This straightforward 85-mile drive from Hillside Lake, NY, to Hempstead, NY, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes. Predominantly a highway-focused experience, you'll be navigating major routes like I-684, I-84, and the Hutchinson River Parkway for about 82% of the journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $14, this route is an efficient way to cover ground between two points within the Northeast region. Given its relatively short duration and highway nature, it’s an easy trip to complete without needing an overnight stop, offering convenience for those looking to reach their destination quickly.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42.5 miles from Hillside Lake, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 56m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 58m. Total distance: 85 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-centric experience for most of this 85-mile trip, with 82% of the drive on major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on interstates, including a stretch of 26.8 miles on I-684 which is the longest uninterrupted segment. While the primary focus is on efficient travel, the transition between I-684, I-84, and the Hutchinson River Parkway means you'll experience varied highway conditions. This route prioritizes getting you from point A to point B smoothly and directly, rather than offering extensive scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 684 is the longest continuous segment at about 26.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 684 and I 84. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.2 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 85 miles you will encounter 23 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 23.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
23.2 mi into trip|~33m in
Take the exit toward I 684 South: White Plains
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 68A
Toward I 684 South: White Plains
9
50.6 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1
Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
8
65.7 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell Avenue
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 2A
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, St...
8
65.7 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge
9
67.7 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 7A
Toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Is...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hillside Lake, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward New York City and Long Island.
New York City
50.6 mi in|~1h 5m
Long Island
67.7 mi in|~1h 30m|via I 695
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 684
26.8 mi
31m
I 84
15.5 mi
18m
Hutchinson River Parkway
13.6 mi
19m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Taconic State Parkway
3.2 mi
4m
Throgs Neck Expressway
2.2 mi
3m
Tulip Avenue
2 mi
3m
Clove Branch Road
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 684
— 26.8 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hillside Lake, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on 3rd Road
408 ft·23 sec·3rd Road
2
Turn left onto South Hillside Lake Road
0.3 mi·1 min·South Hillside Lake Road
3
Turn left onto CR 33
1.0 mi·2 min·Hillside Lake Road
4
Turn sharp left onto CR 29
2.0 mi·3 min·Clove Branch Road
5
Continue on CR 29
0.9 mi·1 min·Carpenter Road
6
At end of road, turn right onto Taconic State Parkway
3.2 mi·4 min·Taconic State Parkway
Use the right lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Toward I 84 East: Danbury
8
Merge onto I 84
15 mi·18 min·I 84
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 68AToward I 684 South: White PlainsUse the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 684
27 mi·31 min·I 684
11
Keep slight left at fork
1.5 mi·2 min
Exit 1Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York CityUse the straight lane.
12
Merge onto Hutchinson River Parkway
7.7 mi·10 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway
5.9 mi·8 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Toward Whitestone BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
141 ft·4 sec
Exit 2AToward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·47 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 95
0.4 mi·31 sec·New England Thruway
17
Continue on I 95
1.3 mi·2 min·Bruckner Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695
2.2 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Exit 7AToward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long IslandUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi·2 min·Braddock Avenue
23
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi·34 sec·Jamaica Avenue
24
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi·56 sec·Jericho Turnpike
25
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi·3 min·Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
26
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi·56 sec·New Hyde Park Road
27
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi·3 min·Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
28
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi·1 min·Front Street
Use the right lane.
29
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
30
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi·26 sec·Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
This 85-mile journey is easily manageable in a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Aiming to leave Hillside Lake, NY, earlier in the day can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Hempstead, NY area. Since the drive is just under two hours and focused on major highways, you likely won't need extensive rest stops, but it’s always wise to take a brief break if you feel tired. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; with an estimated cost of $14, it's a budget-friendly trip, but knowing where the last service areas are on I-684 before you transition to other parkways can be helpful.
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 42.5 miles from Hillside Lake, NY, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.8 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 19 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42.5 miles or 56m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hillside Lake, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hillside Lake, NY
This is one driving day of about 85 miles and 1h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Hillside Lake, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 684 for about 26.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 42.5 mi from Hillside Lake, NY
· 56m 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.
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...
7 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 67.4
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 67.4
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 73.3
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 73.3
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 73.3
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 73.3
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
25.5
0
$8.92
$4.08
Efficient EV
21.3
0
$7.44
$3.40
EV Truck/SUV
34
0
$11.90
$5.44
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (67% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Hillside Lake, NY
Afternoon
in Hillside Lake on Thursday
Local time
4:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Afternoon
in Hempstead on Thursday
Local time
4:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Partly Sunny
S 12 mph2% chanceLive 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
18 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 58m 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 Hillside Lake, NY to Hempstead, NY covers 85 miles and takes about 1h 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 684, I 84, Hutchinson River Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 42.5 miles from Hillside Lake, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.99 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 85 miles you will encounter 23 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 23.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Hillside Lake, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward New York City and Long Island.
Yes. Nearby national parks include General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and African Burial Ground National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
