Trip from New York City, NY to Potsdam, NY

Drive Time

7h 32m

Distance

346 mi

557 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$56

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min

4 AM

7h 23m ★

6 AM

7h 33m

8 AM

7h 53m

10 AM

7h 40m

12 PM

7h 38m

3 PM

7h 41m

5 PM

7h 52m

8 PM

7h 27m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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New York City, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Potsdam, NY

Sidorela Shehaj

Trip Overview

Embarking on the 346-mile journey from New York City to Potsdam takes you through the heart of New York State, spanning approximately 7 hours and 32 minutes of drive time. While manageable as a single-day trip, the duration makes for a long haul, so be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. You will navigate via NY 17, the Adirondack Northway, and State Highway 56, which keeps you primarily within the Northeast region. Budgeting around $55 for fuel is a solid starting point for your planning. Whether you choose to power through in one go or break it up depends on your stamina, but the route is straightforward enough to handle in a single session if you start early.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

173 miles from New York City, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 32m into the drive .

Drive Character

This highway-focused drive is defined by a 67% highway share, offering a mix of high-speed transit and regional connectivity. You will encounter your longest stretch of continuous driving on NY 17, which spans 111.7 miles of the journey. As you transition from the city toward the North Country, the road character shifts from dense urban thoroughfares to the more open, flowing stretches of the Adirondack Northway. Expect a steady, predictable pace for the majority of the trip, though the final segments on State Highway 56 will require more focused attention as you navigate toward Potsdam. It is a functional, efficient route that prioritizes getting you to your destination without unnecessary detours.

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.

NY 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 111.7 miles.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,705 ft 34 ft

Total Climb

2,102 ft

Total Descent

1,704 ft

Highest Point

1,705 ft

~273.9 mi in

Elevation Range

1,671 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and Adirondack Northway. 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 Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 346 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 3 miles (NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 31 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

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

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. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Bou...

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

34.6 mi into trip | ~49m in | NY 17

Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17 toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany

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

Use the none lane. Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State...

146.4 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in

Take the exit toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy

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 23 Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy

Towns Along This Route

Between New York City, NY and Potsdam, NY, road signs point toward New York State Thruway North: Albany, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls and Minerva.

New York State Thruway North: Albany

34.6 mi in | ~49m | via NY 17

Troy

146.4 mi in | ~2h 58m

Saratoga Springs

156 mi in | ~3h 11m

Glens Falls

159.3 mi in | ~3h 16m

Minerva

231.1 mi in | ~4h 40m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
NY 17	111.7 mi	2h 8m
Adirondack Northway	71 mi	1h 22m
State Highway 56	31.4 mi	47m
State Highway 28N	30.3 mi	43m
NJ 17	22.9 mi	28m
Adirondack Trail	19.3 mi	27m
State Route 3	14.8 mi	20m
I 787	9 mi	12m

Longest stretch: NY 17 — 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between New York City, NY and Potsdam, NY.

Start on Broadway

79 ft · 7 sec · Broadway

Turn right onto Chambers Street

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Chambers Street

Turn right onto Church Street

213 ft · 17 sec · Church Street

Turn left onto Reade Street

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Reade Street

Turn right onto Hudson Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Hudson Street

Keep slight right to continue on Hudson Street

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Hudson Street

Take the exit right toward I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey

407 ft · 14 sec · I 78: Holland Tunnel, New Jersey

Merge slight left onto Holland Tunnel

1.8 mi · 3 min · Holland Tunnel

Continue on 14th Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · 14th Street

Keep slight left to continue on 14th Street Viaduct

0.3 mi · 25 sec · 14th Street Viaduct

Continue on NJ 139 Lower Level

0.8 mi · 1 min · NJ 139 Lower Level

Continue on Pulaski Skyway

407 ft · 8 sec · Pulaski Skyway

Take the exit slight right toward US 1-9 North: Secausus

420 ft · 14 sec · US 1-9 North: Secausus

Turn right onto Tonnelle Avenue

2.6 mi · 3 min · Tonnelle Avenue

Turn straight

4.3 mi · 5 min

Take the exit slight right toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford

0.1 mi · 14 sec · NJ 17 North: Rutherford

Keep slight left to continue on NJ 17 North: Rutherford

0.3 mi · 35 sec · NJ 17 North: Rutherford

Merge slight left

3.3 mi · 3 min

Continue straight

4.2 mi · 4 min

Continue straight

4.1 mi · 5 min

Continue straight

7.3 mi · 9 min

Continue straight

0.7 mi · 50 sec

Continue straight

3.3 mi · 4 min

Continue straight

0.2 mi · 11 sec

Keep slight left to continue on I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany

112 mi · 2 hr 8 min · I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany

Take the exit slight right toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy

0.3 mi · 50 sec · I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy

Continue straight

9.0 mi · 12 min

Keep slight left

0.4 mi · 29 sec

Take the exit slight right toward NY 7 West: Schenectady, Saratoga Springs

0.3 mi · 50 sec · NY 7 West: Schenectady, Saratoga Springs

Merge slight left

3.1 mi · 3 min

Take the exit slight right toward I 87 North: Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 87 North: Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls

