Yonkers, NY to Charlotte, NY is 323.9 miles and takes about 7h via Long Mountain Parkway, New York State Thruway, and I-81, with a fuel budget near $54 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, making it a straightforward one-day drive. It’s a route where you’ll spend a good portion of your time on major highways. Consider this a practical transit route, ideal for getting from point A to point B efficiently within the Northeast. The estimated duration suggests you can complete it within a single day, even with a couple of brief stops.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
161.9 miles from Yonkers, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Long Mountain Parkway
107.6 mi
2h 15m
New York State Thruway
47 mi
57m
I 81
39.3 mi
46m
NY 17
33.7 mi
40m
Palisades Interstate Parkway
14.9 mi
17m
Eastern Expressway
10.8 mi
13m
Clinton Street
10.5 mi
15m
East Lake Road
9.9 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
Long Mountain Parkway
— 107.6 mi, about 2h 15m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,020 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~94 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 3 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 Yonkers, NY and Charlotte, NY.
1
Start on US 9; NY 9A
181 ft·11 sec·South Broadway
2
Turn sharp right onto Nepperhan Avenue
0.5 mi·48 sec·Nepperhan Avenue
3
Keep slight left at fork onto Nepperhan Avenue
0.5 mi·56 sec·Nepperhan Avenue
4
Turn right onto NY 9A
0.1 mi·19 sec·Ashburton Avenue
5
Turn left onto NY 9A
1.4 mi·2 min·Saw Mill River Road
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on Tuckahoe Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Tuckahoe Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 87 North
8
Merge onto I 87
17 mi·22 min·New York State Thruway
Use the slight right lane.
9
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 13NToward Palisades Parkway North, Bear MountainUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto Palisades Interstate Parkway
15 mi·17 min·Palisades Interstate Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 18Toward I-87: US 6 West, NY 17, New York State Thruway
12
Enter roundabout onto US 6
375 ft·5 sec·Long Mountain Parkway
13
Continue on US 6
108 mi·2 hr 14 min·Long Mountain Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on NY 17
34 mi·40 min·NY 17
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi·2 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
37 mi·43 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Exit 52Toward NY 13: Cortland
18
Turn right onto NY 13
39 ft·5 sec·Clinton Avenue
19
Turn left onto Locust Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Locust Avenue
20
Continue on Albany Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Albany Street
21
At end of road, turn right onto US 11; NY 41
0.4 mi·1 min·South Main Street
22
Turn left onto NY 41
10 mi·15 min·Clinton Street
23
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi·49 sec·East Lake Road
24
Continue on NY 41
4.8 mi·7 min·State Route 41
25
Continue on NY 41
9.4 mi·13 min·East Lake Road
26
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi·48 sec·East Lake Street
27
Turn left onto US 20
7.3 mi·13 min·East Genesee Street
28
Turn right onto US 20
0.2 mi·12 sec·North Fulton Street
29
Turn left onto US 20; NY 5
0.4 mi·1 min·Arterial West
30
Continue on US 20; NY 5; NY 38
9.8 mi·11 min·Chase Street
Use the left lane.
31
Continue on US 20; NY 5
1.9 mi·2 min·Auburn Road
32
Turn right onto NY 318
4.1 mi·7 min·NY 318
33
Continue on NY 318
319 ft·10 sec·NY 318
Use the right lane.
34
Turn right onto NY 414
0.3 mi·28 sec·State Route 414
Use the right lane.
35
Continue on NY 414
217 ft·11 sec·Ridge Road
Use the left lane.
36
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
Use the left lane.
37
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 West: BuffaloUse the straight / right lanes.
38
Merge onto I 90
30 mi·34 min·New York State Thruway
39
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 45Toward I 490: RochesterUse the slight right lane.
40
Continue on I 490
11 mi·13 min·Eastern Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Take the exit
0.2 mi·13 sec
Exit 21Toward I 590 South, NY 590 NorthUse the slight right lane.
42
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward NY 590 North: IrondequoitUse the slight right lane.
43
Merge onto NY 590
3.5 mi·4 min·Outer Loop
Use the straight / right lanes.
44
Take the exit
0.5 mi·55 sec
Exit 10AToward NY 104 West: GreeceUse the slight right lane.
