Origin
Penn Yan, NY
Afternoon in Penn Yan on Monday
Local time
3:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Penn Yan, NY to New York City, NY
Drive Time
5h 54m
Distance
278.9 mi
449 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 42m
★
6 AM
5h 55m
8 AM
6h 21m
10 AM
6h 4m
12 PM
6h 1m
3 PM
6h 5m
5 PM
6h 20m
8 PM
5h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Penn Yan, NY
Wikimedia Commons
New York City, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Trip Overview
Traveling from Penn Yan to New York City covers 278.9 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 54 minutes of driving time. Because this is a straightforward, highway-focused route, you can easily manage the journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $44 on fuel for the trip. You will navigate through the heart of the Northeast, transitioning from the Finger Lakes region toward the dense urban landscape of the city. While the drive is long, its efficiency makes it a practical option for those looking to reach the destination promptly. Whether you are heading down for business or a weekend getaway, this route provides a direct path between these two New York state locations.
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
139.4 miles from Penn Yan, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is designed for efficiency, with 74% of the route consisting of highway driving. You will rely primarily on the Southern Tier Expressway, the Keystone Shortway, and I-81 to make your way toward the coast. The longest uninterrupted segment you will encounter is a 63.8-mile stretch on the Southern Tier Expressway, which allows for consistent cruising. While the road is largely focused on major arteries, the character of the drive shifts as you move away from the rural surroundings of Penn Yan and merge into the higher-traffic corridors leading into the city. Expect a steady, high-speed experience that prioritizes speed over winding secondary roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Southern Tier Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 63.8 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,872 ft
34 ft
Total Climb
2,704 ft
Total Descent
3,408 ft
Highest Point
1,872 ft
~174.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,838 ft
Notable High Points
1,466 ft at ~127.8 miles
+557 ft prominence
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.2 miles in near NY 14.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 278.9 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 5.2 miles (NY 14): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 108.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
5.2 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
NY 14
Merge onto NY 14
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
108.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 19m 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
161.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m 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
274 mi into trip
|
~5h 42m 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
274.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 43m 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
Towns Along This Route
Between Penn Yan, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Mt Pocono
161.9 mi in
|
~3h 23m
|
via US 6
Milford
162.7 mi in
|
~3h 24m
|
via I 84; I 380
Newark
254.3 mi in
|
~5h 15m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Tier Expressway | 63.8 mi | 1h 15m |
| Keystone Shortway | 63.3 mi | 1h 19m |
| I 81 | 53.4 mi | 1h 3m |
| NY 14 | 38.1 mi | 53m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Essex Freeway | 15.8 mi | 20m |
| State Highway 54 | 4 mi | 5m |
| I 84 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Southern Tier Expressway
— 63.8 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Penn Yan, NY and New York City, NY.
1
Start on NY 54
54 ft
·
7 sec
·
Elm Street
2
Turn left onto NY 54
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Main Street
3
Turn right onto NY 54
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Clinton Street
4
Continue on NY 54
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
State Highway 54
5
Merge onto NY 14
38 mi
·
53 min
·
NY 14
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on North Main Street
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
North Main Street
7
Take the ramp onto NY 13
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
NY 13
8
Merge onto I 86; NY 17; NY 13
64 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
Southern Tier Expressway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
14
Merge onto I 80
63 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 47A
Toward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
16
Continue on I 280
16 mi
·
20 min
·
Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 17A
Toward CR 508 East: Jersey City
18
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
·
New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Turn straight
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Use the straight lane.
23
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Conrail Viaduct
24
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
12th Street Viaduct
25
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
2.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
27
Take the exit
305 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Brooklyn
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on Beach Street
121 ft
·
7 sec
·
Beach Street
Toward Brooklyn, 6th Avenue, Walker Street
Use the straight lane.
29
Turn slight right onto Walker Street
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Walker Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Turn right onto Broadway
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway
Use the straight lane.
31
Arrive at destination
Broadway
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5 hour and 54 minute transit, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic as you approach your destination. Since the plan includes only one planned stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs before the final push into the city. Keep your budget around the $44 fuel estimate, but always check local prices near the highway to avoid unnecessary surcharges. Because this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on real-time traffic updates. A helpful tip for this specific route is to monitor your fuel levels before starting the 63.8-mile stretch on the Southern Tier Expressway to ensure you have enough range for the highway miles ahead.
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 139.4 miles from Penn Yan, NY, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.8 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 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.4 miles or 2h 56m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Penn Yan, 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 Penn Yan, NY
This is one driving day of about 278.9 miles and 5h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Penn Yan, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 63.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 139.4 mi from Penn Yan, NY · 2h 56m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
139 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 139.4 miles from Penn Yan, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Southern Tier Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63.8 miles.
Arriving in New York City, NY
The final approach into New York City, 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 New York City, 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
$45.40 one way
$90.81 round trip
$4.14/gal
25.4 MPG avg
98 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $49.20 | $98.41 |
| premium | $4.88 | $53.62 | $107.23 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $61.96 | $123.92 |
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
$45
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 83.7 | 1 | $29.28 | $13.39 |
| Efficient EV | 69.7 | 0 | $24.40 | $11.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 111.6 | 1 | $39.05 | $17.85 |
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% 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.
Destination
New York City, NY
Afternoon in New York City on Monday
Local time
3:23 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
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
23 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 54m 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 Penn Yan, NY to New York City, NY covers 278.9 miles and takes about 5h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Southern Tier Expressway, Keystone Shortway, I 81. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 139.4 miles from Penn Yan, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.40 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 23 significant decision points across 278.9 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 5.2 miles (NY 14): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 108.6 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.9 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Penn Yan, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Newark.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 34 ft to 1,872 ft elevation with about 2,704 ft of total climbing. There is 1 notable high point along the way.
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