This 176-mile drive from Bainbridge, NY, to Manhattan, NY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. You'll primarily be on major roadways, with an 88% highway share, making it an efficient journey through the Northeast region. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $29. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, this route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. It's a straightforward path that gets you from point A to point B without significant detours.
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
88 miles from Bainbridge, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 48m into the drive
.
Wall Street. Madison Avenue. 34th Street. Broadway. Times Square. Manhattan is so well known that even the names of its streets have become iconic and understood the world over. This long, thin island is only one of New York City's five boroughs, but it's Manhattan that has the concrete canyons and the inimitable skyline; Manhattan that has the world's brightest theater district; Manhattan that has Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Met; and Manhattan that includes iconic neighborhoods like Harlem, the Upper East Side, Times Square, and Greenwich Village.
The rest of New York City has much to see and do, but it's Manhattan that represents the city—and sometimes the entire United States—to the world. You could spend a month on this tiny island and still not see all there is to see.
Top landmarks
•Empire State Building — skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 45m. Total distance: 176 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 176-mile trip. You'll be on roads like NY 17, State Highway 8, and NJ 17 for the majority of your journey, contributing to the 88% highway share. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 106 miles on NY 17, offering a consistent pace. This route prioritizes efficient travel, meaning you'll likely experience smooth, high-speed driving for extended periods.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 39 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
NY 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 106 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 129.4 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 27 significant decision points across 176 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 129.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 144.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 27 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
129.4 mi into trip|~2h 40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
9
144.6 mi into trip|~2h 59m 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
146 mi into trip|~3h 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
169.5 mi into trip|~3h 33m in|US 9
Take the exit onto US 9 toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th Street
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 1A
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th...
8
169.9 mi into trip|~3h 34m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downt...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bainbridge, NY and Manhattan, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Nyst: Albany
129.4 mi in|~2h 40m
New York City
129.4 mi in|~2h 40m
Gsp South: Paterson
160.1 mi in|~3h 19m
Fort Lee
160.1 mi in|~3h 19m
New York
160.1 mi in|~3h 19m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
106 mi
2h 12m
State Highway 8
19 mi
21m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
New York State Thruway
13.7 mi
15m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Henry Hudson Parkway
4.2 mi
6m
I 88
2.8 mi
3m
I 95 EXPR
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 106 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bainbridge, NY and Manhattan, NY.
1
Start on NY 206
0.2 mi·15 sec·East Main Street
2
Continue on NY 206
0.1 mi·12 sec·Demarest Avenue
3
Enter roundabout onto NY 206
102 ft·1 sec·Demarest Avenue
4
Continue on NY 206
428 ft·7 sec·Demarest Avenue
5
Continue on NY 206
0.1 mi·18 sec·State Highway 206
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·57 sec
7
Merge onto I 88
2.8 mi·3 min·I 88
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 9Toward NY 8: Sidney
9
Keep slight right at fork
418 ft·11 sec
10
Merge onto NY 8
461 ft·6 sec·Airport Road
11
Continue on NY 8
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
12
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
13
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.4 mi·44 sec·State Highway 10
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
15
Merge onto NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
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.
20
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
21
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
24
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
25
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
29
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.5 mi·45 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
30
Take the exit onto US 9
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 9
Exit 1AToward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, DowntownUse the straight lane.
33
Merge onto HH; NY 9A
4.2 mi·6 min·Henry Hudson Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Boat Basin, Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Children's Museum Of Manhattan, JCC in Manhattan, Lincoln Center, New York Historical Society, New York Institute of TechnologyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on West 79th Street
0.2 mi·51 sec·West 79th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Turn left onto Broadway
0.4 mi·56 sec·Broadway
37
Turn right onto West 86th Street
0.4 mi·1 min·West 86th Street
38
Continue on 86th Street Transverse
0.2 mi·35 sec·86th Street Transverse
Toward East SideUse the straight / left lanes.
39
Arrive at destination
86th Street Transverse
Trip Plan
With a duration of just under 4 hours, this drive is easily manageable in a single day. Consider leaving early to avoid potential traffic as you approach Manhattan, especially if you're arriving during peak hours. You'll have one main stretch of 106 miles on NY 17, so plan your first stop accordingly for fuel or a quick break. The total fuel cost is estimated at $29, which is quite economical for this distance. Being a highway-focused route, keep an eye on your speed, as there are often posted limits that are strictly enforced.
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 88 miles from Bainbridge, NY, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106 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 39 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88 miles or 1h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manhattan, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bainbridge, 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 Bainbridge, NY
This is one driving day of about 176 miles and 3h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Bainbridge, 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 NY 17 for about 106 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 88 mi from Bainbridge, NY
· 1h 48m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 176
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 169.9
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.97 one way
$57.94 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg62 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$31.33
$62.65
premium
$4.92
$34.11
$68.22
diesel
$5.61
$38.86
$77.72
Estimated Tolls: $16.68
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
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
$29
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
52.8
0
$18.48
$8.45
Efficient EV
44
0
$15.40
$7.04
EV Truck/SUV
70.4
0
$24.64
$11.26
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (66% 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
Bainbridge, NY
Morning
in Bainbridge on Saturday
Local time
8:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Manhattan, NY
Morning
in Manhattan on Saturday
Local time
8:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
54°F
Monticello, NY
88 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
11 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
3h 45m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Bainbridge, NY to Manhattan, NY covers 176 miles and takes about 3h 45m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 17, State Highway 8, NJ 17. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 88 miles from Bainbridge, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.97 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 176 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 129.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 144.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Bainbridge, NY and Manhattan, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Yes. Nearby national parks include General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
