Embarking from Sea Cliff, NY, this 395.7-mile journey to Amherst, NY, is estimated to take about 8 hours and 21 minutes of driving time. With a projected fuel cost of $65 and two recommended stops, it's a trip best enjoyed over two days rather than attempting it all in one go. The route predominantly utilizes the New York State Thruway and I-81, offering a significant highway component at 38%. This drive primarily stays within New York, traversing the Northeast region from its eastern to western parts.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
197.9 miles from Sea Cliff, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 9m into the drive
.
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route is characterized by its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, suggesting a dynamic driving experience beyond just straight highway miles. While 38% of the drive is on highways like the New York State Thruway and I-81, the overall feel incorporates more varied road conditions. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 99.6 miles on the New York State Thruway, providing a period of consistent highway travel before potentially transitioning to more intricate local roads. Be prepared for frequent adjustments as the road navigates through diverse terrains and communities.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 61 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 99.6 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 13.1 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 41 significant decision points across 395.7 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 13.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 41 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
13.1 mi into trip|~24m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New England
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 33
Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx,...
8
25.3 mi into trip|~42m 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
8
25.5 mi into trip|~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
8
27.9 mi into trip|~45m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West: Paterson, 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.
Exit 69
Toward I 80 West: Paterson, Hackensack
8
394.5 mi into trip|~8h 18m in
Take the exit toward NY 324, NY 240: Sheridan Drive, Harlem 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 6
Toward NY 324, NY 240: Sheridan Drive, Harlem R...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sea Cliff, NY and Amherst, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Hackensack and Albany.
Upper Level
22.8 mi in|~38m|via I 95; US 1
Njtp South: Hackensack
25.3 mi in|~42m
Hackensack
27.9 mi in|~45m
Albany
200.6 mi in|~4h 12m|via I 81
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
99.6 mi
1h 55m
I 81
97.3 mi
1h 55m
Christopher Columbus Highway
68.2 mi
1h 20m
I 380
27.7 mi
30m
Keystone Shortway
17.3 mi
24m
Clinton Street
10.5 mi
15m
East Lake Road
9.9 mi
14m
Chase Street
9.8 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 99.6 mi, about 1h 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sea Cliff, NY and Amherst, NY.
1
Start on Roslyn Avenue
0.1 mi·30 sec·Roslyn Avenue
2
Turn right onto Glen Avenue
0.4 mi·59 sec·Glen Avenue
3
Turn straight onto Prospect Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Prospect Avenue
4
Continue on Shore Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Shore Road
5
Continue on Scudders Lane
0.2 mi·21 sec·Scudders Lane
6
Turn right onto Glenwood Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Glenwood Road
7
At end of road, turn right onto Bryant Avenue
0.9 mi·1 min·Bryant Avenue
8
Turn left onto Wittes Lane
238 ft·12 sec·Wittes Lane
9
Turn right
126 ft·5 sec
10
Turn right onto NY 25A
6.8 mi·12 min·Northern Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway North, Whitestone BridgeUse the right lane.
12
Merge onto CI
2.3 mi·3 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 33Toward I 295 North: Throgs Neck Bridge, Bronx, New EnglandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 295
1.8 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
15
Continue on I 295
0.7 mi·1 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 295
6.6 mi·8 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
Toward Upper Level
18
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.6 mi·59 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
19
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
20
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.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
2.0 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 69Toward I 80 West: Paterson, HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on I 80
68 mi·1 hr 20 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
12 mi·15 min·Keystone Shortway
29
Take the exit
0.7 mi·46 sec
Exit 293Toward I 380 North: Scranton
30
Continue on I 380
28 mi·30 min·I 380
Use the straight lane.
31
Merge onto I 81
58 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
1.8 mi·2 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse, Albany
33
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
37 mi·43 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Syracuse
34
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Exit 52Toward NY 13: Cortland
35
Turn right onto NY 13
39 ft·5 sec·Clinton Avenue
36
Turn left onto Locust Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Locust Avenue
37
Continue on Albany Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Albany Street
38
At end of road, turn right onto US 11; NY 41
0.4 mi·1 min·South Main Street
39
Turn left onto NY 41
10 mi·15 min·Clinton Street
40
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi·49 sec·East Lake Road
41
Continue on NY 41
4.8 mi·7 min·State Route 41
42
Continue on NY 41
9.4 mi·13 min·East Lake Road
43
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi·48 sec·East Lake Street
44
Turn left onto US 20
7.3 mi·13 min·East Genesee Street
45
Turn right onto US 20
0.2 mi·12 sec·North Fulton Street
46
Turn left onto US 20; NY 5
0.4 mi·1 min·Arterial West
47
Continue on US 20; NY 5; NY 38
9.8 mi·11 min·Chase Street
Use the left lane.
