This 227.3-mile drive from Ithaca, NY to Bushwick, NY takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes, making it a feasible one-day trip. You'll primarily navigate via I-81 and I-380, with a portion of the Keystone Shortway mixed in. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $37. The route offers a mixed driving experience as you traverse the Northeast region, transitioning within New York. Given the duration and distance, planning for a single day is straightforward, allowing for a relatively quick transition between these two points.
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
113.7 miles from Ithaca, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 56m. Total distance: 227.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
The drive features a 59% highway share, indicating a good balance between faster-paced travel and other road types. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 73.5 miles on I-81, providing a substantial period of consistent highway cruising. The 'mixed drive' profile suggests you'll experience varying road conditions and speeds throughout the 4-hour and 56-minute journey. Expect periods of efficient travel interspersed with segments that may require more attention to local traffic and road layouts.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 45 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 73.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52.1 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 32 significant decision points across 227.3 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 52.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 105.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 217.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 32 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
52.1 mi into trip|~1h 7m 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
105.5 mi into trip|~2h 11m 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
217.5 mi into trip|~4h 30m 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
217.7 mi into trip|~4h 31m 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
224.5 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Staten Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Staten Island
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ithaca, NY and Bushwick, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Mt Pocono
105.5 mi in|~2h 11m|via US 6
Milford
106.2 mi in|~2h 12m|via I 84; I 380
Newark
197.8 mi in|~4h 3m
Cr 508 East: Jersey City
214.4 mi in|~4h 24m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
73.5 mi
1h 28m
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
State Highway 79
15.2 mi
17m
Slaterville Road
11.1 mi
16m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Main Street
3.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 73.5 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ithaca, NY and Bushwick, NY.
1
Start on NY 79
64 ft·6 sec·East Seneca Street
2
Turn right onto North Tioga Street
325 ft·15 sec·North Tioga Street
3
Turn right onto East Buffalo Street
0.2 mi·38 sec·East Buffalo Street
4
Turn right onto Schuyler Place
0.2 mi·28 sec·Schuyler Place
5
At end of road, turn left onto NY 79
1.1 mi·2 min·East State Street
6
Continue on NY 79
11 mi·16 min·Slaterville Road
7
Continue on NY 79
15 mi·17 min·State Highway 79
8
Continue on NY 79
3.1 mi·3 min·Main Street
9
Turn right onto NY 26
0.6 mi·47 sec·NY 26
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 81 South
11
Merge onto I 81
20 mi·24 min·I 81
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
13
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.
14
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.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
16
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
17
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
19
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
21
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
25
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
26
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
27
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
28
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
30
Take the exit
305 ft·10 sec
Toward BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on Beach Street
0.1 mi·26 sec·Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker StreetUse the straight lane.
32
Continue on West Broadway
0.1 mi·34 sec·West Broadway
33
Turn right onto Grand Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Grand Street
34
Turn left onto Centre Street
0.1 mi·34 sec·Centre Street
35
Turn right onto Kenmare Street
0.2 mi·41 sec·Kenmare Street
Use the right lane.
36
Continue on Delancey Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Delancey Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
37
Continue on Williamsburg Bridge
0.4 mi·50 sec·Williamsburg Bridge
38
Keep slight right at fork onto Williamsburg Bridge
0.9 mi·2 min·Williamsburg Bridge
Toward Staten IslandUse the slight right lane.
39
Take the exit
218 ft·5 sec
Toward Broadway West
40
Keep slight right at fork
356 ft·19 sec
Toward Staten IslandUse the slight right lane.
41
Turn left onto Broadway
1.6 mi·4 min·Broadway
Use the left lane.
42
Turn slight left onto Myrtle Avenue
0.2 mi·31 sec·Myrtle Avenue
43
Turn right onto Bushwick Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Bushwick Avenue
44
Turn left onto Linden Street
0.2 mi·45 sec·Linden Street
45
Arrive at destination
Linden Street
Trip Plan
For this one-day trip covering 227.3 miles, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic. With a total duration of under five hours, you'll likely only need one significant stop for fuel and a break, which can be strategically placed around the longest stretch on I-81. The estimated fuel cost of $37 means you should plan your budget accordingly. Being in the Northeast region, be mindful of potential weather changes, especially if traveling during transitional seasons.
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 113.7 miles from Ithaca, NY, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.5 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 50 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.7 miles or 2h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bushwick, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ithaca, 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 Ithaca, NY
This is one driving day of about 227.3 miles and 4h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Ithaca, 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 I 81 for about 73.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 113.7 mi from Ithaca, NY
· 2h 20m into the drive
The midpoint is around 113.7 miles from Ithaca, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.5 miles.
Arriving in Bushwick, NY
The final approach into Bushwick, 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 Bushwick, 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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 219.5
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 219.5
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 219.5
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 219.5
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 219.5
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 219.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.42 one way
$74.83 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$40.46
$80.92
premium
$4.92
$44.06
$88.11
diesel
$5.61
$50.18
$100.37
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$37
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.2
0
$23.87
$10.91
Efficient EV
56.8
0
$19.89
$9.09
EV Truck/SUV
90.9
1
$31.82
$14.55
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 15, 2026
Origin
Ithaca, NY
Morning
in Ithaca on Friday
Local time
7:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bushwick, NY
Morning
in Bushwick on Friday
Local time
7:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°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
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
4h 56m 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 Ithaca, NY to Bushwick, NY covers 227.3 miles and takes about 4h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Keystone Shortway, I 380. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 113.7 miles from Ithaca, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.42 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 32 significant decision points across 227.3 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 52.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 105.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 217.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Ithaca, NY and Bushwick, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Yes. Nearby national parks include African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
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.
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.
