This 273.7-mile journey from Central Square, NY, to East Flatbush, NY, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 72% of the drive utilizing major interstates. You can expect a fuel cost of around $45 for this trip. Given the manageable duration and the majority of the drive being on main roads like I 81, I 380, and the Keystone Shortway, it's a straightforward trip that doesn't necessarily require an overnight stop. This drive stays within the Northeast region, making it a convenient connection within the area.
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
136.8 miles from Central Square, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 43m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 45m. Total distance: 273.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of the 273.7 miles, with 72% of the route on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 146.2 miles on I 81, offering a significant period of consistent travel. While primarily interstate, the inclusion of routes like the Keystone Shortway and I 380 adds some variety to the driving experience. This means you'll spend a good portion of your 5-hour and 45-minute journey covering distance efficiently on high-speed roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 37 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 146.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 95.5 miles in near I 81.
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 24 significant decision points across 273.7 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 95.5 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 260.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
95.5 mi into trip|~1h 54m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
148.8 mi into trip|~2h 57m 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...
7
260.9 mi into trip|~5h 17m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland 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.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
261.1 mi into trip|~5h 17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
266.2 mi into trip|~5h 29m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Central Square, NY and East Flatbush, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Mt Pocono
148.8 mi in|~2h 57m|via US 6
Milford
149.6 mi in|~2h 58m|via I 84; I 380
Newark
241.2 mi in|~4h 49m
Cr 508 East: Jersey City
257.8 mi in|~5h 11m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
146.2 mi
2h 54m
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
2 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
NY 27
1.8 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 146.2 mi, about 2h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Central Square, NY and East Flatbush, NY.
1
Start on US 11
61 ft·1 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn slight right
150 ft·5 sec
3
Turn straight onto NY 49
1.1 mi·1 min·East Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward I 81 South
5
Merge onto I 81
9.3 mi·10 min·I 81
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I-81
0.5 mi·33 sec·I-81
7
Continue on I 81
11 mi·14 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi·48 sec·I-81
9
Continue on I 81
73 mi·1 hr 25 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
15
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
17
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
19
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
24
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
25
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
26
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
28
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
29
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
30
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
31
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
32
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
33
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.
34
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.
35
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Continue on NY 27
1.4 mi·3 min·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
37
Arrive at destination
NY 27
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour and 45-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach East Flatbush. With the longest stretch being 146.2 miles, plan for one main stop roughly halfway through your journey. The estimated fuel cost is $45, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Central Square. Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your timing and stops as needed. Keep an eye on your GPS for any unexpected delays on I 81 or I 380.
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 136.8 miles from Central Square, NY, or about 2h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 146.2 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 60 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.8 miles or 2h 43m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Flatbush, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Central Square, 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 Central Square, NY
This is one driving day of about 273.7 miles and 5h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Central Square, 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 146.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 136.8 mi from Central Square, NY
· 2h 43m 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.
African Burial Ground National Monument
National Monument
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
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 264.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.05 one way
$90.11 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$48.72
$97.43
premium
$4.92
$53.05
$106.10
diesel
$5.61
$60.43
$120.86
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$45
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.1
1
$28.74
$13.14
Efficient EV
68.4
0
$23.95
$10.95
EV Truck/SUV
109.5
1
$38.32
$17.52
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Central Square, NY
Afternoon
in Central Square on Friday
Local time
1:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
East Flatbush, NY
Afternoon
in East Flatbush on Friday
Local time
1:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°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
9 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
5h 45m 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 Central Square, NY to East Flatbush, NY covers 273.7 miles and takes about 5h 45m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Keystone Shortway, 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 136.8 miles from Central Square, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.05 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 24 significant decision points across 273.7 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 95.5 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 260.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Central Square, NY and East Flatbush, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Yes. Nearby national parks include African Burial Ground National Monument, Federal Hall National Memorial and Stonewall 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.
