Skip to main content

Trip from Queens, NY to South Hill, NY

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

5h 1m

Distance

235.7 mi

379 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 48m ★
6 AM
5h 2m
8 AM
5h 29m
10 AM
5h 11m
12 PM
5h 9m
3 PM
5h 13m
5 PM
5h 27m
8 PM
4h 54m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

borough in New York City, New York, United States

Queens, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown South Hill, NY, NY

South Hill, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

This 235.7-mile drive from Queens, NY, to South Hill, NY, is a straightforward journey that can be completed in about 5 hours. Primarily utilizing I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway, this route is best suited for a single day trip, especially given the manageable fuel cost of approximately $39. You'll be spending a significant portion of your time on highways, making it a relatively efficient way to cover the distance. The drive keeps you within the Northeast region, so you won't be crossing any major geographical or cultural divides. It's a practical option if you're looking for a direct path between these two New York 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

117.9 miles from Queens, 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 1m. Total distance: 235.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive, with 68% of the route on interstates and major highways. You'll encounter stretches like the 73.8-mile segment on I 81, offering sustained periods of faster travel. While primarily on main roads like I 81 and US 11, the overall profile suggests a consistent driving experience without many sharp turns or significant elevation changes. This isn't a winding, scenic byway, but rather a direct connection designed for efficient transit between your starting and ending points in New York.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 38 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 73.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Christopher Columbus Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 33 significant decision points across 235.7 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 6.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 33 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

7
6.6 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward I 278 West: Brooklyn

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 17W Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn
8
7.6 mi into trip | ~16m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan
8
10.8 mi into trip | ~22m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Crosstown, 37th Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward Crosstown, 37th Street
7
12.3 mi into trip | ~27m in | NY 495 / Lincoln Tunnel Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 495 / Lincoln Tunnel Expressway toward Lincoln Tunnel

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Toward Lincoln Tunnel
8
16.2 mi into trip | ~34m in

Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 3 West: Clifton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward NJ 3 West: Clifton

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Queens, NY and South Hill, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah, Albany and Lisle.

Del Water Gap

37.3 mi in | ~59m

Mahwah

37.6 mi in | ~59m | via I 80W

Albany

187.8 mi in | ~3h 59m | via I 81

Lisle

203.6 mi in | ~4h 18m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 73.8 mi 1h 28m
Christopher Columbus Highway 44.6 mi 52m
US 11 27.7 mi 34m
I 380 27.7 mi 30m
Keystone Shortway 17.3 mi 24m
US 46 10.8 mi 12m
NJ 3 10.2 mi 12m
Woodhaven Boulevard 4 mi 10m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 73.8 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Queens, NY and South Hill, NY.

1

Start on 104th Street

0.2 mi · 45 sec · 104th Street
2

Turn sharp right onto Rockaway Boulevard

0.5 mi · 57 sec · Rockaway Boulevard
3

Turn right onto Woodhaven Boulevard

4.0 mi · 10 min · Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
4

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward I 495 West: Long Island Expressway, Midtown Tunnel Use the right lane.
5

Merge onto I 495

1.8 mi · 2 min · Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min
Exit 17W Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 495 West: Midtown Tunnel, Manhattan Use the slight left lane.
8

Merge onto I 495

1.4 mi · 2 min · Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

1.3 mi · 2 min · Queens-Midtown Tunnel
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward Crosstown, 37th Street Use the slight left lane.
11

Turn slight left onto East 37th Street

1.1 mi · 3 min · East 37th Street
Use the slight left lane.
12

Take the ramp

474 ft · 11 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel
13

Turn right

342 ft · 11 sec
Use the right lane.
14

Merge onto NY 495

105 ft · 4 sec · Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
15

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 495

3.7 mi · 6 min · Lincoln Tunnel Expressway
Toward Lincoln Tunnel Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 29 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: Secaucus Use the slight right lane.
17

Keep slight left at fork

453 ft · 7 sec
Toward NJ 3 West: Clifton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Merge onto NJ 3

10 mi · 12 min · NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Merge onto US 46

11 mi · 12 min · US 46
Use the straight lane.
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 80 West: Dover, Del Water Gap
21

Continue on I 80W

1.6 mi · 1 min · Interstate 80 West
Toward I 287: Morristown, Mahwah Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 21 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water Gap Use the straight / slight left lanes.
23

Merge onto I 80

45 mi · 52 min · Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

5.5 mi · 8 min · Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

12 mi · 15 min · Keystone Shortway
26

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 46 sec
Exit 293 Toward I 380 North: Scranton
27

Continue on I 380

28 mi · 30 min · I 380
Use the straight lane.
28

Merge onto I 81

58 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
29

Keep slight right at fork onto I 81

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
30

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

14 mi · 16 min · I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
31

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 8 Toward NY 26 North: Whitney Point, Lisle
32

Turn right onto NY 26

0.5 mi · 43 sec · NY 26
33

At end of road, turn left onto US 11; NY 26

0.1 mi · 9 sec · US 11; NY 26
34

Continue on US 11; NY 79

28 mi · 34 min · US 11; NY 79
35

Turn left onto Burns Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · Burns Road
36

At end of road, turn right onto CR 119

2.3 mi · 4 min · Coddington Road
37

Continue on CR 119

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Coddington Road
38

Arrive at destination

CR 119

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour duration, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day adventure. Aim to depart Queens in the morning to make the most of daylight and arrive in South Hill with time to spare. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break up the journey. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $39, and be aware that the longest uninterrupted stretch is 73.8 miles on I 81, so plan your refueling accordingly before entering that segment. This route’s highway focus means you can maintain a steady pace, making it easy to budget your time.

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 117.9 miles from Queens, NY, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.8 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 52 miles or 1h 16m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 117.9 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 6m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Hill, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Queens, 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 Queens, NY

This is one driving day of about 235.7 miles and 5h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Queens, 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 73.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 117.9 mi from Queens, NY · 2h 37m into the drive

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

118 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

City of Scranton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 117.9 miles from Queens, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.8 miles.

Arriving in South Hill, NY

The final approach into South Hill, 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 South Hill, 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

$38.80 one way

$77.60 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 83 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $41.95 $83.91
premium $4.92 $45.68 $91.37
diesel $5.61 $52.04 $104.08

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

$39

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 82.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 70.7 0 $24.75 $11.31
Efficient EV 58.9 0 $20.62 $9.43
EV Truck/SUV 94.3 1 $33.00 $15.08

Gas CO2

82 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (66% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Queens, NY

Night in Queens on Thursday

Local time

10:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

South Hill, NY

Night in South Hill on Thursday

Local time

10:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

36°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

57°F

Ramapo, NY

118 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

11 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 1m 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 Queens, NY to South Hill, NY covers 235.7 miles and takes about 5h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Christopher Columbus Highway, US 11. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 117.9 miles from Queens, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.80 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 33 significant decision points across 235.7 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 6.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Queens, NY and South Hill, NY, road signs point toward Del Water Gap, Mahwah, Albany and Lisle.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Queens, NY or browse trips ending in South Hill, NY.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NY road trips.

Explore maps for Queens, NY or South Hill, NY on MapSof.net.