Traveling from Howard to Brooklyn covers 289.2 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 5 minutes behind the wheel. Given the duration, this trip is manageable as a single-day journey, though the turn-heavy nature of the roads means you should plan for a full day of driving. You will navigate using a combination of Route 70A, Route 70, and the Southern Tier Expressway to reach the city. Expect to spend approximately $46 on fuel for the trek. Since both the origin and destination are located within the Northeast, you will remain within the same regional climate and cultural landscape throughout the duration of your trip.
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
144.6 miles from Howard, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 50m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 59m. Total distance: 289.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a very different experience than a standard interstate cruise, as this route is defined as a turn-heavy local drive. With a highway share of 0%, you should prepare for constant maneuvering rather than long, monotonous stretches of straight pavement. The road demands your full attention, requiring you to navigate smaller thoroughfares instead of high-speed lanes. Because the route relies on local roads, the pace remains steady but requires more active engagement from the driver compared to a typical highway commute. You will find that the road surface and turn frequency remain consistent as you transition from the rural landscapes of Howard toward the dense urban environment of Brooklyn.
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.
Southern Tier Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 111.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 111.8 miles in near I 81.
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 25 significant decision points across 289.1 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 111.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 165.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 277.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
111.8 mi into trip|~2h 11m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
165.1 mi into trip|~3h 14m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
7
277.2 mi into trip|~5h 34m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
277.4 mi into trip|~5h 34m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
282.5 mi into trip|~5h 46m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Howard, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Step-by-step road directions between Howard, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on CR 70A
30 ft·3 sec·County Route 70A
2
Turn right onto CR70
0.1 mi·19 sec·County Route 70
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
4
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
111 mi·2 hr 10 min·Southern Tier Expressway
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
10
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
12
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
14
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
19
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
20
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
21
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
23
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
24
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
25
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
26
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
27
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
28
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.
29
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.
30
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
32
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 5-minute trip, consider departing early in the morning to beat potential congestion as you approach the city. Even though the drive is doable in one day, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and stay sharp, especially since the local roads require more focus than an interstate. Keep your fuel budget of $46 in mind and fill up before hitting the more congested areas near your destination. Because this is a turn-heavy route without high-speed highway stretches, check your tire pressure and fluid levels before you leave Howard to ensure your vehicle is ready for the constant adjustments required by the local roads.
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 144.6 miles from Howard, NY, or about 2h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.4 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 64 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.6 miles or 2h 50m 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 40m
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 Howard, 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 Howard, NY
This is one driving day of about 289.1 miles and 5h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Howard, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 111.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 144.6 mi from Howard, NY
· 2h 50m into the drive
The midpoint is around 144.6 miles from Howard, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Southern Tier Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.4 miles.
Arriving in Brooklyn, NY
The final approach into Brooklyn, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Brooklyn, NY.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 279.1
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 279.1
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 279.1
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 279.1
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 279.1
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 279.1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.7
1
$30.36
$13.88
Efficient EV
72.3
0
$25.30
$11.56
EV Truck/SUV
115.6
1
$40.47
$18.50
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Howard, NY
Evening
in Howard on Thursday
Local time
5:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Evening
in Brooklyn on Thursday
Local time
5:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 10 mph3% 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
47 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
5h 59m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Howard, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 289.1 miles and takes about 5h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, I 81. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 144.6 miles from Howard, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $47.59 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 25 significant decision points across 289.1 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 111.8 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 165.1 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 277.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Howard, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
