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Trip from Nelson, NY to The Bronx, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 5m

Distance

235.4 mi

379 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

23 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 52m ★
6 AM
5h 5m
8 AM
5h 32m
10 AM
5h 15m
12 PM
5h 12m
3 PM
5h 16m
5 PM
5h 31m
8 PM
4h 57m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

town in Madison County, New York, United States of America

Nelson, NY

Wikimedia Commons

borough of New York City, New York, United States

The Bronx, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Nelson, NY to The Bronx, NY is 235.4 miles and takes about 5h 5m via NY 17 and NJ 17, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip focuses on getting you from the Northeast region of New York to the Northeast region of New York with a significant portion on highways. Expect a straightforward journey that's ideal for a single-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. The route is efficient and direct, making it a practical choice for many travelers.

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

117.7 miles from Nelson, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
NY 17 106 mi 2h 12m
State Highway 8 36.8 mi 41m
NJ 17 14.1 mi 18m
New York State Thruway 13.7 mi 15m
US 20 10.8 mi 15m
State Highway 12 10.2 mi 15m
Rexford Street 8.3 mi 9m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Longest stretch: NY 17 — 106 mi, about 2h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Nelson, NY and The Bronx, NY.

1

Start on US 20

11 mi · 15 min · US 20
2

Continue on NY 46

1.4 mi · 1 min · State Route 46
3

Continue on NY 12B

2.0 mi · 2 min · State Route 12B
4

Continue on NY 12B

1.1 mi · 1 min · Utica Street
5

Turn slight right onto NY 12B

1.1 mi · 1 min · Broad Street
6

Continue on NY 12B

4.6 mi · 6 min · State Route 12B
7

Continue on NY 12B

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
8

Continue on NY 12B

3.7 mi · 5 min · State Highway 12B
9

Continue on NY 12B

1.4 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
10

Continue on NY 12

10 mi · 15 min · State Highway 12
11

Continue on NY 12

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Broad Street
12

Turn left onto NY 23

8.3 mi · 9 min · Rexford Street
13

Turn right onto NY 8

18 mi · 20 min · State Highway 8
14

Continue on NY 8

0.4 mi · 29 sec · Airport Road
15

Continue on NY 8

19 mi · 21 min · State Highway 8
16

Continue on NY 8; NY 10

0.3 mi · 18 sec · Oak Street
17

Continue on NY 8; NY 10

0.4 mi · 44 sec · State Highway 10
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
19

Merge onto NY 17

105 mi · 2 hr 11 min · NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City Use the slight right lane.
21

Keep slight right at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York City Use the slight right lane.
22

Merge onto I 87

14 mi · 15 min · New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17

0.9 mi · 59 sec · NY 17
Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey Use the slight right lane.
24

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
25

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

14 mi · 18 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
26

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
27

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
28

Merge onto NJ 4

0.3 mi · 24 sec · NJ 4
Use the right lane.
29

Continue on NJ 4

6.4 mi · 8 min · NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
31

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.7 mi · 54 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
33

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
35

Continue on I 95; US 1

2.9 mi · 3 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 4B Toward Rosedale Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37

Continue on Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road

0.3 mi · 50 sec · Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road
38

Turn right onto Noble Avenue

0.1 mi · 20 sec · Noble Avenue
39

Turn right onto Bronx River Avenue

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Bronx River Avenue
40

Turn straight onto East Tremont Avenue

0.3 mi · 1 min · East Tremont Avenue
41

Turn left onto White Plains Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · White Plains Road
Use the left lane.
42

Turn right onto Cruger Avenue

0.1 mi · 32 sec · Cruger Avenue
43

Arrive at destination

Cruger Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour duration, leaving in the morning will allow you to complete this 235.4-mile drive in a single day. With only one recommended stop, you can plan for a brief break to refuel or stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a clear stopping point is 106 miles on NY 17. This route's efficiency means you have flexibility; consider departing slightly later if traffic is a concern during peak hours, or earlier to maximize your time at your destination.