Merge slight left onto Adirondack Northway

71 mi · 1 hr 22 min · Adirondack Northway

Take the exit slight right toward US 9: Pottersville, Minerva

0.3 mi · 31 sec · US 9: Pottersville, Minerva

Turn left onto Valley Farm Road

0.4 mi · 50 sec · Valley Farm Road

At the end of the road, turn right

0.2 mi · 33 sec

Turn slight left onto Olmstedville Road

4.8 mi · 7 min · Olmstedville Road

Continue on County Highway 29

1.2 mi · 1 min · County Highway 29

Keep slight right to continue on Donnelly Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Donnelly Road

Continue on A P Morse Highway

2.8 mi · 4 min · A P Morse Highway

Turn straight onto State Highway 28N

30 mi · 41 min · State Highway 28N

Continue on Newcomb Road

2.5 mi · 3 min · Newcomb Road

Continue on State Highway 28N

0.7 mi · 1 min · State Highway 28N

Turn right onto Adirondack Trail

0.4 mi · 53 sec · Adirondack Trail

Turn slight left onto Lake Street

0.3 mi · 40 sec · Lake Street

Continue on Adirondack Trail

18 mi · 25 min · Adirondack Trail

Continue on Moody Road

0.5 mi · 47 sec · Moody Road

Continue on Adirondack Trail

0.8 mi · 1 min · Adirondack Trail

Continue on Wawbeek Avenue

1.9 mi · 3 min · Wawbeek Avenue

Turn right onto Park Street

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Park Street

Turn left onto Mill Street

282 ft · 13 sec · Mill Street

Turn right onto Lake Street

0.1 mi · 25 sec · Lake Street

Continue on Demars Boulevard

1.2 mi · 2 min · Demars Boulevard

Continue on Main Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · Main Street

Continue on State Route 3

15 mi · 20 min · State Route 3

Turn right onto State Highway 56

31 mi · 47 min · State Highway 56

Continue on Pierrepont Avenue

1.0 mi · 2 min · Pierrepont Avenue

Continue on Park Street

446 ft · 17 sec · Park Street

At the end of the road, turn right onto Elm Street

282 ft · 10 sec · Elm Street

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 346-mile trip, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential congestion on the initial highway segments. You should plan for at least two intentional stops to stretch your legs and manage fatigue, especially given the lengthy 111.7-mile stretch on NY 17. Since the route is highway-heavy, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the more isolated stretches of the Adirondack Northway to avoid unexpected pit stops. Flexibility is your best asset here; if the seven-and-a-half-hour drive feels daunting, consider planning a mid-way break to keep your energy levels consistent. Prioritize checking road conditions on the Adirondack Northway before you leave, as regional weather can impact travel times significantly.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 173 miles from New York City, NY, or about 3h 32m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 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 80 miles or 1h 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 173 miles or 3h 32m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Potsdam, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from New York City, NY

This is one driving day of about 346 miles and 7h 32m.

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.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on NY 17 for about 111.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 173 mi from New York City, NY · 3h 32m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Albany, NY

173 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

Beacon, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Clifton Park, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 173 miles from New York City, 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 111.7 miles.

Arriving in Potsdam, NY

The final approach into Potsdam, 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 Potsdam, NY.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

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...

0 mi from route Free

View on nps.gov

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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

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...

1 mi from route ~1 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument

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...

2 mi from route ~4 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$56.33 one way

$112.65 round trip

$4.14/gal 25.4 MPG avg 121 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.48	$61.04	$122.08
premium	$4.88	$66.52	$133.03
diesel	$5.64	$76.87	$153.74

Estimated Tolls: $16.00

Holland Tunnel $16.00

New York State Thruway $0.00

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

$56

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$97–$122

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 121.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	103.8	1	$36.33	$16.61
Efficient EV	86.5	0	$30.28	$13.84
EV Truck/SUV	138.4	1	$48.44	$22.14

Gas CO2

121 kg

EV CO2

40 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 2 hours ago

Origin

New York City, NY

Afternoon in New York City on Monday

Local time

1:35 PM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Partly Sunny

SW 15 to 22 mph 9% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 13 at 12:55AM EDT until April 13 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 13 at 12:22AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY

Destination

Potsdam, NY

Afternoon in Potsdam on Monday

Local time

1:35 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°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

28 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

7h 32m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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 Potsdam, NY covers 346 miles and takes about 7h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are NY 17, Adirondack Northway, State Highway 56. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 173 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 $56.33 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between New York City, NY and Potsdam, NY, road signs point toward New York State Thruway North: Albany, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls and Minerva.

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Return Trip

Potsdam, NY to New York City, NY

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346 mi 7h 31m

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Trip from New York City, NY to Potsdam, NY

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

Elevation Profile

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Potsdam, NY

National Parks Near This Route

African Burial Ground National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

Federal Hall National Memorial

Stonewall National Monument

Governors Island National Monument

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

New York City, NY

Potsdam, NY

Same local time

28 degrees cooler at arrival

7h 32m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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