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Trip from Richmondville, NY to Hempstead, NY

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 1m

Distance

181.1 mi

292 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 49m ★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 11m
12 PM
4h 8m
3 PM
4h 12m
5 PM
4h 26m
8 PM
3h 54m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Richmondville, NY, NY

Richmondville, NY

Mel Audelo

Trip Overview

The drive from Richmondville, NY to Hempstead, NY covers 181.1 miles and takes about 4h 1m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on New York State Thruway, State Highway 145, NJ 17 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed highway & surface. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 70.5 miles on New York State Thruway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $29.81 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

90.6 miles from Richmondville, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 2m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New York State Thruway 70.5 mi 1h 21m
State Highway 145 35 mi 50m
NJ 17 14.1 mi 18m
State Highway 32 9.2 mi 13m
King's Highway 6.8 mi 9m
I 88 6.7 mi 7m
NJ 4 6.7 mi 9m
Cross Bronx Expressway 6.6 mi 8m
Longest stretch: New York State Thruway — 70.5 mi, about 1h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Richmondville, NY and Hempstead, NY.

1

Start on Summit Street

69 ft · 6 sec · Summit Street
2

Turn right onto NY 7

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Main Street
3

Take the ramp

378 ft · 9 sec
4

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 49 sec
5

Merge onto I 88

6.7 mi · 7 min · I 88
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec
Exit 22 Toward NY 7, NY 145: Cobleskill, Middleburgh
7

Turn right onto NY 145

7.4 mi · 10 min · State Highway 145
8

At end of road, turn left onto NY 30; NY 145

291 ft · 8 sec · State Highway 30
9

Continue on NY 30; NY 145

1.2 mi · 2 min · Main Street
10

Continue on NY 145

28 mi · 40 min · State Highway 145
11

Turn straight onto NY 23

1.5 mi · 2 min · State Highway 23
12

Turn right onto NY 32

9.2 mi · 13 min · State Highway 32
13

Continue on NY 32

6.8 mi · 9 min · King's Highway
14

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec
15

Merge onto I 87

71 mi · 1 hr 21 min · New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17

0.9 mi · 59 sec · NY 17
Exit 15 Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey Use the slight right lane.
17

Continue on I 287; NJ 17

0.5 mi · 39 sec · I 287; NJ 17
18

Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17

14 mi · 18 min · NJ 17
Exit 66 Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah Use the slight left / straight lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
20

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
21

Merge onto NJ 4

0.3 mi · 24 sec · NJ 4
Use the right lane.
22

Continue on NJ 4

6.4 mi · 8 min · NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
24

Merge onto I 95 EXPR

0.7 mi · 54 sec · I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR

0.8 mi · 1 min · I 95 EXPR
26

Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9

0.6 mi · 1 min · George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Continue on I 95; US 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · Trans-Manhattan Expressway
28

Continue on I 95; US 1

4.7 mi · 6 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295

2.0 mi · 2 min · Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6B Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge Use the straight / slight left lanes.
30

Merge onto I 295

0.6 mi · 58 sec · Throgs Neck Expressway
31

Continue on I 295

2.0 mi · 3 min · Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Continue on I 295

5.0 mi · 5 min · Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Turn left onto NY 25

0.7 mi · 1 min · Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
34

Turn right onto NY 25

1.1 mi · 2 min · Braddock Avenue
35

Turn left onto NY 25

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Jamaica Avenue
36

Continue on NY 25

0.5 mi · 56 sec · Jericho Turnpike
37

Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue

2.0 mi · 3 min · Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
38

Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road

0.4 mi · 56 sec · New Hyde Park Road
39

Turn left onto NY 24

2.0 mi · 3 min · Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
40

Turn slight right onto NY 102

0.8 mi · 1 min · Front Street
Use the right lane.
41

Turn right onto Greenwich Street

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
42

Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
43

Arrive at destination

Peninsula Boulevard

Trip Plan

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 90.6 miles from Richmondville, NY, or about 2h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.5 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 40 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 90.6 miles or 2h 2m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 12m

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 Richmondville, 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 Richmondville, NY

This is one driving day of about 181.1 miles and 4h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Richmondville, 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 70.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Rockland County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

91 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

Woodstock, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Poughkeepsie, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 90.6 miles from Richmondville, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Hainan

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Flushing, New York

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 168.2

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19175637223

Visit website

Lima 33 Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Little Neck, New York

