This 84.1-mile drive from Chestnut Ridge, NY, to Brookhaven, NY, is a straightforward 1 hour and 59-minute journey, making it a perfect day trip. Primarily utilizing major highways like the Long Island Expressway and the Cross Bronx Expressway, this route is largely highway-focused, accounting for 83% of the total distance. With an estimated fuel cost of $14, it's an economical option for getting across Long Island. You'll be spending the bulk of your time on the Long Island Expressway, which features a continuous stretch of 43.5 miles. This route is entirely within New York, so you won't be crossing regional boundaries.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42 miles from Chestnut Ridge, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 84.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 84.1-mile trip, with 83% of the drive on major roadways. You'll navigate through sections of the NJ 4, Cross Bronx Expressway, and the well-trafficked Long Island Expressway. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a substantial 43.5 miles on the Long Island Expressway, so be prepared for sustained highway driving. While not a scenic tour, this route prioritizes efficient travel between its New York destinations.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Long Island Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 43.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Long Island Expressway and NJ 4. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 84.1 miles you will encounter 23 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.7 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
10.3 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward NJ 17 South: Paramus, George Washington Bridge
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 163
Toward NJ 17 South: Paramus, George Washington...
8
26.7 mi into trip|~39m in|I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
8
34.4 mi into trip|~49m in
Take the exit toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
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 4E-W
Toward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long Island
8
34.6 mi into trip|~50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 4E
Toward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, East...
8
78.3 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward CR 16: Horse Block Road, Centereach, Shirley
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 65
Toward CR 16: Horse Block Road, Centereach, Shi...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Chestnut Ridge, NY and Brookhaven, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York, Eastern Long Island, Centereach and Shirley - among others.
Gsp South: Paterson
11.7 mi in|~17m
Fort Lee
11.7 mi in|~17m
New York
11.7 mi in|~17m
Eastern Long Island
34.4 mi in|~49m
Centereach
78.3 mi in|~1h 49m
Shirley
78.3 mi in|~1h 49m
Cr 101: Yaphank
78.6 mi in|~1h 50m|via Express Drive South
Riverhead
78.6 mi in|~1h 50m|via Express Drive South
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Long Island Expressway
43.5 mi
59m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Garden State Parkway
6.4 mi
7m
Horseblock Road
4.1 mi
6m
Chestnut Ridge Road
3.5 mi
6m
Clearview Expressway
3.2 mi
3m
Throgs Neck Bridge
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Long Island Expressway
— 43.5 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chestnut Ridge, NY and Brookhaven, NY.
1
Start on this road
105 ft·14 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto NY 45
3.5 mi·6 min·Chestnut Ridge Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Turn left onto CR 92
0.1 mi·21 sec·Glen Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward GSP Toll South
5
Merge onto GSP
3.6 mi·4 min·Garden State Parkway
6
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
2.8 mi·3 min·Garden State Parkway
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 163Toward NJ 17 South: Paramus, George Washington BridgeUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto NJ 17
0.7 mi·51 sec·NJ 17
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
11
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
12
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
14
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
16
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
18
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
21
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 295
3.2 mi·3 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 4E-WToward I 495: Manhattan, Eastern Long IslandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 4EToward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island
25
Merge onto I 495
43 mi·59 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 65Toward CR 16: Horse Block Road, Centereach, ShirleyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Turn straight onto Express Drive South
0.2 mi·21 sec·Express Drive South
Toward I 495, CR 101: Yaphank, Riverhead
28
Turn slight right onto CR 16
4.1 mi·6 min·Horseblock Road
Use the right lane.
29
At end of road, turn right onto CR 80
0.9 mi·1 min·Montauk Highway
Use the right lane.
30
Turn left onto CR 36
0.4 mi·50 sec·South Country Road
Use the left lane.
31
Arrive at destination
CR 36
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this 84.1-mile route is easily manageable in a single day. You can leave anytime, but avoiding peak rush hour traffic on the Cross Bronx Expressway and Long Island Expressway is advisable. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is 43.5 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you get on that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, it's an economical trip, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the longer highway portions.
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 42 miles from Chestnut Ridge, NY, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.5 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 19 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42 miles or 1h 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brookhaven, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chestnut Ridge, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Chestnut Ridge, NY
This is one driving day of about 84.1 miles and 1h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Chestnut Ridge, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Long Island Expressway for about 43.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 42 mi from Chestnut Ridge, NY
· 1h into the drive
The midpoint is around 42 miles from Chestnut Ridge, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Brookhaven, NY
The final approach into Brookhaven, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
National Memorial
Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...
The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict...
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 84.1
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...
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 20.3
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 20.3
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 20.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.84 one way
$27.69 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$14.97
$29.94
premium
$4.92
$16.30
$32.60
diesel
$5.61
$18.57
$37.14
Estimated Tolls: $22.93
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
Garden State Parkway
(6.4 mi)$0.38
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
$14
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
25.2
0
$8.83
$4.04
Efficient EV
21
0
$7.36
$3.36
EV Truck/SUV
33.6
0
$11.77
$5.38
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 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 16, 2026
Origin
Chestnut Ridge, NY
Evening
in Chestnut Ridge on Thursday
Local time
8:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brookhaven, NY
Evening
in Brookhaven on Thursday
Local time
8:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 10 mph0% chanceLive 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
32 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
1h 59m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Chestnut Ridge, NY to Brookhaven, NY covers 84.1 miles and takes about 1h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Long Island Expressway, NJ 4, Cross Bronx 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 42 miles from Chestnut Ridge, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.84 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 84.1 miles you will encounter 23 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.7 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Chestnut Ridge, NY and Brookhaven, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York, Eastern Long Island, Centereach and Shirley - among others.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Fire Island National Seashore. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
