If you are planning a quick getaway from New York City to Pomona, you are looking at a manageable 38.8-mile journey that typically takes about 57 minutes under normal conditions. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you can easily head out and return without the need for an overnight stay. Budgeting about $6 for fuel should cover your needs for the one-way transit. The trip keeps you entirely within the Northeast region, transitioning from the dense urban core of the city to the suburban landscape of Rockland County. Given the short duration, it is a straightforward drive that prioritizes efficiency over exploration.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
19.4 miles from New York City, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 29m into the drive
.
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Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as roughly 70% of this 38.8-mile trek is spent on major thoroughfares. You will navigate a combination of the Garden State Parkway, NJ 17, and NJ 3, which keeps the pace steady throughout the hour-long commute. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 10.7-mile segment on the Garden State Parkway, where you can settle into a consistent rhythm. While the route lacks the complexity of winding backroads, the transition between these major arterial roads requires you to stay alert for merging traffic. It is a functional, high-speed drive that is designed to get you to your destination as directly as possible.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Garden State Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 10.7 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
560 ft-4 ft
Total Climb
599 ft
Total Descent
180 ft
Highest Point
560 ft
~37.2 mi in
Elevation Range
564 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and NJ 17. 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
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 38.8 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 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 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
7
4.2 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward US 1-9 North: Secausus
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
7
31.9 mi into trip|~44m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 87 South, I 287 East: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 14-1
Toward I 87 South, I 287 East: New York City
7
32.4 mi into trip|~45m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Nanuet
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Nanuet
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 Pomona, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City, Gsp Toll North and Nanuet.
Jersey City
3 mi in|~8m|via NJ 139
Gsp Toll North
20.8 mi in|~31m
Nanuet
32.4 mi in|~45m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Garden State Parkway
10.7 mi
12m
NJ 17
9.2 mi
10m
NJ 3
4.3 mi
5m
South Main Street
2.9 mi
5m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.8 mi
3m
State Highway 45
1.4 mi
2m
NY 59
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 10.7 mi, about 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New York City, NY and Pomona, 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
1.8 mi·2 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward GSP Toll North
22
Merge onto GSP
11 mi·12 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 14-1Toward I 87 South, I 287 East: New York City
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward NanuetUse the slight right lane.
25
Turn left onto CR 35
0.2 mi·29 sec·South Pascack Road
26
Turn right onto CR 35A
0.2 mi·27 sec·Forman Road
27
Take the ramp onto Forman Road
53 ft·7 sec·Forman Road
28
Turn left onto NY 59
0.9 mi·1 min·NY 59
29
Turn right onto NY 45
2.9 mi·5 min·South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on NY 45
1.4 mi·2 min·State Highway 45
31
Turn left onto CR 86
0.5 mi·1 min·Pomona Road
32
Arrive at destination
CR 86
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short drive of under an hour, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure time. However, be mindful that traffic patterns on these major highways can fluctuate, so checking live updates before you pull out of New York City is a smart move. Since there are zero scheduled stops on this route, you should ensure your tank is ready for the 38.8-mile haul before you leave to avoid unnecessary detours. Take advantage of the short travel time by planning your arrival to avoid peak congestion periods on NJ 17 and the Garden State Parkway. Keeping your focus on the merging lanes during the highway transitions will help you navigate the busiest segments of the trip with ease.
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 19.4 miles from New York City, NY, or about 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 10.7 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 38.8 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 19.4 miles or 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pomona, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New York City, 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 New York City, NY
This is one driving day of about 38.8 miles and 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from New York City, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 10.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 19.4 mi from New York City, NY
· 29m into the drive
The midpoint is around 19.4 miles from New York City, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Pomona, NY
The final approach into Pomona, 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 Pomona, 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
$6.39 one way
$12.77 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg14 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$6.91
$13.81
premium
$4.92
$7.52
$15.04
diesel
$5.61
$8.57
$17.13
Estimated Tolls: $16.64
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Garden State Parkway
(10.7 mi)$0.64
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
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 13.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging
· 0 stops
· 64% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
11.6
0
$4.07
$1.86
Efficient EV
9.7
0
$3.39
$1.55
EV Truck/SUV
15.5
0
$5.43
$2.48
Gas CO2
14 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (64% 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 data refreshed 7 hours ago
Origin
New York City, NY
Late night
in New York City on Wednesday
Local time
2:59 AM
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
Pomona, NY
Late night
in Pomona on Wednesday
Local time
2:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°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
25 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
57m 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 Pomona, NY covers 38.8 miles and takes about 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Garden State Parkway, NJ 17, NJ 3. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 19.4 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 $6.39 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 demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 38.8 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 0.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between New York City, NY and Pomona, NY, road signs point toward Jersey City, Gsp Toll North and Nanuet.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from -4 ft to 560 ft elevation with about 599 ft of total climbing.
