The drive from Sparrow Bush, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 80.2 miles and takes about 1h 56m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on NJ 23, Walling Avenue, NJ 3 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 18.8 miles on NJ 23.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $13.20 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.1 miles from Sparrow Bush, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 58m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 56m. Total distance: 80.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (62%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 1h 56m highway drive covering 80.2 miles, with most of the trip on NJ 23 and Walling Avenue. The longest continuous stretch is about 18.8 miles on NJ 23.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
NJ 23 is the longest continuous segment at about 18.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NJ 23 and Walling Avenue. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 45 miles in near NJ 23.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 80.2 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 45 miles (NJ 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 68.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
45 mi into trip|~1h 3m in|NJ 23
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 23
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
68.8 mi into trip|~1h 31m in
Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
73.5 mi into trip|~1h 42m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
7
76.6 mi into trip|~1h 48m in|NY 27
Take the exit onto NY 27 toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 24
Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
7
78.1 mi into trip|~1h 51m in|NY 27
Take the exit onto NY 27 toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5
Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical Cente...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sparrow Bush, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Clifton, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan.
Clifton
51.2 mi in|~1h 11m
Jersey City
68.7 mi in|~1h 31m|via US 1; US 9
Pulaski Skyway
68.7 mi in|~1h 31m|via US 1; US 9
Hoboken
68.8 mi in|~1h 31m
Manhattan
70.4 mi in|~1h 34m|via I 78
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NJ 23
18.8 mi
25m
Walling Avenue
18.1 mi
27m
NJ 3
10.9 mi
12m
Paterson - Hamburg Turnpike
9.8 mi
11m
NY 42
3.9 mi
5m
US 46
3.7 mi
4m
Tonnelle Avenue
2.6 mi
3m
Holland Tunnel
1.9 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NJ 23
— 18.8 mi, about 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sparrow Bush, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on Upper Brook Road
29 ft·4 sec·Upper Brook Road
2
Turn left onto Main Street
0.2 mi·50 sec·Main Street
3
Continue on Main Street
242 ft·15 sec·Main Street
4
Turn left onto NY 42; NY 97
3.9 mi·5 min·NY 42; NY 97
5
Turn right onto CR 15
0.4 mi·31 sec·CR 15
6
Continue on NJ 23
13 mi·17 min·NJ 23
7
Continue on NJ 23
18 mi·27 min·Walling Avenue
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on NJ 23
9.8 mi·11 min·Paterson - Hamburg Turnpike
9
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 23
6.2 mi·7 min·NJ 23
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
297 ft·7 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 46 East: New York, Clifton
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward US 46 East: Clifton
12
Merge onto US 46
2.1 mi·2 min·US 46
13
Continue on US 46
1.6 mi·1 min·US 46
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn slight left onto NJ 3
11 mi·12 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
18
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
19
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
20
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
22
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
23
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
24
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
26
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
27
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
28
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi·31 sec·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
31
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi·35 sec·Nostrand Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
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 40.1 miles from Sparrow Bush, NY, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 18.8 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 18 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.1 miles or 58m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brooklyn, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sparrow Bush, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sparrow Bush, NY
This is one driving day of about 80.2 miles and 1h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Sparrow Bush, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on NJ 23 for about 18.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 40.1 mi from Sparrow Bush, NY
· 58m into the drive
The midpoint is around 40.1 miles from Sparrow Bush, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Brooklyn, NY
The final approach into Brooklyn, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
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.
Governors Island National Monument
National Monument
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...
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...
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
$13.20 one way
$26.40 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$14.27
$28.55
premium
$4.92
$15.54
$31.09
diesel
$5.61
$17.71
$35.41
Estimated Tolls: $16.69
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Paterson - Hamburg Turnpike
(9.8 mi)$0.69
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
$13
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.1 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
24.1
0
$8.42
$3.85
Efficient EV
20.1
0
$7.02
$3.21
EV Truck/SUV
32.1
0
$11.23
$5.13
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 16, 2026
Origin
Sparrow Bush, NY
Late night
in Sparrow Bush on Friday
Local time
3:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Late night
in Brooklyn on Friday
Local time
3:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
40 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
30 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
1h 56m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Sparrow Bush, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 80.2 miles and takes about 1h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NJ 23, Walling Avenue, NJ 3. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 40.1 miles from Sparrow Bush, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.20 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 80.2 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 45 miles (NJ 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 68.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Sparrow Bush, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Clifton, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Manhattan.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Governors Island National Monument, African Burial Ground National Monument and Castle Clinton National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
Data sources
The figures on this page are computed from open government and mapping datasets, not crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Full methodology, refresh cadence, and limitations are documented on the
methodology page.
