Trip from Islip, NY to Lenox, NY

Drive Time

6h 15m

Distance

303.9 mi

489 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

6h 2m ★

6 AM

6h 15m

8 AM

6h 40m

10 AM

6h 24m

12 PM

6h 21m

3 PM

6h 25m

5 PM

6h 39m

8 PM

6h 8m

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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Islip, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Lenox, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

Embarking on the 303.9-mile journey from Islip to Lenox is a manageable trek that typically takes about 6 hours and 15 minutes of drive time. Because this route stays entirely within New York, you will transition from the suburban Northeast coast toward inland areas without crossing state lines. Budgeting approximately $49 for fuel is a smart move before you head out. While the drive is feasible as a single-day trip, be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. It is an ideal route for those comfortable with a mix of parkway driving and local navigation, provided you keep an eye on your timing.

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

151.9 miles from Islip, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 12m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a diverse experience behind the wheel, as this route is characterized by a turn-heavy local profile that keeps you engaged. You will spend about 60% of your time on highways, utilizing a combination of the Southern State Parkway, NY 17, and the New York State Thruway. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 117.5 miles along NY 17, offering a significant portion of the drive where you can settle into a steady rhythm. As you move away from the coast, the road’s personality shifts from dense suburban corridors to more technical, winding local segments. This variation ensures the drive feels dynamic rather than monotonous.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 52 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

NY 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 117.5 miles.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

577 ft 12 ft

Total Climb

1,620 ft

Total Descent

1,093 ft

Highest Point

577 ft

~291.2 mi in

Elevation Range

565 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.6 miles in near CR 57 / Howells Road.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 32 significant decision points across 303.9 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 3.6 miles (CR 57 / Howells Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 31.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 32 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

3.6 mi into trip | ~6m in | CR 57 / Howells Road

Keep slight right at fork onto CR 57 / Howells Road toward Howells Road, Deer Park

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward Howells Road, Deer Park

31.1 mi into trip | ~43m in

Keep slight left at fork toward NY 24 West: Hempstead Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward NY 24 West: Hempstead Avenue

31.2 mi into trip | ~43m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Hempstead Avenue West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward Hempstead Avenue West

50 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

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. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack

50.3 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 72A Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus

Towns Along This Route

Between Islip, NY and Lenox, NY, road signs point toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West, Grandstand, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Gsp South - among others.

Cross Island Parkway North

29.4 mi in | ~40m

Hempstead Avenue West

31.1 mi in | ~43m

Grandstand

31.3 mi in | ~43m

Upper Level

47.5 mi in | ~1h 6m | via I 95; US 1

Njtp South: Hackensack

50 mi in | ~1h 10m

Gsp South

57.1 mi in | ~1h 20m

Gsp North

57.1 mi in | ~1h 20m

Newark

57.1 mi in | ~1h 20m

Mahwah

57.1 mi in | ~1h 20m

New York State Thruway North: Albany

72.4 mi in | ~1h 40m | via NY 17

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
NY 17	117.5 mi	2h 15m
New York State Thruway	105 mi	2h 1m
Southern State Parkway	24.7 mi	31m
NJ 17	14.7 mi	18m
NJ 4	6.7 mi	9m
Cross Bronx Expressway	6.6 mi	8m
Clearview Expressway	5 mi	5m
NY 365A	3.5 mi	7m

Longest stretch: NY 17 — 117.5 mi, about 2h 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Islip, NY and Lenox, NY.

Start on NY 27A

0.8 mi · 1 min · Main Street

Continue on Montauk Highway

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Montauk Highway

Continue on NY 27A

1.1 mi · 1 min · Main Street

Turn right onto 3rd Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · 3rd Avenue

Continue on CR 57

0.3 mi · 36 sec · Rossevelt Street

Continue on CR 57

0.7 mi · 1 min · Howells Road

Use the left lane.

Turn straight onto Sunrise Highway

163 ft · 3 sec · Sunrise Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto CR 57

0.3 mi · 36 sec · Howells Road

Toward Howells Road, Deer Park Use the right lane.

Continue on CR 57

0.6 mi · 1 min · Bay Shore Road

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 19 sec

Toward SO West: New York

Continue on this road

363 ft · 8 sec · this road

Merge onto SO

25 mi · 31 min · Southern State Parkway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone Bridge Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto CI

1.3 mi · 1 min · Cross Island Parkway

Take the exit

317 ft · 9 sec

Exit 26B Toward NY 24: UBS Arena-Belmont Park Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

437 ft · 12 sec

Toward NY 24 West: Hempstead Avenue Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 15 sec

Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West

Keep slight right at fork

266 ft · 8 sec

Toward Hempstead Avenue West Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 13 sec · this road

