51m
5 PM
5h 6m
8 PM
4h 32m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Waverly, NY, NY

Waverly, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 218.1-mile drive from Waverly, NY, to Staten Island, NY, will take you about 4 hours and 40 minutes of driving time, making it a feasible day trip. The route primarily follows major highways, including I-81, the Keystone Shortway, and the Southern Tier Expressway, with 71% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $36 for this trip. As you travel within the Northeast region, this journey offers a straightforward path to your destination. You'll encounter just one recommended stop along the way, so plan your breaks accordingly.

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

109 miles from Waverly, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 53.4 mi 1h 3m
Keystone Shortway 46.1 mi 59m
Southern Tier Expressway 42.9 mi 51m
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
Longest stretch: I 81 — 53.4 mi, about 1h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Waverly, NY and Staten Island, NY.

1

Start on NY 17C

44 ft · 3 sec · Chemung Street
2

Turn left onto NY 34

0.8 mi · 1 min · Cayuta Avenue
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
4

Merge onto I 86

43 mi · 51 min · Southern Tier Expressway
5

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.
6

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.
7

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.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

24 mi · 25 min · I 380
Exit 4 Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
9

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 1B Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
10

Merge onto I 80

46 mi · 59 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Exit 28 Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong Use the slight right lane.
12

Continue on CR 631

0.2 mi · 12 sec · Ledgewood Road
13

Continue on US 46

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 46
14

Continue on US 46

213 ft · 4 sec · US 46
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
15

Turn straight onto NJ 10

9.2 mi · 11 min · Route 10 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on NJ 10

3.5 mi · 4 min · NJ 10
Use the right lane.
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Morristown Airport
18

Merge onto I 287

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 287
19

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 37 Toward NJ 24 East: Springfield Use the slight right lane.
20

Continue on NJ 24

9.3 mi · 10 min · NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
21

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
22

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: Newark Use the slight right lane.
23

Merge onto I 78

4.6 mi · 5 min · Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Exit 54 Toward Hillside, Irvington Use the slight right lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 29 sec
Toward Hillside Use the straight / right lanes.
26

Continue on Winans Avenue

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Winans Avenue
27

Turn right onto Liberty Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Liberty Avenue
28

Turn left onto CR 628

0.3 mi · 37 sec · Hillside Avenue
29

Continue on CR 628

0.4 mi · 45 sec · Hillside Avenue
30

At end of road, turn right onto CR 623

2.1 mi · 4 min · North Broad Street
31

Continue on CR 623

1.4 mi · 3 min · Broad Street
32

Turn left onto NJ 439

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Bayway
33

Turn left onto NJ 439

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Brunswick Avenue
Use the left lane.
34

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward I 278 Toll East: Goethals Bridge
35

Merge onto I 278

1.3 mi · 2 min · Goethals Bridge
36

Continue on I 278

2.2 mi · 3 min · Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37

Keep slight left at fork onto I 278

0.9 mi · 1 min · Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 11 Toward I 278 West: Bradley Avenue Use the slight right lane.
39

Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue

198 ft · 8 sec · South Gannon Avenue
40

Turn right onto Bradley Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
41

Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue

0.8 mi · 2 min · Brielle Avenue
42

Turn left onto Rockland Avenue

1.2 mi · 2 min · Rockland Avenue
43

Continue on Richmond Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Richmond Road
44

Turn left onto Kensico Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Kensico Street
45

At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue

284 ft · 13 sec · Clarke Avenue
46

Turn right onto Cotter Avenue

0.3 mi · 54 sec · Cotter Avenue
47

Continue on Corona Avenue

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Corona Avenue
48

Turn right onto Croft Court

147 ft · 6 sec · Croft Court
49

Arrive at destination

Croft Court

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 40-minute drive time, departing in the morning is recommended to allow ample time for the 218.1-mile journey and a single planned stop. With a fuel cost estimated at $36, factor this into your budget. The longest stretch without a break is 53.4 miles on I-81, so plan your rest stops to coincide with exiting this section if needed. Keep an eye on traffic conditions as you get closer to Staten Island, as congestion can be a factor in the Northeast region.

