Traveling from the quiet shores of Westport to the heart of New York City covers 275.5 miles of New York state territory. You should plan for about 5 hours and 31 minutes of pure driving time, making this a manageable one-day haul for most drivers. With a fuel budget of approximately $43, the trip is relatively cost-effective for a solo traveler or a small group. You will primarily utilize I-87 and the Adirondack Northway to navigate south. Since you are staying within the Northeast region, the transition from the rural northern landscape to the dense urban environment is straightforward, though you should be prepared for the change in traffic volume as you approach the city.
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
137.7 miles from Westport, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Adirondack Northway
116.9 mi
2h 16m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
State Highway 9N
2.8 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
2 mi
4m
Main Street
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-87
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 60 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,496 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,286
Quietest
1 AM
~113 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
22.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Westport, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 9N
1.4 mi·2 min·Main Street
2
Continue on NY 9N
2.8 mi·4 min·State Highway 9N
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·18 sec
4
Merge onto I 87
117 mi·2 hr 16 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi·31 sec·I 87
Exit 1E-WToward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
6
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·I 87
Toward I 87 South: New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
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.
9
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
10
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
12
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
16
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
17
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
18
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
20
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft·7 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
22
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi·1 min·Broadway
Use the straight lane.
24
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 275.5-mile journey, try to time your departure to avoid peak congestion as you near the city. Since the route only requires one planned stop, you have plenty of flexibility to stretch your legs whenever you feel fatigued. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout the trip, as prices and availability can fluctuate between rural stretches and the metro area. Because the drive is under six hours, you do not need to worry about an overnight split, but starting early in the morning is your best strategy for a stress-free arrival. If you find yourself needing a break, look for rest areas along I-87 to ensure you stay alert before hitting the busier final leg of the drive.
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 137.7 miles from Westport, NY, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 61 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.7 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 25m
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 Westport, 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 Westport, NY
This is one driving day of about 275.5 miles and 5h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Westport, 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 87 for about 118.6 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 121.3 and 271.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
121.3 mi into trip|~2h 23m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1E-W
Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
7
122.1 mi into trip|~2h 24m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 South: New York
9
239.9 mi into trip|~4h 41m 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
241.3 mi into trip|~4h 43m 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
271.2 mi into trip|~5h 20m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.57 one way
$89.14 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$48.36
$96.73
premium
$4.85
$52.58
$105.17
diesel
$4.80
$52.02
$104.04
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Holland Tunnel
$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
$45
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.7
1
$28.93
$13.22
Efficient EV
68.9
0
$24.11
$11.02
EV Truck/SUV
110.2
1
$38.57
$17.63
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% 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 20, 2026
Origin
Westport, NY
Night
in Westport on Monday
Local time
10:19 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Mostly Clear
W 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
New York City, NY
Night
in New York City on Monday
Local time
10:19 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Clear
N 6 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
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
5h 31m 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.
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 275.5
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 275.5
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 275.5
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 275.5
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 275.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This journey features a mixed-drive profile, with 54% of your travel occurring on highways. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the Adirondack Northway, which includes your longest uninterrupted stretch of 118.6 miles. While the northern segments offer a consistent, high-speed pace, the character of the road shifts as you transition onto NJ 17 for the final approach. Expect a blend of open interstate cruising that eventually gives way to more congested, technical driving conditions. The contrast between these two environments keeps the drive from feeling like a monotonous grind, though you will certainly notice the shift in pace once you leave the interstate system.
54% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.6 mi on I 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 121.3 miles in near I 87.
Driving Effort9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 275.5 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 121.3 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.1 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 239.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,031 ft34 ft
Total Climb
1,306 ft
Total Descent
1,429 ft
Highest Point
1,031 ft
~39.4 mi in
Elevation Range
997 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Westport, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York and Buffalo.
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 absolutely doable as a same-day weekend trip, clocking in at just 5h 31m. You'll spend 54% of your time on highways, making good time to get there and back.
Family Friendly
With a complexity score of 9/10, this 275.5-mile drive might be a bit much for young kids without significant entertainment planning. The gently rolling terrain is pleasant, but the navigation requires focus, so be prepared for a potentially less relaxing experience.
Solo Traveler
At 275.5 miles and 5h 31m, this is a very manageable solo drive. The 54% highway driving means you'll have stretches of cruising, but the 9/10 complexity suggests keeping your wits about you for interesting navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 118.6 miles on I 87. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 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 121.3 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.1 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 239.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 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.
