This 228.8-mile drive from Kaser, NY, to Syracuse, NY, is a straightforward highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 41 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated at $38. The route primarily utilizes NY 17 and I-81 before merging onto the New York State Thruway for a significant portion. This trip offers a predictable and efficient way to travel north within New York. Given its manageable distance and duration, it's a perfect candidate for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.
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
114.4 miles from Kaser, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 228.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
With 91% of this drive on highways, you'll experience a predominantly high-speed journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a substantial 134.6 miles, primarily on NY 17, which means you can cover significant ground without frequent exits. This route is characterized as 'highway-focused,' suggesting a consistent pace and a focus on efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways. You'll likely find yourself on a mix of interstates and major parkways, designed for smooth, long-distance transit.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 134.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.8 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 228.8 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 3.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
3.8 mi into trip|~6m in
Turn left toward I 87 North, I 287 West
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Toward I 87 North, I 287 West
8
20.4 mi into trip|~26m in
Take the exit toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman
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 16
Toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman
7
22 mi into trip|~29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NY 17 West: Binghamton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NY 17 West: Binghamton
7
158.8 mi into trip|~3h 18m in|I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 North: Syracuse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
7
225.3 mi into trip|~4h 36m in|I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 toward Syracuse
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Syracuse
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Kaser, NY to Syracuse, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Albany along the way.
Albany
157 mi in|~3h 16m|via I 81
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
134.6 mi
2h 46m
I 81
70.5 mi
1h 22m
New York State Thruway
16.3 mi
18m
State Highway 59
2.4 mi
3m
Main Street
1 mi
1m
I-81
0.4 mi
<1m
North Airmont Road
0.4 mi
1m
Almond Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 134.6 mi, about 2h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kaser, NY and Syracuse, NY.
1
Start on Phyllis Terrace
213 ft·16 sec·Phyllis Terrace
2
Turn left onto NY 306
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
3
Turn right onto NY 59
2.4 mi·3 min·State Highway 59
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn right onto CR 89
0.4 mi·1 min·North Airmont Road
Use the right lane.
5
Turn left
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward I 87 North, I 287 WestUse the straight / left / right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 87; I 287
1.8 mi·2 min·New York State Thruway
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 87
14 mi·16 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.5 mi·3 min
Exit 16Toward US 6, NY 17: HarrimanUse the slight right lane.
9
Continue on this road
152 ft·3 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward NY 17 West: BinghamtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on NY 17
135 mi·2 hr 46 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi·2 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
66 mi·1 hr 17 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: SyracuseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
0.2 mi·17 sec·I 81
Toward SyracuseUse the straight lane.
15
Continue on I-81
0.4 mi·26 sec·I-81
16
Continue on I 81
1.9 mi·2 min·I 81
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Adams Street, Harrison StreetUse the slight right lane.
18
Continue on Almond Street
0.3 mi·38 sec·Almond Street
Use the left / slight left / straight / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto NY 92
0.3 mi·36 sec·East Genesee Street
20
At end of road, turn right onto US 11
10 ft·0 sec·South State Street
21
Arrive at destination
US 11
Trip Plan
For this approximately 4.5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Kaser to maximize your daylight and arrive in Syracuse with ample time. With only one recommended stop, you have the flexibility to decide when and where to take a break, though planning for a fuel stop around the halfway point is advisable. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 134.6-mile stretch on NY 17, as services can be spaced out. This trip is short enough that you don't need to worry about splitting it, but be aware of potential traffic as you approach Syracuse.
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 114.4 miles from Kaser, NY, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 134.6 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 50 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.4 miles or 2h 23m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Syracuse, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kaser, 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 Kaser, NY
This is one driving day of about 228.8 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Kaser, 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 134.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 114.4 mi from Kaser, NY
· 2h 23m into the drive
The midpoint is around 114.4 miles from Kaser, 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 134.6 miles.
Arriving in Syracuse, NY
The final approach into Syracuse, 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 Syracuse, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 220.9
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.66 one way
$75.32 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$40.72
$81.45
premium
$4.92
$44.35
$88.69
diesel
$5.61
$50.52
$101.03
Estimated Tolls: $0.81
New York State Thruway
(16.3 mi)$0.81
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
$38
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.1 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
68.6
0
$24.02
$10.98
Efficient EV
57.2
0
$20.02
$9.15
EV Truck/SUV
91.5
1
$32.03
$14.64
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
Kaser, NY
Late night
in Kaser on Friday
Local time
4:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Syracuse, NY
Late night
in Syracuse on Friday
Local time
4:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
36°F
Rockland, NY
114 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
13 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 41m 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 Kaser, NY to Syracuse, NY covers 228.8 miles and takes about 4h 41m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 17, I 81, New York State Thruway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 114.4 miles from Kaser, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.66 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 14 significant decision points across 228.8 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 3.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Kaser, NY to Syracuse, NY, road signs begin pointing toward Albany along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. 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.
