Nelson, NY to Staten Island, NY is 255.7 miles and takes about 5h 31m via I 81 and I 380, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive primarily traverses the Northeast region of New York state, offering a straightforward path for a single-day journey. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on major interstates, making it a practical option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. Consider this route for its directness and relative speed, fitting well within a day's travel.
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
127.9 miles from Nelson, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.
Top landmarks
•Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
•Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 31m. Total distance: 255.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This route is largely a highway-focused drive, with 69% of the journey on major roads like I 81 and I 380. Expect stretches of consistent travel, including one uninterrupted segment of 111.2 miles on I 81. The character of the drive is defined by its interstate nature, providing a predictable and often fast-paced experience. While the Keystone Shortway offers a change of pace, the overall feel remains geared towards efficient transit between your origin and destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 59 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 111.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 81.6 miles in near I 81.
Driving Effort10/10
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 37 significant decision points across 255.7 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 81.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 135 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 37 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
81.6 mi into trip|~1h 44m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
135 mi into trip|~2h 48m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
8
210.2 mi into trip|~4h 20m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
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 28
Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
8
240.9 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward Hillside, Irvington
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 54
Toward Hillside, Irvington
8
241.1 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Hillside
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Nelson, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport, New York City and Newark - among others.
Mt Pocono
135 mi in|~2h 48m|via US 6
Milford
135.8 mi in|~2h 49m|via I 84; I 380
Lake Hopatcong
210.2 mi in|~4h 20m
Morristown Airport
224.4 mi in|~4h 38m
New York City
235.7 mi in|~4h 52m
Newark
235.7 mi in|~4h 52m
Hillside
240.9 mi in|~4h 58m
Irvington
240.9 mi in|~4h 58m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
111.2 mi
2h 11m
Keystone Shortway
46.1 mi
59m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Ledyard Avenue
9.3 mi
13m
NJ 24
9.3 mi
10m
Route 10 East
9.2 mi
11m
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
4.6 mi
5m
US 20
3.8 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 111.2 mi, about 2h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nelson, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on US 20
3.8 mi·5 min·US 20
2
Continue on US 20
0.6 mi·1 min·Albany Street
3
Turn left onto US 20; NY 13
0.2 mi·27 sec·Forman Street
4
Turn right onto US 20
9.3 mi·13 min·Ledyard Avenue
Use the right lane.
5
Turn slight left onto Berwyn Road
2.1 mi·2 min·Berwyn Road
6
Turn slight right onto Collins Road
1.2 mi·1 min·Collins Road
7
Continue on Berry Road
2.6 mi·3 min·Berry Road
8
At end of road, turn right onto NY 80
2.8 mi·4 min·State Route 80
9
Continue on NY 80
0.4 mi·1 min·Clinton Street
10
Continue on US 11; NY 80
0.7 mi·1 min·Elm Street
11
Continue on NY 80
448 ft·16 sec·State Route 80
12
Turn left onto Lake Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Lake Road
13
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward I 81 South
14
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 8 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
19
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
20
Merge onto I 80
46 mi·59 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 28Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake HopatcongUse the slight right lane.
22
Continue on CR 631
0.2 mi·12 sec·Ledgewood Road
23
Continue on US 46
0.9 mi·1 min·US 46
24
Continue on US 46
213 ft·4 sec·US 46
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
25
Turn straight onto NJ 10
9.2 mi·11 min·Route 10 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on NJ 10
3.5 mi·4 min·NJ 10
Use the right lane.
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Morristown Airport
28
Merge onto I 287
0.8 mi·1 min·I 287
29
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 37Toward NJ 24 East: SpringfieldUse the slight right lane.
30
Continue on NJ 24
9.3 mi·10 min·NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
32
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: NewarkUse the slight right lane.
33
Merge onto I 78
4.6 mi·5 min·Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 54Toward Hillside, IrvingtonUse the slight right lane.
35
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·29 sec
Toward HillsideUse the straight / right lanes.
36
Continue on Winans Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·Winans Avenue
37
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Liberty Avenue
38
Turn left onto CR 628
0.3 mi·37 sec·Hillside Avenue
39
Continue on CR 628
0.4 mi·45 sec·Hillside Avenue
40
At end of road, turn right onto CR 623
2.1 mi·4 min·North Broad Street
41
Continue on CR 623
1.4 mi·3 min·Broad Street
42
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.3 mi·43 sec·Bayway
43
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.1 mi·11 sec·Brunswick Avenue
Use the left lane.
44
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 278 Toll East: Goethals Bridge
45
Merge onto I 278
1.3 mi·2 min·Goethals Bridge
46
Continue on I 278
2.2 mi·3 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
0.9 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
49
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
50
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
51
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
52
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
53
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
54
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
55
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
56
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
57
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
58
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
59
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 31m estimated duration, this trip is comfortably achievable in a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Aiming to leave Nelson, NY in the morning will allow you to reach Staten Island with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when fuel is needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest 111.2-mile stretch on I 81, as services can sometimes be spaced out on interstates.
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 127.9 miles from Nelson, NY, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.2 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 56 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.9 miles or 2h 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Staten Island, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Nelson, 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 Nelson, NY
This is one driving day of about 255.7 miles and 5h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Nelson, 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 I 81 for about 111.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 127.9 mi from Nelson, NY
· 2h 39m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Statue Of Liberty National Monument
National Monument
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 241.7
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 241.7
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 241.7
Here at Federal Hall, George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States, marking the beginning of the American constitutional republic. This historic site served as...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 241.7
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 241.7
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 250.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.09 one way
$84.18 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$45.51
$91.03
premium
$4.92
$49.56
$99.12
diesel
$5.61
$56.46
$112.91
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Goethals 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
$42
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.7
0
$26.85
$12.27
Efficient EV
63.9
0
$22.37
$10.23
EV Truck/SUV
102.3
1
$35.80
$16.36
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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 18, 2026
Origin
Nelson, NY
Morning
in Nelson on Saturday
Local time
9:31 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Morning
in Staten Island on Saturday
Local time
9:31 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
E 3 to 8 mph33% chanceLive 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
2 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
5h 31m 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 Nelson, NY to Staten Island, NY covers 255.7 miles and takes about 5h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Keystone Shortway, I 380. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 127.9 miles from Nelson, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.09 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 37 significant decision points across 255.7 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 81.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 135 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 210.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Nelson, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport, New York City and Newark - among others.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Statue Of Liberty National Monument, Governors Island National Monument and Castle Clinton National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
