This 260.5-mile drive from North Syracuse, NY, to Brooklyn, NY, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. With a highway share of 70%, you'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a straightforward journey. The estimated fuel cost is around $43, which is quite reasonable for this distance. Given its manageable length and predominantly highway profile, this trip is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Both your origin and destination are within the Northeast region, so you'll experience a consistent regional feel throughout.
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
130.2 miles from North Syracuse, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 30m. Total distance: 260.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 70% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-81 and I-380. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 133.4 miles on I-81, offering a chance for steady progress. While primarily an interstate experience, the Keystone Shortway also forms part of the journey, adding some variety. The road character is largely consistent, emphasizing efficient travel over winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 35 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 133.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 83.1 miles in near I 81.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 260.5 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 83.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 136.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 248.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
83.1 mi into trip|~1h 41m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
136.5 mi into trip|~2h 45m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
7
248.6 mi into trip|~5h 4m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
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 NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
248.8 mi into trip|~5h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
253.8 mi into trip|~5h 17m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between North Syracuse, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Mt Pocono
136.5 mi in|~2h 45m|via US 6
Milford
137.3 mi in|~2h 46m|via I 84; I 380
Newark
228.9 mi in|~4h 37m
Cr 508 East: Jersey City
245.4 mi in|~4h 58m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
133.4 mi
2h 39m
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
2 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
NY 27
1.8 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 133.4 mi, about 2h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Syracuse, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on US 11
1.0 mi·2 min·South Main Street
2
Continue on US 11
0.8 mi·1 min·Brewerton Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward I 81 South
4
Merge onto I 81
7.5 mi·10 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi·48 sec·I-81
6
Continue on I 81
73 mi·1 hr 25 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
11
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
12
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
14
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
16
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
21
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
22
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
23
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
25
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
26
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
27
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
28
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
29
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
30
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
31
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
34
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
35
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour and 30-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from North Syracuse to avoid potential traffic as you approach Brooklyn. With a longest stretch of 133.4 miles on I-81, plan for one main stop around the halfway point for fuel and a break. The $43 fuel cost is an estimate, so topping up before you leave North Syracuse is a good idea. This route is efficient enough that you won't need to split it, giving you flexibility upon arrival in Brooklyn.
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 130.2 miles from North Syracuse, NY, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 133.4 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 57 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130.2 miles or 2h 37m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving North Syracuse, 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 North Syracuse, NY
This is one driving day of about 260.5 miles and 5h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from North Syracuse, 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 I 81 for about 133.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 130.2 mi from North Syracuse, NY
· 2h 37m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.88 one way
$85.76 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$46.37
$92.73
premium
$4.92
$50.49
$100.98
diesel
$5.61
$57.52
$115.03
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
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
$43
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78.1
0
$27.35
$12.50
Efficient EV
65.1
0
$22.79
$10.42
EV Truck/SUV
104.2
1
$36.47
$16.67
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 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
North Syracuse, NY
Morning
in North Syracuse on Friday
Local time
7:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Morning
in Brooklyn on Friday
Local time
7:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°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
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
5h 30m 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 North Syracuse, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 260.5 miles and takes about 5h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Keystone Shortway, I 380. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 130.2 miles from North Syracuse, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.88 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 24 significant decision points across 260.5 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 83.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 136.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 248.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between North Syracuse, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
