Origin
Seward, NY
Night in Seward on Wednesday
Local time
10:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Seward, NY to Queens, NY
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
4h 7m
Distance
179.5 mi
289 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 54m
★
6 AM
4h 7m
8 AM
4h 33m
10 AM
4h 16m
12 PM
4h 14m
3 PM
4h 18m
5 PM
4h 32m
8 PM
3h 59m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Seward, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Queens, NY
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Seward to Queens covers 187.3 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 36 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is well under four hours, it works perfectly as a straightforward day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $30 on fuel for the trek, making it a budget-friendly option for your transit across the Northeast. Since the route consists of local roads rather than major interstates, you should prepare for a drive that requires your full attention. It is a practical path for those looking to reach the city without the monotony of high-speed highway travel.
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
89.8 miles from Seward, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 8m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands consistent engagement from the driver. Unlike long-haul interstate routes, this trip features a 0% highway share, placing you entirely on local roads for the duration of the 187.3-mile journey. You will find that the road surface and traffic density change frequently as you navigate away from Seward and approach the dense urban environment of Queens. Because there are no designated long, uninterrupted stretches, your pace will fluctuate based on local traffic patterns and intersection management. This is not a cruise-control type of trip; it is a technical route that keeps you alert throughout the 3 hour and 36 minute transit.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 38 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 136.9 miles in near NY 17.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 179.5 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 136.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 138.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 167.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
136.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 2m 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
138.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 4m 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
167.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 44m in
Take the exit toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
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 6A
Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
8
176.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 59m in
Take the exit toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 6
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlanti...
9
176.9 mi into trip
|
~4h in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Seward, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Gsp South: Paterson
152.3 mi in
|
~3h 23m
Fort Lee
152.3 mi in
|
~3h 23m
New York
152.3 mi in
|
~3h 23m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Thruway | 70.5 mi | 1h 21m |
| State Highway 145 | 35.2 mi | 50m |
| NJ 17 | 14.1 mi | 18m |
| State Highway 32 | 9.2 mi | 13m |
| King's Highway | 6.8 mi | 9m |
| NJ 4 | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| State Highway 10 | 6.1 mi | 10m |
| Cross Bronx Expressway | 4.4 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 70.5 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Seward, NY and Queens, NY.
1
Start on NY 165
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 165
2
At end of road, turn right onto NY 10
6.1 mi
·
10 min
·
State Highway 10
3
Continue on NY 10
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Elm Street
4
At end of road, turn right onto NY 10; NY 145
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
North Grand Street
5
Turn left onto NY 7; NY 145
3.4 mi
·
6 min
·
East Main Street
6
Turn right onto NY 145
7.6 mi
·
10 min
·
State Highway 145
7
At end of road, turn left onto NY 30; NY 145
291 ft
·
8 sec
·
State Highway 30
8
Continue on NY 30; NY 145
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
9
Continue on NY 145
28 mi
·
40 min
·
State Highway 145
10
Turn straight onto NY 23
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
State Highway 23
11
Turn right onto NY 32
9.2 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 32
12
Continue on NY 32
6.8 mi
·
9 min
·
King's Highway
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
14
Merge onto I 87
71 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
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.
16
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
I 287; NJ 17
17
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.
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
20
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
NJ 4
Use the right lane.
21
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi
·
54 sec
·
I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95 EXPR
25
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Trans-Manhattan Expressway
27
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
2 min
Exit 6A
Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto I 678
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Hutchinson River Expressway
30
Continue on I 678
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
31
Continue on I 678
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto I 678
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Van Wyck Expressway
Toward I 678 South: Kennedy Airport
Use the slight left lane.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 6
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue
Use the right lane.
34
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
35
Turn straight onto Van Wyck Expressway West
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Van Wyck Expressway West
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
1.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Liberty Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
37
Turn left onto 104th Street
205 ft
·
9 sec
·
104th Street
38
Arrive at destination
104th Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a non-stop route with no official breaks planned, ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you leave to cover the estimated $30 cost. Given that the entire 187.3-mile distance is navigated via local roads, try to depart during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion that could easily push your travel time beyond the 3-hour and 36-minute estimate. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as you aren't tied to interstate speed limits or rest area intervals. Pay close attention to local signage and navigation, as the turn-heavy nature of the drive makes missing a turn more likely than on a standard highway. Keep your eyes on the road and allow extra time for the transition into the busy streets of Queens.
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 89.8 miles from Seward, NY, or about 2h 8m 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 39 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.8 miles or 2h 8m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Queens, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Seward, 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 Seward, NY
This is one driving day of about 179.5 miles and 4h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Seward, 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 89.8 mi from Seward, NY · 2h 8m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
90 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 89.8 miles from Seward, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before New York State Thruway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.5 miles.
Arriving in Queens, NY
The final approach into Queens, 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 Queens, NY.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.55 one way
$59.09 round trip
$4.18/gal
25.4 MPG avg
63 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.52 | $31.95 | $63.90 |
| premium | $4.92 | $34.79 | $69.58 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.63 | $79.26 |
Estimated Tolls: $26.08
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Whitestone 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
$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: 62.8 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 | 53.9 | 0 | $18.85 | $8.62 |
| Efficient EV | 44.9 | 0 | $15.71 | $7.18 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 71.8 | 0 | $25.13 | $11.49 |
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.
Destination
Queens, NY
Night in Queens on Wednesday
Local time
10:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
90 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
4 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 7m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Seward, NY to Queens, NY covers 179.5 miles and takes about 4h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, State Highway 145, NJ 17. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 89.8 miles from Seward, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.55 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 179.5 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 136.9 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 138.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 167.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Seward, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
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