This 271.5-mile journey from West Monroe, NY, to Staten Island, NY, is a straightforward drive that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours and 44 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-81 and I-380, the route is heavily highway-focused, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $45, it’s an economical option for traversing the Northeast. The drive offers a consistent pace, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Consider this route for its directness and efficiency.
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
135.8 miles from West Monroe, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
146.2 mi
2h 54m
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
NJ 10
3.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 146.2 mi, about 2h 54m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 46 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,553 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,185
Quietest
midnight
~450 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
3.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 46 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Monroe, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on CR 11
41 ft·1 sec·County Route 11
2
Turn right onto NY 49
3.0 mi·4 min·State Route 49
3
Continue on NY 49
522 ft·15 sec·East Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward I 81 SouthUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 81
9.3 mi·10 min·I 81
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I-81
0.5 mi·33 sec·I-81
7
Continue on I 81
11 mi·14 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi·48 sec·I-81
9
Continue on I 81
73 mi·1 hr 25 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
11
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.
12
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.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
15
Merge onto I 80
46 mi·59 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 28Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake HopatcongUse the slight right lane.
17
Continue on CR 631
0.2 mi·12 sec·Ledgewood Road
18
Continue on US 46
0.9 mi·1 min·US 46
19
Continue on US 46
213 ft·4 sec·US 46
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
20
Turn straight onto NJ 10
9.2 mi·11 min·Route 10 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on NJ 10
3.5 mi·4 min·NJ 10
Use the right lane.
22
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Morristown Airport
23
Merge onto I 287
0.8 mi·1 min·I 287
24
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 37Toward NJ 24 East: SpringfieldUse the slight right lane.
25
Continue on NJ 24
9.3 mi·10 min·NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: NewarkUse the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto I 78
4.6 mi·5 min·Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 54Toward Hillside, IrvingtonUse the slight right lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·29 sec
Toward HillsideUse the straight / right lanes.
31
Continue on Winans Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·Winans Avenue
32
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Liberty Avenue
33
Turn left onto CR 628
0.3 mi·37 sec·Hillside Avenue
34
Continue on CR 628
0.4 mi·45 sec·Hillside Avenue
35
At end of road, turn right onto CR 623
2.1 mi·4 min·North Broad Street
36
Continue on CR 623
1.4 mi·3 min·Broad Street
37
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.3 mi·43 sec·Bayway
38
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.1 mi·11 sec·Brunswick Avenue
Use the left lane.
39
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 278 Toll East: Goethals Bridge
40
Merge onto I 278
1.3 mi·2 min·Goethals Bridge
41
Continue on I 278
2.2 mi·3 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
0.9 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
44
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
45
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
46
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
47
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
48
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
49
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
50
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
51
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
52
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
53
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
54
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour, 44-minute drive, aim for an early morning departure to bypass potential traffic closer to Staten Island. With only one recommended stop, plan your break strategically, perhaps midway through the longest stretch on I-81. The $45 fuel cost is manageable, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Given the direct, highway-centric nature of this route, flexibility is key; you can easily adjust your timing based on traffic conditions. Keep an eye on signage for I-81 North, as it’s a primary artery for much of your 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 135.8 miles from West Monroe, NY, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 146.2 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 60 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.8 miles or 2h 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 28m
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 West Monroe, 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 Monroe, NY
This is one driving day of about 271.5 miles and 5h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from West Monroe, 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 146.2 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 35
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.1 and 256.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
3.1 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 81 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 81 South
9
150.8 mi into trip|~3h 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
226.1 mi into trip|~4h 32m 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
256.7 mi into trip|~5h 11m 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
256.9 mi into trip|~5h 11m 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
$43.92 one way
$87.84 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$47.66
$95.32
premium
$4.85
$51.82
$103.64
diesel
$4.80
$51.26
$102.53
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
$44
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.5
1
$28.51
$13.03
Efficient EV
67.9
0
$23.76
$10.86
EV Truck/SUV
108.6
1
$38.01
$17.38
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
West Monroe, NY
Late night
in West Monroe on Monday
Local time
3:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Patchy Smoke then Mostly Cloudy
SE 6 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 2:45PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Late night
in Staten Island on Monday
Local time
3:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Smoke
S 6 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 2:45PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
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
5h 44m 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
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 262.2
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
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 262.2
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
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 262.2
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
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 262.2
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
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 262.2
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 271.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 77% of the route on major interstates like I-81 and I-380. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 146.2 miles on I-81, offering a consistent cruising experience. While the Keystone Shortway is also part of the itinerary, the overall character leans towards efficient, high-speed travel rather than winding backroads. This route is designed for covering ground quickly and consistently.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
54 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 146.2 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 3.1 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 35 significant decision points across 271.5 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 3.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 150.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 226.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,885 ft72 ft
Total Climb
2,339 ft
Total Descent
2,663 ft
Highest Point
1,885 ft
~174.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,812 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between West Monroe, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport, New York City and Newark - among others.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 44m. Total distance: 271.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 146.2 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.
Yes — we found about 23 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 150.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 226.1 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 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 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.
