This 154.9-mile drive from Manhattan, NY, to Meredith, NY, is comfortably manageable in about 3 hours and 29 minutes, making it an excellent candidate for a single-day road trip. The route is heavily focused on highway driving, with 86% of the journey on major roads, and is estimated to cost around $26 for fuel. You'll primarily navigate via NY 17 and NJ 17, with State Highway 10 also playing a role. Given its relatively short duration and highway-centric profile, this trip is best tackled in one go, allowing for flexibility in your departure time and pacing.
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
77.5 miles from Manhattan, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 40m into the drive
.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 154.9-mile journey, as 86% of the route utilizes major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 83.4 miles on NY 17, offering a solid period of consistent travel. While the primary roads are highways, the inclusion of State Highway 10 suggests a potential for varied scenery and possibly slightly less predictable traffic patterns as you approach your destination. This profile indicates a drive that prioritizes efficient travel with minimal detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 44 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 83.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.9 miles in.
Route Complexity10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 154.9 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 4.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 27 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
4.9 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward I 95: George Washington Brigde
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 14
Toward I 95: George Washington Brigde
8
7.5 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
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.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
9
7.7 mi into trip|~13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
8
14.7 mi into trip|~23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
8
44.1 mi into trip|~59m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Manhattan, NY and Meredith, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South, Gsp North, Newark, Mahwah, New York State Thruway North: Albany and Walton.
Gsp South
14.6 mi in|~23m
Gsp North
14.6 mi in|~23m
Newark
14.6 mi in|~23m
Mahwah
14.6 mi in|~23m
New York State Thruway North: Albany
29.8 mi in|~43m|via NY 17
Walton
115.2 mi in|~2h 26m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
83.4 mi
1h 39m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
State Highway 10
8.9 mi
12m
Hawleys-Downsville Road
7.5 mi
10m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
State Highway 28
6.2 mi
9m
State Highway 206
4.8 mi
8m
Cat Hollow Road
4.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 83.4 mi, about 1h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Manhattan, NY and Meredith, NY.
1
Start on 86th Street Transverse
0.2 mi·38 sec·86th Street Transverse
2
Continue on West 86th Street
0.3 mi·1 min·West 86th Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn right onto Amsterdam Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Amsterdam Avenue
4
Turn left onto West 96th Street
0.3 mi·36 sec·West 96th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Take the ramp
448 ft·11 sec
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway
6
Merge onto HH; NY 9A
3.5 mi·5 min·Henry Hudson Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·42 sec
Exit 14Toward I 95: George Washington BrigdeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Turn straight
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, New Jersey
9
Merge onto I 95; US 1; US 9
0.4 mi·43 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
10
Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.5 mi·48 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.6 mi·39 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, MahwahUse the straight lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
21
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
22
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
23
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
14 mi·16 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
24
Take the exit
1.5 mi·3 min
Exit 16Toward US 6, NY 17: HarrimanUse the slight right lane.
25
Continue on this road
152 ft·3 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward NY 17 West: BinghamtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on NY 17
69 mi·1 hr 22 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.1 mi·27 sec
Exit 94Toward NY 206: Roscoe, Walton
29
Turn left onto NY 206; CR 179
0.5 mi·53 sec·Old Route 17
30
Continue on NY 206; CR 91
1.6 mi·2 min·Rockland Road
31
Continue on NY 206; CR 7
4.7 mi·8 min·State Highway 206
32
Continue on NY 206; CR 7
4.6 mi·8 min·Cat Hollow Road
33
At end of road, turn left onto NY 30; NY 206
2.8 mi·4 min·State Highway 30
34
Continue on NY 30; NY 206
0.3 mi·49 sec·Bridge Street
35
Continue on NY 206
508 ft·15 sec·State Highway 206
36
Turn right onto Knox Avenue
1.0 mi·1 min·Knox Avenue
37
Continue on CR 26
6.9 mi·9 min·Hawleys-Downsville Road
38
At end of road, turn right onto CR 26
0.7 mi·54 sec·Hawleys-Downsville Road
39
At end of road, turn right onto NY 10
8.9 mi·12 min·State Highway 10
40
Continue on NY 10
1.0 mi·2 min·Main Street
41
Turn left onto NY 28
6.2 mi·9 min·State Highway 28
42
Turn right onto Turnpike Road
0.2 mi·56 sec·Turnpike Road
43
Turn left onto Saw Mill Road
171 ft·7 sec·Saw Mill Road
44
Arrive at destination
Saw Mill Road
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just under 3.5 hours, this trip from Manhattan to Meredith offers considerable flexibility. Aim to depart after morning rush hour in Manhattan to maximize your time on the road and minimize traffic. The fuel cost is estimated at $26, so ensure your tank is full before leaving the city. Take advantage of the single longest stretch of 83.4 miles on NY 17 to settle into a rhythm, and plan for a brief stop around the halfway point, as there's only one recommended stop for this 154.9-mile drive. Keep an eye out for transitions between the different highway numbers as you progress.
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 77.5 miles from Manhattan, NY, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.4 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 34 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.5 miles or 1h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Meredith, 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 154.9 miles and 3h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Manhattan, 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 83.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 77.5 mi from Manhattan, NY
· 1h 40m into the drive
The midpoint is around 77.5 miles from Manhattan, 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 83.4 miles.
Arriving in Meredith, NY
The final approach into Meredith, 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 Meredith, 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
$25.50 one way
$51.00 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg54 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$27.57
$55.14
premium
$4.92
$30.02
$60.05
diesel
$5.61
$34.20
$68.40
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
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
$26
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
46.5
0
$16.26
$7.44
Efficient EV
38.7
0
$13.55
$6.20
EV Truck/SUV
62
0
$21.69
$9.91
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (67% 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
Manhattan, NY
Afternoon
in Manhattan on Wednesday
Local time
4:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SW 3 to 9 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 8:24PM EDT until April 14 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 8:20PM EDT until April 14 at 8:45PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Destination
Meredith, NY
Afternoon
in Meredith on Wednesday
Local time
4:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
36°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
54°F
Monticello, NY
77 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 29m 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 Manhattan, NY to Meredith, NY covers 154.9 miles and takes about 3h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 17, NJ 17, State Highway 10. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 77.5 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 $25.50 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 27 significant decision points across 154.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Manhattan, NY and Meredith, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South, Gsp North, Newark, Mahwah, New York State Thruway North: Albany and Walton.
