Trip from Manhattan, NY to Jamaica, NY

Drive Time

28m

Distance

13.9 mi

22 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 8 min

4 AM

0h 26m ★

6 AM

0h 29m

8 AM

0h 34m

10 AM

0h 30m

12 PM

0h 30m

3 PM

0h 31m

5 PM

0h 33m

8 PM

0h 27m

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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Manhattan, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Jamaica, NY

Mateusz Walendzik

Trip Overview

Traveling from Manhattan to Jamaica covers 15.6 miles and typically takes about 38 minutes, making it a straightforward day trip within the Northeast. You won't need to worry about an overnight stay for this short journey, as it functions perfectly as a quick transit between boroughs. With a fuel budget of just $2, this is an incredibly economical route to navigate. The path relies entirely on local streets rather than highways, offering a direct, no-frills connection between these two New York locations. It is an ideal option if you are looking for a practical way to move across the city without the complexity of long-distance planning.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

6.9 miles from Manhattan, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 16m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you focused on city navigation rather than high-speed cruising. Because the highway share is 0%, you will spend the entire 38-minute duration on surface streets like 5th Avenue, East 72nd Street, and 2nd Avenue. There is no long-distance highway stretch here; in fact, the longest uninterrupted segment is 0 miles on 5th Avenue, meaning you will be navigating frequent intersections throughout the trip. This route is defined by the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, requiring your full attention as you transition between these specific city thoroughfares.

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

There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Long Island Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Long Island Expressway and NY 25. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in near 2nd Avenue.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 13.9 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 1.5 miles (2nd Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.1 miles (NY 25): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 20 key points

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

1.5 mi into trip | ~4m in | 2nd Avenue

Turn right onto 2nd Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

2.1 mi into trip | ~7m in | NY 25

Take the ramp onto NY 25 toward Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, Lower Roadway

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, Lower Roadway

9.4 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the exit toward I 678: Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway

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 22A-E Toward I 678: Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck E...

12.2 mi into trip | ~24m in

Take the exit toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 6 Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlanti...

12.5 mi into trip | ~25m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue

Towns Along This Route

Between Manhattan, NY and Jamaica, NY, road signs point toward Lower Roadway, Eastern Long Island, Grand Central Parkway East and Kennedy Airport.

Lower Roadway

2.1 mi in | ~7m | via NY 25

Eastern Long Island

4.8 mi in | ~12m | via Borden Avenue

Grand Central Parkway East

9.6 mi in | ~20m

Kennedy Airport

11.3 mi in | ~22m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Long Island Expressway	4 mi	6m
NY 25	2 mi	3m
Grand Central Parkway	1.4 mi	1m
Van Wyck Expressway West	0.9 mi	2m
Borden Avenue	0.8 mi	1m
2nd Avenue	0.6 mi	2m
5th Avenue	0.6 mi	2m
Van Dam Street	0.5 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Long Island Expressway — 4 mi, about 6m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Manhattan, NY and Jamaica, NY.

Start on 86th Street Transverse

0.4 mi · 1 min · 86th Street Transverse

Turn right onto 5th Avenue

0.6 mi · 2 min · 5th Avenue

Turn left onto East 72nd Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · East 72nd Street

Turn right onto 2nd Avenue

0.6 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Take the ramp onto NY 25

1.4 mi · 2 min · NY 25

Toward Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, Lower Roadway Use the left lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 25

0.6 mi · 51 sec · NY 25

Toward NY 25A, NY 25

Turn right onto Van Dam Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Van Dam Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto Borden Avenue

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Borden Avenue

Take the ramp onto Borden Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Borden Avenue

Toward I 495 East: Long Island Expressway, Eastern Long Island, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

Merge onto I 495

4.0 mi · 6 min · Long Island Expressway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Exit 22A-E Toward I 678: Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Exit 22A Toward Grand Central Parkway East

Merge onto GCP

1.4 mi · 1 min · Grand Central Parkway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 13 Toward I 678 South: Van Wyck Expressway, Kennedy Airport

Merge onto I 678

0.3 mi · 25 sec · Van Wyck Expressway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Exit 6 Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue Use the right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 13 sec

Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto Van Wyck Expressway West

0.9 mi · 2 min · Van Wyck Expressway West

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto Liberty Avenue

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Liberty Avenue

Use the straight / left lanes.

Turn right onto Inwood Street

0.2 mi · 44 sec · Inwood Street

Turn right onto Tuskegee Airmen Way

56 ft · 2 sec · Tuskegee Airmen Way

Arrive at destination

Tuskegee Airmen Way

Trip Plan

Given the urban nature of this 15.6-mile route, your best strategy is to remain flexible with your departure time to avoid peak traffic congestion. Since there are 0 planned stops, you have the advantage of completing the drive in one efficient burst. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy profile demands constant vigilance, so ensure your navigation is ready before you pull away from Manhattan. With a modest $2 fuel cost, you don't need to stress about refueling mid-trip, allowing you to focus entirely on the local street navigation. Always double-check your turn sequences on 2nd Avenue and East 72nd Street to stay on track as you head toward Jamaica.

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 6.9 miles from Manhattan, NY, or about 16m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 4 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 13.9 miles or 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 6.9 miles or 16m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 23m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Manhattan, 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 Manhattan, NY

This is one driving day of about 13.9 miles and 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Manhattan, NY.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.

The longest stretch is on Long Island Expressway for about 4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 6.9 mi from Manhattan, NY · 16m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East New York, NY

7 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

Richmond Hill, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 13.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

East New York, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 6.9 miles from Manhattan, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Jamaica, NY

The final approach into Jamaica, 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 Jamaica, 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

$2.26 one way

$4.53 round trip

$4.14/gal 25.4 MPG avg 5 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.48	$2.45	$4.90
premium	$4.88	$2.67	$5.34
diesel	$5.64	$3.09	$6.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$27–$52

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 4.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	4.2	$1.46	$0.67
Efficient EV	3.5	$1.22	$0.56
EV Truck/SUV	5.6	$1.95	$0.89

Gas CO2

5 kg

EV CO2

2 kg (60% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Manhattan, NY

Evening in Manhattan on Sunday

Local time

8:57 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Jamaica, NY

Evening in Jamaica on Sunday

Local time

8:57 PM

EDT

Current temp

57°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

4 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

28m 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 Manhattan, NY to Jamaica, NY covers 13.9 miles and takes about 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Long Island Expressway, NY 25, Grand Central Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 6.9 miles from Manhattan, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $2.26 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.

Between Manhattan, NY and Jamaica, NY, road signs point toward Lower Roadway, Eastern Long Island, Grand Central Parkway East and Kennedy Airport.

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Return Trip

Jamaica, NY to Manhattan, NY

Plan the drive back the other way.

14.5 mi 27m

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Trip from Manhattan, NY to Jamaica, NY

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

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 Jamaica, NY

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Manhattan, NY

Jamaica, NY

Same local time

4 degrees cooler at arrival

28m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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