Trip from Brooklyn, NY to Syracuse, NY

Drive Time

5h 19m

Distance

257.9 mi

415 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$42

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 6m ★

6 AM

5h 19m

8 AM

5h 46m

10 AM

5h 29m

12 PM

5h 26m

3 PM

5h 30m

5 PM

5h 45m

8 PM

5h 11m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Brooklyn, NY

Cristian Pedroso

Syracuse, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

Traveling from Brooklyn to Syracuse covers approximately 257.9 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 19 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused drive through the Northeast, it is manageable as a single-day trip. You should budget roughly $41 for fuel to complete the journey. Navigating primarily via I-81, the Christopher Columbus Highway, and I-380, you will transition from the dense urban environment of New York City into the heart of Upstate New York. While you could technically make this trek in one go, planning for at least one stop will help you stay alert during the five-plus hours behind the wheel.

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

128.9 miles from Brooklyn, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 46m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a straightforward, highway-heavy experience, as 71% of your journey is spent on major interstates. The route leans into a steady, efficient pace rather than technical, winding backroads. You will face your longest uninterrupted stretch on I-81, covering 128.5 miles of consistent highway driving. Because the profile is strictly highway-focused, the personality of the trip is functional and direct. Prepare for the steady rhythm of interstate travel as you transition through the Northeast corridor, allowing you to maintain a reliable speed for the duration of the trip.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 48 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 128.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.4 miles in near NY 27.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 38 significant decision points across 257.9 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 3.4 miles (NY 27): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 38 key points

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

3.4 mi into trip | ~7m in | NY 27

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 27 toward I 278 East: Queens, Bronx

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward I 278 East: Queens, Bronx

4.2 mi into trip | ~9m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 25 Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan

6.5 mi into trip | ~13m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel...

7.9 mi into trip | ~17m in

Take the exit toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey

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

Use the straight / left lanes. Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey

10.2 mi into trip | ~23m in | NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Bou...

Towns Along This Route

Between Brooklyn, NY and Syracuse, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Albany.

Del Water Gap

35.6 mi in | ~53m

Mahwah

35.9 mi in | ~54m | via I 80W

Albany

186.1 mi in | ~3h 54m | via I 81

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	128.5 mi	2h 31m
Christopher Columbus Highway	44.6 mi	52m
I 380	27.7 mi	30m
Keystone Shortway	17.3 mi	24m
NJ 3	10.9 mi	13m
US 46	10.8 mi	12m
Tonnelle Avenue	2.6 mi	3m
Holland Tunnel	1.8 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 128.5 mi, about 2h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Brooklyn, NY and Syracuse, NY.

Start on Nostrand Avenue

432 ft · 21 sec · Nostrand Avenue

Turn right onto Snyder Avenue

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Snyder Avenue

Turn right onto Rogers Avenue

0.3 mi · 59 sec · Rogers Avenue

Use the straight / none lanes.

Turn left onto NY 27

0.2 mi · 14 sec · Linden Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Turn slight right onto NY 27

0.4 mi · 40 sec · Caton Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto Saint Pauls Place

0.2 mi · 51 sec · Saint Pauls Place

At end of road, turn left onto Parkside Avenue

0.5 mi · 53 sec · Parkside Avenue

Enter roundabout onto Fort Hamilton Parkway

266 ft · 5 sec · Fort Hamilton Parkway

Continue on Fort Hamilton Parkway

33 ft · 0 sec · Fort Hamilton Parkway

Keep slight right at fork onto Ocean Parkway

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Ocean Parkway

Toward Prospect Avenue, Prospect Expressway North

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 19 sec

Toward NY 27 West: Prospect Expressway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

Merge onto NY 27

1.3 mi · 2 min · Prospect Expressway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 27

0.4 mi · 46 sec · NY 27

Toward I 278 East: Queens, Bronx Use the none lane.

Merge onto I 278

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Gowanus Expressway

Keep slight left at fork

2.3 mi · 4 min

Exit 25 Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Manhattan Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

230 ft · 10 sec

Toward NY 9A North: West Street, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge Use the right lane.

At end of road, turn right onto NY 9A

1.1 mi · 3 min · West Street

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto Vestry Street

0.2 mi · 47 sec · Vestry Street

Turn left onto Hudson Street

374 ft · 18 sec · Hudson Street

Use the straight / left lanes.

Take the exit

406 ft · 14 sec

Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey Use the straight / left lanes.

