Traveling from Highland to Brooklyn covers 100.3 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 12 minutes of active driving time. Since this route is easily manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations or breaking the trip into multiple legs. Expect to spend approximately $16 on fuel, making it a budget-friendly way to move between the Hudson Valley and the city. Because you are traveling entirely within the Northeast, you will notice a transition from the semi-rural surroundings of Highland into the dense urban environment of Brooklyn. This drive is ideal for those who prefer local roads over major interstates, providing a straightforward, no-nonsense path to your destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
45.2 miles from Highland, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 58m into the drive
.
Brooklyn, the "Borough of Homes and Churches," is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It used to be a separate city, and still feels much like one. It has about 2.5 million inhabitants. If separated from the rest of New York City, Brooklyn would be the 4th most populous American city.
Brooklyn is on the westernmost point of Long Island and shares a land boundary with Queens, which partially encircles Brooklyn to the north, east and south; Manhattan lies across the East River to the west and north of Brooklyn, and Staten Island is across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the southwest.
Brooklyn is enjoying a period of growth and affluence not seen since before World War II. The Brooklyn Academy of Music boasts world-class theater performances, and the nearby Barclays Center is the home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
Top landmarks
•Brooklyn Bridge — bridge in New York City, crossing the East River
•Brooklyn Museum — art museum in Brooklyn, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 5m. Total distance: 90.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (52%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that requires your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike long-haul interstate routes, this journey consists of 0% highway driving, meaning you will navigate through local traffic patterns rather than cruising at high speeds. Because there are no designated stops along the way, you should be ready for a continuous flow of turns and changing road conditions. The nature of this route keeps you engaged as you transition from the quiet pace of Highland toward the complex, high-density infrastructure of Brooklyn. You will find that the lack of highway stretches makes for a more tactile driving experience where navigating intersections and local turns defines your time on the road.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 35 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 29 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 15.2 miles in.
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 26 significant decision points across 90.4 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 15.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
15.2 mi into trip|~22m in
Take the ramp toward I 84 West, NY 52 West
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 84 West, NY 52 West
8
17.5 mi into trip|~25m in
Take the exit toward I 87: New York City, Albany, New York State Thruway
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 36A
Toward I 87: New York City, Albany, New York St...
9
47.8 mi into trip|~1h 1m 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
49.2 mi into trip|~1h 2m 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
8
79.1 mi into trip|~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Highland, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York State Thruway, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan.
Albany
17.5 mi in|~25m
New York State Thruway
17.5 mi in|~25m
Jersey City
79 mi in|~1h 40m|via US 1; US 9
Pulaski Skyway
79 mi in|~1h 40m|via US 1; US 9
Hoboken
79.1 mi in|~1h 40m
Manhattan
80.7 mi in|~1h 43m|via I 78
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
29 mi
33m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
US 9W
14.5 mi
20m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
I 84
2 mi
2m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
NY 27
1.8 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 29 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Highland, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on White Street
44 ft·7 sec·White Street
2
Turn left onto Vineyard Avenue
0.3 mi·51 sec·Vineyard Avenue
3
Turn left onto US 44; NY 55
0.2 mi·32 sec·Milton Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
4
Turn right onto US 9W; US 44; NY 55
0.5 mi·48 sec·US 9W; US 44; NY 55
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto US 9W; US 44; NY 55
14 mi·19 min·US 9W; US 44; NY 55
Use the straight lane.
6
Turn right onto NY 32
0.2 mi·30 sec·North Plank Road
Use the right lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward I 84 West, NY 52 WestUse the left lane.
8
Merge onto I 84; NY 52
2.0 mi·2 min·I 84; NY 52
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 36AToward I 87: New York City, Albany, New York State ThruwayUse the slight right lane.
10
Continue on this road
427 ft·10 sec·this road
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·40 sec
Toward I 87 South: New York City
12
Merge onto I 87
29 mi·33 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
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.
14
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
15
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
17
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
21
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
22
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
23
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
25
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
26
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
27
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
28
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
29
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
30
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
31
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
34
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
35
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this 100.3-mile trip is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though you should account for the fact that local road traffic can fluctuate significantly. Aim to leave during off-peak hours to avoid the congestion that often accompanies local transit routes as you approach the city. Keep your $16 fuel budget in mind before you head out, and ensure your vehicle is ready for a stop-and-go environment rather than sustained highway speeds. Because there are zero planned stops on this route, make sure you take care of any necessary refueling or personal breaks in Highland before you start your engine. Having a reliable GPS is essential here to help you navigate the frequent turns of this local-road-only journey.
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 45.2 miles from Highland, NY, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29 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 20 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 45.2 miles or 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Highland, 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 Highland, NY
This is one driving day of about 90.4 miles and 2h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Highland, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New York State Thruway for about 29 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 45.2 mi from Highland, NY
· 58m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Castle Clinton National Monument
National Monument
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...
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...
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...
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
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...
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
27.1
0
$9.49
$4.34
Efficient EV
22.6
0
$7.91
$3.62
EV Truck/SUV
36.2
0
$12.66
$5.79
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Highland, NY
Morning
in Highland on Saturday
Local time
7:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Morning
in Brooklyn on Saturday
Local time
7:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 2:37AM EDT until April 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
57°F
Ramapo, NY
45 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
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
2h 5m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Highland, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 90.4 miles and takes about 2h 5m 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, US 9W. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 45.2 miles from Highland, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.88 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 26 significant decision points across 90.4 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 15.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Highland, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Albany, New York State Thruway, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
