Trip from New York City, NY to Washington Heights, NY

Drive Time

1h 36m

Distance

72 mi

116 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min

4 AM

1h 29m ★

6 AM

1h 37m

8 AM

1h 51m

10 AM

1h 42m

12 PM

1h 40m

3 PM

1h 43m

5 PM

1h 51m

8 PM

1h 32m

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

Washington Heights, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

If you are planning to travel the 72 miles from New York City to Washington Heights, expect a straightforward journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes. This trip is well-suited for a single-day excursion, as it fits easily into an afternoon or morning schedule. With an estimated fuel cost of $11, it is an affordable transit option within the Northeast region. Since the route is entirely contained within New York state, you won't need to worry about complex regional transitions. You will rely primarily on NY 17, NJ 17, and NJ 3 to reach your destination. It is a practical, efficient connection that gets you where you need to go without the need for an overnight stay.

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

36 miles from New York City, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 50m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 87% of this drive consists of high-speed transit. You will spend a significant portion of your time on major arterial roads, providing a consistent pace throughout the 1 hour and 36 minute duration. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 32 miles on NY 17, which allows you to settle into a steady rhythm behind the wheel. While the route lacks the complexity of winding local backroads, it offers a functional and predictable flow. Navigating through the various highway segments requires focus, but the path is designed to keep you moving toward your destination efficiently.

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

There are about 37 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 32 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 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 Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 72 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 22 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...

48.9 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in

Take the exit toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman

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 16 Toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from New York City, NY to Washington Heights, NY, road signs begin pointing toward New York State Thruway North: Albany along the way.

New York State Thruway North: Albany

34.6 mi in | ~49m | via NY 17

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
NY 17	32 mi	36m
NJ 17	22.9 mi	28m
NJ 3	4.3 mi	5m
Tonnelle Avenue	2.6 mi	3m
Holland Tunnel	1.8 mi	3m
Route 211 East	1.6 mi	3m
NJ 139 Lower Level	0.8 mi	1m
Route 17M	0.6 mi	1m

Longest stretch: NY 17 — 32 mi, about 36m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between New York City, NY and Washington Heights, 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

14 mi · 16 min · I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany

Take the exit slight right toward US 6, NY 17: Harriman

1.5 mi · 3 min · US 6, NY 17: Harriman

Continue straight

151 ft · 4 sec

Keep slight left to continue on NY 17 West: Binghamton

0.4 mi · 30 sec · NY 17 West: Binghamton

Continue straight

18 mi · 20 min

Take the exit slight right toward NY 211: Middletown, Montgomery

0.3 mi · 44 sec · NY 211: Middletown, Montgomery

Turn left onto Route 211 East

1.6 mi · 3 min · Route 211 East

Continue on Wickham Avenue

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Wickham Avenue

Turn right onto Wisner Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Wisner Avenue

Turn right onto North Street

0.3 mi · 26 sec · North Street

Continue on Route 17M

0.6 mi · 1 min · Route 17M

Turn left

85 ft · 6 sec

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

Given the 1 hour and 36 minute duration, this route offers plenty of flexibility for your departure time. Since the trip involves no planned stops, you can easily complete the entire 72-mile distance in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $11 estimated cost is based on typical driving conditions, though traffic patterns on these main roads can fluctuate. To make the most of your travel, try to avoid peak commuting hours to ensure your time on the highway remains smooth. Since you will be transitioning between NY 17, NJ 17, and NJ 3, stay alert for signage changes during the highway-heavy portions of the drive.

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 36 miles from New York City, NY, or about 50m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32 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 72 miles or 1h 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 36 miles or 50m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 21m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington Heights, 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 72 miles and 1h 36m.

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 NY 17 for about 32 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 36 mi from New York City, NY · 50m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

36 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 36 miles from New York City, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Washington Heights, NY

The final approach into Washington Heights, 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 Washington Heights, NY.

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

$11.72 one way

$23.44 round trip

$4.14/gal 25.4 MPG avg 25 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.48	$12.70	$25.40
premium	$4.88	$13.84	$27.68
diesel	$5.64	$16.00	$31.99

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

$12

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 25.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	21.6	$7.56	$3.46
Efficient EV	18	$6.30	$2.88
EV Truck/SUV	28.8	$10.08	$4.61

Gas CO2

25 kg

EV CO2

8 kg (68% 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 4 hours ago

Origin

New York City, NY

Morning in New York City on Monday

Local time

8:24 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 12 mph 4% 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

Washington Heights, NY

Morning in Washington Heights on Monday

Local time

8:24 AM

EDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

59°F

Ramapo, NY

36 mi in

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

7 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

1h 36m 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 Washington Heights, NY covers 72 miles and takes about 1h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are NY 17, 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 36 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 $11.72 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.

On the drive from New York City, NY to Washington Heights, NY, road signs begin pointing toward New York State Thruway North: Albany along the way.

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Return Trip

Washington Heights, NY to New York City, NY

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71.6 mi 1h 35m

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Trip from New York City, NY to Washington Heights, NY

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

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 Washington Heights, 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

Washington Heights, NY

Same local time

7 degrees warmer at arrival

1h 36m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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