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 109 miles from Waverly, NY, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.4 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 48 miles or 58m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 109 miles or 2h 10m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 36m

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 Waverly, 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 Waverly, NY

This is one driving day of about 218.1 miles and 4h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Waverly, 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 53.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

county seat city in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Allentown, PA

109 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

Binghamton, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

City of Scranton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 109 miles from Waverly, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Triplets Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 140.2

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+15704216566

Visit website

Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Union, New Jersey

2.3 mi

Restaurant Lorena's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Maplewood, New Jersey

2.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Roasted Coffee Bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Owego, New York

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 15.6

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+16072231652

Visit website

Triplets Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 140.2

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+15704216566

Visit website

Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 202.5

Union, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+19083966401

Visit website

Restaurant Lorena's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10 mile 202.5

Maplewood, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19737634460

Visit website

Valenca Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 202.5

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+19083544024

Visit website

Giorgio's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 202.5

South Orange Village, New Jersey

Hours: 12–3 pm

+19737624440

Visit website

Azure The Greek Mediterranean

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $40 to $50 mile 186.9

Morristown, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+19739989555

Visit website

Cafe Latte

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 218.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+17189870192

Rab's Country Lanes

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 218.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 9 am–12 pm

+17189791600

Visit website

Roasted Coffee Bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 15.6

Owego, New York

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+16072231652

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 202.5

Union, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Waverly, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

IONNA Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 93.5

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18334662474

Visit website

Applegreen Electric Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 202.5

Union, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18885577099

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 93.5

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 202.5

Maplewood, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVolve NY Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 15.6

Owego, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 31.2

Vestal, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Historic Richmond Town

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 218.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+17183511611

Visit website

GC Renovation

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 218.1

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16464208481

Great Kills Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 218.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Latourette Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 218.1

Staten Island, NY

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

The Boulevard

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 218.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+18338004343

Visit website

Tysens Park Shopping Center

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 218.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

Seaside Wildlife Nature Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 218.1

Staten Island, NY

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12126399675

Visit website

Five Below

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 218.1

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17189872708

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 34

5 decision points cluster between mile 44 and 203.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
44 mi into trip | ~53m 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
97.4 mi into trip | ~1h 56m 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
172.6 mi into trip | ~3h 28m 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
203.3 mi into trip | ~4h 7m 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
203.4 mi into trip | ~4h 7m 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

$35.90 one way

$71.80 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 76 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $38.82 $77.64
premium $4.92 $42.27 $84.54
diesel $5.61 $48.15 $96.31

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

$36

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$77–$102

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 76.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65.4 0 $22.90 $10.47
Efficient EV 54.5 0 $19.08 $8.72
EV Truck/SUV 87.2 1 $30.53 $13.96

Gas CO2

76 kg

EV CO2

26 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Waverly, NY

Late night in Waverly on Sunday

Local time

12:26 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Staten Island, NY

Late night in Staten Island on Sunday

Local time

12:26 AM

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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

4h 40m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

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...

8 mi from route ~21 min detour Free near mile 210.5
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 210.5
View on nps.gov
Governors Island National Monument

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...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 210.5
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

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...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 210.5
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

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 ~27 min detour Free near mile 210.5
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

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 218.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is largely highway-focused, with 71% of the 218.1 miles on major interstates and expressways. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 53.4 miles on I-81, offering a chance to maintain a consistent speed. The majority of the route utilizes the Keystone Shortway and the Southern Tier Expressway, suggesting a consistent driving experience for much of the 4-hour and 40-minute journey. While mostly highway, be prepared for potential changes in traffic as you approach your destination in Staten Island.

71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 53.4 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 44 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 34 significant decision points across 218.1 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 44 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 97.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 172.6 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.

Between Waverly, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport, New York City and Newark - among others.

Mt Pocono

97.4 mi in | ~1h 56m | via US 6

Milford

98.1 mi in | ~1h 57m | via I 84; I 380

Lake Hopatcong

172.6 mi in | ~3h 28m

Morristown Airport

186.7 mi in | ~3h 46m

New York City

198.1 mi in | ~4h

Newark

198.1 mi in | ~4h

Hillside

203.3 mi in | ~4h 7m

Irvington

203.3 mi in | ~4h 7m

About the Cities

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 4h 40m. Total distance: 218.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 53.4 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 44 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 97.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 172.6 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 Governors Island National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Staten Island, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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