This 91-mile drive from Riverside, NY to Staten Island, NY is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes to complete. The route primarily utilizes Sunrise Highway and the Belt Parkway, with a smaller portion on East Moriches-Riverhead Road, making for a predominantly local driving experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, this journey is quite budget-friendly for a weekend excursion or a weekday commute. You'll be staying within New York for the entirety of this drive, traversing familiar northeastern landscapes.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
45.5 miles from Riverside, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 9m into the drive
.
Staten Island is New York City's "Forgotten Borough" across New York Harbor from Manhattan. Staten Island may seem like it's in an entirely different world than the hustle and bustle expected in New York City. However, it still has some of the features you've come to expect from the city. This combination of city influences and its rural origins have created a unique borough that is a great place to visit.
Top landmarks
•Bayonne Bridge — arch bridge connecting Staten Island, NY with Bayonne, NJ
•Staten Island Museum — museum in Staten Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 21m. Total distance: 91 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 91-mile stretch. With only 24% of the route on highways, you'll encounter a dynamic driving experience that shifts between faster sections and more intricate local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll cover is 54.6 miles on Sunrise Highway, offering a significant period of consistent travel before transitioning to other main roads. This means you'll need to stay alert and adapt to varying speed limits and traffic patterns throughout the journey.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Sunrise Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 54.6 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 6.5 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 19 significant decision points across 91 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 6.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 63.7 miles (BP / Belt Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
6.5 mi into trip|~16m in
Take the ramp toward NY 27 West: New York
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward NY 27 West: New York
6
63.7 mi into trip|~1h 34m in|BP / Belt Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto BP / Belt Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
80.9 mi into trip|~2h in
Take the exit toward I 278 West: Verrazano Bridge, Staten Island
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 3
Toward I 278 West: Verrazano Bridge, Staten Isl...
7
81.5 mi into trip|~2h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Lower Level
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Lower Level
8
86.3 mi into trip|~2h 9m in
Take the exit toward Slosson Avenue, Todt Hill Road
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 12
Toward Slosson Avenue, Todt Hill Road
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Riverside, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Belt Parkway West and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Lower Level.
Belt Parkway West
61.8 mi in|~1h 31m
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Lower Level
81.5 mi in|~2h 1m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Sunrise Highway
54.6 mi
1h 13m
Belt Parkway
19 mi
28m
East Moriches-Riverhead Road
5.1 mi
7m
Staten Island Expressway
2.9 mi
4m
Manor Road
2.1 mi
5m
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
1.4 mi
2m
Richmond Road
0.7 mi
1m
Rockland Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Sunrise Highway
— 54.6 mi, about 1h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Riverside, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on this road
112 ft·10 sec·this road
2
Turn right
0.6 mi·3 min
3
At end of road, turn left
0.8 mi·5 min
4
Turn left onto CR 51
5.1 mi·7 min·East Moriches-Riverhead Road
5
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward NY 27 West: New YorkUse the right lane.
6
Merge onto NY 27
55 mi·1 hr 13 min·Sunrise Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward Belt Parkway West, Verrazano Bridge
8
Merge onto BP
1.8 mi·2 min·Belt Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto BP
17 mi·25 min·Belt Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 3Toward I 278 West: Verrazano Bridge, Staten IslandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 278
0.1 mi·9 sec·Gowanus Expressway
13
Continue on I 278
1.4 mi·2 min·Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
14
Continue on I 278
2.9 mi·4 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 12Toward Slosson Avenue, Todt Hill RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on Reon Avenue
397 ft·9 sec·Reon Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
17
Continue on Reon Avenue
358 ft·8 sec·Reon Avenue
18
Keep slight left at fork onto North Gannon Avenue
0.1 mi·21 sec·North Gannon Avenue
19
Turn left onto Manor Road
0.8 mi·2 min·Manor Road
20
Continue on Manor Road
1.3 mi·3 min·Manor Road
21
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Rockland Avenue
22
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
23
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
24
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
25
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
26
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
27
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
28
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour 21-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day adventure, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Plan to leave early to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Belt Parkway. While there are no designated stops in the data, you'll want to factor in brief breaks as needed during the 91 miles, particularly during the 54.6-mile stretch on Sunrise Highway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is only $15, and refueling might be less frequent than on longer, highway-dominated trips.
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 45.5 miles from Riverside, NY, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.6 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 20 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 45.5 miles or 1h 9m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Staten Island, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Riverside, 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 Riverside, NY
This is one driving day of about 91 miles and 2h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Riverside, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Sunrise Highway for about 54.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 45.5 mi from Riverside, NY
· 1h 9m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 75.3
Park Closure: Dead Horse Bay (Brooklyn) Remains Closed to the Public
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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 81.6
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 81.6
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 81.6
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special...
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 81.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.98 one way
$29.96 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg32 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$16.20
$32.39
premium
$4.92
$17.64
$35.28
diesel
$3.75
$13.44
$26.87
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 31.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
27.3
0
$9.56
$4.37
Efficient EV
22.8
0
$7.96
$3.64
EV Truck/SUV
36.4
0
$12.74
$5.82
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (66% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Riverside, NY
Evening
in Riverside on Friday
Local time
5:41 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Evening
in Staten Island on Friday
Local time
5:41 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°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
6 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
2h 21m 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 Riverside, NY to Staten Island, NY covers 91 miles and takes about 2h 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Sunrise Highway, Belt Parkway, East Moriches-Riverhead Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 45.5 miles from Riverside, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.98 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 is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 91 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 6.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 63.7 miles (BP / Belt Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Riverside, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Belt Parkway West and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Lower Level.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Gateway National Recreation Area, Governors Island National Monument and Statue Of Liberty 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.
