If you are looking to escape the city, this 37-mile trek from New York City to Montebello is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 55 minutes. Since the drive is quite short, you can easily complete it as a convenient day trip without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $6 for fuel, making it a very economical trip. The route primarily relies on NJ 17, NJ 3, and the Franklin Turnpike to navigate the Northeast corridor. It is a practical, highway-focused drive that gets you from the heart of the city to the suburban landscape of Montebello efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
18.5 miles from New York City, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 28m into the drive
.
Drive Character
This trip is defined by a highway-heavy profile, with 74% of the distance spent on major roads. You will find yourself cruising through a mix of fast-paced highway segments before transitioning onto local routes like the Franklin Turnpike. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 19.1-mile run along NJ 17, which serves as the backbone of your journey. Expect the character of the road to shift from dense urban traffic to more open, flowing pavement as you head north. It is a functional drive designed for speed and directness rather than winding, scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
NJ 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 19.1 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
410 ft-4 ft
Total Climb
499 ft
Total Descent
197 ft
Highest Point
410 ft
~30.8 mi in
Elevation Range
414 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NJ 17 and NJ 3. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in.
Route Complexity10/10
Focused - lots of decisions in a short distance, but it is over quickly
This is a short but busy drive. With 21 decision points packed into just 37 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 55m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles (NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
0.8 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey
6
3 mi into trip|~8m in|NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
8
11.2 mi into trip|~19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
9
30.8 mi into trip|~44m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Franklin Turnpike, Suffern
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Franklin Turnpike, Suffern
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between New York City, NY and Montebello, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City, Franklin Turnpike and Suffern.
Jersey City
3 mi in|~8m|via NJ 139
Franklin Turnpike
30.6 mi in|~44m
Suffern
30.6 mi in|~44m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NJ 17
19.1 mi
23m
NJ 3
4.3 mi
5m
Franklin Turnpike
3.3 mi
5m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.8 mi
3m
Haverstraw Road
1.4 mi
2m
Wayne Avenue
1 mi
2m
NJ 139 Lower Level
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
NJ 17
— 19.1 mi, about 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New York City, NY and Montebello, NY.
1
Start on Broadway
79 ft·7 sec·Broadway
2
Turn right onto Chambers Street
0.1 mi·26 sec·Chambers Street
3
Turn right onto Church Street
215 ft·16 sec·Church Street
4
Turn left onto Reade Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·Reade Street
5
Turn right onto Hudson Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Hudson Street
6
Keep slight right at fork onto Hudson Street
0.2 mi·38 sec·Hudson Street
7
Take the exit
406 ft·14 sec
Toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 78
1.8 mi·3 min·Holland Tunnel
9
Continue on I 78
0.4 mi·1 min·14th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139
0.3 mi·24 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
11
Continue on NJ 139
0.8 mi·1 min·NJ 139 Lower Level
12
Continue on NJ 139
406 ft·7 sec·Pulaski Skyway
13
Take the exit
420 ft·14 sec
Toward US 1-9 North: SecaususUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
2.6 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Turn straight onto NJ 3
4.3 mi·5 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·3 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on NJ 17
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on NJ 17
4.1 mi·5 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on NJ 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·NJ 17
23
Take the exit
474 ft·13 sec
Toward Franklin Turnpike, Suffern
24
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·19 sec·this road
Toward Franklin Turnpike, Suffern
25
Keep slight right at fork
428 ft·11 sec
Toward Franklin Turnpike, SuffernUse the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Turn straight onto CR 507
3.3 mi·5 min·Franklin Turnpike
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn right onto US 202
1.0 mi·2 min·Wayne Avenue
28
Continue on US 202
1.4 mi·2 min·Haverstraw Road
29
Turn right onto CR 74
0.2 mi·31 sec·Viola Road
30
Turn right onto Vivian Place
0.1 mi·34 sec·Vivian Place
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Because this is a quick 55-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though you should always check for typical congestion on the major highways. You won't need to plan for any formal stops along the way given the short distance, allowing you to drive straight through to your destination. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before you leave the city, as $6 should cover your requirements for the 37-mile trip. Since the majority of your time is spent on high-speed roads, stay alert during the transition from NJ 17 onto the Franklin Turnpike. Use this short travel time to your advantage by planning your arrival to Montebello during off-peak hours to ensure the smoothest possible transition.
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 18.5 miles from New York City, NY, or about 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 19.1 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 37 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 18.5 miles or 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Montebello, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving New York City, NY.
Day 1
Settle into the route from New York City, NY
This is one driving day of about 37 miles and 55m.
At 37 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on NJ 17 for about 19.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 18.5 mi from New York City, NY
· 28m into the drive
The midpoint is around 18.5 miles from New York City, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Montebello, NY
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Montebello, NY if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$6.09 one way
$12.18 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg13 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$6.59
$13.17
premium
$4.92
$7.17
$14.34
diesel
$5.61
$8.17
$16.34
Estimated Tolls: $16.23
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Franklin Turnpike
(3.3 mi)$0.23
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
$6
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging
· 0 stops
· 69% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
11.1
0
$3.89
$1.78
Efficient EV
9.3
0
$3.24
$1.48
EV Truck/SUV
14.8
0
$5.18
$2.37
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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 14, 2026
Origin
New York City, NY
Night
in New York City on Wednesday
Local time
11:02 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SW 7 to 14 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 14 at 7:26PM EDT until April 14 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 7:25PM EDT until April 14 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
Destination
Montebello, NY
Night
in Montebello on Wednesday
Local time
11:02 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
47°F
Inwood, NY
19 mi in
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
22 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
55m 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 New York City, NY to Montebello, NY covers 37 miles and takes about 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NJ 17, NJ 3, Franklin Turnpike. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 18.5 miles from New York City, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.09 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.
This is a short but busy drive. With 21 decision points packed into just 37 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 55m.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles (NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between New York City, NY and Montebello, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City, Franklin Turnpike and Suffern.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from -4 ft to 410 ft elevation with about 499 ft of total climbing.
