This 242.2-mile drive from Whitehall, NY, to Staten Island, NY, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 5 hours and 7 minutes. Primarily following I-87, also known as the Adirondack Northway, and then NJ-17, it's a highway-focused journey. You can expect a fuel cost of approximately $40 for this trip. Given the duration and distance, it's well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The route keeps you largely on major roadways, making it a straightforward transit through the Northeast region.
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
121.1 miles from Whitehall, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Adirondack Northway
49 mi
58m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
Anne Street
11.7 mi
17m
US Route 4
9.6 mi
13m
New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
4.7 mi
5m
NJ 440
4.5 mi
6m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-87
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 50 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,467 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,399
Quietest
1 AM
~114 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
21.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 79 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 Whitehall, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on Saunders Street
85 ft·7 sec·Saunders Street
2
Turn right onto NY 22
1.1 mi·2 min·Broadway
3
Continue on US 4; NY 22
9.6 mi·13 min·US Route 4
4
Continue on US 4
0.1 mi·11 sec·Whitehall Road
5
Continue on US 4
0.2 mi·28 sec·George Street
6
Turn right onto NY 149
12 mi·17 min·Anne Street
7
Turn left onto US 9; NY 149
0.7 mi·1 min·State Route 9
8
Turn right onto NY 149; CR 23
0.2 mi·21 sec·Gurney Lane
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 87 South
10
Merge onto I 87
49 mi·58 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
11
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.
12
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
13
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.
14
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.
15
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
16
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.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
18
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
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
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
22
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
23
Continue on NJ 139
0.3 mi·27 sec·12th Street Viaduct
24
Take the exit
236 ft·9 sec
Use the left lane.
25
Turn left onto Jersey Avenue
463 ft·23 sec·Jersey Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139
408 ft·5 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Use the left lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 78; NJTP
4.7 mi·5 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
Toward NJTP: New Jersey TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 14AToward NJ 440: BayonneUse the right lane.
29
Continue on Port Jersey Boulevard
0.3 mi·17 sec·Port Jersey Boulevard
Toward NJ 440
30
Take the exit
357 ft·8 sec
Toward NJ 440 South: Chosin Few WayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 440 SouthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
32
Merge onto NJ 440
4.5 mi·6 min·NJ 440
33
Continue on NY 440
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
34
Take the exit
0.6 mi·55 sec
Exit 10EToward I 278 East: Verrazano Bridge, Brooklyn
35
Merge onto I 278
0.8 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
36
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
37
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
38
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
40
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
41
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
42
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
43
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
44
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
45
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
46
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
47
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour journey, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic as you approach Staten Island. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in how you pace your travel. A good strategy is to plan your single stop around the halfway point or at a convenient service area along I-87. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 118.6-mile stretch on I-87, as services can be spaced out. The relatively short duration means you can be quite flexible with your timing and stopping points.
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 121.1 miles from Whitehall, NY, or about 2h 31m 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 53 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.1 miles or 2h 31m 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 2m
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 Whitehall, 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 Whitehall, NY
This is one driving day of about 242.2 miles and 5h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Whitehall, 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 33
5 decision points cluster between mile 73.2 and 223 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
73.2 mi into trip|~1h 35m 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
74 mi into trip|~1h 37m 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
191.7 mi into trip|~3h 53m 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
193.1 mi into trip|~3h 55m 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
223 mi into trip|~4h 33m 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
$42.39 one way
$84.79 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$45.94
$91.88
premium
$5.23
$49.87
$99.74
diesel
$6.28
$59.84
$119.69
Estimated Tolls: $0.65
New Jersey Turnpike
(4.7 mi)$0.65
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
$42
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.7
0
$25.43
$11.63
Efficient EV
60.6
0
$21.19
$9.69
EV Truck/SUV
96.9
1
$33.91
$15.50
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Whitehall, NY
Late night
in Whitehall on Friday
Local time
12:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Patchy Fog then Sunny
S 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Late night
in Staten Island on Friday
Local time
12:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
NE 8 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
1 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 7m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 225.5
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 225.5
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 225.5
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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 225.5
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 225.5
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 225.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with about 70% of the drive being on major interstates and parkways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 118.6 miles on I-87. While the Adirondack Northway offers a consistent pace, the transition to NJ-17 will introduce a different feel to the road. The character is largely about efficient travel between points, rather than a winding, scenic exploration. You'll be covering ground primarily on high-speed roads designed for longer distances.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
47 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?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 87 and Adirondack Northway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 73.2 miles in near I 87.
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 33 significant decision points across 242.2 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 73.2 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 191.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
627 ft9 ft
Total Climb
1,069 ft
Total Descent
1,142 ft
Highest Point
627 ft
~155.7 mi in
Elevation Range
619 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Whitehall, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken - among others.
Whitehall Township is a suburban township near Allentown in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. The township is 64.1 miles (103.2 km) north of Philadelphia, the sixth-largest city in the United States, and 93.7 miles (150.8 km) west of New York City, the nation's largest city.
Top landmarks
•Skene Manor — historic house in New York, United States
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 7m. Total distance: 242.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 $0.65 in tolls one way, starting with New Jersey Turnpike. 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 20 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 73.2 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 191.7 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Castle Clinton National Monument, Statue Of Liberty National Monument and African Burial Ground National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 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.
