This 159.5-mile drive from West Albany, NY to Bushwick, NY is an achievable day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes. The route primarily utilizes the New York State Thruway, NJ 17, and NJ 4, with 24% of the journey on highways. Budget around $26 for fuel for this Northeast corridor journey. With just one recommended stop, you can make good time, but be prepared for a turn-heavy local drive as you approach your destination. It's a straightforward trip well-suited for a single day's travel.
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
79.7 miles from West Albany, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
111.2 mi
2h 8m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
4.4 mi
7m
I 787
3.4 mi
5m
Major Deegan Expressway
2.8 mi
4m
I 90
2.4 mi
3m
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
2.3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 111.2 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Albany, NY and Bushwick, NY.
1
Start on Sand Creek Road
71 ft·6 sec·Sand Creek Road
2
Turn right onto Exchange Street
0.3 mi·47 sec·Exchange Street
3
Turn left onto CR 155
0.2 mi·45 sec·Everett Road Extension
4
Turn left
0.2 mi·25 sec
5
Merge onto I 90
2.4 mi·3 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 6AToward I 787 North, I 787 South: Troy, Albany, Rensselaer
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·37 sec
Toward I 787 South: Albany, RensselaerUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 787
2.8 mi·3 min·I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 787
0.6 mi·1 min·I 787
Exit 1Toward I 87 Toll: New York State Thruway
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1
11
Merge onto I 87
111 mi·2 hr 8 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
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.
13
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
14
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.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
17
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
22
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.8 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 1C-DToward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany, Yankee StadiumUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 1DToward I 87 South: QueensUse the slight left lane.
26
Merge onto I 87
2.8 mi·4 min·Major Deegan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward I 278 West: RFK Bridge, Manhattan, QueensUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on I 278
2.3 mi·4 min·Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 278; GCP
0.8 mi·1 min·Grand Central Parkway
30
Keep slight right at fork onto I 278
4.4 mi·7 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn, Staten IslandUse the slight right lane.
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 34Toward Meeker Avenue, Morgan AvenueUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn left onto Vandervoort Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·Vandervoort Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
33
At end of road, turn right onto Grand Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Grand Street
Use the right lane.
34
Turn left onto Bushwick Avenue
1.9 mi·4 min·Bushwick Avenue
35
Turn left onto Linden Street
0.2 mi·45 sec·Linden Street
36
Arrive at destination
Linden Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour, 24-minute duration, this trip is best tackled in a single day. Consider leaving early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you get closer to the New York metropolitan area. With only one recommended stop and a relatively manageable distance, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels; while the estimated cost is $26, it's always wise to top off before embarking on longer stretches like the 111.2 miles on the New York State Thruway to ensure a smooth journey.
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 79.7 miles from West Albany, NY, or about 1h 35m 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 80 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79.7 miles or 1h 35m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bushwick, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving West Albany, 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 West Albany, NY
This is one driving day of about 159.5 miles and 3h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from West Albany, 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.4 and 144.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
3.4 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 787 South: Albany, Rensselaer
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 787 South: Albany, Rensselaer
9
118.9 mi into trip|~2h 21m 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
120.2 mi into trip|~2h 22m 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
8
144.7 mi into trip|~2h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany, Yankee Stadium
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 1C-D
Toward I 87 South, I 87 North: Queens, Albany,...
8
144.9 mi into trip|~2h 57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87 South: Queens
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 1D
Toward I 87 South: Queens
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.97 one way
$51.93 round trip
$4.14/gal25.4 MPG avg56 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$28.14
$56.28
premium
$4.88
$30.66
$61.33
diesel
$5.64
$35.44
$70.87
Estimated Tolls: $21.56
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(111.2 mi)$5.56
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
$26
Tolls
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.9
0
$16.75
$7.66
Efficient EV
39.9
0
$13.96
$6.38
EV Truck/SUV
63.8
0
$22.33
$10.21
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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 15, 2026
Origin
West Albany, NY
Late night
in West Albany on Sunday
Local time
3:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bushwick, NY
Late night
in Bushwick on Sunday
Local time
3:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
80 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
12 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 24m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 148.5
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
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 148.5
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 159.5
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 159.5
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 159.5
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 159.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a varied driving experience on this route. While a significant portion, the longest uninterrupted stretch of 111.2 miles, is on the New York State Thruway, the overall profile is described as turn-heavy local drive. This suggests that after leaving the main highway, you'll encounter more frequent turns and potentially slower speeds as you navigate local roads. The 24% highway share indicates that a good amount of your time will be spent on more direct, faster-paced sections, interspersed with the more intricate local segments, especially closer to Bushwick.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
New York State Thruway is the longest continuous segment at about 111.2 miles.
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 3.4 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 159.5 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 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between West Albany, NY and Bushwick, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York, Albany, Yankee Stadium and Manhattan - among others.
Gsp South: Paterson
134.3 mi in|~2h 41m
Fort Lee
134.3 mi in|~2h 41m
New York
134.3 mi in|~2h 41m
Albany
144.7 mi in|~2h 56m
Yankee Stadium
144.7 mi in|~2h 56m
Manhattan
148.1 mi in|~3h 2m
Queens
148.1 mi in|~3h 2m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 24m. Total distance: 159.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from West Albany, NY to Bushwick, NY covers 159.5 miles and takes about 3h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, NJ 17, NJ 4. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 79.7 miles from West Albany, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.97 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 159.5 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between West Albany, NY and Bushwick, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York, Albany, Yankee Stadium and Manhattan - among others.
