This 221.3-mile journey from Fairfield, NY, to The Bronx, NY, is estimated to take about 4 hours and 31 minutes of driving time. Designed as a single-day trip, it covers a moderate distance with an estimated fuel cost of $36. The route primarily utilizes the New York State Thruway, NJ 17, and NJ 4, offering a practical drive through the Northeast region. While it's a manageable day trip, the duration allows for a leisurely pace and a single planned stop. This drive presents a straightforward option for getting from point A to point B within New York.
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
110.6 miles from Fairfield, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 13m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 31m. Total distance: 221.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile for this trip, with only 16% of the route on highways. While there's a significant uninterrupted stretch of 179.9 miles on the New York State Thruway, the overall character involves navigating more local roads and intersections. This means you'll experience varied driving conditions, shifting from faster highway speeds to more deliberate travel through towns and communities. Be prepared for frequent changes in speed limits and road configurations as you progress towards your destination.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
New York State Thruway is the longest continuous segment at about 179.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 72.9 miles in near New York State Thruway.
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 21 significant decision points across 221.3 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 72.9 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 192.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
72.9 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
9
191 mi into trip|~3h 46m 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
192.4 mi into trip|~3h 48m 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
6
206.6 mi into trip|~4h 7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
7
219.7 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Take the exit toward Rosedale Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 4B
Toward Rosedale Avenue
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fairfield, NY and The Bronx, NY, road signs point toward Boston, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Boston
72.9 mi in|~1h 30m|via New York State Thruway
Gsp South: Paterson
206.5 mi in|~4h 6m
Fort Lee
206.5 mi in|~4h 6m
New York
206.5 mi in|~4h 6m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
179.9 mi
3h 27m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
State Highway 170
5.5 mi
8m
Cross Bronx Expressway
2.9 mi
3m
NY 169
2 mi
3m
I 95 EXPR
1.5 mi
2m
East Monroe Street
1.3 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 179.9 mi, about 3h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield, NY and The Bronx, NY.
1
Start on CR 142
59 ft·2 sec·Hard Scrabble Road
2
Turn left onto NY 29
0.7 mi·58 sec·State Highway 29
3
Turn right onto NY 170
5.5 mi·8 min·State Highway 170
4
Continue on NY 170
1.3 mi·2 min·East Monroe Street
5
Turn sharp left onto Moreland Street
0.2 mi·50 sec·Moreland Street
6
Turn right onto Ward Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Ward Street
7
Turn left onto NY 169
164 ft·5 sec·River Road
8
Turn left onto NY 5; NY 167; NY 169
0.1 mi·14 sec·NY 5; NY 167; NY 169
9
Continue on NY 169
2.0 mi·3 min·NY 169
10
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
11
Turn straight
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 East
12
Merge onto I 90
62 mi·1 hr 11 min·New York State Thruway
13
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 87 South: New York, BostonUse the slight right lane.
14
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.
15
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
16
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
19
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
24
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
26
Continue on I 95; US 1
2.9 mi·3 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 4BToward Rosedale AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road
0.3 mi·50 sec·Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road
29
Turn right onto Noble Avenue
0.1 mi·20 sec·Noble Avenue
30
Turn right onto Bronx River Avenue
0.2 mi·34 sec·Bronx River Avenue
31
Turn straight onto East Tremont Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·East Tremont Avenue
32
Turn left onto White Plains Road
0.5 mi·1 min·White Plains Road
Use the left lane.
33
Turn right onto Cruger Avenue
0.1 mi·32 sec·Cruger Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
Cruger Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour-plus drive time, an early morning departure from Fairfield, NY, will help you avoid peak traffic, especially as you approach The Bronx. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically along the New York State Thruway for a fuel and stretch break. The longest uninterrupted stretch is on the Thruway, so consider making your stop before or after this segment. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests frequent turns and potential for getting slightly off-track if you're not paying attention.
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 110.6 miles from Fairfield, NY, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 179.9 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 49 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 110.6 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near The Bronx, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, NY
This is one driving day of about 221.3 miles and 4h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Fairfield, 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 New York State Thruway for about 179.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 110.6 mi from Fairfield, NY
· 2h 13m into the drive
The midpoint is around 110.6 miles from Fairfield, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 179.9 miles.
Arriving in The Bronx, NY
The final approach into The Bronx, 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 The Bronx, 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.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 213.7
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 213.7
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
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 213.7
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...
11 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 213.7
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...
11 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 213.7
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 213.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.43 one way
$72.85 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$39.39
$78.78
premium
$4.92
$42.89
$85.78
diesel
$5.61
$48.86
$97.72
Estimated Tolls: $24.99
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(179.9 mi)$8.99
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
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.4
0
$23.24
$10.62
Efficient EV
55.3
0
$19.36
$8.85
EV Truck/SUV
88.5
1
$30.98
$14.16
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Jun 21, 2022
Origin
Fairfield, NY
Late night
in Fairfield on Friday
Local time
3:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
The Bronx, NY
Late night
in The Bronx on Friday
Local time
3:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°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
6 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 31m 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 Fairfield, NY to The Bronx, NY covers 221.3 miles and takes about 4h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, NJ 17, NJ 4. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 110.6 miles from Fairfield, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.43 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 21 significant decision points across 221.3 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 72.9 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 191 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 192.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Fairfield, NY and The Bronx, NY, road signs point toward Boston, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Yes. Nearby national parks include General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
Data sources
The figures on this page are computed from open government and mapping datasets, not crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Full methodology, refresh cadence, and limitations are documented on the
methodology page.
