The drive from Sparrow Bush, NY to Queens, NY covers 81.5 miles and takes about 2h 3m 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 $13.42 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
40.8 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 2h 3m. Total distance: 81.5 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 (65%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 2h 3m highway drive covering 81.5 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 38 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 65.8 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 28 significant decision points across 81.5 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 65.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 28 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
65.8 mi into trip|~1h 28m in
Take the exit toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel, Kennedy Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel, Kennedy Bou...
8
67.9 mi into trip|~1h 31m in
Take the ramp toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York City
8
73.7 mi into trip|~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia Airport
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 17W-E
Toward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia A...
8
76.7 mi into trip|~1h 51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boule...
8
77.1 mi into trip|~1h 52m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaways
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 Queens, NY, road signs point toward Clifton, Weehawken, Hoboken, Ferries To New York City, New York City and Lincoln Tunnel Access - among others.
Clifton
51.2 mi in|~1h 11m
Weehawken
67.2 mi in|~1h 30m
Hoboken
67.2 mi in|~1h 30m
Ferries To New York City
67.2 mi in|~1h 30m
New York City
67.9 mi in|~1h 31m
Lincoln Tunnel Access
67.9 mi in|~1h 32m
Downtown
69.7 mi in|~1h 38m
Madison Square Garden
69.7 mi in|~1h 38m
Bronx
73.7 mi in|~1h 46m
Laguardia Airport
73.7 mi in|~1h 46m
Rockaways
76.7 mi in|~1h 51m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NJ 23
18.8 mi
25m
Walling Avenue
18.1 mi
27m
NJ 3
10.5 mi
11m
Paterson - Hamburg Turnpike
9.8 mi
11m
Woodhaven Boulevard
3.9 mi
10m
NY 42
3.9 mi
5m
US 46
3.7 mi
4m
I 495
2.5 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 Queens, 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·11 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel, Kennedy BoulevardUse the straight / right lanes.
16
Merge onto NJ 495
1.1 mi·1 min·NJ 495
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward Weehawken, Hoboken, Ferries to New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on South Marginal Highway
0.1 mi·10 sec·South Marginal Highway
19
Turn right onto Boulevard East
0.4 mi·1 min·Boulevard East
Use the left lane.
20
Take the ramp
123 ft·14 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel, New York CityUse the straight / right lanes.
21
Turn right
0.2 mi·57 sec
Toward Lincoln Tunnel access
22
Merge onto NJ 495
1.6 mi·4 min·Lincoln Tunnel
23
Keep slight right at fork
265 ft·6 sec
Toward Dyer Avenue
24
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft·8 sec
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square Garden
25
Continue on Dyer Avenue
350 ft·19 sec·Dyer Avenue
Toward 36th Street, Downtown, Madison Square GardenUse the left / straight lanes.
26
Turn left onto West 36th Street
1.3 mi·3 min·West 36th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
27
Take the ramp
68 ft·1 sec
Toward I 495: Queens-Midtown Tunnel
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 495
2.5 mi·4 min·I 495
29
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17W-EToward I 278: Staten Island, Bronx, LaGuardia AirportUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Merge onto I 495
2.0 mi·2 min·Long Island Expressway
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi·35 sec
Exit 19Toward NY 25: Woodhaven BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·41 sec
Toward NY 25: Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, RockawaysUse the straight / slight left lanes.
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·24 sec
Toward Woodhaven Boulevard, RockawaysUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Turn right onto Woodhaven Boulevard
3.9 mi·10 min·Woodhaven Boulevard
Use the right lane.
35
Turn left onto Rockaway Boulevard
344 ft·9 sec·Rockaway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
36
Turn slight left onto Liberty Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Liberty Avenue
37
Turn right onto 104th Street
205 ft·9 sec·104th Street
38
Arrive at destination
104th Street
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 40.8 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 40.8 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 36m
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 Sparrow Bush, 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 Sparrow Bush, NY
This is one driving day of about 81.5 miles and 2h 3m.
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 40.8 mi from Sparrow Bush, NY
· 58m into the drive
The midpoint is around 40.8 miles from Sparrow Bush, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Stonewall National Monument
National Monument
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 67.5
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 70.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.42 one way
$26.83 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$14.51
$29.01
premium
$4.92
$15.80
$31.59
diesel
$5.61
$17.99
$35.99
Estimated Tolls: $16.69
Lincoln 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: 28.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.5
0
$8.56
$3.91
Efficient EV
20.4
0
$7.13
$3.26
EV Truck/SUV
32.6
0
$11.41
$5.22
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% 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
Sparrow Bush, NY
Afternoon
in Sparrow Bush on Friday
Local time
4:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Queens, NY
Afternoon
in Queens on Friday
Local time
4:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
41 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
9 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
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 Sparrow Bush, NY to Queens, NY covers 81.5 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 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 40.8 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 $13.42 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 28 significant decision points across 81.5 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 65.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.7 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 Queens, NY, road signs point toward Clifton, Weehawken, Hoboken, Ferries To New York City, New York City and Lincoln Tunnel Access - among others.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Stonewall National Monument, African Burial Ground 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.
