Trip from Auburn, NY to Queens, NY

Drive Time

5h 46m

Distance

264 mi

425 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 33m ★
6 AM
5h 47m
8 AM
6h 13m
10 AM
5h 56m
12 PM
5h 53m
3 PM
5h 57m
5 PM
6h 12m
8 PM
5h 39m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Auburn, NY, NY

Auburn, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Downtown Queens, NY, NY

Queens, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

Traveling from Auburn to Queens covers approximately 279.7 miles and requires about 4 hours and 53 minutes of drive time. Because this route involves a turn-heavy local drive rather than high-speed interstates, it is best approached as a single-day journey rather than an overnight trip. You should budget roughly $44 for fuel to complete the trek through the Northeast. While the drive is manageable in one day, the lack of highway travel means your actual time behind the wheel may feel longer than a typical interstate route. Use this information to gauge your comfort level with a full day of navigating local roads across New York State.

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

132 miles from Auburn, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 51m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a hands-on driving experience as this route features zero highway miles, relying instead on local roads like Genesee Street, West Genesee Street Road, and East Lake Street. Because the path is entirely turn-heavy, you will spend your time navigating local traffic and intersections rather than cruising at high speeds. The character of the road remains consistent throughout the 279.7-mile journey, requiring your full attention to manage the constant changes in direction. Unlike an interstate grind, this trip offers a direct, localized perspective of the region. Be prepared for a steady, technical pace that demands active steering from start to finish.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 46 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 98.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 133.7 miles in near US 6.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 36 significant decision points across 264 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 133.7 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 233.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 250.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 36 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

9
133.7 mi into trip | ~2h 53m 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
233.6 mi into trip | ~4h 53m in

Take the exit toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunnel

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 53 Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunn...
8
250.3 mi into trip | ~5h 14m in

Take the ramp toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
8
250.3 mi into trip | ~5h 14m in

Turn right toward Lincoln Tunnel access

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward Lincoln Tunnel access
8
256.1 mi into trip | ~5h 29m in

Take the exit toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia Airport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 17W-E Toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia A...

Towns Along This Route

Between Auburn, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Clifton, Weehawken, Hoboken and Ferries To New York City - among others.

Mt Pocono

133.7 mi in | ~2h 53m | via US 6

Milford

134.4 mi in | ~2h 54m | via I 84; I 380

Clifton

233.6 mi in | ~4h 53m

Weehawken

249.6 mi in | ~5h 12m

Hoboken

249.6 mi in | ~5h 12m

Ferries To New York City

249.6 mi in | ~5h 12m

New York City

250.3 mi in | ~5h 14m

Lincoln Tunnel Access

250.3 mi in | ~5h 14m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 98.8 mi 1h 57m
Keystone Shortway 70.8 mi 1h 27m
I 380 23.6 mi 25m
NJ 3 10.5 mi 11m
East Lake Road 9.9 mi 14m
State Highway 41 9.8 mi 13m
Genesee Street 5.5 mi 9m
State Route 41 4.8 mi 7m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Auburn, NY and Queens, NY.

1

Start on NY 34; NY 38

20 ft · 2 sec · South Street
2

Turn right onto Genesee Street

5.5 mi · 9 min · Genesee Street
3

Continue on US 20

2.2 mi · 4 min · West Genesee Street Road
4

Turn right onto NY 41

0.5 mi · 45 sec · East Lake Street
5

Continue on NY 41

9.4 mi · 13 min · East Lake Road
6

Continue on NY 41

4.8 mi · 7 min · State Route 41
7

Continue on NY 41

0.5 mi · 49 sec · East Lake Road
8

Continue on NY 41

9.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 41
9

Turn right onto NY 281

1.2 mi · 2 min · North West Street
10

Take the ramp

0.7 mi · 1 min
Use the left lane.
11

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
12

Merge onto I 81

45 mi · 54 min · I 81
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

53 mi · 1 hr 3 min · I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton Use the none lane.
14

Keep slight right at fork onto US 6

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 6
Exit 187 Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on I 84; I 380

3.7 mi · 4 min · I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford Use the straight lane.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

24 mi · 25 min · I 380
Exit 4 Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
17

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 1B Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
18

Merge onto I 80

71 mi · 1 hr 27 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Exit 53 Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunnel Use the slight right lane.
20