45
Merge onto NY 104
3.5 mi·4 min·Keeler Street Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Continue on NY 104
0.2 mi·12 sec·Veterans Memorial Bridge
47
Continue on NY 104
0.4 mi·25 sec·West Ridge Road
48
Turn right onto Lake Avenue
4.1 mi·6 min·Lake Avenue
49
Turn left onto Latta Road
0.2 mi·29 sec·Latta Road
50
Turn right onto Spanish Trail
0.2 mi·45 sec·Spanish Trail
51
Turn right
125 ft·14 sec
52
Turn left
72 ft·5 sec
53
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour estimated drive time, departing from Yonkers in the morning is recommended to allow ample daylight for the full 323.9 miles. You have two stops factored into the plan, so use them strategically for fuel and a break. The fuel cost estimate of $54 is helpful for budgeting. Since this route is primarily highway, pay attention to exit numbers and ensure you have your preferred navigation set up before hitting the road. The longest stretch is over 100 miles, so plan your needs accordingly before starting that segment.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 161.9 miles from Yonkers, NY, or about 3h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107.6 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 71 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 161.9 miles or 3h 25m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Charlotte, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Yonkers, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Yonkers, NY
This is one driving day of about 323.9 miles and 7h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Yonkers, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Long Mountain Parkway for about 107.6 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 37
5 decision points cluster between mile 20 and 311.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
20 mi into trip|~28m in
Take the exit toward Palisades Parkway North, Bear Mountain
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 13N
Toward Palisades Parkway North, Bear Mountain
7
268.6 mi into trip|~5h 49m in
Take the ramp
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
268.8 mi into trip|~5h 49m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 West: Buffalo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
8
310.9 mi into trip|~6h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 590 South, NY 590 North
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 21
Toward I 590 South, NY 590 North
8
311.1 mi into trip|~6h 40m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 590 North: Irondequoit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NY 590 North: Irondequoit
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.40 one way
$104.80 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg113 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$56.86
$113.72
premium
$4.85
$61.82
$123.64
diesel
$4.80
$61.16
$122.32
Estimated Tolls: $2.35
New York State Thruway
(47 mi)$2.35
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
$52
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 113.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
97.2
1
$34.01
$15.55
Efficient EV
81
0
$28.34
$12.96
EV Truck/SUV
129.6
1
$45.35
$20.73
Gas CO2
113 kg
EV CO2
38 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 17, 2026
Origin
Yonkers, NY
Afternoon
in Yonkers on Sunday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Patchy Smoke
NW 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Charlotte, NY
Afternoon
in Charlotte on Sunday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Mostly Sunny then Patchy Smoke
NE 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
81°F
Hamilton, NY
162 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
6 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 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.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 256.9
Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human r...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 68% of this drive is on highways, meaning you'll spend most of your time on the New York State Thruway and I-81. The longest continuous stretch without a major change in road type is 107.6 miles on Long Mountain Parkway. You'll notice a change from more localized parkway driving to the faster pace of interstate travel. Expect a relatively consistent cruising speed for much of the trip, with a break from surface roads for the majority of the mileage.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
53 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 107.6 mi on Long Mountain Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Long Mountain Parkway and New York State Thruway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20 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 37 significant decision points across 323.9 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 20 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 268.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 268.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,639 ft86 ft
Total Climb
2,072 ft
Total Descent
1,882 ft
Highest Point
1,639 ft
~231.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,553 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Yonkers, NY and Charlotte, NY, road signs point toward Palisades Parkway North, Bear Mountain, New York State Thruway and Albany.
Yonkers is a city of 211,569 people (2020) in Westchester County. The third most populous city in New York state, Yonkers is a suburb of New York City and borders the Borough of the Bronx. Yonkers is known as the "City of Seven Hills," which are Park, Nodine, Ridge, Cross, Locust, Glen, and Church hills.
Top landmarks
•Untermyer Park — public garden
•Hudson River Museum — museum in Yonkers, N.Y.
•Glenview Mansion — historic house in New York, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h. Total distance: 323.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 107.6 miles on Long Mountain Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.35 in tolls one way, starting with New York State Thruway. 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 18 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 Charlotte, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 20 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 268.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 268.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, Women's Rights National Historical Park and Hamilton Grange 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 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 14.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Charlotte, NY before the return drive.
