The drive from New York City, NY to Nelson, NY covers 240.8 miles and takes about 5h 12m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on NY 17, State Highway 8, NJ 17 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 119.5 miles on NY 17.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $39.64 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
120.4 miles from New York City, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation.
From the Statue of Liberty in the harbor to the Empire State Building towering over the Manhattan skyline, from the tunnels of the subway to the riches of Wall Street, from the bright signs of Times Square to the naturalistic beauty of Central Park, and from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York's landmarks are quintessential American landmarks. The city's neighborhoods and streets are so iconic they have become ingrained into the American consciousness.
Top landmarks
•Statue of Liberty — American icon in New York, United States
•National September 11 Memorial & Museum — memorial & museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks
•Plaza Hotel — hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 12m. Total distance: 240.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 5h 12m highway drive covering 240.8 miles, with most of the trip on NY 17 and State Highway 8. The longest continuous stretch is about 119.5 miles on NY 17.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 49 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 119.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 0.8 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 22 significant decision points across 240.8 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 22 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
8
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
7
50.5 mi into trip|~1h 8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NY 17 West: Binghamton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NY 17 West: Binghamton
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 Nelson, NY, road signs point toward New York State Thruway North: Albany and Walton.
New York State Thruway North: Albany
34.6 mi in|~49m|via NY 17
Walton
156.1 mi in|~3h 20m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
119.5 mi
2h 27m
State Highway 8
36.8 mi
42m
NJ 17
22.9 mi
28m
US 20
10.8 mi
15m
State Highway 12
10.2 mi
15m
West Street
8.3 mi
9m
State Route 12B
6.6 mi
9m
NJ 3
4.3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 119.5 mi, about 2h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New York City, NY and Nelson, 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
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
23
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
24
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
25
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
14 mi·16 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
26
Take the exit
1.5 mi·3 min
Exit 16Toward US 6, NY 17: HarrimanUse the slight right lane.
27
Continue on this road
152 ft·3 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·30 sec
Toward NY 17 West: BinghamtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 84Toward NY 8, NY 10: Deposit, Walton
31
Turn right onto NY 8; NY 10
0.2 mi·14 sec·State Highway 10
32
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
33
Turn straight onto NY 8; NY 10
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
34
Continue on NY 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·Airport Road
35
Continue on NY 8
18 mi·20 min·State Highway 8
36
Turn left onto NY 23
8.3 mi·9 min·West Street
37
Turn right onto NY 12
0.6 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
38
Continue on NY 12
10 mi·15 min·State Highway 12
39
Continue on NY 12
1.4 mi·2 min·South Main Street
40
Continue on NY 12B
3.7 mi·5 min·State Highway 12B
41
Continue on NY 12B
1.4 mi·2 min·South Main Street
42
Continue on NY 12B
4.6 mi·6 min·State Route 12B
43
Continue on NY 12B
1.1 mi·1 min·Broad Street
44
Continue on NY 12B
1.1 mi·1 min·Utica Street
45
Continue on NY 12B
2.0 mi·2 min·State Route 12B
46
Continue on NY 46
1.4 mi·2 min·State Route 46
47
Turn left onto US 20; NY 46
0.2 mi·21 sec·US 20; NY 46
48
Turn straight onto US 20; NY 46
11 mi·15 min·US 20; NY 46
49
Arrive at destination
US 20
Trip Plan
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 120.4 miles from New York City, NY, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.5 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 53 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.4 miles or 2h 36m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nelson, 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 240.8 miles and 5h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from New York City, 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 119.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 120.4 mi from New York City, NY
· 2h 36m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.64 one way
$79.27 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$42.86
$85.72
premium
$4.92
$46.67
$93.34
diesel
$5.61
$53.17
$106.33
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
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
$40
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
84 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
ChargePoint Charging Station
Hoboken, New Jersey
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Union City, New Jersey
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Middletown, New York
Blink
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Hamilton, New York
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
New York, New York
Blink
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Mahwah, New Jersey
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Middletown, New York
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Middletown, New York
Tesla
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 42
Other: 22
Blink: 6
Tesla: 5
EV Connect: 3
EVgo: 2
Electrify America: 2
Tesla Destination: 2
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.2
0
$25.28
$11.56
Efficient EV
60.2
0
$21.07
$9.63
EV Truck/SUV
96.3
1
$33.71
$15.41
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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
New York City, NY
Morning
in New York City on Saturday
Local time
11:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Nelson, NY
Morning
in Nelson on Saturday
Local time
11:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
54°F
Monticello, NY
120 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
2 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
5h 12m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from New York City, NY to Nelson, NY covers 240.8 miles and takes about 5h 12m 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 120.4 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 $39.64 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 22 significant decision points across 240.8 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 Nelson, NY, road signs point toward New York State Thruway North: Albany and Walton.
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.