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 117.7 miles from Nelson, NY, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106 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 52 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 117.7 miles or 2h 31m 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 6m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near The Bronx, 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 235.4 miles and 5h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 NY 17 for about 106 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Orange County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

New Windsor, NY

118 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.

Popular next leg

New Windsor, NY to The Bronx, NY

58.8 mi · 1h 22m

Pacing Suggestions

Norwich, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rockland, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 117.7 miles from Nelson, 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 106 miles.

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 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 189.9 and 233.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
189.9 mi into trip | ~4h 2m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
7
190.6 mi into trip | ~4h 3m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 87 Toll South: New York City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 87 Toll South: New York City
9
205.2 mi into trip | ~4h 20m in | NY 17

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
206.6 mi into trip | ~4h 22m in | NJ 17

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
7
233.8 mi into trip | ~4h 59m in

Take the exit toward Rosedale Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 4B Toward Rosedale Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.02 one way

$76.05 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 81 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $41.12 $82.23
premium $4.92 $44.77 $89.54
diesel $5.61 $51.00 $102.00

Estimated Tolls: $16.68

George Washington Bridge $16.00
New York State Thruway (13.7 mi) $0.68

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

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 80.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

23 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

ChargePoint Charging Station

Hamilton, New York

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Mahwah, New Jersey

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Monticello, New York

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Middletown, New York

Tesla

1 DCFC

EV Connect Charging Station

Central Valley, New York

EV Connect

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Monroe, New York

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Hamilton, New York

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Harriman, New York

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint: 10 Other: 5 EV Connect: 3 Tesla: 2 Electrify America: 1 Blink: 1 Tesla Destination: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 70.6 0 $24.72 $11.30
Efficient EV 58.9 0 $20.60 $9.42
EV Truck/SUV 94.2 1 $32.96 $15.07

Gas CO2

82 kg

EV CO2

28 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

Nelson, NY

Afternoon in Nelson on Saturday

Local time

1:36 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

The Bronx, NY

Afternoon in The Bronx on Saturday

Local time

1:36 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°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

5 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

5h 5m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

General Grant National Memorial

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...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 227.3
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
View on nps.gov
Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 227.3
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

Stonewall National Monument

National Monument

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...

10 mi from route ~24 min detour Free near mile 227.3
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

African Burial Ground National Monument

National Monument

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...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour Free near mile 227.3
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Monument

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...

12 mi from route ~30 min detour Free near mile 227.3
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

12 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 227.3
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is heavily highway-focused, with 86% of the journey taking place on major roads. You'll spend a good amount of time on NY 17, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch of 106 miles. The route also incorporates State Highway 8 and NJ 17, contributing to its predominantly high-speed character. While largely a highway experience, be prepared for the shift in road types as you navigate through different sections and approaches to your destination.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 43 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 106 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 189.9 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 235.4 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 189.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 The Bronx, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.

Nyst: Albany

189.9 mi in | ~4h 2m

New York City

189.9 mi in | ~4h 2m

Gsp South: Paterson

220.6 mi in | ~4h 41m

Fort Lee

220.6 mi in | ~4h 41m

New York

220.6 mi in | ~4h 41m

About the Cities

Arriving in The Bronx, NY

Full guide →

“The Boogie Down” · Founded 1898

The Bronx is one of the five boroughs of New York. Known for Yankee Stadium, the home field of the New York Yankees baseball team, it has been a borough of New York City since 1898. The vast Bronx Zoo houses hundreds of species of animals. Nearby, the sprawling New York Botanical Garden features a landmark greenhouse with rainforest and cactus displays. By the Hudson River, Wave Hill is a landscaped public garden with wooded paths and a cultural center.

Top landmarks

  • New York Botanical Garden — botanical garden in the Bronx, New York City
  • Woodlawn Cemetery — cemetery in the Bronx, New York City
  • Hall of Fame for Great Americans — architectural structure

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 5h 5m. Total distance: 235.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Nelson, NY to The Bronx, NY covers 235.4 miles and takes about 5h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are NY 17, State Highway 8, NJ 17. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 117.7 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 $38.75 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 20 significant decision points across 235.4 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 189.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 205.2 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Between Nelson, NY and The Bronx, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.

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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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