This 87.7-mile drive from Brewster, NY to Islip, NY is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. You'll primarily navigate the Southern State Parkway, I-684, and the Hutchinson River Parkway, making it a highway-focused journey. With a modest estimated fuel cost of $14, this route is an efficient option for covering ground within New York State. The drive is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You'll find this route offers a practical way to travel between these two points in the Northeast region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.8 miles from Brewster, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 58m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 1m. Total distance: 87.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
The character of this drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 81% of the journey taking place on major roadways. You can expect stretches of smooth, faster-paced travel, including a continuous segment of 24.7 miles on the Southern State Parkway. While the main roads are designed for efficiency, the use of parkways suggests a focus on maintaining a certain flow and aesthetic. The overall feel is one of consistent movement, connecting you directly from your origin to your destination with minimal interruption.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 43 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Southern State Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 24.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern State Parkway and I 684. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.4 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 23 significant decision points across 87.7 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 5.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
5.4 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the ramp toward White Plains, New York City
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward White Plains, New York City
9
28.3 mi into trip|~36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1
Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
8
43.4 mi into trip|~57m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell Avenue
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 2A
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, St...
9
45.3 mi into trip|~1h 1m in|I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 7A
Toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Is...
9
83.1 mi into trip|~1h 52m in
Take the exit toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
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 41S
Toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Brewster, NY and Islip, NY, road signs point toward White Plains, New York City, Long Island, Cross Island Parkway South, Southern State Parkway East and Eastern Long Island - among others.
White Plains
5.4 mi in|~9m
New York City
5.4 mi in|~9m
Long Island
45.3 mi in|~1h 1m|via I 695
Cross Island Parkway South
56.3 mi in|~1h 17m
Southern State Parkway East
57.9 mi in|~1h 19m
Eastern Long Island
57.9 mi in|~1h 19m
Bay Shore Road South
83.1 mi in|~1h 52m
Bay Shore
83.1 mi in|~1h 52m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Southern State Parkway
24.7 mi
31m
I 684
22.8 mi
26m
Hutchinson River Parkway
13.6 mi
19m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Throgs Neck Expressway
2.2 mi
3m
Throgs Neck Bridge
2 mi
3m
Brewster Avenue
1.8 mi
2m
East Branch Avenue
1.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Southern State Parkway
— 24.7 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brewster, NY and Islip, NY.
1
Start on Michael Neuner Drive
0.1 mi·40 sec·Michael Neuner Drive
2
Turn left onto US 6
0.2 mi·31 sec·North Main Street
3
Turn right onto CR 56
0.4 mi·54 sec·Railroad Avenue
4
Turn right onto US 202; NY 22
1.4 mi·1 min·East Branch Avenue
5
Continue on US 202; NY 22
1.8 mi·2 min·Brewster Avenue
6
Continue on US 202; NY 22
0.3 mi·23 sec·Brewster Road
7
Continue on NY 22
0.2 mi·22 sec·Mahopac Avenue
8
Continue on NY 22
388 ft·9 sec·Front Street
9
Continue on NY 22
523 ft·12 sec·Warner Drive
10
Continue on NY 22
0.6 mi·1 min·Croton Falls Road
11
Continue on Hardscrabble Road
0.2 mi·32 sec·Hardscrabble Road
12
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·8 sec
Toward White Plains, New York CityUse the right lane.
13
Merge onto I 684
23 mi·26 min·I 684
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.5 mi·2 min
Exit 1Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York CityUse the straight lane.
15
Merge onto Hutchinson River Parkway
7.7 mi·10 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway
5.9 mi·8 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Toward Whitestone BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
141 ft·4 sec
Exit 2AToward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·47 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95
0.4 mi·31 sec·New England Thruway
20
Continue on I 95
1.3 mi·2 min·Bruckner Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695
2.2 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Exit 7AToward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long IslandUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
25
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
27
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft·9 sec·225th Street
Use the right lane.
28
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
29
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi·1 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 25AToward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long IslandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
31
Merge onto SO
25 mi·31 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto SO
0.2 mi·16 sec·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 41SToward Bay Shore Road South, Bay ShoreUse the slight right lane.
34
Turn straight onto CR 57
0.5 mi·1 min·Bay Shore Road
35
Continue on CR 57
0.3 mi·43 sec·Howells Road
36
Turn straight onto CR 57
341 ft·6 sec·Sunrise Highway
37
Keep slight right at fork onto CR 57
0.6 mi·1 min·Howells Road
Toward Howells Road SouthUse the right lane.
38
Continue on CR 57
0.2 mi·24 sec·Roosevelt Street
39
Continue on CR 57
0.7 mi·1 min·3rd Avenue
40
At end of road, turn left onto NY 27A
1.1 mi·1 min·East Main Street
41
Continue on Montauk Highway
0.2 mi·17 sec·Montauk Highway
42
Continue on NY 27A
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
43
Arrive at destination
NY 27A
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of just over 2 hours, this trip is best tackled in one go, offering you flexibility in your departure time. Leaving early can help you avoid any potential traffic, especially on parkways. While there are no specific stops recommended in the data, remember that the longest stretch without a break is 24.7 miles on the Southern State Parkway, so plan your own brief pauses as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $14 for the entire trip, it's a budget-friendly journey.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.8 miles from Brewster, NY, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 24.7 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 19 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.8 miles or 58m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Islip, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brewster, 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 Brewster, NY
This is one driving day of about 87.7 miles and 2h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Brewster, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Southern State Parkway for about 24.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 43.8 mi from Brewster, NY
· 58m into the drive
The midpoint is around 43.8 miles from Brewster, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Islip, NY
The final approach into Islip, 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 Islip, NY.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 46.7
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...
7 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 46.7
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 90.2
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 52.9
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 46.7
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 52.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.44 one way
$28.87 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$15.61
$31.22
premium
$4.92
$17.00
$34.00
diesel
$5.61
$19.36
$38.73
Estimated Tolls: $6.55
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
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
$14
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.3
0
$9.21
$4.21
Efficient EV
21.9
0
$7.67
$3.51
EV Truck/SUV
35.1
0
$12.28
$5.61
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (68% 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
Brewster, NY
Afternoon
in Brewster on Thursday
Local time
4:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Islip, NY
Afternoon
in Islip on Thursday
Local time
4:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
34°F
Mount Vernon, NY
44 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
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
2h 1m 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 Brewster, NY to Islip, NY covers 87.7 miles and takes about 2h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Southern State Parkway, I 684, Hutchinson River Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 43.8 miles from Brewster, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.44 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 87.7 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 5.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Brewster, NY and Islip, NY, road signs point toward White Plains, New York City, Long Island, Cross Island Parkway South, Southern State Parkway East and Eastern Long Island - among others.
Yes. Nearby national parks include General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Fire Island National Seashore. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
