Traveling from Cambridge to Brooklyn covers 198.6 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 55 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate sprint, you should plan for a full day on the road. You can easily complete this journey in a single day, as it is well-suited for a one-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. Budgeting approximately $31 for fuel will get you from the rural Northeast down to the dense urban environment of New York City. This route is a practical choice if you prefer a more hands-on driving experience over the monotony of major highways. It provides a direct connection across New York State while keeping your travel costs predictable.
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
97.6 miles from Cambridge, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 13m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 20m. Total distance: 195.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a very different experience than a typical highway commute, as this route features zero highway driving. You will navigate through local roads like West Main Street, South Park Street, and Highway 67, which creates a turn-heavy profile that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. The road's personality is defined by constant adjustments rather than long, uninterrupted stretches of asphalt. As you transition from the quiet surroundings of Cambridge into the bustling streets of Brooklyn, the pace of the drive remains consistent and localized. This technical, non-highway drive requires your full attention throughout the 198.6-mile journey.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 44 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
New York State Thruway is the longest continuous segment at about 111.2 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 152.6 miles in near NY 17.
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 26 significant decision points across 195.2 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 152.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 183.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
152.6 mi into trip|~3h 16m in|NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
154 mi into trip|~3h 18m in|NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
183.8 mi into trip|~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
188.6 mi into trip|~4h 7m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
7
191.7 mi into trip|~4h 13m in|NY 27
Take the exit onto NY 27 toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 24
Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cambridge, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken.
Massachusetts Turnpike
40.9 mi in|~1h 7m
Exits 22-1
40.9 mi in|~1h 7m
Jersey City
183.7 mi in|~3h 56m|via US 1; US 9
Pulaski Skyway
183.7 mi in|~3h 56m|via US 1; US 9
Hoboken
183.8 mi in|~3h 56m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
111.2 mi
2h 8m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
State Highway 67
10.9 mi
17m
I 787
10.5 mi
15m
South Park Street
5.3 mi
8m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Melrose-Valley Falls Road
3.9 mi
6m
Oakwood Avenue
3.4 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 111.2 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cambridge, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on Broad Street
56 ft·9 sec·Broad Street
2
Turn left onto 372
0.3 mi·42 sec·West Main Street
3
Turn right onto NY 22
5.3 mi·8 min·South Park Street
4
Turn right onto NY 67
11 mi·17 min·State Highway 67
5
Turn left onto CR 117
0.6 mi·1 min·State Street
6
Continue on CR 117
2.4 mi·4 min·Melrose-Valley Falls Road
7
Continue on CR 119
1.4 mi·1 min·CR 119 - Madigan Road
8
Turn slight right onto CR 117
1.5 mi·2 min·Melrose-Valley Falls Road
9
Turn straight onto NY 40
2.6 mi·4 min·State Highway 40
10
Continue on NY 40
1.1 mi·2 min·Speigletown Road
11
Continue on NY 40
518 ft·13 sec·Brickyard Road
12
Continue on NY 40
0.6 mi·1 min·Leversee Road
13
Turn right onto NY 40; NY 142
465 ft·18 sec·Plank Road
14
Turn left onto NY 40
3.4 mi·7 min·Oakwood Avenue
15
Continue on NY 40
392 ft·14 sec·10th Street
16
Turn right onto NY 7
513 ft·16 sec·Hoosick Street
Use the right lane.
17
Turn right onto I 787; NY 7
0.5 mi·42 sec·I 787; NY 7
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 787
9.4 mi·13 min·I 787
Use the slight right lane.
19
Continue on I 787
0.6 mi·1 min·I 787
Exit 1Toward I 87 Toll: New York State Thruway
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 South: New York, Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1
21
Merge onto I 87
111 mi·2 hr 8 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
23
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
24
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
26
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
30
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
31
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
32
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
34
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
35
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
36
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
37
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
38
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
39
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
40
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
41
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
43
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
44
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Since the route relies entirely on local roads, flexibility is your best asset for managing traffic flow. You should plan for one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and break up the nearly four-hour drive. Leaving early in the morning is a smart move to avoid congestion as you approach the city limits. Keep a close eye on your navigation, as the reliance on local streets like Highway 67 means you will encounter frequent turns that require constant vigilance. Because you won't be relying on high-speed interstates, ensure your fuel tank is ready for the duration of the trip, keeping the $31 estimated cost in mind for your budget planning.
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 97.6 miles from Cambridge, NY, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.2 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 43 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.6 miles or 2h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, NY
This is one driving day of about 195.2 miles and 4h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Cambridge, 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 New York State Thruway for about 111.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 97.6 mi from Cambridge, NY
· 2h 13m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Federal Hall National Memorial
National Memorial
Here at Federal Hall, George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States, marking the beginning of the American constitutional republic. This historic site served as...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 188.5
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 188.5
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...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 188.5
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 188.5
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 188.5
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 188.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.13 one way
$64.26 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg68 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$34.74
$69.49
premium
$4.92
$37.83
$75.67
diesel
$5.61
$43.10
$86.20
Estimated Tolls: $21.56
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(111.2 mi)$5.56
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
$32
Tolls
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
58.6
0
$20.50
$9.37
Efficient EV
48.8
0
$17.08
$7.81
EV Truck/SUV
78.1
0
$27.33
$12.49
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (66% 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 14, 2026
Origin
Cambridge, NY
Afternoon
in Cambridge on Friday
Local time
2:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Afternoon
in Brooklyn on Friday
Local time
2:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 3 to 12 mph9% chanceLive 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
98 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
24 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
4h 20m 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 Cambridge, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 195.2 miles and takes about 4h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, NJ 17, State Highway 67. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 97.6 miles from Cambridge, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $32.13 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 195.2 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 152.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 183.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Cambridge, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Massachusetts Turnpike, Exits 22-1, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Federal Hall National Memorial, African Burial Ground National Monument and Castle Clinton National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
