This 300.6-mile journey from Potter to Queens, NY, is designed for a single day of travel, estimated to take around 6 hours and 28 minutes. Primarily a highway-focused drive, you'll spend about 72% of your time on major interstates like the Southern Tier Expressway and I-81, with a portion on the Keystone Shortway. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is $49, and you'll likely need just one significant stop along the way. Given its duration and highway nature, it's a manageable day trip that keeps you moving efficiently through the Northeast region.
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
150.3 miles from Potter, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 12m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 28m. Total distance: 300.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 28m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 300.6-mile route, with 72% of the drive utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter longer stretches of uninterrupted driving, including a 70.8-mile segment on the Keystone Shortway, which means fewer turns but potentially more monotonous highway cruising. The character of the drive is largely defined by its interstate segments, prioritizing speed and directness over winding scenic byways. This route is built for covering distance efficiently, with the majority of your time spent on high-speed, limited-access highways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 44 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Keystone Shortway is the longest continuous segment at about 70.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Keystone Shortway and Southern Tier Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 170.3 miles in near US 6.
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 35 significant decision points across 300.6 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 170.3 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 270.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 286.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 35 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
170.3 mi into trip|~3h 35m 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...
8
270.2 mi into trip|~5h 35m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln 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.
Exit 53
Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln Tunn...
8
286.9 mi into trip|~5h 56m in
Take the ramp toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
8
292.7 mi into trip|~6h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 17W-E
Toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia A...
8
295.7 mi into trip|~6h 16m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boule...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Potter, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Clifton.
Mt Pocono
170.3 mi in|~3h 35m|via US 6
Milford
171 mi in|~3h 36m|via I 84; I 380
Clifton
270.2 mi in|~5h 35m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
70.8 mi
1h 27m
Southern Tier Expressway
63.8 mi
1h 15m
I 81
53.4 mi
1h 3m
NY 14
38.1 mi
53m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
NJ 3
10.5 mi
11m
State Route 364
8 mi
11m
State Highway 54
4 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 70.8 mi, about 1h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Potter, NY and Queens, NY.
1
Start on Phelps Road
77 ft·7 sec·Phelps Road
2
Turn right onto NY 364
8.0 mi·11 min·State Route 364
3
Continue on NY 364
0.4 mi·32 sec·Maple Avenue
4
Continue on North Avenue
1.1 mi·2 min·North Avenue
5
Turn left onto NY 54
277 ft·7 sec·Clinton Street
6
Continue on NY 54
4.0 mi·5 min·State Highway 54
7
Merge onto NY 14
38 mi·53 min·NY 14
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on North Main Street
1.3 mi·2 min·North Main Street
9
Take the ramp onto NY 13
0.2 mi·28 sec·NY 13
10
Merge onto I 86; NY 17; NY 13
64 mi·1 hr 15 min·Southern Tier Expressway
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
12
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.
13
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.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
16
Merge onto I 80
71 mi·1 hr 27 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi·59 sec
Exit 53Toward US 46 East: Wayne, Clifton, Lincoln TunnelUse the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto US 46
2.1 mi·2 min·US 46
19
Continue on US 46
1.6 mi·1 min·US 46
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn slight left onto NJ 3
11 mi·11 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel, Kennedy BoulevardUse the straight / right lanes.
22
Merge onto NJ 495
1.1 mi·1 min·NJ 495
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward Weehawken, Hoboken, Ferries to New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on South Marginal Highway
0.1 mi·10 sec·South Marginal Highway
25
Turn right onto Boulevard East
0.4 mi·1 min·Boulevard East
Use the left lane.
26
Take the ramp
123 ft·14 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York CityUse the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn right
0.2 mi·57 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel access
28
Merge onto NJ 495
1.6 mi·4 min·Lincoln Tunnel
29
Keep slight right at fork
265 ft·6 sec
Toward Dyer Avenue
30
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft·8 sec
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden
31
Continue on Dyer Avenue
350 ft·19 sec·Dyer Avenue
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square GardenUse the left / straight lanes.
32
Turn left onto West 36th Street
1.3 mi·3 min·West 36th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
33
Take the ramp
68 ft·1 sec
Toward I 495: Queens-Midtown Tunnel
34
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495
2.5 mi·4 min·I 495
35
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17W-EToward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Merge onto I 495
2.0 mi·2 min·Long Island Expressway
37
Take the exit
0.4 mi·35 sec
Exit 19Toward NY 25: Woodhaven BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
38
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·41 sec
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, RockawaysUse the straight / slight left lanes.
39
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·24 sec
Toward Woodhaven Boulevard, RockawaysUse the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Turn right onto Woodhaven Boulevard
3.9 mi·10 min·Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the right lane.
41
Turn left onto Rockaway Boulevard
344 ft·9 sec·Rockaway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
42
Turn slight left onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Liberty Avenue
43
Turn right onto 104th Street
205 ft·9 sec·104th Street
44
Arrive at destination
104th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour, 28-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Potter to avoid potential traffic as you approach Queens. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically around the halfway point to refuel and stretch your legs. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 70.8 miles on the Keystone Shortway, so be mindful of needing to fuel up before that if your tank is low. This is a straightforward highway trip, so your primary focus will be on maintaining your speed and being aware of your surroundings as you cover the 300.6 miles.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 150.3 miles from Potter, NY, or about 3h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.8 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 66 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150.3 miles or 3h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Queens, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Potter, 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 Potter, NY
This is one driving day of about 300.6 miles and 6h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Potter, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 70.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 150.3 mi from Potter, NY
· 3h 12m into the drive
The midpoint is around 148.4 miles from Potter, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Queens, NY
The final approach into Queens, 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 Queens, 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 290.2
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 290.2
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 290.2
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 290.2
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 290.2
The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 290.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.48 one way
$98.96 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg105 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$53.50
$107.01
premium
$4.92
$58.26
$116.52
diesel
$5.61
$66.37
$132.74
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
Lincoln 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
$49
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$90–$115
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
90.2
1
$31.56
$14.43
Efficient EV
75.2
0
$26.30
$12.02
EV Truck/SUV
120.2
1
$42.08
$19.24
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Potter, NY
Afternoon
in Potter on Thursday
Local time
12:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Queens, NY
Afternoon
in Queens on Thursday
Local time
12:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°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
6 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
6h 28m 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 Potter, NY to Queens, NY covers 300.6 miles and takes about 6h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, Southern Tier Expressway, 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 150.3 miles from Potter, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.48 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 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 35 significant decision points across 300.6 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 170.3 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 270.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 286.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Potter, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford and Clifton.
