Origin
Brighton, NY
Morning in Brighton on Wednesday
Local time
7:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Brighton, NY to Queens, NY
Data updated 4 hours ago
Drive Time
7h
Distance
323.3 mi
520 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$53
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 50m
★
6 AM
7h 1m
8 AM
7h 24m
10 AM
7h 9m
12 PM
7h 7m
3 PM
7h 10m
5 PM
7h 22m
8 PM
6h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brighton, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Queens, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Brighton to Queens covers 353.4 miles and typically takes about 6 hours and 1 minute of driving time. Because this journey fits comfortably into a single day, there is no need to split it into an overnight trip unless you prefer a slower pace. Expect to spend approximately $56 on fuel to complete the trek across New York State. This route connects the Rochester area directly to the heart of New York City, transitioning you from the suburban Northeast to the dense urban environment of the boroughs. It is a straightforward trip that serves as a practical link between two distinct regions of the state, making it an efficient choice for those looking to reach their destination without unnecessary delays.
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
161.6 miles from Brighton, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 30m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route features a 0% highway share, meaning you will navigate local infrastructure for the duration of the 353.4-mile trip. The road personality is defined by frequent adjustments rather than long, straight stretches of pavement. You should anticipate a technical driving experience that requires active steering and constant navigation through local turns. This is not a cruise-control type of journey; instead, it is a hands-on drive that keeps you engaged with the road as you make your way toward Queens.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 63 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?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 42.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 50 significant decision points across 323.3 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 42.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 192.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 292.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 50 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
42.7 mi into trip
|
~51m in
Take the exit toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
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 41
Toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
9
192.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 7m 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
292.9 mi into trip
|
~6h 7m 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
309.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 28m 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
315.4 mi into trip
|
~6h 43m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Brighton, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Clyde, Mt Pocono, Milford and Clifton.
Clyde
42.7 mi in
|
~51m
Mt Pocono
192.9 mi in
|
~4h 7m
|
via US 6
Milford
193.7 mi in
|
~4h 8m
|
via I 84; I 380
Clifton
292.9 mi in
|
~6h 7m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 98.8 mi | 1h 57m |
| Keystone Shortway | 70.8 mi | 1h 27m |
| New York State Thruway | 30 mi | 34m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Eastern Expressway | 10.8 mi | 13m |
| NJ 3 | 10.5 mi | 11m |
| East Lake Road | 9.9 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 41 | 9.8 mi | 13m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brighton, NY and Queens, NY.
1
Start on this road
177 ft
·
18 sec
·
this road
2
Turn sharp right onto Halstead Street
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Halstead Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto North Winton Road
453 ft
·
14 sec
·
North Winton Road
4
Turn left onto University Avenue
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
University Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left onto NY 96
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
East Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 490 East
7
Merge onto I 490
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Eastern Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 90 East: Albany
9
Merge onto I 90
30 mi
·
34 min
·
New York State Thruway
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Exit 41
Toward NY 414: Waterloo, Clyde
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
327 ft
·
7 sec
12
Continue on NY 414
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
State Route 414
13
Turn left onto NY 318
4.1 mi
·
7 min
·
NY 318
Use the left lane.
14
At end of road, turn left onto US 20; NY 5
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Auburn Road
15
Continue on US 20; NY 5
9.6 mi
·
11 min
·
Clark Street Road
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn right onto State Street
226 ft
·
12 sec
·
State Street
17
Turn left onto Dill Street
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Dill Street
18
Continue on Loop Road
458 ft
·
16 sec
·
Loop Road
19
Turn left onto Genesee Street
5.5 mi
·
9 min
·
Genesee Street
20
Continue on US 20
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
West Genesee Street Road
21
Turn right onto NY 41
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Lake Street
22
Continue on NY 41
9.4 mi
·
13 min
·
East Lake Road
23
Continue on NY 41
4.8 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 41
24
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
East Lake Road
25
Continue on NY 41
9.8 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 41
26
Turn right onto NY 281
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North West Street
27
Take the ramp
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the left lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
29
Merge onto I 81
45 mi
·
54 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
Use the straight lane.
