The drive from Colton, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 343.6 miles and takes about 7h 29m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 87, Adirondack Northway, State Highway 28N for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 118.6 miles on I 87.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $56.56 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
171.8 miles from Colton, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 54m into the drive
.
Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city.
Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest.
Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
Top landmarks
•Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
•Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 29m. Total distance: 343.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 29m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This is a 7h 29m highway drive covering 343.6 miles, with most of the trip on I 87 and Adirondack Northway. The longest continuous stretch is about 118.6 miles on I 87.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 50 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 87 is the longest continuous segment at about 118.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 87 and Adirondack Northway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 182.4 miles in near I 87.
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 28 significant decision points across 343.6 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 182.4 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 301 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 302.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 28 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
182.4 mi into trip|~4h 7m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, Buffalo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1E-W
Toward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New Yo...
9
301 mi into trip|~6h 25m 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
302.4 mi into trip|~6h 27m 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
332.3 mi into trip|~7h 4m 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
337 mi into trip|~7h 16m 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 Colton, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York and Buffalo.
Albany
182.4 mi in|~4h 7m|via I 87
New York
182.4 mi in|~4h 7m|via I 87
Buffalo
182.4 mi in|~4h 7m|via I 87
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 87
118.6 mi
2h 17m
Adirondack Northway
77 mi
1h 30m
State Highway 28N
30.3 mi
43m
State Highway 56
23.1 mi
34m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
Adirondack Trail
19.3 mi
27m
State Route 3
14.8 mi
20m
Olmstedville Road
4.8 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 87
— 118.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colton, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on NY 56
23 mi·34 min·State Highway 56
2
At end of road, turn left onto NY 3
15 mi·20 min·State Route 3
3
Continue on NY 3
1.0 mi·2 min·Main Street
4
Continue on NY 3
1.2 mi·2 min·Demars Boulevard
5
Continue on NY 3
0.1 mi·30 sec·Lake Street
6
Turn left onto NY 3
282 ft·12 sec·Mill Street
7
Turn right onto NY 30
0.2 mi·33 sec·East Park Street
8
Turn left onto NY 30
1.9 mi·3 min·Wawbeek Avenue
9
Continue on NY 30
0.8 mi·1 min·Adirondack Trail
10
Continue on NY 30
0.5 mi·46 sec·Moody Road
11
Continue on NY 30
18 mi·25 min·Adirondack Trail
12
Continue on NY 30
0.3 mi·42 sec·Lake Street
13
Continue on NY 30
0.4 mi·58 sec·Adirondack Trail
14
At end of road, turn left onto NY 28N
0.7 mi·1 min·State Highway 28N
15
Continue on NY 28N
2.5 mi·3 min·Newcomb Road
16
Continue on NY 28N
30 mi·41 min·State Highway 28N
17
Turn slight left onto CR 30
2.8 mi·4 min·A P Morse Highway
18
Keep slight left at fork onto Donnelly Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Donnelly Road
19
Continue on CR 29
1.2 mi·1 min·County Highway 29
20
Continue on CR 19
4.8 mi·7 min·Olmstedville Road
21
Turn straight onto US 9
0.2 mi·38 sec·US 9
22
Turn left onto Valley Farm Road
0.3 mi·33 sec·Valley Farm Road
23
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
24
Merge onto I 87
77 mi·1 hr 30 min·Adirondack Northway
Use the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
0.3 mi·31 sec·I 87
Exit 1E-WToward I 87 South, I 90: Boston, Albany, New York, BuffaloUse the slight right lane.
26
Continue on I 87
0.5 mi·51 sec·I 87
Exit 1WToward I 87 South, I 90 West: New York, Buffalo
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·I 87
Toward I 87 South: New YorkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
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.
29
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
30
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.
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
32
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
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
35
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
36
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
37
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
38
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
40
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
41
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
42
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
43
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
44
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
45
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.
46
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.
47
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
48
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
49
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
50
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 171.8 miles from Colton, NY, or about 3h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.6 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 76 miles or 1h 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 171.8 miles or 3h 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 5m
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 Colton, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Colton, NY
This is one driving day of about 343.6 miles and 7h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Colton, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 87 for about 118.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 171.8 mi from Colton, NY
· 3h 54m 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.
Stonewall National Monument
National Monument
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 331.8
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 331.8
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 331.8
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 331.8
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 331.8
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 331.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.56 one way
$113.12 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg120 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$61.16
$122.32
premium
$4.92
$66.60
$133.19
diesel
$5.61
$75.86
$151.73
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
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
$57
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$98–$123
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 120.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
103.1
1
$36.08
$16.49
Efficient EV
85.9
0
$30.07
$13.74
EV Truck/SUV
137.4
1
$48.10
$21.99
Gas CO2
120 kg
EV CO2
40 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 14, 2026
Origin
Colton, NY
Late night
in Colton on Saturday
Local time
4:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night
in Brooklyn on Saturday
Local time
4:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Mostly Cloudy then Isolated Rain Showers
W 5 to 10 mph17% 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
23 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
7h 29m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Colton, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 343.6 miles and takes about 7h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 87, Adirondack Northway, State Highway 28N. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 171.8 miles from Colton, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $56.56 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks 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 28 significant decision points across 343.6 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 182.4 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 301 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 302.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Colton, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York and Buffalo.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Stonewall National Monument, 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.
