Sound Beach, NY to Staten Island, NY is 78.6 miles and takes about 2h 3m via Long Island Expressway, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, traversing the Northeast region for its entirety. Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, making it a straightforward option for a single-day journey. With minimal stops recommended and a relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a quick transit between Long Island and Staten Island.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.3 miles from Sound Beach, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 59m 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 3m. Total distance: 78.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (67%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is largely highway-focused, with 67% of the journey on major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Long Island Expressway, where the longest uninterrupted stretch measures 37.6 miles. While the primary roads like the Long Island Expressway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and Nesconset Highway offer consistent speeds, be prepared for potential traffic, especially as you approach more urban areas. The character shifts from more open highway to busier, multi-lane expressways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 38 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Long Island Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 37.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Long Island Expressway and Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.1 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 27 significant decision points across 78.6 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 15.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 56.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 27 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
15.1 mi into trip|~25m in
Take the exit toward Route 111, Islip, Smithtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Route 111, Islip, Smithtown
7
55.6 mi into trip|~1h 21m in
Take the exit toward I 278 West: Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 17W
Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn
7
56.7 mi into trip|~1h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 278 West: Brooklyn
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn
7
59.1 mi into trip|~1h 27m in|I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 278 / Brooklyn-Queens Expressway toward I 278 West: Staten Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 278 West: Staten Island
8
73.9 mi into trip|~1h 50m 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 Sound Beach, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Islip and Smithtown.
Islip
15.1 mi in|~25m
Smithtown
15.1 mi in|~25m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Long Island Expressway
37.6 mi
51m
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
7.8 mi
12m
Nesconset Highway
6.9 mi
10m
Gowanus Expressway
4.7 mi
6m
Smithtown Bypass
4.5 mi
7m
Staten Island Expressway
2.9 mi
4m
Manor Road
2.1 mi
5m
Echo Avenue
1.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Long Island Expressway
— 37.6 mi, about 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sound Beach, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on Northport Road
92 ft·2 sec·Northport Road
2
Turn left onto New York Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·New York Avenue
3
Turn left onto Echo Avenue
1.5 mi·3 min·Echo Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Merge onto NY 25A
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 25A
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
5
Turn straight onto NY 347
6.9 mi·10 min·Nesconset Highway
Toward Route 347 WEST, Nesconset, HauppaugeUse the left lane.
6
Continue on NY 347
4.5 mi·7 min·Smithtown Bypass
7
Take the exit
380 ft·16 sec
Toward Route 111, Islip, SmithtownUse the right lane.
8
Turn left onto NY 111
0.5 mi·46 sec·Hauppauge Boulevard
9
At end of road, turn right onto NY 111; CR 76
421 ft·8 sec·Townline Road
10
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 111
1.5 mi·2 min·Wheeler Road
11
Turn right onto LIE North Service Road
0.5 mi·53 sec·LIE North Service Road
Use the right lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 495 West: New York
13
Merge onto I 495
38 mi·51 min·Long Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 17WToward I 278 West: BrooklynUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·10 sec
Toward I 278 West: Brooklyn, 48th Street
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·31 sec
Toward I 278 West: BrooklynUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 278
2.0 mi·3 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 278
5.6 mi·9 min·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Toward I 278 West: Staten IslandUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 278
1.9 mi·2 min·Gowanus Expressway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 278
0.2 mi·17 sec·Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
Toward I 278: Staten Island
21
Continue on I 278
2.2 mi·3 min·Gowanus Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 278
0.6 mi·49 sec·Gowanus Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 278
1.4 mi·2 min·Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
24
Continue on I 278
2.9 mi·4 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 12Toward Slosson Avenue, Todt Hill RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on Reon Avenue
397 ft·9 sec·Reon Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
27
Continue on Reon Avenue
358 ft·8 sec·Reon Avenue
28
Keep slight left at fork onto North Gannon Avenue
0.1 mi·21 sec·North Gannon Avenue
29
Turn left onto Manor Road
0.8 mi·2 min·Manor Road
30
Continue on Manor Road
1.3 mi·3 min·Manor Road
31
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Rockland Avenue
32
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
33
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
34
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
35
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
36
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
37
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
38
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 3m duration, this is a trip you can comfortably complete in a single day. Leaving in the morning, perhaps before 8 AM, could help you avoid the heaviest traffic on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Since there are no recommended stops and the longest stretch is manageable, you can easily complete this drive in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is only $14, and plan to refuel before you leave Sound Beach to ensure a seamless journey.
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 39.3 miles from Sound Beach, NY, or about 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.6 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 17 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.3 miles or 59m 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 39m
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 Sound Beach, 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 Sound Beach, NY
This is one driving day of about 78.6 miles and 2h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Sound Beach, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Long Island Expressway for about 37.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 39.3 mi from Sound Beach, NY
· 59m into the drive
The midpoint is around 39.3 miles from Sound Beach, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Staten Island, NY
The final approach into Staten Island, 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 Staten Island, 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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.94 one way
$25.88 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$13.99
$27.98
premium
$4.92
$15.23
$30.47
diesel
$5.61
$17.35
$34.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.6
0
$8.25
$3.77
Efficient EV
19.7
0
$6.88
$3.14
EV Truck/SUV
31.4
0
$11.00
$5.03
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (68% 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
Sound Beach, NY
Late night
in Sound Beach on Saturday
Local time
4:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Late night
in Staten Island on Saturday
Local time
4:09 AM
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
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
2h 3m 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 Sound Beach, NY to Staten Island, NY covers 78.6 miles and takes about 2h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Long Island Expressway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Nesconset Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 39.3 miles from Sound Beach, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.94 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 27 significant decision points across 78.6 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 15.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 56.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Sound Beach, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Islip and Smithtown.
Yes. Nearby national parks include African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall 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.
