Origin
Hempstead, NY
Late night in Hempstead on Wednesday
Local time
5:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hempstead, NY to Selden, NY
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
53m
Distance
38.6 mi
62 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 49m
★
6 AM
0h 54m
8 AM
1h 2m
10 AM
0h 57m
12 PM
0h 56m
3 PM
0h 57m
5 PM
1h 2m
8 PM
0h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Selden, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 38.6-mile drive from Hempstead to Selden, NY, is a straightforward 53-minute trip that's perfect for a single day. You'll navigate primarily via the Southern State Parkway, Middle Country Road, and Sagtikos State Parkway, with about 58% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost is around $6, making it an economical option for a short excursion within the Northeast region. This route offers a mixed driving experience, ideal for a quick local hop rather than needing an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
19.3 miles from Hempstead, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 25m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this route, blending parkway cruising with local road segments. While 58% of the drive is on highways, you'll also encounter stretches on Middle Country Road. The longest uninterrupted segment is 16 miles on the Southern State Parkway, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. This drive transitions from a more open parkway feel to more developed roadside environments as you approach your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Southern State Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 16 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 0.7 miles in near Jerusalem Avenue.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 38.6 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 0.7 miles (Jerusalem Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.8 miles (SO / Southern State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Jerusalem Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto Jerusalem Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
6
18.8 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
SO / Southern State Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto SO / Southern State Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
23.7 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Take the exit toward I 495 East: Riverhead
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit S1 E
Toward I 495 East: Riverhead
8
23.9 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 East: Riverhead
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 495 East: Riverhead
8
26.3 mi into trip
|
~34m in
Take the exit toward NY 111: Smithtown, Islip
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 56
Toward NY 111: Smithtown, Islip
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hempstead, NY and Selden, NY, road signs point toward So East: East Islip, Kings Park, Islip, Middle Country Road East, Centereach and Riverhead.
So East: East Islip
3.5 mi in
|
~6m
Kings Park
19.6 mi in
|
~25m
|
via SA
Islip
26.3 mi in
|
~34m
Middle Country Road East
33 mi in
|
~44m
Centereach
33 mi in
|
~44m
Riverhead
33 mi in
|
~44m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Southern State Parkway | 16 mi | 19m |
| Middle Country Road | 5.4 mi | 8m |
| Sagtikos State Parkway | 4.1 mi | 5m |
| Jerusalem Avenue | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| Nesconset Highway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Long Island Expressway | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Wheeler Road | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Nesconset-Port Jefferson Highway | 1.3 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Southern State Parkway
— 16 mi, about 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hempstead, NY and Selden, NY.
1
Start on Peninsula Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Peninsula Boulevard
2
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
Front Street
3
Turn slight right
111 ft
·
4 sec
Use the right lane.
4
Turn straight onto William Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
William Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto Jerusalem Avenue
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Jerusalem Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto Jerusalem Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Jerusalem Avenue
7
Turn slight right onto Merrick Avenue North
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Merrick Avenue North
8
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward SO East: East Islip
9
Merge onto SO
15 mi
·
18 min
·
Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto SO
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto SA
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Sagtikos State Parkway
Toward Kings Park
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit S1 E
Toward I 495 East: Riverhead
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 495 East: Riverhead
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 495
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 56
Toward NY 111: Smithtown, Islip
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto Express Drive South
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Express Drive South
17
Continue on Express Drive South
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
Express Drive South
18
Turn left onto NY 111
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Wheeler Road
19
Continue on NY 111
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Townline Road
Use the left lane.
20
Turn left onto NY 111
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
Hauppauge Boulevard
Use the left lane.
21
Turn slight right onto NY 347
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Nesconset-Port Jefferson Highway
22
Continue on NY 347
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Nesconset Highway
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward Route 25, Middle Country Road EAST, Centereach, Riverhead
24
Turn right onto NY 25
5.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Middle Country Road
Use the straight lane.
25
Arrive at destination
NY 25
Trip Plan
Given the short 53-minute duration, this trip offers plenty of flexibility. You can easily depart mid-morning to avoid peak commute times on the Southern State Parkway, aiming for a relaxed start. With no designated stops, you can make spontaneous breaks if needed, but the journey is short enough that you likely won't require extensive planning for fuel or rest. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially when transitioning between the parkways and Middle Country Road, as this can impact your travel time.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 19.3 miles from Hempstead, NY, or about 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 16 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 38.6 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 19.3 miles or 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Selden, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hempstead, 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 Hempstead, NY
This is one driving day of about 38.6 miles and 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hempstead, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Southern State Parkway for about 16 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 19.3 mi from Hempstead, NY · 25m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
19 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 38.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 19.3 miles from Hempstead, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Selden, NY
The final approach into Selden, 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 Selden, 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
$6.35 one way
$12.71 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
14 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $6.87 | $13.74 |
| premium | $4.92 | $7.48 | $14.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $8.52 | $17.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 13.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 11.6 | 0 | $4.05 | $1.85 |
| Efficient EV | 9.7 | 0 | $3.38 | $1.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 15.4 | 0 | $5.40 | $2.47 |
Gas CO2
14 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (64% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Selden, NY
Late night in Selden on Wednesday
Local time
5:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°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
5 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
53m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Hempstead, NY to Selden, NY covers 38.6 miles and takes about 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Southern State Parkway, Middle Country Road, Sagtikos State Parkway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 19.3 miles from Hempstead, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.35 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 38.6 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 0.7 miles (Jerusalem Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.8 miles (SO / Southern State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Hempstead, NY and Selden, NY, road signs point toward So East: East Islip, Kings Park, Islip, Middle Country Road East, Centereach and Riverhead.
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