Putnam Lake, NY to Hempstead, NY is 67.9 miles and takes about 1h 37m via I 684, Hutchinson River Parkway, and Clearview Expressway, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive that should be manageable for most drivers looking for a direct path. Given its relatively short distance and duration, it's well-suited for a single-day excursion.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
33.9 miles from Putnam Lake, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 45m into the drive
.
Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods.
Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.
Top landmarks
•Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 37m. Total distance: 67.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 82% of the drive taking place on major roads like I 684 and the Hutchinson River Parkway. You'll experience a consistent flow of traffic for much of the journey, especially on the longest stretch of 27.4 miles on I 684. Expect mostly highway driving with limited transitions to local roads, making it a predictable and efficient drive. The character remains largely consistent, prioritizing speed and directness over scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 684 is the longest continuous segment at about 27.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 684 and Hutchinson River Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 33.5 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 67.9 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 33.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 miles (Hutchinson River Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 48.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
33.5 mi into trip|~44m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1
Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
7
42.7 mi into trip|~57m in|Hutchinson River Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway toward Whitestone Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Whitestone Bridge
8
48.6 mi into trip|~1h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell Avenue
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 2A
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, St...
8
48.6 mi into trip|~1h 6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge
9
50.6 mi into trip|~1h 9m in|I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 7A
Toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Is...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Putnam Lake, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward New York City and Long Island.
New York City
33.5 mi in|~44m
Long Island
50.6 mi in|~1h 9m|via I 695
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 684
27.4 mi
32m
Hutchinson River Parkway
13.6 mi
19m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
State Highway 22
3.4 mi
5m
Doansburg Road
2.2 mi
5m
Throgs Neck Expressway
2.2 mi
3m
Tulip Avenue
2 mi
3m
Throgs Neck Bridge
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 684
— 27.4 mi, about 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Putnam Lake, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on CR 67
0.2 mi·22 sec·Haviland Drive
2
Turn straight onto CR 66
0.3 mi·54 sec·Fairfield Drive
3
Turn left onto CR 65
2.2 mi·5 min·Doansburg Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Turn left onto NY 22
3.4 mi·5 min·State Highway 22
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Continue on I 684
27 mi·32 min·I 684
6
Keep slight left at fork
1.5 mi·2 min
Exit 1Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York CityUse the straight lane.
7
Merge onto Hutchinson River Parkway
7.7 mi·10 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway
5.9 mi·8 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Toward Whitestone BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
141 ft·4 sec
Exit 2AToward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·47 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 95
0.4 mi·31 sec·New England Thruway
12
Continue on I 95
1.3 mi·2 min·Bruckner Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695
2.2 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Exit 7AToward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long IslandUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi·2 min·Braddock Avenue
18
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi·34 sec·Jamaica Avenue
19
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi·56 sec·Jericho Turnpike
20
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi·3 min·Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
21
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi·56 sec·New Hyde Park Road
22
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi·3 min·Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
23
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi·1 min·Front Street
Use the right lane.
24
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
25
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi·26 sec·Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
Since this trip is under two hours and covers just 67.9 miles, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning, perhaps before the typical rush hour, could offer a smoother start. With only a 1h 37m estimated drive time, you likely won't need many stops, but there are ample opportunities for fuel and rest along I 684 and the Hutchinson River Parkway if needed. Keep an eye on traffic as you approach the Long Island area, as congestion can pick up.
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 33.9 miles from Putnam Lake, NY, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 27.4 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 15 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 33.9 miles or 45m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Putnam Lake, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Putnam Lake, NY
This is one driving day of about 67.9 miles and 1h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Putnam Lake, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 684 for about 27.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 33.9 mi from Putnam Lake, NY
· 45m into the drive
The midpoint is around 33.9 miles from Putnam Lake, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Hempstead, NY
The final approach into Hempstead, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
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.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
National Memorial
Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 51.5
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...
8 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 51.5
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 56.2
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 51.5
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 56.2
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 56.2
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
20.4
0
$7.13
$3.26
Efficient EV
17
0
$5.94
$2.72
EV Truck/SUV
27.2
0
$9.51
$4.35
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (67% 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 as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Putnam Lake, NY
Late night
in Putnam Lake on Saturday
Local time
12:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Late night
in Hempstead on Saturday
Local time
12:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°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
15 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 37m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Putnam Lake, NY to Hempstead, NY covers 67.9 miles and takes about 1h 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 684, Hutchinson River Parkway, Clearview Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 33.9 miles from Putnam Lake, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.18 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 67.9 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 33.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 miles (Hutchinson River Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 48.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Putnam Lake, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward New York City and Long Island.
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.
