Origin
Dryden, NY
Night in Dryden on Wednesday
Local time
10:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dryden, NY to New York City, NY
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
4h 34m
Distance
216.8 mi
349 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 21m
★
6 AM
4h 35m
8 AM
5h 2m
10 AM
4h 44m
12 PM
4h 41m
3 PM
4h 45m
5 PM
5h 0m
8 PM
4h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dryden, NY
Wikimedia Commons
New York City, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Dryden to New York City covers 216.8 miles of Northeast terrain, typically requiring 4 hours and 34 minutes of driving time. Because this route is manageable in a single day, you can comfortably complete the journey without an overnight stop. Budget approximately $34 for fuel to cover the distance, which primarily utilizes I-81, the Keystone Shortway, and I-380. While the trip is straightforward, it is best viewed as a direct transit between upstate New York and the city rather than a leisurely sightseeing tour. Opting for a one-day push allows you to maintain momentum across the 64% highway share of the trip. Whether you are heading south for business or a weekend getaway, this route provides a consistent, reliable path through the region.
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
108.4 miles from Dryden, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience that prioritizes efficiency over local backroads. You will spend the majority of your time on major interstates, including a significant 73.5-mile stretch on I-81 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your drive. With 64% of the trip spent on high-speed roads, the drive feels like a steady, purposeful transit rather than a winding scenic tour. The character of the road is defined by its uniformity, keeping you on major corridors like the Keystone Shortway and I-380 for most of the duration. Prepare for a predictable, high-speed environment that demands your focus as you transition from the quieter surroundings of Dryden into the busier traffic patterns approaching New York City.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 32 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 73.5 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,961 ft
13 ft
Total Climb
1,327 ft
Total Descent
2,460 ft
Highest Point
1,961 ft
~117.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,948 ft
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 46.4 miles in near I 81.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 216.8 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 46.4 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 99.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.3 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
46.4 mi into trip
|
~59m 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
99.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 3m 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...
6
104.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
|
I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
7
211.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m 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
212.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dryden, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Mt Pocono
99.8 mi in
|
~2h 3m
|
via US 6
Milford
100.6 mi in
|
~2h 4m
|
via I 84; I 380
Newark
192.2 mi in
|
~3h 55m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 73.5 mi | 1h 28m |
| Keystone Shortway | 63.3 mi | 1h 19m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Essex Freeway | 15.8 mi | 20m |
| State Highway 79 | 10.5 mi | 11m |
| State Route 38 | 7.2 mi | 10m |
| Dryden Harford Road | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| I 84 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 73.5 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dryden, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 392
151 ft
·
10 sec
·
East Main Street
2
Turn left onto NY 38
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Street
3
Continue on NY 38
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Dryden Harford Road
4
Continue on NY 38
7.2 mi
·
10 min
·
State Route 38
5
Turn left onto NY 79
10 mi
·
11 min
·
State Highway 79
6
Continue on NY 79
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Main Street
7
Turn right onto NY 26
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
NY 26
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 81 South
9
Merge onto I 81
20 mi
·
24 min
·
I 81
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Use 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, Milford
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward 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 47A
Toward 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 17A
Toward 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 Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Use 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
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
28
Take the exit
305 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Brooklyn
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft
·
7 sec
·
Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker Street
Use the straight lane.
30
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway
Use the straight lane.
32
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is essential for a smooth arrival, as traffic density increases significantly as you near your destination. Aim to leave early to account for the 4 hour and 34 minute travel time, which leaves you plenty of flexibility since the trip is designed for a single day. You will only need to account for one planned stop to refuel or stretch your legs during the 216.8-mile journey. Since your fuel budget is roughly $34, try to fill up before hitting the busiest stretches of the interstate to avoid higher prices near the city. Keep a close eye on your GPS as you switch between I-81, the Keystone Shortway, and I-380, as staying alert through these transitions will ensure you stay on track throughout the drive.
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 108.4 miles from Dryden, NY, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.5 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 48 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.4 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dryden, 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 Dryden, NY
This is one driving day of about 216.8 miles and 4h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Dryden, 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 73.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 108.4 mi from Dryden, NY · 2h 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
108 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.4 miles from Dryden, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.5 miles.
Arriving in New York City, NY
The final approach into New York City, 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 New York City, NY.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.69 one way
$71.37 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $38.59 | $77.18 |
| premium | $4.92 | $42.02 | $84.04 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $47.87 | $95.73 |
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
$36
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65 | 0 | $22.76 | $10.41 |
| Efficient EV | 54.2 | 0 | $18.97 | $8.67 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 86.7 | 1 | $30.35 | $13.88 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
New York City, NY
Night in New York City on Wednesday
Local time
10:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SW 7 to 14 mph
18% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 14 at 7:26PM EDT until April 14 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 7:25PM EDT until April 14 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
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
12 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 34m 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 Dryden, NY to New York City, NY covers 216.8 miles and takes about 4h 34m 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 108.4 miles from Dryden, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.69 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 23 significant decision points across 216.8 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 46.4 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 99.8 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.3 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Between Dryden, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 13 ft to 1,961 ft elevation with about 1,327 ft of total climbing.
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