Colton, NY to Staten Island, NY is 351.4 miles and takes about 7h 38m via I 87, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily takes you south through New York State, starting in the Northeast region and ending in the same region. It's a highway-focused trip, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on interstates, making it a straightforward journey. With a recommended one-day drive, you can expect a relatively efficient transit between these two points. Consider this route if you need to get from upstate New York to the New York City area without much fuss.
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
175.7 miles from Colton, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 59m into the drive
.
Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.
Top landmarks
•Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
•Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 38m. Total distance: 351.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 38m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 65% of the route utilizing major interstates like I 87, also known as the Adirondack Northway. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 118.6 miles on I 87, which means you can cover significant ground without frequent exits. While the majority is highway, the inclusion of State Highway 28N suggests some variation in scenery and road type as you progress south. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes speed and directness for much of the 351.4 miles.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 61 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 36 significant decision points across 351.4 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 183.2 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 301 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 36 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...
7
183.2 mi into trip|~4h 8m in|I 87
Keep slight right at fork onto I 87 toward I 87 South: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 South: New York
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
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 Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken - among others.
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
Jersey City
332.1 mi in|~7h 4m|via US 1; US 9
Pulaski Skyway
332.1 mi in|~7h 4m|via US 1; US 9
Hoboken
332.3 mi in|~7h 4m
Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike
333.8 mi in|~7h 7m|via I 78; NJTP
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 Staten Island, 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
0.3 mi·27 sec·12th Street Viaduct
38
Take the exit
236 ft·9 sec
Use the left lane.
39
Turn left onto Jersey Avenue
463 ft·23 sec·Jersey Avenue
Use the left lane.
40
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139
408 ft·5 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Use the left lane.
41
Keep slight right at fork onto I 78; NJTP
4.7 mi·5 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
Toward NJTP: New Jersey TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 14AToward NJ 440: BayonneUse the right lane.
43
Continue on Port Jersey Boulevard
0.3 mi·17 sec·Port Jersey Boulevard
Toward NJ 440
44
Take the exit
357 ft·8 sec
Toward NJ 440 South: Chosin Few WayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 440 SouthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
46
Merge onto NJ 440
4.5 mi·6 min·NJ 440
47
Continue on NY 440
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
48
Take the exit
0.6 mi·55 sec
Exit 10EToward I 278 East: Verrazano Bridge, Brooklyn
49
Merge onto I 278
0.8 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
50
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
51
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
52
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
53
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
54
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
55
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
56
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
57
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
58
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
59
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
60
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
61
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 38m estimated duration, this trip is comfortably achievable in a single day. Leaving in the morning, perhaps around 8 AM, would allow you to arrive in Staten Island by late afternoon, with time for your two recommended stops. The longest stretch without services is a significant 118.6 miles on I 87, so be sure to keep your fuel tank adequately filled, especially as you approach this segment. While the $58 fuel cost is an estimate, it's wise to factor in potential price fluctuations. Use your stops strategically for breaks and to refuel before heading into longer highway sections.
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 175.7 miles from Colton, NY, or about 3h 59m 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 77 miles or 1h 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 175.7 miles or 3h 59m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Staten Island, 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 351.4 miles and 7h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 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 175.7 mi from Colton, NY
· 3h 59m into the drive
The midpoint is around 175.7 miles from Colton, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Staten Island, NY
The final approach into Staten Island, 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 Staten Island, NY.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
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.
Statue Of Liberty National Monument
National Monument
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 339.3
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 339.3
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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 339.3
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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 339.3
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 339.3
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 327.2
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
105.4
1
$36.90
$16.87
Efficient EV
87.9
1
$30.75
$14.06
EV Truck/SUV
140.6
1
$49.20
$22.49
Gas CO2
123 kg
EV CO2
41 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
Colton, NY
Late night
in Colton on Saturday
Local time
2:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
37°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Late night
in Staten Island on Saturday
Local time
2:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°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
11 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 38m 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 Staten Island, NY covers 351.4 miles and takes about 7h 38m 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 175.7 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 $57.84 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 36 significant decision points across 351.4 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 183.2 miles (I 87): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 301 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Colton, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York, Buffalo, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken - among others.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
