Origin
Hempstead, NY
Afternoon in Hempstead on Saturday
Local time
1:00 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hempstead, NY to Yorktown, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 20m
Distance
53.1 mi
85 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 14m
★
6 AM
1h 20m
8 AM
1h 33m
10 AM
1h 25m
12 PM
1h 24m
3 PM
1h 25m
5 PM
1h 32m
8 PM
1h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Yorktown, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Hempstead, NY to Yorktown, NY covers 53.1 miles and takes about 1h 20m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Taconic State Parkway, Sprain Brook Parkway, Clearview Expressway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 13.8 miles on Taconic State Parkway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $8.74 one way before food or hotel costs.
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 1h 20m. Total distance: 53.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 1h 20m highway drive covering 53.1 miles, with most of the trip on Taconic State Parkway and Sprain Brook Parkway. The longest continuous stretch is about 13.8 miles on Taconic State Parkway.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Taconic State Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 13.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Taconic State Parkway and Sprain Brook Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.1 miles in near I 295 / Clearview Expressway.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 53.1 miles you will encounter 22 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8.1 miles (I 295 / Clearview Expressway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.8 miles (I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
8.1 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
I 295 / Clearview Expressway
Turn right onto I 295 / Clearview Expressway toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Through Neck Bridge
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Throu...
8
15.8 mi into trip
|
~25m in
|
I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway toward I 695 North: New Haven
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10
Toward I 695 North: New Haven
7
20.6 mi into trip
|
~32m in
Take the exit toward Conner Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 13
Toward Conner Street
8
24.8 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Take the exit toward Bronx Parkway, Sprain Parkway
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 6
Toward Bronx Parkway, Sprain Parkway
8
24.9 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Bronx Parkway North, Sprain Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Bronx Parkway North, Sprain Parkway
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 Yorktown, NY, road signs point toward Cross County Parkway West and Bronx Parkway North.
Cross County Parkway West
23.9 mi in
|
~38m
Bronx Parkway North
24.9 mi in
|
~40m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Taconic State Parkway | 13.8 mi | 18m |
| Sprain Brook Parkway | 12.6 mi | 17m |
| Clearview Expressway | 5 mi | 5m |
| Throgs Neck Expressway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| South Columbus Avenue | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Tulip Avenue | 2 mi | 3m |
| New England Thruway | 2 mi | 3m |
| Throgs Neck Bridge | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Taconic State Parkway
— 13.8 mi, about 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hempstead, NY and Yorktown, 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 right at fork onto I 695
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Throgs Neck Expressway
Exit 10
Toward I 695 North: New Haven
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 95
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Bruckner Expressway
15
Continue on I 95
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
New England Thruway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16
Take the exit
351 ft
·
16 sec
Exit 13
Toward Conner Street
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn left onto Tillotson Avenue
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
Tillotson Avenue
18
Turn left onto Conner Street
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
Conner Street
19
Continue on NY 22
0.3 mi
·
59 sec
·
Provost Avenue
20
Continue on NY 22
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
South 3rd Avenue
21
Turn slight right onto NY 22
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
South Columbus Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward Cross County Parkway West
Use the left lane.
23
Merge onto Cross County Parkway
0.6 mi
·
54 sec
·
Cross County Parkway
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Exit 6
Toward Bronx Parkway, Sprain Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward Bronx Parkway North, Sprain Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto Bronx River Parkway
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
Bronx River Parkway
27
Keep slight left at fork onto Sprain Brook Parkway
13 mi
·
17 min
·
Sprain Brook Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on Taconic State Parkway
14 mi
·
18 min
·
Taconic State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward US 202, NY 35: Yorktown Heights
Use the slight right lane.
30
Turn right onto US 202; NY 35
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Crompond Road
Use the right lane.
31
Turn left onto NY 132
477 ft
·
9 sec
·
Old Yorktown Road
32
Turn right onto Locksley Road
61 ft
·
2 sec
·
Locksley Road
33
Arrive at destination
Locksley Road
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 26.6 mi from Hempstead, NY · 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
27 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 12 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 26.6 miles from Hempstead, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Yorktown, NY
The final approach into Yorktown, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$8.74 one way
$17.48 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
19 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $9.45 | $18.90 |
| premium | $4.92 | $10.29 | $20.58 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $11.72 | $23.45 |
Estimated Tolls: $6.83
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
Hempstead Turnpike
(2 mi)
$0.14
New England Thruway
(2 mi)
$0.14
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$9
Tolls
$7
Total
$16
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 15.9 | 0 | $5.58 | $2.55 |
| Efficient EV | 13.3 | 0 | $4.65 | $2.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 21.2 | 0 | $7.43 | $3.40 |
Gas CO2
19 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (68% 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
Yorktown, NY
Afternoon in Yorktown on Saturday
Local time
1:00 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
34°F
Mount Vernon, NY
27 mi in
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
2 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
1h 20m 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 Yorktown, NY covers 53.1 miles and takes about 1h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Taconic State Parkway, Sprain Brook Parkway, Clearview Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 26.6 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 $8.74 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 53.1 miles you will encounter 22 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.1 miles (I 295 / Clearview Expressway): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.8 miles (I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Hempstead, NY and Yorktown, NY, road signs point toward Cross County Parkway West and Bronx Parkway North.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and African Burial Ground National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
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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