Origin
Brooklyn, NY
Evening in Brooklyn on Sunday
Local time
5:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Brooklyn, NY to Washington Heights, NY
Drive Time
37m
Distance
18.4 mi
30 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 34m
★
6 AM
0h 37m
8 AM
0h 44m
10 AM
0h 40m
12 PM
0h 39m
3 PM
0h 40m
5 PM
0h 43m
8 PM
0h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brooklyn, NY
Cristian Pedroso
Washington Heights, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Trip Overview
Navigating from Brooklyn to Washington Heights covers 17.8 miles within New York, making it a straightforward urban journey that easily fits into a single day. You should anticipate a travel time of approximately 48 minutes, though local traffic patterns will dictate your actual pace. This route relies entirely on local streets rather than highways, utilizing roads like Snyder Avenue, Rogers Avenue, and Linden Boulevard to cross the city. With a fuel cost estimate of just $3, this is an incredibly budget-friendly trip that requires no overnight stops. Because the entire drive remains within the Northeast region, you won't encounter significant climate or terrain shifts. It is a practical, no-frills transit between two distinct boroughs that requires your full attention on city navigation.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
9.2 miles from Brooklyn, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 19m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy, local-focused drive that demands constant engagement with your surroundings. Because the highway share is 0%, you will spend the entire 17.8 miles navigating through dense city blocks and intersections. There is no longest uninterrupted stretch to speak of, as the nature of these city streets requires frequent stops and adjustments. The personality of this drive is strictly functional, prioritizing connectivity over speed or scenic highway cruising. You will feel the pulse of the city as you transition from the neighborhood streets of Brooklyn through the urban grid toward Washington Heights.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 5.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in near I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 18.4 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 10.1 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
10.1 mi into trip
|
~21m in
|
I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan, Bronx
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan...
8
13.6 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Take the exit toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
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 46
Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
9
13.7 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Exit 46
Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
8
14.6 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street, 2nd Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street,...
8
17.3 mi into trip
|
~34m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge, Amsterdam Avenue, West 179 Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 24
Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washingto...
Towns Along This Route
Between Brooklyn, NY and Washington Heights, NY, road signs point toward La Guardia Airport, Manhattan, Bronx, Randalls Island and Harlem River Drive North.
La Guardia Airport
4.6 mi in
|
~11m
Manhattan
10.1 mi in
|
~21m
|
via I 278
Bronx
10.1 mi in
|
~21m
|
via I 278
Randalls Island
13.6 mi in
|
~27m
Harlem River Drive North
14.6 mi in
|
~29m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn-Queens Expressway | 5.4 mi | 9m |
| Washington Avenue | 2.6 mi | 6m |
| Harlem River Drive | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Robert F. Kennedy Bridge | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Grand Central Parkway | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Flatbush Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| West 179th Street | 0.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
— 5.4 mi, about 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brooklyn, NY and Washington Heights, NY.
1
Start on Nostrand Avenue
432 ft
·
21 sec
·
Nostrand Avenue
2
Turn right onto Snyder Avenue
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Snyder Avenue
3
Turn right onto Rogers Avenue
0.3 mi
·
59 sec
·
Rogers Avenue
Use the straight / none lanes.
4
Turn left onto NY 27
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
5
Turn slight right onto NY 27
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Caton Avenue
Use the none lane.
6
Turn right onto Flatbush Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Flatbush Avenue
Use the none lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto Washington Avenue
2.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Washington Avenue
Use the none lane.
8
Turn right onto Flushing Avenue
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Flushing Avenue
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn left onto Classon Avenue
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Classon Avenue
Use the left lane.
10
Turn left onto Kent Avenue
227 ft
·
5 sec
·
Kent Avenue
11
Turn right onto Williamsburg Street East
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Williamsburg Street East
Use the right lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 278 East: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, La Guardia Airport
13
Merge onto I 278
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West
Toward I 278 East: Triborough Bridge, Manhattan, Bronx
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto GCP; I 278
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Grand Central Parkway
Use the none lane.
17
Continue on I 278
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 46
Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 46
Toward Manhattan, Randalls Island
Use the none lane.
20
Continue on Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
21
Keep slight right at fork
127 ft
·
3 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive North, 125th Street, 2nd Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward Harlem River Drive North
Use the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto HRD
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Harlem River Drive
Use the none lane.
24
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 24
Toward I 95 South, US 1 South: George Washington Bridge, Amsterdam Avenue, West 179 Street
Use the slight left lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
Toward Amsterdam Avenue, West 179th Street, Yeshiva University
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
26
Turn right onto Amsterdam Avenue
125 ft
·
9 sec
·
Amsterdam Avenue
27
Turn left onto West 179th Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
West 179th Street
Toward G.W. Bridge, Fort Tryon Park, Cloisters Museum
28
Turn right onto US 9
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
Broadway
29
Arrive at destination
US 9
Trip Plan
Given the local nature of this 48-minute commute, you have significant flexibility in your departure time, though avoiding peak rush hours is always a smart move to keep your travel time consistent. Since there are no planned stops on this 17.8-mile stretch, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you leave; at a $3 fuel cost, it is a minor expense to manage. Keep your focus sharp, as the turn-heavy profile requires you to stay alert for frequent navigation changes along Snyder, Rogers, and Linden. Use your GPS actively to manage the complex city grid, as the lack of highway signage means you are relying solely on local street markers to reach your destination.
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 9.2 miles from Brooklyn, NY, or about 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 5.4 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 18.4 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 9.2 miles or 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington Heights, 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 18.4 miles and 37m.
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.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Brooklyn-Queens Expressway for about 5.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 9.2 mi from Brooklyn, NY · 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
9 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 18.4 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 9.2 miles from Brooklyn, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Washington Heights, NY
The final approach into Washington Heights, 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 Washington Heights, 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
$3.00 one way
$5.99 round trip
$4.14/gal
25.4 MPG avg
6 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $3.25 | $6.49 |
| premium | $4.88 | $3.54 | $7.07 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $4.09 | $8.18 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 6.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 5.5 | 0 | $1.93 | $0.88 |
| Efficient EV | 4.6 | 0 | $1.61 | $0.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 7.4 | 0 | $2.58 | $1.18 |
Gas CO2
6 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Washington Heights, NY
Evening in Washington Heights on Sunday
Local time
5:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
2 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
37m 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 Brooklyn, NY to Washington Heights, NY covers 18.4 miles and takes about 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Washington Avenue, Harlem River Drive. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 9.2 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 $3.00 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 25 significant decision points across 18.4 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 10.1 miles (I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Brooklyn, NY and Washington Heights, NY, road signs point toward La Guardia Airport, Manhattan, Bronx, Randalls Island and Harlem River Drive North.
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