3 mi

Sabor Restaurant & Bakery

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

College Point, New York

3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 155.3

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New York, New York

2.9 mi

Hainan

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 168.2

Flushing, New York

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+19175637223

Visit website

Lima 33 Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately mile 168.2

Little Neck, New York

Hours: 1–9 pm

+17182254949

Visit website

Honey Day Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 142.3

Glen Rock, New Jersey

Hours: 8:30 am–3 pm

+12013893535

Visit website

Sabor Restaurant & Bakery

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 168.2

College Point, New York

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+13473684407

Visit website

Sayola Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately mile 155.3

Tenafly, New Jersey

Hours: 4–10 pm

+12018712182

Visit website

Crabtree's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately mile 181.1

Floral Park, New York

Hours: 12–10 pm

+15163267769

Visit website

Barnwood Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 51.8

Catskill, New York

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15189432200

Visit website

Park Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 155.3

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15167490697

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 155.3

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155.3

New York, New York

+19172614093

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155.3

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 155.3

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155.3

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 103.5

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 103.5

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 103.5

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 103.5

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 116.5

Central Valley, New York

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 103.5

Newburgh, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

EVolve NY Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Richmondville, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 116.5

Central Valley, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

Ross Dock Picnic Area

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 155.3

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Xtreme Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 155.3

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12014085555

Visit website

Overpeck County Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 155.3

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12013367275

Visit website

Sunshine Pottery & Paint

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 155.3

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+12015415559

Visit website

Bailiwick Animal Park and Riding Stables

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 51.8

Catskill, New York

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15186785665

Visit website

Fort Lee Historic Park, Palisades Interstate Park Commission

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 155.3

Fort Lee, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–4:45 pm

+12014611776

Visit website

Englewood Picnic Area

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 155.3

Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+12017681360

Visit website

Escape Room NJ

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 155.3

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–1 pm

+12018151784

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 27

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.1 and 163.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
8.1 mi into trip | ~10m in

Take the exit toward NY 7, NY 145: Cobleskill, Middleburgh

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 22 Toward NY 7, NY 145: Cobleskill, Middleburgh
9
133 mi into trip | ~2h 51m 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
134.4 mi into trip | ~2h 53m 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
6
148.5 mi into trip | ~3h 12m in

Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
8
163.4 mi into trip | ~3h 33m in | I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 6B Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.81 one way

$59.62 round trip

$4.18/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.52 $32.23 $64.47
premium $4.92 $35.10 $70.20
diesel $5.61 $39.98 $79.97

Estimated Tolls: $26.26

George Washington Bridge $16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge $6.55
New York State Thruway (70.5 mi) $3.53
Hempstead Turnpike (2 mi) $0.14
Jericho Turnpike (0.5 mi) $0.04

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

$30

Tolls

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$81–$106

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 63.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 54.3 0 $19.02 $8.69
Efficient EV 45.3 0 $15.85 $7.24
EV Truck/SUV 72.4 0 $25.35 $11.59

Gas CO2

63 kg

EV CO2

21 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

Richmondville, NY

Afternoon in Richmondville on Saturday

Local time

1:37 PM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hempstead, NY

Afternoon in Hempstead on Saturday

Local time

1:37 PM

EDT

Current temp

83°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 6 to 12 mph 3% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 15 at 11:57PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY

49°F

Ramapo, NY

91 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

38 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

4h 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

General Grant National Memorial

General Grant National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 156.2
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
View on nps.gov
Hamilton Grange National Memorial

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...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 156.2
View on nps.gov
Stonewall National Monument

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...

9 mi from route ~22 min detour Free near mile 156.2
View on nps.gov
African Burial Ground National Monument

African Burial Ground National Monument

National Monument

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...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 156.2
View on nps.gov
Castle Clinton National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Monument

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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 156.2
View on nps.gov
Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

11 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 156.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

181.1 mi in 4h 1m — 51% highway, the rest on surface roads. Biggest road: New York State Thruway.

51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 70.5 mi on New York State Thruway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.1 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 27 significant decision points across 181.1 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 8.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Richmondville, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.

Gsp South: Paterson

148.4 mi in | ~3h 12m

Fort Lee

148.4 mi in | ~3h 12m

New York

148.4 mi in | ~3h 12m

About the Cities

Arriving in Hempstead, NY

Full guide →

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

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 1m. Total distance: 181.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 70.5 miles on New York State Thruway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $26.26 in tolls one way, starting with George Washington Bridge. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Hempstead, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 8.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Hempstead, NY, but most travelers stay overnight.

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.

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