Trip from Hillside Lake, NY to Hempstead, NY

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 58m

Distance

85 mi

137 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min

4 AM

1h 50m ★

6 AM

1h 58m

8 AM

2h 15m

10 AM

2h 4m

12 PM

2h 2m

3 PM

2h 5m

5 PM

2h 14m

8 PM

1h 53m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Hillside Lake, NY

Marta Wave

Trip Overview

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 Effort 10/10

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.

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

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

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...

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

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.

Start on 3rd Road

408 ft · 23 sec · 3rd Road

Turn left onto South Hillside Lake Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · South Hillside Lake Road

Turn left onto CR 33

1.0 mi · 2 min · Hillside Lake Road

Turn sharp left onto CR 29

2.0 mi · 3 min · Clove Branch Road

Continue on CR 29

0.9 mi · 1 min · Carpenter Road

At end of road, turn right onto Taconic State Parkway

3.2 mi · 4 min · Taconic State Parkway

Use the right lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec

Toward I 84 East: Danbury

Merge onto I 84

15 mi · 18 min · I 84

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 68A Toward I 684 South: White Plains Use the right lane.

Merge onto I 684

27 mi · 31 min · I 684

Keep slight left at fork

1.5 mi · 2 min

Exit 1 Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City Use the straight lane.

Merge onto Hutchinson River Parkway

7.7 mi · 10 min · Hutchinson River Parkway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway

5.9 mi · 8 min · Hutchinson River Parkway

Toward Whitestone Bridge Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

141 ft · 4 sec

Exit 2A Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 47 sec

Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge Use the straight / right lanes.

Merge onto I 95

0.4 mi · 31 sec · New England Thruway

Continue on I 95

1.3 mi · 2 min · Bruckner Expressway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 695

2.2 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Expressway

Exit 7A Toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 295

2.0 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 295

5.0 mi · 5 min · Clearview Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto NY 25

0.7 mi · 1 min · Hillside Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto NY 25

1.1 mi · 2 min · Braddock Avenue

Turn left onto NY 25

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Jamaica Avenue

Continue on NY 25

0.5 mi · 56 sec · Jericho Turnpike

Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue

2.0 mi · 3 min · Tulip Avenue

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road

0.4 mi · 56 sec · New Hyde Park Road

Turn left onto NY 24

2.0 mi · 3 min · Hempstead Turnpike

Use the left lane.

Turn slight right onto NY 102

0.8 mi · 1 min · Front Street

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto Greenwich Street

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Greenwich Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Peninsula Boulevard

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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

city in Westchester County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rye, NY

43 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

Lake Carmel, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

White Plains, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42.5 miles from Hillside Lake, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Hempstead, NY

The final approach into Hempstead, 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.

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

View on nps.gov

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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 67.4

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...

12 mi from route ~31 min detour Free near mile 73.3

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...

12 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 73.3

View on nps.gov

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...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour Free near mile 73.3

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...

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free near mile 73.3

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.99 one way

$27.98 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.52	$15.13	$30.26
premium	$4.92	$16.47	$32.95
diesel	$5.61	$18.77	$37.53

Estimated Tolls: $6.73

Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55

Hempstead Turnpike (2 mi) $0.14

Jericho Turnpike (0.5 mi) $0.04

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

$14

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	25.5	$8.92	$4.08
Efficient EV	21.3	$7.44	$3.40
EV Truck/SUV	34	$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

4:22 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hempstead, NY

Afternoon in Hempstead on Thursday

Local time

4:22 PM

EDT

Current temp

83°F

Partly Sunny

S 12 mph 2% chance 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

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.

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.

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