This 302.3-mile journey from Independence, NY to Staten Island, NY is a straightforward drive primarily through the Northeast region. Clocking in at around 6 hours and 37 minutes, it's definitely manageable as a single-day trip, especially with an estimated fuel cost of $49. The route leans heavily on major highways, making it a functional choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently. While it's a highway-focused experience, the duration allows for flexibility in your schedule. You'll be covering a significant distance in one go, so plan accordingly.
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
151.1 miles from Independence, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 17m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 37m. Total distance: 302.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 37m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this trip, with 76% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll spend a good amount of time on the Southern Tier Expressway, I-81, and the Keystone Shortway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 80.1 miles on the Southern Tier Expressway, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. This isn't a route for winding scenic byways; it's designed for efficient travel across the landscape.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 59 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,056 ft72 ft
Total Climb
1,091 ft
Total Descent
3,075 ft
Highest Point
2,056 ft
Elevation Range
1,984 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and I 81. 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 39 significant decision points across 302.3 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 181.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 256.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 39 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...
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
256.8 mi into trip|~5h 25m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
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 28
Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
8
287.5 mi into trip|~6h 3m in
Take the exit toward Hillside, Irvington
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 54
Toward Hillside, Irvington
8
287.6 mi into trip|~6h 4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Hillside
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 Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Binghamton, Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport and New York City - among others.
Step-by-step road directions between Independence, NY and Staten Island, 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
46 mi·59 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 28Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake HopatcongUse the slight right lane.
22
Continue on CR 631
0.2 mi·12 sec·Ledgewood Road
23
Continue on US 46
0.9 mi·1 min·US 46
24
Continue on US 46
213 ft·4 sec·US 46
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
25
Turn straight onto NJ 10
9.2 mi·11 min·Route 10 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on NJ 10
3.5 mi·4 min·NJ 10
Use the right lane.
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Morristown Airport
28
Merge onto I 287
0.8 mi·1 min·I 287
29
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 37Toward NJ 24 East: SpringfieldUse the slight right lane.
30
Continue on NJ 24
9.3 mi·10 min·NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
32
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: NewarkUse the slight right lane.
33
Merge onto I 78
4.6 mi·5 min·Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 54Toward Hillside, IrvingtonUse the slight right lane.
35
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·29 sec
Toward HillsideUse the straight / right lanes.
36
Continue on Winans Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·Winans Avenue
37
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Liberty Avenue
38
Turn left onto CR 628
0.3 mi·37 sec·Hillside Avenue
39
Continue on CR 628
0.4 mi·45 sec·Hillside Avenue
40
At end of road, turn right onto CR 623
2.1 mi·4 min·North Broad Street
41
Continue on CR 623
1.4 mi·3 min·Broad Street
42
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.3 mi·43 sec·Bayway
43
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.1 mi·11 sec·Brunswick Avenue
Use the left lane.
44
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 278 Toll East: Goethals Bridge
45
Merge onto I 278
1.3 mi·2 min·Goethals Bridge
46
Continue on I 278
2.2 mi·3 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
0.9 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
49
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
50
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
51
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
52
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
53
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
54
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
55
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
56
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
57
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
58
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
59
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour 37-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning is advisable to arrive with daylight. While this route is a single-day endeavor, you'll want to plan for at least one stop for fuel and a break, especially considering the longest stretch is over 80 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can sometimes be spaced out on these longer highway segments. The $49 fuel estimate is helpful for budgeting, but it's always wise to have a buffer. This route is built for speed, so focus on maintaining a steady pace.
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 151.1 miles from Independence, NY, or about 3h 17m 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 151.1 miles or 3h 17m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Staten Island, 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 302.3 miles and 6h 37m.
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 151.1 mi from Independence, NY
· 3h 17m into the drive
The midpoint is around 151.1 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 Staten Island, NY
The final approach into Staten Island, 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 Staten Island, NY.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.76 one way
$99.52 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg106 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$53.81
$107.61
premium
$4.92
$58.59
$117.18
diesel
$5.61
$66.74
$133.49
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Goethals Bridge
$16.00
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
$50
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
90.7
1
$31.74
$14.51
Efficient EV
75.6
0
$26.45
$12.09
EV Truck/SUV
120.9
1
$42.32
$19.35
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% 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 14, 2026
Origin
Independence, NY
Late night
in Independence on Friday
Local time
5:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 18 mph51% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 3:25PM EDT until April 14 at 4:15PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 3:13PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Late night
in Staten Island on Friday
Local time
5:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Sunny
SW 10 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 3:25PM EDT until April 14 at 4:15PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 3:13PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
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
14 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
6h 37m 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 Staten Island, NY covers 302.3 miles and takes about 6h 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Southern Tier Expressway, I 81, Keystone Shortway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 151.1 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 $49.76 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 39 significant decision points across 302.3 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 181.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 256.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Independence, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Binghamton, Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport and New York City - among others.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 72 ft to 2,056 ft elevation with about 1,091 ft of total climbing.
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.
Elevation is sampled from
USGS 3DEP.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
