This 111.9-mile journey from Zena, NY to East Flatbush, NY will take approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing the New York State Thruway and NJ 17, with a segment of State Route 28, this drive is well-suited for a single-day trip. You can expect a fuel cost of around $18 for this journey. The route offers a mixed driving experience, taking you through the Northeast region of New York. It's a straightforward drive that makes for an easy day trip.
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
56 miles from Zena, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
60.6 mi
1h 9m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
State Route 28
5 mi
8m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Zena Road
1.9 mi
4m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
NY 27
1.8 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 60.6 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Zena, NY and East Flatbush, NY.
1
Start on CR 39
1.9 mi·4 min·Zena Road
2
Turn sharp left onto NY 28
5.0 mi·8 min·State Route 28
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Enter roundabout
340 ft·4 sec
Toward I 87: New York State Thruway
4
Continue
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 87: New York State Thruway
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 87: New York State Thruway
6
Merge onto I 87
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
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.
8
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
9
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.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
11
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
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
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
15
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
16
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
17
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
19
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
20
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
21
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
22
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
23
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
24
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
25
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
26
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on NY 27
1.4 mi·3 min·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
28
Arrive at destination
NY 27
Trip Plan
Given the drive's duration of under 3 hours, it's an ideal candidate for a single-day excursion, offering flexibility in your departure time. You'll have one planned stop, but with the drive being relatively short, you can easily adjust for additional breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, with an estimated cost of $18, and be aware of the longest uninterrupted stretch on the New York State Thruway to plan your brief pauses effectively. The mixed nature of the drive means being prepared for transitions between faster highway speeds and potentially slower local roads.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 56 miles from Zena, NY, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.6 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 25 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 56 miles or 1h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Flatbush, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Zena, 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 Zena, NY
This is one driving day of about 111.9 miles and 2h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Zena, 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 60.6 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.9 and 104.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1.9 mi into trip|~4m in|NY 28 / State Route 28
Turn sharp left onto NY 28 / State Route 28
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
68.5 mi into trip|~1h 24m 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
69.9 mi into trip|~1h 26m 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
99.7 mi into trip|~2h 4m 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
8
104.5 mi into trip|~2h 15m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.42 one way
$36.84 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg39 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$19.92
$39.83
premium
$4.92
$21.69
$43.38
diesel
$5.61
$24.71
$49.41
Estimated Tolls: $19.03
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(60.6 mi)$3.03
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
$18
Tolls
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
33.6
0
$11.75
$5.37
Efficient EV
28
0
$9.79
$4.48
EV Truck/SUV
44.8
0
$15.67
$7.16
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (67% 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
Zena, NY
Morning
in Zena on Sunday
Local time
8:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
East Flatbush, NY
Morning
in East Flatbush on Sunday
Local time
8:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Ramapo, NY
56 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
15 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
2h 31m 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.
Federal Hall National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 108.9
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 108.9
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 108.9
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 108.9
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 108.9
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 108.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The character of this drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 32% of the journey on high-speed roads. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 60.6 miles on the New York State Thruway, offering a period of consistent momentum. The overall profile is described as a 'mixed drive,' suggesting that while highways are prominent, you'll also navigate other road types. This blend means you'll experience both efficient travel and more varied road conditions as you progress.
32% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60.6 mi on New York State Thruway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 1.9 miles in near NY 28 / State Route 28.
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 20 significant decision points across 111.9 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 1.9 miles (NY 28 / State Route 28): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 68.5 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.9 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 Zena, NY and East Flatbush, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken, Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 31m. Total distance: 111.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (32%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 60.6 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $19.03 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.
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 East Flatbush, 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 1.9 miles (NY 28 / State Route 28): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 68.5 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.9 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Federal Hall National Memorial, African Burial Ground National Monument and Castle Clinton National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at East Flatbush, NY before heading back.
