Independence, NY to Brooklyn, NY is 305.6 miles and takes about 6h 38m via Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, and I 81, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, taking you from one part of New York to another. It's a largely highway-focused drive, making it a straightforward option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. With a recommended one-day duration and a reasonable fuel cost, this route is a practical choice for a direct journey.
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
152.8 miles from Independence, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 19m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 38m. Total distance: 305.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 38m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
This route is characterized as a highway-focused drive, with 71% of the journey utilizing major expressways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on roads like the Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, and I 81. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 80.1 miles on the Southern Tier Expressway, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. Expect a predominantly high-speed driving experience, conducive to making good time across the state.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 43 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 80.1 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 46.8 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 30 significant decision points across 305.6 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 46.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 30 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
46.8 mi into trip|~1h 12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 13A-B
Toward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamt...
7
47.7 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 13A
Toward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamt...
9
181.6 mi into trip|~3h 53m 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...
8
293.8 mi into trip|~6h 13m 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
298.9 mi into trip|~6h 25m 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 Independence, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Binghamton, Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Step-by-step road directions between Independence, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on CR 22
4.6 mi·11 min·Independence Road
2
Turn right onto NY 417
15 mi·22 min·State Highway 417
3
At end of road, turn left onto NY 36; NY 417
1.2 mi·1 min·State Highway 36
4
Turn right onto NY 417
16 mi·24 min·State Highway 417
5
Continue on NY 417
0.7 mi·1 min·Tuscarora Street
6
Continue on NY 417
0.2 mi·13 sec·Main Street
7
Continue on NY 417
1.1 mi·1 min·Front Street
8
Continue on NY 417
365 ft·6 sec·State Highway 417
9
Continue on NY 417
3.5 mi·5 min·Addison Road
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 15 North
11
Merge onto I 99; US 15
3.6 mi·4 min·I 99; US 15
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 13A-BToward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamton
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 13AToward I 86 East, NY 17 East: Corning, Binghamton
14
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
80 mi·1 hr 34 min·Southern Tier Expressway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
16
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.
17
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.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
19
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
20
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
22
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
24
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
28
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
29
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
30
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
31
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
33
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
34
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
35
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
36
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
37
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
38
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.
39
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.
40
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
41
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
42
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
43
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 38m estimated drive time, starting your journey in the morning will allow you to reach Brooklyn with ample daylight. While the route is manageable in a single day, consider planning for one stop to break up the 305.6 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 80.1-mile stretch on the Southern Tier Expressway, as services might be less frequent. The $50 fuel cost is a helpful estimate for budgeting your trip.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 152.8 miles from Independence, NY, or about 3h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.1 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 67 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 152.8 miles or 3h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 16m
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 Independence, 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 Independence, NY
This is one driving day of about 305.6 miles and 6h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Independence, 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 80.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 152.8 mi from Independence, NY
· 3h 19m into the drive
The midpoint is around 152.8 miles from Independence, 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 80.1 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.
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...
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...
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 $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
91.7
1
$32.09
$14.67
Efficient EV
76.4
0
$26.74
$12.22
EV Truck/SUV
122.2
1
$42.78
$19.56
Gas CO2
107 kg
EV CO2
36 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
Independence, NY
Late night
in Independence on Friday
Local time
5:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night
in Brooklyn on Friday
Local time
5:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
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
7 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 38m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Independence, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 305.6 miles and takes about 6h 38m 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 152.8 miles from Independence, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $50.30 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 30 significant decision points across 305.6 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 46.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 47.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Independence, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Binghamton, Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
EV charging comes from the
NREL Alternative Fuels
dataset.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
