Origin
Buchanan, NY
Evening in Buchanan on Sunday
Local time
6:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Buchanan, NY to Hempstead, NY
Drive Time
1h 24m
Distance
54 mi
87 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 18m
★
6 AM
1h 24m
8 AM
1h 37m
10 AM
1h 29m
12 PM
1h 28m
3 PM
1h 29m
5 PM
1h 37m
8 PM
1h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Buchanan, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Trip Overview
Connecting Buchanan to Hempstead, this 54-mile journey takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes to complete. It is a straightforward trip that fits perfectly into a single day, making an overnight stay unnecessary. You can expect to spend about $9 on fuel for the trek, which primarily utilizes the Sprain Brook Parkway, US 9, and the Clearview Expressway. Because both the origin and destination are located within the Northeast, you will remain in a familiar regional environment throughout the drive. This route is an efficient way to navigate between these two points, offering a practical, highway-focused experience for those looking to reach their destination without unnecessary delays.
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
27 miles from Buchanan, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 40m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip dominated by highway travel, as 73 percent of this route consists of high-speed roads. You will find yourself navigating a mix of parkway driving and expressway transitions, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 12.8 miles along the Sprain Brook Parkway. The character of the drive is functional rather than leisurely, emphasizing consistency and speed over winding backroads. As you move from US 9 onto the larger parkways and expressways, the traffic flow becomes the primary focus of your time behind the wheel. Prepare for a steady, focused driving experience that prioritizes getting you to your destination efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 35 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Sprain Brook Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 12.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Sprain Brook Parkway and US 9. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.6 miles in near Sprain Brook Parkway.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 54 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 15.6 miles (Sprain Brook Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
15.6 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
Sprain Brook Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto Sprain Brook Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
28.9 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Take the exit toward Cross County Parkway East, Mount Vernon
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 11E
Toward Cross County Parkway East, Mount Vernon
8
30 mi into trip
|
~45m in
Take the exit toward NY 22: North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon
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 8
Toward NY 22: North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vern...
9
36.7 mi into trip
|
~56m 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...
6
45.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m in
|
NY 25 / Hillside Avenue
Turn left onto NY 25 / Hillside Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Buchanan, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward New York City, Cross County Parkway East, Mount Vernon and Long Island.
New York City
13.2 mi in
|
~20m
Cross County Parkway East
28.9 mi in
|
~42m
Mount Vernon
28.9 mi in
|
~42m
Long Island
36.7 mi in
|
~56m
|
via I 695
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sprain Brook Parkway | 12.8 mi | 17m |
| US 9 | 12.4 mi | 19m |
| Clearview Expressway | 5 mi | 5m |
| North Columbus Avenue | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Throgs Neck Expressway | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| New England Thruway | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Tulip Avenue | 2 mi | 3m |
| Throgs Neck Bridge | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Sprain Brook Parkway
— 12.8 mi, about 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buchanan, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on this road
28 ft
·
3 sec
·
this road
2
Continue on Tate Avenue
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Tate Avenue
3
Turn slight left onto NY 9A
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
Albany Post Road
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
5
Merge onto US 9
12 mi
·
19 min
·
US 9
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward New York City
7
Merge onto Taconic State Parkway
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Taconic State Parkway
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto Sprain Brook Parkway
13 mi
·
17 min
·
Sprain Brook Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on Bronx River Parkway
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
Bronx River Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 11E
Toward Cross County Parkway East, Mount Vernon
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto Cross County Parkway (local lanes)
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Cross County Parkway (local lanes)
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 8
Toward NY 22: North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn straight onto Parkway South
380 ft
·
15 sec
·
Parkway South
Toward NY 22
14
Turn right onto NY 22
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
North Columbus Avenue
Use the none lane.
15
Continue on NY 22
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
South 3rd Avenue
16
Continue on NY 22
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Provost Avenue
17
Continue on Conner Street
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Conner Street
18
Turn right onto New England Thruway
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
·
New England Thruway
19
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 95 South
20
Merge onto I 95
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
New England Thruway
Use the none lane.
21
Continue on I 95
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Bruckner Expressway
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Expressway
Exit 7A
Toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Clearview Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Braddock Avenue
Use the none lane.
27
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
Jamaica Avenue
Use the none lane.
28
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
Jericho Turnpike
Use the none lane.
29
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
30
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
New Hyde Park Road
31
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
32
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Front Street
Use the right lane.
33
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
34
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Peninsula Boulevard
Use the none lane.
35
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
Since this drive clocks in at under an hour and a half, you have significant flexibility in your departure schedule. To avoid the heaviest traffic common on these major parkways and expressways, consider traveling during off-peak hours whenever possible. With no planned stops required for this 54-mile distance, you can easily complete the trip in one go without the need for extended breaks. Keep your $9 fuel budget in mind as you plan, and ensure your vehicle is ready for a continuous highway drive. A helpful tip for this specific route is to monitor local traffic reports for the Clearview Expressway before you depart, as conditions on this stretch can change quickly.
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 27 miles from Buchanan, NY, or about 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 12.8 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 54 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 27 miles or 40m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Buchanan, 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 Buchanan, NY
This is one driving day of about 54 miles and 1h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Buchanan, 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 Sprain Brook Parkway for about 12.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 27 mi from Buchanan, NY · 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
27 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 27 miles from Buchanan, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Hempstead, NY
The final approach into Hempstead, 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 Hempstead, 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
$8.79 one way
$17.58 round trip
$4.14/gal
25.4 MPG avg
19 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $9.53 | $19.05 |
| premium | $4.88 | $10.38 | $20.76 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.00 | $23.99 |
Estimated Tolls: $6.88
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
Hempstead Turnpike
(2 mi)
$0.14
New England Thruway
(1.5 mi)
$0.11
New England Thruway
(0.5 mi)
$0.04
Jericho Turnpike
(0.5 mi)
$0.04
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
$9
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.2 | 0 | $5.67 | $2.59 |
| Efficient EV | 13.5 | 0 | $4.73 | $2.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 21.6 | 0 | $7.56 | $3.46 |
Gas CO2
19 kg
EV CO2
6 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.
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Evening in Hempstead on Sunday
Local time
6:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
26°F
Mount Vernon, NY
27 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
22 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
1h 24m 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 Buchanan, NY to Hempstead, NY covers 54 miles and takes about 1h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Sprain Brook Parkway, US 9, Clearview Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 27 miles from Buchanan, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.79 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 24 significant decision points across 54 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 15.6 miles (Sprain Brook Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Buchanan, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward New York City, Cross County Parkway East, Mount Vernon and Long Island.
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