48
Continue on US 20; NY 5
1.9 mi·2 min·Auburn Road
49
Turn right onto NY 318
4.1 mi·7 min·NY 318
50
Continue on NY 318
319 ft·10 sec·NY 318
Use the right lane.
51
Turn right onto NY 414
0.3 mi·28 sec·State Route 414
Use the right lane.
52
Continue on NY 414
217 ft·11 sec·Ridge Road
Use the left lane.
53
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
Use the left lane.
54
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 West: BuffaloUse the straight / right lanes.
55
Merge onto I 90
100 mi·1 hr 55 min·New York State Thruway
56
Take the exit
0.4 mi·36 sec
Exit 50Toward I 290: Niagara FallsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
57
Continue on I 290
1.8 mi·2 min·Youngmann Expressway
58
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 6Toward NY 324, NY 240: Sheridan Drive, Harlem RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
59
Turn left onto NY 324
0.9 mi·1 min·Sheridan Drive
Use the left / right lanes.
60
Turn left onto NY 263
469 ft·13 sec·Millersport Highway
Use the left lane.
61
Arrive at destination
NY 263
Trip Plan
Given the 8-hour 21-minute duration, splitting this 395.7-mile drive over two days is highly recommended for a more relaxed experience. Plan your departure to allow ample daylight for the initial leg, especially if you intend to make your first stop before dusk. With two stops factored in, aim to break up the drive roughly into thirds, perhaps stopping for an overnight stay around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $65, and ensure you're aware of the highway share, which is 38%, indicating a significant portion of your journey will be on faster roads.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 197.9 miles from Sea Cliff, NY, or about 4h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.6 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 87 miles or 1h 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 197.9 miles or 4h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 197.9 miles or 4h 9m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amherst, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sea Cliff, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sea Cliff, NY
Aim for roughly 198 miles and 4.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Amherst, NY
Aim for roughly 198 miles and 4.2 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Sea Cliff, NY.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on New York State Thruway for about 99.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 197.9 mi from Sea Cliff, NY
· 4h 9m into the drive
The midpoint is around 197.9 miles from Sea Cliff, 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 99.6 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stop
For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 198 miles or 4.2 hours on the road.
Arriving in Amherst, NY
The final approach into Amherst, 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 Amherst, NY.
On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Amherst, NY with some flexibility left in the schedule.
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.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Aubur...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 272.9
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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 27.3
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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 27.3
Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York on July 19-20, 1848. It is a story of struggles for civil rights, human r...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 286.5
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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 27.3
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 27.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$65.13 one way
$130.27 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg138 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$70.43
$140.86
premium
$4.92
$76.69
$153.39
diesel
$5.61
$87.37
$174.73
Estimated Tolls: $27.81
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(99.6 mi)$4.98
New Jersey Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.28
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
$65
Tolls
$28
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$223–$333
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 138.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
118.7
1
$41.55
$18.99
Efficient EV
98.9
1
$34.62
$15.83
EV Truck/SUV
158.3
1
$55.40
$25.32
Gas CO2
138 kg
EV CO2
46 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Sea Cliff, NY
Evening
in Sea Cliff on Friday
Local time
6:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Amherst, NY
Evening
in Amherst on Friday
Local time
6:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
198 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
4 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
8h 21m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Sea Cliff, NY to Amherst, NY covers 395.7 miles and takes about 8h 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, I 81, Christopher Columbus Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 198 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 197.9 miles from Sea Cliff, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $65.13 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks 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 41 significant decision points across 395.7 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 13.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Sea Cliff, NY and Amherst, NY, road signs point toward Upper Level, Njtp South: Hackensack, Hackensack and Albany.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, General Grant National Memorial and Hamilton Grange National Memorial. 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.
