Origin
Nassau, NY
Afternoon in Nassau on Saturday
Local time
4:00 PM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Nassau, NY to Jamaica, NY
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 21m
Distance
147.4 mi
237 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 10m
★
6 AM
3h 22m
8 AM
3h 46m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 28m
3 PM
3h 31m
5 PM
3h 45m
8 PM
3h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Nassau, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Jamaica, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 147.4-mile drive from Nassau, NY, to Jamaica, NY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 82% of the journey on major roadways, making it an efficient trip. You'll encounter the Taconic State Parkway, I-684, and NY 9H along the way. With an estimated fuel cost of $24, this trip is budget-friendly for a day excursion. Given its relatively short duration and highway nature, it's perfectly suited for a one-day trip without the need for an overnight stop, offering a straightforward journey through New York.
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
73.7 miles from Nassau, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Taconic State Parkway | 42.8 mi | 58m |
| I 684 | 26.8 mi | 31m |
| NY 9H | 18.8 mi | 26m |
| Hutchinson River Parkway | 15.9 mi | 23m |
| I 84 | 15.5 mi | 18m |
| State Highway 82 | 4.8 mi | 6m |
| Van Wyck Expressway | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| US 9 | 3.5 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Taconic State Parkway
— 42.8 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nassau, NY and Jamaica, NY.
1
Start on this road
107 ft
·
10 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto NY 203
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Chatham Street
3
Continue on NY 203
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
State Highway 203
4
Turn right onto CR 32
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
County Road 32
5
Turn left onto US 9
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
US 9
6
Enter roundabout onto NY 9H
101 ft
·
1 sec
·
NY 9H
7
Continue on NY 9H
19 mi
·
26 min
·
NY 9H
8
Turn left onto NY 82
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
State Highway 82
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
1 min
10
Merge onto Taconic State Parkway
43 mi
·
58 min
·
Taconic State Parkway
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 84 East: Danbury
12
Merge onto I 84
15 mi
·
18 min
·
I 84
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 68A
Toward I 684 South: White Plains
Use the right lane.
14
Merge onto I 684
27 mi
·
31 min
·
I 684
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.5 mi
·
2 min
Exit 1
Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
Use the straight lane.
16
Merge onto Hutchinson River Parkway
7.7 mi
·
10 min
·
Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway
8.2 mi
·
12 min
·
Hutchinson River Parkway
Toward Whitestone Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 678
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Hutchinson River Expressway
19
Continue on I 678
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
20
Continue on I 678
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 678
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Van Wyck Expressway
Toward I 678 South: Kennedy Airport
Use the slight left lane.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 6
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue
Use the right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
24
Turn straight onto Van Wyck Expressway West
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Van Wyck Expressway West
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn left onto Liberty Avenue
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Liberty Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Turn right onto Inwood Street
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
Inwood Street
27
Turn right onto Tuskegee Airmen Way
56 ft
·
2 sec
·
Tuskegee Airmen Way
28
Arrive at destination
Tuskegee Airmen Way
Trip Plan
This 3-hour and 21-minute drive is easily manageable in a single day, so flexibility with your departure time is a key advantage. Aim to leave Nassau in the morning to avoid potential traffic as you approach the New York City metropolitan area. With only one suggested stop and a fuel cost of around $24, you can plan your breaks accordingly. Pay attention to signage as you transition between the Taconic State Parkway, I-684, and NY 9H to ensure you stay on the most efficient path to Jamaica, NY.
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 73.7 miles from Nassau, NY, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.8 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 32 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.7 miles or 1h 43m 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 40m
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 Nassau, 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 Nassau, NY
This is one driving day of about 147.4 miles and 3h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Nassau, 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 Taconic State Parkway for about 42.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 73.7 miles from Nassau, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 205 decision points cluster between mile 91.9 and 146 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
91.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
Take the exit toward I 684 South: White Plains
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 68A
Toward I 684 South: White Plains
9
119.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1
Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
7
128.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
Hutchinson River Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway toward Whitestone Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Whitestone Bridge
8
145.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 17m 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...
9
146 mi into trip
|
~3h 18m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.26 one way
$48.53 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $26.24 | $52.47 |
| premium | $4.92 | $28.57 | $57.14 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.54 | $65.09 |
Estimated Tolls: $6.55
Whitestone Bridge
$6.55
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
$24
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.2 | 0 | $15.48 | $7.08 |
| Efficient EV | 36.9 | 0 | $12.90 | $5.90 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 59 | 0 | $20.64 | $9.43 |
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Jamaica, NY
Afternoon in Jamaica on Saturday
Local time
4:00 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SW 6 to 10 mph
19% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 7:41PM EDT until April 14 at 8:45PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 14 at 7:26PM EDT until April 14 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
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
20 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 21m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 147.4-mile trip, with 82% of the route utilizing major roadways. The Taconic State Parkway will provide the longest uninterrupted stretch at 42.8 miles, offering a more parkway-like experience before transitioning to interstate travel. You'll navigate on I-684 and NY 9H, which generally offer good speeds for covering distance efficiently. This route balances the convenience of high-speed travel with stretches that, while still highway, may offer a slightly different driving feel than a pure interstate.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.8 mi on Taconic State Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Taconic State Parkway and I 684. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 91.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 147.4 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 91.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 119.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.5 miles (Hutchinson River Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Nassau, NY to Jamaica, NY, road signs begin pointing toward New York City along the way.
New York City
119.3 mi in
|
~2h 38m
About the Cities
Starting in Nassau, NY
Full guide →Founded 1806
Arriving in Jamaica, NY
Full guide →Jamaica is an expansive neighborhood located in eastern Queens. Historically consisting of predominantly black communities, Jamaica now is home to an extremely diverse array of peoples and cultures.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 21m. Total distance: 147.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.8 miles on Taconic State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.55 in tolls one way, starting with Whitestone Bridge. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Jamaica, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 91.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 119.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.5 miles (Hutchinson River Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Jamaica, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Jamaica, NY
More trips to Jamaica, NY
Explore more options from Nassau, NY or browse trips ending in Jamaica, NY.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.