Remsen, NY to Brooklyn, NY is 262.5 miles and takes about 5h 23m via New York State Thruway, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast. Expect a route with numerous turns, suggesting a more local driving experience rather than a straightforward interstate cruise. With a recommended one-day duration and a manageable fuel cost, this drive is a practical option for reaching Brooklyn from upstate.
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
131.2 miles from Remsen, 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 23m. Total distance: 262.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' with only 18% of the journey on highways. You'll experience a significant portion of your 262.5 miles on local roads, punctuated by a long stretch of 201.9 miles on the New York State Thruway. While the Thruway offers a period of faster travel, be prepared for the road to become more intricate and require frequent adjustments as you navigate through various towns and junctions. The shift from highway to local roads will be noticeable throughout the 5h 23m drive.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
New York State Thruway is the longest continuous segment at about 201.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 101.7 miles in near New York State Thruway.
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 262.5 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 101.7 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 221.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
101.7 mi into trip|~2h 3m in|New York State Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 South: New York, Boston
9
219.8 mi into trip|~4h 19m in|NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
221.2 mi into trip|~4h 21m in|NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
251.1 mi into trip|~4h 59m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
255.8 mi into trip|~5h 10m 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 Remsen, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South and Boston.
Genesee Street South
16.7 mi in|~23m
Boston
101.7 mi in|~2h 3m|via New York State Thruway
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
201.9 mi
3h 53m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
State Highway 12
15.4 mi
21m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
NY 27
1.8 mi
3m
Caton Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 201.9 mi, about 3h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Remsen, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on Main Street
0.2 mi·20 sec·Main Street
2
Turn right onto Steuben Street
0.3 mi·31 sec·Steuben Street
3
Turn left onto NY 12; NY 28
15 mi·21 min·State Highway 12
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
5
Merge onto NY 49
0.4 mi·26 sec·State Route 49
6
Continue on I 790; NY 5
0.2 mi·13 sec·I 790; NY 5
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward Genesee Street South
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 90
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 90 East
10
Merge onto I 90
84 mi·1 hr 36 min·New York State Thruway
11
Keep slight right at fork onto New York State Thruway
118 mi·2 hr 16 min·New York State Thruway
Toward I 87 South: New York, BostonUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
14
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
16
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
20
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
21
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
22
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
24
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
25
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
26
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
27
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
28
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
29
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.
30
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.
31
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
33
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 23m estimated duration and the turn-heavy nature of the route, starting early in the morning is advisable to avoid city traffic as you approach Brooklyn. While the drive is recommended for a single day, the longest uninterrupted stretch of 201.9 miles on the New York State Thruway offers a good opportunity for a break before re-engaging with more local navigation. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially after leaving the Thruway, as you'll be covering a substantial portion of the 262.5 miles on state highways and local roads where services might be less frequent. The estimated fuel cost of $43 is a helpful benchmark for your planning.
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 131.2 miles from Remsen, NY, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 201.9 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 58 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.2 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 14m
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 Remsen, 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 Remsen, NY
This is one driving day of about 262.5 miles and 5h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Remsen, 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 New York State Thruway for about 201.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 131.2 mi from Remsen, NY
· 2h 37m into the drive
The midpoint is around 131.2 miles from Remsen, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Brooklyn, NY
The final approach into Brooklyn, 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 Brooklyn, NY.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 253.4
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 253.4
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 253.4
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 253.4
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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 253.4
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 253.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.21 one way
$86.42 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$46.72
$93.45
premium
$4.92
$50.88
$101.75
diesel
$5.61
$57.96
$115.91
Estimated Tolls: $26.09
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(201.9 mi)$10.09
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
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$94–$119
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
78.8
0
$27.56
$12.60
Efficient EV
65.6
0
$22.97
$10.50
EV Truck/SUV
105
1
$36.75
$16.80
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 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 15, 2026
Origin
Remsen, NY
Morning
in Remsen on Friday
Local time
10:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
36°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Morning
in Brooklyn on Friday
Local time
10:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
131 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
13 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 23m 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 Remsen, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 262.5 miles and takes about 5h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, NJ 17, State Highway 12. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 131.2 miles from Remsen, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.21 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 262.5 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 101.7 miles (New York State Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 221.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Remsen, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Genesee Street South and Boston.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