Merge onto I 78

1.8 mi · 3 min · Holland Tunnel

Continue on I 78

0.4 mi · 1 min · 14th Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139

0.3 mi · 24 sec · 14th Street Viaduct

Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City Use the none lane.

Continue on NJ 139

0.8 mi · 1 min · NJ 139 Lower Level

Continue on NJ 139

406 ft · 7 sec · Pulaski Skyway

Take the exit

420 ft · 14 sec

Toward US 1-9 North: Secausus Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto US 1; US 9

2.6 mi · 3 min · Tonnelle Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn straight onto NJ 3

11 mi · 13 min · NJ 3

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto US 46

11 mi · 12 min · US 46

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap

Continue on I 80W

1.6 mi · 1 min · Interstate 80 West

Toward I 287: Morristown, Mahwah Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 21 sec

Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water Gap Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 80

45 mi · 52 min · Christopher Columbus Highway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

5.5 mi · 8 min · Keystone Shortway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

12 mi · 15 min · Keystone Shortway

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 46 sec

Exit 293 Toward I 380 North: Scranton

Continue on I 380

28 mi · 30 min · I 380

Use the straight lane.

Merge onto I 81

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 81

Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

66 mi · 1 hr 17 min · I 81

Toward I 81 North: Syracuse Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

0.2 mi · 17 sec · I 81

Toward Syracuse Use the straight lane.

Continue on I-81

0.4 mi · 26 sec · I-81

Continue on I 81

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 81

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Toward Adams Street, Harrison Street Use the slight right lane.

Continue on Almond Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Almond Street

Use the left / slight left / straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto NY 92

0.3 mi · 36 sec · East Genesee Street

At end of road, turn right onto US 11

10 ft · 0 sec · South State Street

Arrive at destination

US 11

Trip Plan

To make the most of this five-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic patterns near Brooklyn. Since the route includes one recommended stop, use that break to stretch your legs and refuel after the initial highway segments. Keep in mind that the 257.9-mile distance requires sustained focus, so pacing yourself is essential for a safe arrival in Syracuse. Given the reliance on I-81 and I-380, monitor real-time traffic updates for any construction or congestion alerts on these major corridors. This flexibility allows you to adjust your pace as needed, ensuring you don't feel rushed on the longer, 128.5-mile stretches of the drive.

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 128.9 miles from Brooklyn, NY, or about 2h 46m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.5 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 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 128.9 miles or 2h 46m 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 23m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Brooklyn, 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 Brooklyn, NY

This is one driving day of about 257.9 miles and 5h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Brooklyn, 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 128.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 128.9 mi from Brooklyn, NY · 2h 46m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

129 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

Ramapo, 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 128.9 miles from Brooklyn, 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 128.5 miles.

Arriving in Syracuse, NY

The final approach into Syracuse, 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 Syracuse, NY.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.98 one way

$83.97 round trip

$4.14/gal 25.4 MPG avg 90 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.48	$45.50	$91.00
premium	$4.88	$49.58	$99.16
diesel	$5.64	$57.30	$114.59

Estimated Tolls: $16.00

Holland 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

$42

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$83–$108

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 90.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	77.4	0	$27.08	$12.38
Efficient EV	64.5	0	$22.57	$10.32
EV Truck/SUV	103.2	1	$36.11	$16.51

Gas CO2

90 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (67% 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 3 days ago

Origin

Brooklyn, NY

Afternoon in Brooklyn on Sunday

Local time

3:54 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Syracuse, NY

Afternoon in Syracuse on Sunday

Local time

3:54 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

59°F

Ramapo, NY

129 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

5 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 19m 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 Brooklyn, NY to Syracuse, NY covers 257.9 miles and takes about 5h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 81, Christopher Columbus Highway, 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 128.9 miles from Brooklyn, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $41.98 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.

Between Brooklyn, NY and Syracuse, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah and Albany.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Syracuse, NY to Brooklyn, NY

Plan the drive back the other way.

253.4 mi 5h 19m

Explore more options from Brooklyn, NY or browse trips ending in Syracuse, NY.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.

Explore maps for Brooklyn, NY or Syracuse, NY on MapSof.net.

Trip from Brooklyn, NY to Syracuse, NY

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Syracuse, NY

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Brooklyn, NY

Syracuse, NY

Same local time

5 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 19m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Syracuse, NY

More from Brooklyn, NY

More trips to Syracuse, NY