Jamaica, NY to Riverside, NY is 66.6 miles and takes about 1h 42m via Sunrise Highway, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. Expect a drive that involves frequent turns as you navigate local roads mixed with highway stretches. It's a straightforward journey, ideal if you're looking for a relatively short drive with manageable fuel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
33.3 miles from Jamaica, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 49m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 66.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route offers a turn-heavy local drive, with 100% of it on highways. While it's not a continuous interstate experience, you'll find a longest stretch of 53.6 miles on Sunrise Highway, providing a good amount of uninterrupted driving time. The road character shifts as you progress, incorporating more local roads and requiring attention to navigation as you make your way through various sections of the route.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Sunrise Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 53.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near Rockaway Boulevard.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 66.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (Rockaway Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
2 mi into trip|~4m in|Rockaway Boulevard
Turn left onto Rockaway Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
4.2 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward NY 27: Sunrise Highway, Brookville Boulevard
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 23B
Toward NY 27: Sunrise Highway, Brookville Boule...
8
59 mi into trip|~1h 23m in
Take the exit toward CR 51: East Moriches, Riverhead
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.
Exit 61
Toward CR 51: East Moriches, Riverhead
8
59.2 mi into trip|~1h 24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CR 51 South: East Moriches
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CR 51 South: East Moriches
6
60.2 mi into trip|~1h 26m in|CR 51 / East Moriches-Riverhead Road
Turn right onto CR 51 / East Moriches-Riverhead Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jamaica, NY and Riverside, NY, road signs point toward Belt Parkway East, Eastern Long Lsland, Cr 51: East Moriches, Riverhead, Cr 51 South: East Moriches and Montauk.
Belt Parkway East
3.6 mi in|~8m
Eastern Long Lsland
3.6 mi in|~8m
Cr 51: East Moriches
59 mi in|~1h 23m
Riverhead
59 mi in|~1h 23m
Cr 51 South: East Moriches
59.2 mi in|~1h 24m
Montauk
59.4 mi in|~1h 24m|via South Sunrise Highway Service Road
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Sunrise Highway
53.6 mi
1h 12m
East Moriches-Riverhead Road
5 mi
6m
South Conduit Avenue
2 mi
4m
Sutphin Boulevard
1.7 mi
3m
Rockaway Boulevard
0.6 mi
1m
South Sunrise Highway Service Road
0.5 mi
<1m
Belt Parkway
0.5 mi
<1m
Tuskegee Airmen Way
0.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Sunrise Highway
— 53.6 mi, about 1h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jamaica, NY and Riverside, NY.
1
Start on Tuskegee Airmen Way
0.3 mi·1 min·Tuskegee Airmen Way
2
Turn right onto Sutphin Boulevard
1.7 mi·3 min·Sutphin Boulevard
3
Turn left onto Rockaway Boulevard
0.6 mi·1 min·Rockaway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left onto NY 27
1.0 mi·2 min·South Conduit Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward Belt Parkway East, Eastern Long lsland
6
Merge onto BP
0.5 mi·40 sec·Belt Parkway
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi·22 sec
Exit 23BToward NY 27: Sunrise Highway, Brookville BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
8
Continue on NY 27
1.0 mi·1 min·South Conduit Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Continue on NY 27
54 mi·1 hr 12 min·Sunrise Highway
Use the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 61Toward CR 51: East Moriches, RiverheadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward CR 51 South: East MorichesUse the slight right lane.
12
Continue on South Sunrise Highway Service Road
0.5 mi·56 sec·South Sunrise Highway Service Road
Toward NY 27 East: Sunrise Highway Eastbound, Montauk
13
Turn left onto CR 55
0.2 mi·35 sec·Eastport Manor Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
14
Turn right onto CR 51
5.0 mi·6 min·East Moriches-Riverhead Road
Use the right lane.
15
Turn right
0.8 mi·5 min
16
Turn right
0.6 mi·3 min
17
Turn left
112 ft·8 sec
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 1h 42m duration and 66.6-mile distance, this trip is easily doable in one day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. There are no specific recommended stops noted, but with a fuel cost estimated at $11, you can easily manage refueling needs. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests you'll be making frequent adjustments. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 53.6 miles on Sunrise Highway, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before or after that segment.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 33.3 miles from Jamaica, NY, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.6 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 15 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 33.3 miles or 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Riverside, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jamaica, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Jamaica, NY
This is one driving day of about 66.6 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Jamaica, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Sunrise Highway for about 53.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 33.3 mi from Jamaica, NY
· 49m into the drive
The midpoint is around 33.3 miles from Jamaica, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Riverside, NY
The final approach into Riverside, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
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.
Fire Island National Seashore
National Seashore
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 43.6
Park Closure: Pet Restrictions, Beach Driving Closures in Effect March 15 through Labor Day
Caution: Avian Influenza (HPAI) Suspected in Dead Birds in Seashore Areas
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 2.3
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.96 one way
$21.93 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg23 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$11.85
$23.71
premium
$4.92
$12.91
$25.82
diesel
$5.61
$14.70
$29.41
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
20
0
$6.99
$3.20
Efficient EV
16.7
0
$5.83
$2.66
EV Truck/SUV
26.6
0
$9.32
$4.26
Gas CO2
23 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (65% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Jamaica, NY
Afternoon
in Jamaica on Friday
Local time
12:14 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Riverside, NY
Afternoon
in Riverside on Friday
Local time
12:14 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°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
14 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
1h 42m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Jamaica, NY to Riverside, NY covers 66.6 miles and takes about 1h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Sunrise Highway, East Moriches-Riverhead Road, South Conduit Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 33.3 miles from Jamaica, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.96 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 66.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (Rockaway Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Jamaica, NY and Riverside, NY, road signs point toward Belt Parkway East, Eastern Long Lsland, Cr 51: East Moriches, Riverhead, Cr 51 South: East Moriches and Montauk.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Fire Island National Seashore, Gateway National Recreation Area and African Burial Ground National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
