Origin
Jefferson, NY
Late night in Jefferson on Thursday
Local time
12:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jefferson, NY to Brooklyn, NY
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 53m
Distance
169.2 mi
272 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 41m
★
6 AM
3h 54m
8 AM
4h 19m
10 AM
4h 2m
12 PM
4h 0m
3 PM
4h 4m
5 PM
4h 18m
8 PM
3h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jefferson, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Brooklyn, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Jefferson to Brooklyn covers a span of 170.9 miles, typically taking about 3 hours and 41 minutes of road time. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a highway sprint, you should expect to spend nearly four hours behind the wheel. Budgeting approximately $27 for fuel should cover your needs for this one-way journey. Given the duration, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, though the winding nature of the roads makes it feel longer than a standard interstate commute. You will be transitioning from the rural Northeast to the dense urban environment of Brooklyn, so prepare for a significant shift in traffic patterns as you approach your destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
84.6 miles from Jefferson, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a hands-on experience on this route, as it relies entirely on local roads like Highway 10, Lake Street, and Harper Street rather than major interstates. With a highway share of 0%, this is a technical, turn-heavy drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. You won't find long, monotonous stretches of highway here; instead, the route requires constant navigation through varying local terrain. The character of the drive is defined by its intimacy with the landscape, moving away from high-speed transit toward a slower, more deliberate pace. Be prepared for a consistent flow of turns that will keep you engaged throughout the entire 170.9-mile journey.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 43 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
New York State Thruway is the longest continuous segment at about 70.5 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 126.6 miles in near NY 17.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 169.2 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 126.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 157.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
126.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
|
NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
128 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
157.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 29m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
162.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 40m 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
7
165.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 46m in
|
NY 27
Take the exit onto NY 27 toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 24
Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jefferson, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan.
Jersey City
157.7 mi in
|
~3h 28m
|
via US 1; US 9
Pulaski Skyway
157.7 mi in
|
~3h 28m
|
via US 1; US 9
Hoboken
157.9 mi in
|
~3h 29m
Manhattan
159.5 mi in
|
~3h 32m
|
via I 78
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Thruway | 70.5 mi | 1h 21m |
| NJ 17 | 22.7 mi | 29m |
| State Route 23A | 17.4 mi | 26m |
| State Highway 23 | 13.4 mi | 19m |
| State Highway 10 | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| King's Highway | 5.8 mi | 7m |
| State Highway 23A | 5.2 mi | 8m |
| Main Street | 4.4 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 70.5 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on CR 2A
78 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Harpersfield Road
2
Continue on NY 10
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 10
3
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 10
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
State Highway 10
4
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 10
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 10
5
Continue on NY 10
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Lake Street
6
Turn left onto NY 23
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
Harper Street
7
Turn slight right onto NY 23
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
8
Continue on NY 23
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 23
9
Continue on NY 23
11 mi
·
16 min
·
State Highway 23
10
Continue on NY 23A
14 mi
·
20 min
·
State Route 23A
11
Continue on NY 23A
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
12
Continue on NY 23A
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
State Route 23A
13
Continue on NY 23A
1.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Main Street
14
Continue on NY 23A
5.2 mi
·
8 min
·
State Highway 23A
15
Continue on NY 23A
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
State Route 23A
16
Turn slight right onto NY 32A
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
State Route 32A
17
Continue on NY 32A
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 32A
18
Continue on NY 32
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
King's Highway
19
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
20
Merge onto I 87
71 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi
·
59 sec
·
NY 17
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Use the slight right lane.
22
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
I 287; NJ 17
23
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi
·
29 min
·
NJ 17
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
25
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Use the left 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 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Use 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 24
Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
39
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
NY 27
Exit 5
Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Use 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
Since this route involves a 3 hour and 41 minute commitment on local roads, planning your departure time to avoid local congestion is key to a stress-free arrival. Incorporating at least one stop is recommended to break up the technical driving and keep you fresh for the final stretch into Brooklyn. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $27 estimate assumes steady driving conditions on local thoroughfares where stop-and-go traffic can impact efficiency. Flexibility is your biggest advantage on a trip of this length, allowing you to pace yourself comfortably without the pressure of a rigid highway schedule. Prioritize checking your route navigation before leaving Jefferson, as the reliance on local streets means you will encounter more intersections than a typical interstate trip.
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 84.6 miles from Jefferson, NY, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.5 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 37 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.6 miles or 2h 1m 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 4m
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 Jefferson, 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 Jefferson, NY
This is one driving day of about 169.2 miles and 3h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Jefferson, 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 New York State Thruway for about 70.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.6 mi from Jefferson, NY · 2h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 84.6 miles from Jefferson, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.5 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.85 one way
$55.70 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $30.12 | $60.23 |
| premium | $4.92 | $32.79 | $65.59 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.36 | $74.71 |
Estimated Tolls: $19.53
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(70.5 mi)
$3.53
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
$28
Tolls
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.8 | 0 | $17.77 | $8.12 |
| Efficient EV | 42.3 | 0 | $14.80 | $6.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.7 | 0 | $23.69 | $10.83 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night in Brooklyn on Thursday
Local time
12:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 3 to 12 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 11:13PM EDT until April 16 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
57°F
Ramapo, NY
85 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
31 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
3h 53m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Jefferson, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 169.2 miles and takes about 3h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, NJ 17, State Route 23A. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 84.6 miles from Jefferson, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.85 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 169.2 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 126.6 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 157.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Jefferson, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan.
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