This straightforward 155-mile drive from Richmond Hill, NY, to Albany, NY, is easily manageable in about 3 hours and 12 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. With 96% of the journey on highways, you can expect a focused driving experience. The estimated fuel cost is around $26, which is quite budget-friendly for a trip of this length. You'll primarily be on NY 17 and NJ 17, with a brief stint on NJ 4, keeping you moving efficiently through the Northeast region. This route offers a practical way to travel between these two New York locations without needing an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
77.6 miles from Richmond Hill, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 40m into the drive
.
Albany is the capital of New York. Albany is an interesting showcase of several centuries' worth of architectural styles, including the modernistic Empire State Plaza.
Top landmarks
•New York State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of New York
•Fort Orange — fort in New Netherland (now Albany, New York)
•Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — historic cathedral in Albany, New York, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 12m. Total distance: 155.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the vast majority of this trip, with 96% of the route utilizing major roadways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 111.7 miles, primarily on NY 17, allowing for extended periods of consistent speed and minimal interruptions. This means you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads, which can be efficient but may offer fewer opportunities for spontaneous roadside exploration. The nature of the drive will be consistent, emphasizing forward progress rather than varied scenery or winding lanes.
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.
NY 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 111.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10 miles in.
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 25 significant decision points across 155.1 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 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
10 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, I 278 West, I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan, New Haven Connecticut
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 19S-W; 19N
Toward I 95 South, I 278 West, I 95 North: Geor...
10
10.2 mi into trip|~16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, I 278 West: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 19S-W
Toward I 95 South, I 278 West: George Washingto...
8
18.1 mi into trip|~27m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
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.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
9
18.3 mi into trip|~28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
8
25.4 mi into trip|~37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Richmond Hill, NY and Albany, NY, road signs point toward Manhattan, New Haven Connecticut, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South and Gsp North - among others.
Manhattan
10 mi in|~15m
New Haven Connecticut
10 mi in|~15m
Upper Level
15.6 mi in|~23m|via I 95; US 1
Njtp South: Hackensack
18.1 mi in|~27m
Gsp South
25.2 mi in|~37m
Gsp North
25.2 mi in|~37m
Newark
25.2 mi in|~37m
Mahwah
25.2 mi in|~37m
New York State Thruway North: Albany
40.4 mi in|~57m|via NY 17
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
111.7 mi
2h 8m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Van Wyck Expressway
4.9 mi
7m
I 95
4.8 mi
6m
Whitestone Expressway
2 mi
2m
I 787
1.6 mi
2m
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
1.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richmond Hill, NY and Albany, NY.
1
Start on Jamaica Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·Jamaica Avenue
2
Turn left onto Van Wyck Expressway
0.1 mi·21 sec·Van Wyck Expressway
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on 138th Street
298 ft·6 sec·138th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward I 678 North: Van Wyck Expressway, Whitestone Bridge, Bronx
5
Merge onto I 678
4.8 mi·6 min·Van Wyck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 678
2.0 mi·2 min·Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 678
1.3 mi·1 min·Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
8
Continue on I 678
0.8 mi·1 min·Hutchinson River Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 19S-W; 19NToward I 95 South, I 278 West, I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Manhattan, New Haven ConnecticutUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 19S-WToward I 95 South, I 278 West: George Washington Bridge, ManhattanUse the slight left lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 95 South
12
Merge onto I 95
4.8 mi·6 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
14
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
15
Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.5 mi·48 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.6 mi·39 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, MahwahUse the straight lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
26
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
27
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
28
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
112 mi·2 hr 8 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 23Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, TroyUse the slight right lane.
30
Continue on I 787
1.6 mi·2 min·I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 4Toward US 9 North, US 20 West: Downtown AlbanyUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn straight onto Quay Street
0.2 mi·34 sec·Quay Street
33
Turn left onto NY 5
0.2 mi·42 sec·NY 5
34
Turn left onto NY 5
0.3 mi·51 sec·State Street
35
At end of road, turn right onto NY 5
182 ft·5 sec·Eagle Street
36
Turn straight onto NY 5
498 ft·19 sec·Washington Avenue
37
Turn left
30 ft·2 sec
38
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of just over 3 hours, this trip is ideal for a flexible departure. Aiming to leave early in the morning can help you avoid potential traffic congestion in the New York metropolitan area. You'll have one primary stretch of 111.7 miles on NY 17, so plan for a break before or after that segment. With a fuel cost estimate of $26, it's an economical journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer stretches, to ensure you're prepared for any necessary stops.
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 77.6 miles from Richmond Hill, NY, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 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 34 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.6 miles or 1h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Albany, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Richmond Hill, 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 Richmond Hill, NY
This is one driving day of about 155.1 miles and 3h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Richmond Hill, 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 NY 17 for about 111.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 77.6 mi from Richmond Hill, NY
· 1h 40m into the drive
The midpoint is around 77.6 miles from Richmond Hill, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.7 miles.
Arriving in Albany, NY
The final approach into Albany, 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 Albany, 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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.53 one way
$51.06 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg54 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$27.61
$55.21
premium
$4.92
$30.06
$60.12
diesel
$5.61
$34.24
$68.49
Estimated Tolls: $22.55
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Whitestone Bridge
$6.55
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
$26
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$73–$98
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
46.5
0
$16.29
$7.44
Efficient EV
38.8
0
$13.57
$6.20
EV Truck/SUV
62
0
$21.71
$9.93
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Richmond Hill, NY
Night
in Richmond Hill on Friday
Local time
11:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Albany, NY
Night
in Albany on Friday
Local time
11:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
78 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 12m 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 Richmond Hill, NY to Albany, NY covers 155.1 miles and takes about 3h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 17, NJ 17, NJ 4. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 77.6 miles from Richmond Hill, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.53 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 155.1 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 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Richmond Hill, NY and Albany, NY, road signs point toward Manhattan, New Haven Connecticut, Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Gsp South and Gsp North - among others.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and African Burial Ground National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
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.
