This 145.5-mile drive from Saugerties, NY to Islip, NY is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 8 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of major parkways and highways, with about 43% of your journey on interstates. The estimated fuel cost for this route is $24, making it a budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway or a convenient way to travel within the Northeast region. Given the relatively short duration, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience and enjoy a relaxed pace.
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
72.7 miles from Saugerties, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 26m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 8m. Total distance: 145.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience on this route, blending efficient highway travel with stretches on parkways. With 43% of the drive on highways, you'll encounter some faster-paced sections, including a significant 70.5-mile segment on the New York State Thruway. The remaining portion will likely involve more varied road conditions, potentially including some slower traffic or more frequent exits as you approach your destination. This blend means you'll experience different driving dynamics throughout the trip.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 43 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 70.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 72.3 miles in near NY 17.
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 145.5 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 72.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.7 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.7 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): 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.
9
72.3 mi into trip|~1h 25m 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
73.7 mi into trip|~1h 27m 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
102.7 mi into trip|~2h 7m 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
8
115.7 mi into trip|~2h 26m in
Take the exit toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 25A
Toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Lon...
9
140.9 mi into trip|~2h 59m in
Take the exit toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 41S
Toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Saugerties, NY and Islip, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York, Cross Island Parkway South, Southern State Parkway East and Eastern Long Island.
Gsp South: Paterson
87.7 mi in|~1h 45m
Fort Lee
87.7 mi in|~1h 45m
New York
87.7 mi in|~1h 45m
Cross Island Parkway South
114.2 mi in|~2h 23m
Southern State Parkway East
115.7 mi in|~2h 26m
Eastern Long Island
115.7 mi in|~2h 26m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
70.5 mi
1h 21m
Southern State Parkway
24.7 mi
31m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Throgs Neck Bridge
2 mi
3m
I 95 EXPR
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 70.5 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saugerties, NY and Islip, NY.
1
Start on NY 32
315 ft·12 sec·Main Street
2
Turn right onto NY 32
433 ft·14 sec·Market Street
3
Turn slight left onto NY 32
1.1 mi·2 min·Ulster Avenue
4
Turn straight onto NY 32
0.2 mi·24 sec·NY 32
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
6
Merge onto I 87
71 mi·1 hr 21 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
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.
8
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
9
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
12
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
13
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
15
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
17
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
19
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
22
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
25
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
27
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft·9 sec·225th Street
Use the right lane.
28
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
29
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi·1 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 25AToward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long IslandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
31
Merge onto SO
25 mi·31 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto SO
0.2 mi·16 sec·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 41SToward Bay Shore Road South, Bay ShoreUse the slight right lane.
34
Turn straight onto CR 57
0.5 mi·1 min·Bay Shore Road
35
Continue on CR 57
0.3 mi·43 sec·Howells Road
36
Turn straight onto CR 57
341 ft·6 sec·Sunrise Highway
37
Keep slight right at fork onto CR 57
0.6 mi·1 min·Howells Road
Toward Howells Road SouthUse the right lane.
38
Continue on CR 57
0.2 mi·24 sec·Roosevelt Street
39
Continue on CR 57
0.7 mi·1 min·3rd Avenue
40
At end of road, turn left onto NY 27A
1.1 mi·1 min·East Main Street
41
Continue on Montauk Highway
0.2 mi·17 sec·Montauk Highway
42
Continue on NY 27A
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
43
Arrive at destination
NY 27A
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 1-day journey from Saugerties to Islip, consider departing early to avoid potential traffic, especially on the New York State Thruway. With a duration of just over 3 hours, you likely won't need extensive stops, but one planned break could be beneficial. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $24, and plan your refill accordingly. A good tip is to be aware of the transition from the Southern State Parkway to local roads as you get closer to Islip, as the driving environment will change.
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 72.7 miles from Saugerties, NY, or about 1h 26m 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 32 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 72.7 miles or 1h 26m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Islip, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Saugerties, 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 Saugerties, NY
This is one driving day of about 145.5 miles and 3h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Saugerties, 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.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 72.7 mi from Saugerties, NY
· 1h 26m into the drive
The midpoint is around 77.9 miles from Saugerties, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Islip, NY
The final approach into Islip, 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 Islip, NY.
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.
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 95.3
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
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 95.3
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
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 95.3
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
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 95.3
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
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 95.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.95 one way
$47.90 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg51 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$25.90
$51.80
premium
$4.92
$28.20
$56.40
diesel
$5.61
$32.12
$64.25
Estimated Tolls: $26.08
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(70.5 mi)$3.53
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
$24
Tolls
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
43.7
0
$15.28
$6.98
Efficient EV
36.4
0
$12.73
$5.82
EV Truck/SUV
58.2
0
$20.37
$9.31
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 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 15, 2026
Origin
Saugerties, NY
Evening
in Saugerties on Thursday
Local time
5:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Islip, NY
Evening
in Islip on Thursday
Local time
5:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°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
10 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
3h 8m 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 Saugerties, NY to Islip, NY covers 145.5 miles and takes about 3h 8m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, Southern State Parkway, NJ 17. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 72.7 miles from Saugerties, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.95 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 24 significant decision points across 145.5 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 72.3 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.7 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.7 miles (I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Saugerties, NY and Islip, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York, Cross Island Parkway South, Southern State Parkway East and Eastern Long Island.
