Origin
Hempstead, NY
Afternoon in Hempstead on Saturday
Local time
2:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hempstead, NY to Sullivan, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 46m
Distance
285.6 mi
460 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 34m
★
6 AM
5h 47m
8 AM
6h 13m
10 AM
5h 56m
12 PM
5h 53m
3 PM
5h 57m
5 PM
6h 12m
8 PM
5h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sullivan, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Hempstead to Sullivan is 285.6 miles and takes about 5h 46m via NY 17 and the NY State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York State, transitioning from the suburban Northeast to a more rural setting as you head west. It's a manageable one-day drive, though you might appreciate breaking it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Consider this route if you're looking for a straightforward journey with a significant portion on well-maintained highways.
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
142.8 miles from Hempstead, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 57m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NY 17 | 117.5 mi | 2h 15m |
| New York State Thruway | 113.7 mi | 2h 11m |
| NJ 17 | 14.7 mi | 18m |
| NJ 4 | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| Cross Bronx Expressway | 6.6 mi | 8m |
| Clearview Expressway | 5 mi | 5m |
| Seneca Turnpike | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| State Route 5 | 2.2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hempstead, NY and Sullivan, NY.
1
Start on Peninsula Boulevard
77 ft
·
1 sec
·
Peninsula Boulevard
2
Turn left onto Clinton Street
359 ft
·
17 sec
·
Clinton Street
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left onto NY 102
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Front Street
4
Turn slight left onto NY 24
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Hempstead Turnpike
5
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
New Hyde Park Road
6
Turn left onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Tulip Avenue
Use the left lane.
7
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Jamaica Avenue
8
Turn slight right onto NY 25
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Braddock Avenue
9
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Hillside Avenue
10
Turn right onto I 295
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Clearview Expressway
Toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Through Neck Bridge
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Throgs Neck Bridge
12
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
6.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
15
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi
·
59 sec
·
George Washington Bridge (upper level)
16
Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.6 mi
·
39 sec
·
I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
·
I 95 EXPR; NJTP
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi
·
9 min
·
NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, Mahwah
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi
·
9 min
·
NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
·
NJ 17
27
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 17
28
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi
·
10 sec
·
I 287; NY 17
29
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
118 mi
·
2 hr 15 min
·
NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
114 mi
·
2 hr 11 min
·
New York State Thruway
Toward I 90 West: Buffalo
31
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 34
Toward NY 13: Canastota, Chittenango
Use the slight right lane.
32
Continue on this road
350 ft
·
11 sec
·
this road
33
Turn left onto NY 13
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
North Peterboro Street
34
Turn right onto NY 5; NY 13
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Seneca Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
35
Continue on NY 5; NY 13
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
State Route 5
36
Turn right onto Canaseraga Road
63 ft
·
2 sec
·
Canaseraga Road
37
Arrive at destination
Canaseraga Road
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 46m estimated drive time, leaving Hempstead in the morning should allow you to reach Sullivan with plenty of daylight. While it's a single-day trip, consider a mid-drive stop to break up the longest 117.5-mile stretch on NY 17. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer highway segments where services might be less frequent. The $47 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in potential price variations.
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 142.8 miles from Hempstead, NY, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 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 63 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.8 miles or 2h 57m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sullivan, 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 285.6 miles and 5h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Hempstead, 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 NY 17 for about 117.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 142.8 miles from Hempstead, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 225 decision points cluster between mile 24.9 and 278.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
24.9 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
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.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
9
25.2 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
8
32.2 mi into trip
|
~48m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
8
47.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 7m in
|
NY 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17 toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State...
8
278.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 34m in
Take the exit toward NY 13: Canastota, Chittenango
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 34
Toward NY 13: Canastota, Chittenango
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.01 one way
$94.02 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
100 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $50.83 | $101.67 |
| premium | $4.92 | $55.35 | $110.71 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $63.06 | $126.11 |
Estimated Tolls: $28.57
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(113.7 mi)
$5.69
Seneca Turnpike
(2.7 mi)
$0.19
Hempstead 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
$47
Tolls
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$101–$126
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.7 | 1 | $29.99 | $13.71 |
| Efficient EV | 71.4 | 0 | $24.99 | $11.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 114.2 | 1 | $39.98 | $18.28 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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.
Destination
Sullivan, NY
Afternoon in Sullivan on Saturday
Local time
2:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°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
7 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
5h 46m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
National Memorial
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
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 19.7
View on nps.gov
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 19.7
View on nps.gov
Fort Stanwix National Monument
National Monument
For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six-mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes. When Eur...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 265.9
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument
National Monument
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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 19.7
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument
National Monument
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
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 19.7
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial
National Memorial
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 19.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a mixed experience, with 56% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches of the New York State Thruway and NY 17, which are generally fast-paced. Be prepared for a longest uninterrupted stretch of 117.5 miles on NY 17, so make sure you're comfortable with extended driving periods. The route transitions from busier roadways to potentially more varied driving as you approach your destination in Sullivan.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
NY 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 117.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 24.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 22 significant decision points across 285.6 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 24.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Sullivan, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South, Gsp North, Newark and Mahwah - among others.
Upper Level
22.4 mi in
|
~34m
|
via I 95; US 1
Njtp South: Hackensack
24.9 mi in
|
~37m
Gsp South
32 mi in
|
~47m
Gsp North
32 mi in
|
~47m
Newark
32 mi in
|
~47m
Mahwah
32 mi in
|
~47m
New York State Thruway North: Albany
47.3 mi in
|
~1h 7m
|
via NY 17
About the Cities
Starting in Hempstead, NY
Full guide →Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods. Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.
Top landmarks
- • Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, New York
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 46m. Total distance: 285.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Hempstead, NY to Sullivan, NY covers 285.6 miles and takes about 5h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 17, New York State Thruway, NJ 17. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 142.8 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 $47.01 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 22 significant decision points across 285.6 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 24.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Hempstead, NY and Sullivan, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South, Gsp North, Newark and Mahwah - 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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