Merge onto US 46

2.1 mi · 2 min · US 46
Use the none lane.
21

Continue on US 46

1.6 mi · 1 min · US 46
Use the none lane.
22

Turn slight left onto NJ 3

11 mi · 11 min · NJ 3
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel, Kennedy Boulevard Use the straight / right lanes.
24

Merge onto NJ 495

1.1 mi · 1 min · NJ 495
Use the none lane.
25

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 16 sec
Toward Weehawken, Hoboken, Ferries to New York City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Continue on South Marginal Highway

0.1 mi · 10 sec · South Marginal Highway
27

Turn right onto Boulevard East

0.4 mi · 1 min · Boulevard East
Use the left / none lanes.
28

Take the ramp

123 ft · 14 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City Use the straight / right lanes.
29

Turn right

0.2 mi · 57 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel access Use the none lane.
30

Merge onto NJ 495

1.6 mi · 4 min · Lincoln Tunnel
31

Keep slight right at fork

265 ft · 6 sec
Toward Dyer Avenue
32

Keep slight right at fork

334 ft · 8 sec
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden
33

Continue on Dyer Avenue

350 ft · 19 sec · Dyer Avenue
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden Use the left / straight lanes.
34

Turn left onto West 36th Street

1.3 mi · 3 min · West 36th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
35

Take the ramp

68 ft · 1 sec
Toward I 495: Queens-Midtown Tunnel
36

Keep slight left at fork onto I 495

2.5 mi · 4 min · I 495
Use the none lane.
37

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 17W-E Toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia Airport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38

Merge onto I 495

2.0 mi · 2 min · Long Island Expressway
39

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 35 sec
Exit 19 Toward NY 25: Woodhaven Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
40

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 41 sec
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
41

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 24 sec
Toward Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42

Turn right onto Woodhaven Boulevard

3.9 mi · 10 min · Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the right lane.
43

Turn left onto Rockaway Boulevard

344 ft · 9 sec · Rockaway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
44

Turn slight left onto Liberty Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Liberty Avenue
45

Turn right onto 104th Street

205 ft · 9 sec · 104th Street
46

Arrive at destination

104th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 53 minute duration and the local nature of these roads, aim to depart early in the morning to beat local traffic congestion. You have one scheduled stop planned, which is essential for maintaining focus during such a turn-intensive stretch. Because you are avoiding highways entirely, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge; while the $44 estimate is accurate, local stop-and-go driving can often consume more gas than sustained highway cruising. Flexibility is your greatest advantage here, so adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected road conditions on the local streets. Always verify your navigation before leaving Auburn, as relying on turn-by-turn directions will be critical for navigating the complex segments of this local route.

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 132 miles from Auburn, NY, or about 2h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.8 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 80 miles or 1h 49m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 132 miles or 2h 51m 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 32m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Queens, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Auburn, 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 Auburn, NY

This is one driving day of about 264 miles and 5h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Auburn, 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 98.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 132 mi from Auburn, NY · 2h 51m into the drive

Downtown Ramapo, NY, NY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

132 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Ramapo, NY to Queens, NY

44.1 mi · 1h 10m

Pacing Suggestions

Syracuse, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 132 miles from Auburn, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.8 miles.

Arriving in Queens, NY

The final approach into Queens, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Queens, NY.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.98 one way

$85.96 round trip

$4.14/gal 25.4 MPG avg 92 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.48 $46.57 $93.15
premium $4.88 $50.75 $101.50
diesel $5.64 $58.65 $117.30

Estimated Tolls: $16.00

Lincoln 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

$43

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$84–$109

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 92.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 79.2 0 $27.72 $12.67
Efficient EV 66 0 $23.10 $10.56
EV Truck/SUV 105.6 1 $36.96 $16.90

Gas CO2

92 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Auburn, NY

Afternoon in Auburn on Sunday

Local time

3:47 PM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Queens, NY

Afternoon in Queens on Sunday

Local time

3:47 PM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

59°F

Ramapo, NY

132 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

5h 46m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Auburn, NY to Queens, NY covers 264 miles and takes about 5h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Keystone Shortway, I 380. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 132 miles from Auburn, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.98 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 36 significant decision points across 264 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 133.7 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 233.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 250.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Auburn, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Clifton, Weehawken, Hoboken and Ferries To New York City - among others.

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