Toward Grandstand, Hempstead Avenue West

Keep slight left at fork

100 ft · 4 sec

Toward Hempstead Avenue

Turn right onto NY 24

1.0 mi · 2 min · Hempstead Avenue

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto Jamaica Avenue

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Jamaica Avenue

Turn right onto NY 24

0.7 mi · 1 min · 212th Street

Continue on I 295

5.0 mi · 5 min · Clearview Expressway

Toward I 295 North: Clearview Expressway, Through Neck Bridge Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 295

2.0 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge

Continue on I 295

0.7 mi · 1 min · Throgs Neck Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 295

6.6 mi · 8 min · Cross Bronx Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway

Toward Upper Level

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.6 mi · 59 sec · George Washington Bridge (upper level)

Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.5 mi · 48 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

0.6 mi · 39 sec · I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP

0.1 mi · 8 sec · I 95 EXPR; NJTP

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Exit 72A Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto NJ 4

6.7 mi · 9 min · NJ 4

Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, Mahwah Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 36 sec

Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto NJ 17

3.3 mi · 4 min · NJ 17

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on NJ 17

7.3 mi · 9 min · NJ 17

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on NJ 17

0.7 mi · 50 sec · NJ 17

Continue on NJ 17

3.3 mi · 4 min · NJ 17

Continue on I 287; NY 17

0.2 mi · 10 sec · I 287; NY 17

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17

118 mi · 2 hr 15 min · NY 17

Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90

105 mi · 2 hr 1 min · New York State Thruway

Toward I 90 West: Buffalo

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min

Exit 33 Toward NY 365: Verona, Oneida Use the slight right lane.

At end of road, turn left onto NY 365

2.9 mi · 4 min · NY 365

Turn right onto NY 365A

3.5 mi · 7 min · NY 365A

Use the right lane.

Continue on CR 97

1.2 mi · 2 min · Upper Lenox Avenue

Turn slight left onto CR 29

129 ft · 3 sec · Creek Road

Keep slight right at fork onto CR 97

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Upper Lenox Avenue

Turn sharp right onto CR 54

268 ft · 7 sec · South Court Street

Arrive at destination

CR 54

Trip Plan

To keep your 6 hour and 15 minute journey smooth, plan to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest regional traffic. Since the route includes one recommended stop, use that break strategically to stretch your legs and refuel after your longest highway segments. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the local roads requires more active focus than a standard interstate cruise, so pace yourself accordingly. Given the 303.9-mile distance, having a flexible schedule is a major advantage. If you find the winding local sections tiring, prioritize your main stop toward the latter half of the trip to recharge before finishing your arrival in Lenox.

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 151.9 miles from Islip, NY, or about 3h 12m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 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 80 miles or 1h 49m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 151.9 miles or 3h 12m 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 4m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lenox, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Islip, 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 Islip, NY

This is one driving day of about 303.9 miles and 6h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Islip, 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 NY 17 for about 117.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 151.9 mi from Islip, NY · 3h 12m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

152 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Albany, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 151.9 miles from Islip, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 117.5 miles.

Arriving in Lenox, NY

The final approach into Lenox, 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 Lenox, 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$49.47 one way

$98.95 round trip

$4.14/gal 25.4 MPG avg 106 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.48	$53.61	$107.23
premium	$4.88	$58.42	$116.85
diesel	$5.64	$67.52	$135.03

Estimated Tolls: $27.80

George Washington Bridge $16.00

Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55

New York State Thruway (105 mi) $5.25

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

$49

Tolls

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$102–$127

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 106.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	91.2	1	$31.91	$14.59
Efficient EV	76	0	$26.59	$12.16
EV Truck/SUV	121.6	1	$42.55	$19.45

Gas CO2

106 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 data refreshed 19 hours ago

Origin

Islip, NY

Afternoon in Islip on Sunday

Local time

4:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

38°F

Clear

N 2 to 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 2:05PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 11 at 4:31AM EDT by NWS Upton NY

Destination

Lenox, NY

Afternoon in Lenox on Sunday

Local time

4:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

31°F

Mostly Clear

SW 1 to 6 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 2:05PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 11 at 4:31AM EDT by NWS Upton NY

Along the Route

59°F

Ramapo, NY

152 mi in

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 15m 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 Islip, NY to Lenox, NY covers 303.9 miles and takes about 6h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are NY 17, New York State Thruway, Southern State Parkway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 151.9 miles from Islip, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.47 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.

Between Islip, NY and Lenox, NY, road signs point toward Cross Island Parkway North, Hempstead Avenue West, Grandstand, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack and Gsp South - among others.

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Return Trip

Lenox, NY to Islip, NY

Plan the drive back the other way.

310.7 mi 5h 6m

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Trip from Islip, NY to Lenox, NY

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

Elevation Profile

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Lenox, NY

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Islip, NY

Lenox, NY

Same local time

7 degrees cooler at arrival

6h 15m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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