Origin
East Ithaca, NY
Morning in East Ithaca on Friday
Local time
6:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h
Distance
286.4 mi
461 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
East Ithaca, NY
Abhishek Navlakha
This approximately 286-mile drive from East Ithaca, NY to Brookhaven, NY is manageable as a single-day trip, taking about 6 hours to complete. You'll navigate a mix of major roadways, including the Keystone Shortway, I-81, and the Long Island Expressway, with 60% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $47. This trip stays within the Northeast region, offering a straightforward journey for those looking to cover ground efficiently. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 80 miles, it's designed for a direct transit.
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
143.2 miles from East Ithaca, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 53m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h. Total distance: 286.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Expect a mixed driving experience on this route, balancing highway speeds with other road types. Approximately 60% of this journey utilizes highways, allowing for consistent travel. You'll encounter an 80-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway, which is the longest uninterrupted segment. The drive transitions between different road systems, so be prepared for changes in speed limits and traffic patterns as you progress toward Long Island. This blend means you won't be on a monotonous interstate for the entire duration.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 104.7 miles in near US 6.
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 32 significant decision points across 286.4 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 104.7 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
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
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
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between East Ithaca, NY and Brookhaven, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level - among others.
Mt Pocono
Milford
New York City
Leonia
Teaneck
George Washington Bridge Upper Level
Eastern Long Island
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone Shortway | 80 mi | 1h 37m |
| I 81 | 73.5 mi | 1h 28m |
| Long Island Expressway | 43.5 mi | 59m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| State Highway 79 | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| Slaterville Road | 11.1 mi | 16m |
| Cross Bronx Expressway | 6.6 mi | 8m |
| Christopher Columbus Highway | 5.5 mi | 5m |
Step-by-step road directions between East Ithaca, NY and Brookhaven, NY.
Start on NY 366
Turn left onto Elmwood Avenue
Turn left onto Worth Street
Turn right onto Cornell Street
Turn left onto NY 79
Continue on NY 79
Continue on NY 79
Continue on NY 79
Turn right onto NY 26
Take the exit
Merge onto I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
Continue on I 84; I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight right at fork
Turn right
Turn straight onto CR 56
Continue on CR 56
Continue on CR 56
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
Take the exit
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
Continue on I 95; US 1
Continue on I 95; US 1
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
Merge onto I 295
Continue on I 295
Continue on I 295
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 495
Take the exit
Turn straight onto Express Drive South
Turn slight right onto CR 16
At end of road, turn right onto CR 80
Turn left onto CR 36
Arrive at destination
To make the most of this 6-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from East Ithaca to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially as you approach Long Island. With only one planned stop and a longest driving stretch of 80 miles, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $47 for the entire trip. A practical tip is to be aware of potential congestion on the Long Island Expressway as you get closer to Brookhaven, particularly during peak commute hours.
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.
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 63 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.2 miles or 2h 53m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brookhaven, NY than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving East Ithaca, 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 East Ithaca, NY
This is one driving day of about 286.4 miles and 6h.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 143.2 mi from East Ithaca, NY · 2h 53m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
143 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.
A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 143.2 miles from East Ithaca, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80 miles.
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.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Brookhaven, NY.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$47.14 one way
$94.29 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $50.98 | $101.95 |
| premium | $4.92 | $55.51 | $111.02 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $63.23 | $126.47 |
Estimated Tolls: $22.55
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
$47
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$95–$120
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.9 | 1 | $30.07 | $13.75 |
| Efficient EV | 71.6 | 0 | $25.06 | $11.46 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 114.6 | 1 | $40.10 | $18.33 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in East Ithaca on Friday
Local time
6:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Destination
Morning in Brookhaven on Friday
Local time
6:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
57°F
Ramapo, NY
143 mi in
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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