This 233.7-mile drive from Spafford, NY, to Staten Island, NY, is designed for a single day, clocking in at around 5 hours and 3 minutes of pure travel time. You'll spend about 73% of your journey on highways, making it a largely efficient trip. The estimated fuel cost is approximately $39, so budget accordingly. This route is a straightforward highway-focused experience, ideal for getting from point A to point B without excessive detours. Consider starting early to maximize daylight and ensure a smooth arrival in Staten Island.
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
116.9 miles from Spafford, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 3m. Total distance: 233.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 73% of the mileage spent on interstates. You'll navigate primarily via I-81, the Keystone Shortway, and I-380. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 98.8 miles on I-81, so settle in for a solid period of consistent driving. While the profile is predominantly highway, the shift between these major routes provides some variation as you progress toward your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 52 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 98.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 59.7 miles in near I 81.
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 35 significant decision points across 233.7 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 59.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 113 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 188.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 35 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
59.7 mi into trip|~1h 16m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
113 mi into trip|~2h 19m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
8
188.3 mi into trip|~3h 51m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
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 28
Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake Hopatcong
8
218.9 mi into trip|~4h 29m in
Take the exit toward Hillside, Irvington
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 54
Toward Hillside, Irvington
8
219.1 mi into trip|~4h 30m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Hillside
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Spafford, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport, New York City and Newark - among others.
Mt Pocono
113 mi in|~2h 19m|via US 6
Milford
113.8 mi in|~2h 20m|via I 84; I 380
Lake Hopatcong
188.3 mi in|~3h 51m
Morristown Airport
202.4 mi in|~4h 9m
New York City
213.7 mi in|~4h 23m
Newark
213.7 mi in|~4h 23m
Hillside
218.9 mi in|~4h 29m
Irvington
218.9 mi in|~4h 29m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
98.8 mi
1h 57m
Keystone Shortway
46.1 mi
59m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
State Highway 41
9.8 mi
13m
NJ 24
9.3 mi
10m
Route 10 East
9.2 mi
11m
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
4.6 mi
5m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 98.8 mi, about 1h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spafford, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on NY 41
1.8 mi·2 min·State Route 41
2
Continue on NY 41
0.5 mi·49 sec·East Lake Road
3
Continue on NY 41
9.8 mi·13 min·State Highway 41
4
Turn right onto NY 281
1.2 mi·2 min·North West Street
5
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Use the left lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward I 81 South: Binghamton
7
Merge onto I 81
45 mi·54 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
12
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
13
Merge onto I 80
46 mi·59 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 28Toward US 46 East: Ledgewood, Lake HopatcongUse the slight right lane.
15
Continue on CR 631
0.2 mi·12 sec·Ledgewood Road
16
Continue on US 46
0.9 mi·1 min·US 46
17
Continue on US 46
213 ft·4 sec·US 46
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
18
Turn straight onto NJ 10
9.2 mi·11 min·Route 10 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on NJ 10
3.5 mi·4 min·NJ 10
Use the right lane.
20
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Morristown Airport
21
Merge onto I 287
0.8 mi·1 min·I 287
22
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 37Toward NJ 24 East: SpringfieldUse the slight right lane.
23
Continue on NJ 24
9.3 mi·10 min·NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: NewarkUse the slight right lane.
26
Merge onto I 78
4.6 mi·5 min·Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 54Toward Hillside, IrvingtonUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·29 sec
Toward HillsideUse the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on Winans Avenue
0.2 mi·39 sec·Winans Avenue
30
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Liberty Avenue
31
Turn left onto CR 628
0.3 mi·37 sec·Hillside Avenue
32
Continue on CR 628
0.4 mi·45 sec·Hillside Avenue
33
At end of road, turn right onto CR 623
2.1 mi·4 min·North Broad Street
34
Continue on CR 623
1.4 mi·3 min·Broad Street
35
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.3 mi·43 sec·Bayway
36
Turn left onto NJ 439
0.1 mi·11 sec·Brunswick Avenue
Use the left lane.
37
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 278 Toll East: Goethals Bridge
38
Merge onto I 278
1.3 mi·2 min·Goethals Bridge
39
Continue on I 278
2.2 mi·3 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 278
0.9 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
42
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
43
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
44
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
45
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
46
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
47
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
48
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
49
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
50
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
51
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
52
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
With a duration of just over 5 hours, this trip is comfortably manageable in one day. To make the most of your drive, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Staten Island. You'll encounter one significant stretch of 98.8 miles on I-81, so plan your first stop accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or slightly before. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $39, and ensure you're topped up before embarking on that longest stretch.
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 116.9 miles from Spafford, NY, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.8 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 51 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.9 miles or 2h 24m 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 55m
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 Spafford, 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 Spafford, NY
This is one driving day of about 233.7 miles and 5h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Spafford, 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 I 81 for about 98.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 116.9 mi from Spafford, NY
· 2h 24m into the drive
The midpoint is around 116.9 miles from Spafford, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.8 miles.
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.
Statue Of Liberty National Monument
National Monument
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 225.7
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 225.7
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 225.7
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
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 225.7
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 225.7
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 233.7
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.1
0
$24.54
$11.22
Efficient EV
58.4
0
$20.45
$9.35
EV Truck/SUV
93.5
1
$32.72
$14.96
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Spafford, NY
Afternoon
in Spafford on Thursday
Local time
4:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Afternoon
in Staten Island on Thursday
Local time
4:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
117 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
7 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
5h 3m 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 Spafford, NY to Staten Island, NY covers 233.7 miles and takes about 5h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Keystone Shortway, I 380. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 116.9 miles from Spafford, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.47 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 35 significant decision points across 233.7 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 59.7 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 113 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 188.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Spafford, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Lake Hopatcong, Morristown Airport, New York City and Newark - among others.
