Traveling from Wellsville to New York City covers 303.7 miles and typically takes about 6 hours and 28 minutes of time behind the wheel. Because this is a highway-focused drive, you can comfortably tackle the distance in a single day, though you should plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $48, it is a straightforward trip that moves you from the rural landscape of Western New York toward the dense urban environment of the state's southeastern coast. Utilizing the Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, and I-81, the route is designed for efficiency rather than sightseeing. Whether you are heading to the city for business or a weekend getaway, the drive remains manageable for a solo driver as long as you account for the duration of the trip.
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
151.9 miles from Wellsville, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 15m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Wellsville, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on North Main Street
87 ft·4 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn right onto West Madison Street
420 ft·24 sec·West Madison Street
3
Turn left onto NY 19; NY 417
0.6 mi·58 sec·Wellsville Bypass
4
Continue on NY 417
0.3 mi·28 sec·State Highway 417
5
Continue on NY 417
0.3 mi·24 sec·East Dyke Street
6
Continue on NY 417
4.4 mi·6 min·Andover Road
7
Continue on NY 417
2.8 mi·4 min·State Highway 417
8
Continue on NY 417
1.1 mi·1 min·East Chestnut Street
9
Continue on NY 417
15 mi·22 min·State Highway 417
10
At end of road, turn left onto NY 36; NY 417
1.2 mi·1 min·State Highway 36
11
Turn right onto NY 417
16 mi·24 min·State Highway 417
12
Continue on NY 417
0.7 mi·1 min·Tuscarora Street
13
Continue on NY 417
0.2 mi·13 sec·Main Street
14
Continue on NY 417
1.1 mi·1 min·Front Street
15
Continue on NY 417
365 ft·6 sec·State Highway 417
16
Continue on NY 417
3.5 mi·5 min·Addison Road
17
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 15 North
18
Merge onto I 99; US 15
3.6 mi·4 min·I 99; US 15
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 13A-BToward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamton
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 13AToward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamton
21
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
80 mi·1 hr 34 min·Southern Tier Expressway
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
26
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
27
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
29
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
31
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
35
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
36
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
37
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
38
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
40
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
42
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
44
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth arrival in New York City, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid peak congestion as you approach the metropolitan area. You should budget for at least one significant stop during your 6 hour and 28 minute journey to manage fatigue and refuel. Since the route is heavily reliant on major interstates, keep an eye on real-time traffic updates for I-81 and the Southern Tier Expressway, as these roads are your primary corridors. Given the $48 fuel estimate, topping off your tank before you leave Wellsville can help you avoid higher prices closer to your destination. Since this is a single-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility, so stay prepared to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected delays on the highway.
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 151.9 miles from Wellsville, NY, or about 3h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.1 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 67 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 151.9 miles or 3h 15m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wellsville, 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 Wellsville, NY
This is one driving day of about 303.7 miles and 6h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Wellsville, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 80.1 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 52 and 299.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
52 mi into trip|~1h 16m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 13A-B
Toward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamt...
7
52.9 mi into trip|~1h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 13A
Toward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamt...
7
133.4 mi into trip|~2h 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
186.8 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
299.1 mi into trip|~6h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.99 one way
$99.98 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg106 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$54.06
$108.11
premium
$4.92
$58.86
$117.73
diesel
$5.61
$67.05
$134.11
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$50
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 106.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
91.1
1
$31.89
$14.58
Efficient EV
75.9
0
$26.57
$12.15
EV Truck/SUV
121.5
1
$42.52
$19.44
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
36 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Wellsville, NY
Morning
in Wellsville on Sunday
Local time
6:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Sunday
Local time
6:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
E 6 to 14 mph0% chanceLive 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
2 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 28m 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.
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...
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 303.7
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 303.7
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 303.7
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 303.7
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 303.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed experience, as 72% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the Southern Tier Expressway, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trip at 80.1 miles. The road’s personality is defined by these long, consistent segments that allow you to maintain a steady pace across the Northeast. As you transition between the Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, and I-81, the character of the drive remains consistently focused on interstate travel. It is a utilitarian trek that prioritizes speed and directness over the technical challenges or winding paths of local secondary roads.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80.1 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52 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 27 significant decision points across 303.7 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 52 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 52.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.4 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,996 ft34 ft
Total Climb
2,529 ft
Total Descent
4,009 ft
Highest Point
1,996 ft
~12.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,962 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Wellsville, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Binghamton, Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation.
From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.
Top landmarks
•Statue of Liberty — American icon in New York, United States
•National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
•Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City
This route is a solid option for a weekend trip, clocking in at 303.7 miles and 6h 28m of driving. Just be aware that the 10/10 complexity means you'll want to be extra focused on navigation throughout the day.
Family Friendly
With a 10/10 complexity score and a 6h 28m drive, this route might be a bit much for a family trip. Consider breaking up the 303.7 miles with more than one stop and have plenty of entertainment ready for the kids.
Solo Traveler
This 303.7-mile drive to NYC is totally doable solo. With a projected 6h 28m driving time and one planned break, you can manage this without feeling rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80.1 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 in tolls one way, starting with Holland Tunnel. 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 New York City, 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 52 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 52.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.4 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — African Burial Ground 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 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at New York City, NY before the return drive.