31
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.
32
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.
33
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
34
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
35
Merge onto I 80
71 mi
·
1 hr 27 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Exit 53
Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
37
Merge onto US 46
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US 46
38
Continue on US 46
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 46
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Turn slight left onto NJ 3
11 mi
·
11 min
·
NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel, Kennedy Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
41
Merge onto NJ 495
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
NJ 495
42
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward Weehawken, Hoboken, Ferries to New York City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43
Continue on South Marginal Highway
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
South Marginal Highway
44
Turn right onto Boulevard East
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Boulevard East
Use the left lane.
45
Take the ramp
123 ft
·
14 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
Use the straight / right lanes.
46
Turn right
0.2 mi
·
57 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel access
47
Merge onto NJ 495
1.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Lincoln Tunnel
48
Keep slight right at fork
265 ft
·
6 sec
Toward Dyer Avenue
49
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft
·
8 sec
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden
50
Continue on Dyer Avenue
350 ft
·
19 sec
·
Dyer Avenue
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden
Use the left / straight lanes.
51
Turn left onto West 36th Street
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
West 36th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
52
Take the ramp
68 ft
·
1 sec
Toward I 495: Queens-Midtown Tunnel
53
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
I 495
54
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.
55
Merge onto I 495
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Long Island Expressway
56
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 19
Toward NY 25: Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
57
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
58
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
Toward Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
59
Turn right onto Woodhaven Boulevard
3.9 mi
·
10 min
·
Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the right lane.
60
Turn left onto Rockaway Boulevard
344 ft
·
9 sec
·
Rockaway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
61
Turn slight left onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Liberty Avenue
62
Turn right onto 104th Street
205 ft
·
9 sec
·
104th Street
63
Arrive at destination
104th Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a 6-hour and 1-minute commitment, timing your departure is essential to avoid unnecessary congestion. Leaving early in the morning can help you manage the technical, turn-heavy nature of the route before traffic levels peak. With a fuel budget of $56, verify your gas levels before heading out, as local roads may not offer the same quick-access service plazas found on major highways. Because there are 0 scheduled stops, you have the flexibility to pull over whenever you need a break, so prioritize your comfort throughout the day. Keep a close eye on your navigation to handle the frequent turns safely and efficiently as you transition from Brighton to your final destination.
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 161.6 miles from Brighton, NY, or about 3h 30m 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 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 161.6 miles or 3h 30m 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 33m
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 Brighton, 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 Brighton, NY
This is one driving day of about 323.3 miles and 7h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Brighton, 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 I 81 for about 98.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 161.6 mi from Brighton, NY · 3h 30m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
162 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 161.6 miles from Brighton, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop 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
$53.22 one way
$106.43 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
113 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $57.54 | $115.09 |
| premium | $4.92 | $62.66 | $125.32 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $71.38 | $142.76 |
Estimated Tolls: $17.50
Lincoln Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(30 mi)
$1.50
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
$53
Tolls
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$96–$121
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 113.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 97 | 1 | $33.95 | $15.52 |
| Efficient EV | 80.8 | 0 | $28.29 | $12.93 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 129.3 | 1 | $45.26 | $20.69 |
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.
Destination
Queens, NY
Morning in Queens on Wednesday
Local time
7:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 13 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 11:13PM EDT until April 16 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
57°F
Ramapo, 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
30 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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Brighton, NY to Queens, NY covers 323.3 miles and takes about 7h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Keystone Shortway, New York State Thruway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 161.6 miles from Brighton, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $53.22 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks 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 50 significant decision points across 323.3 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 42.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 192.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 292.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Brighton, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Clyde, Mt Pocono, Milford and Clifton.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Queens, NY
More from Brighton, NY
More trips to Queens, NY
Explore more options from Brighton, NY or browse trips ending in Queens, NY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.
Explore maps for Brighton, NY or Queens, NY on MapSof.net.