This 129.6-mile drive from Staten Island, NY, to Bethel, NY, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking just under 3 hours. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 87% of it on major roads like NY 17 and NJ 17, plus a stretch of the Taconic State Parkway. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, it's an affordable excursion. This drive offers a straightforward journey through the Northeast region, making it a convenient option for a quick getaway or a segment of a larger trip without the need for an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
64.8 miles from Staten Island, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 30m 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 58m. Total distance: 129.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this trip, with 87% of the journey on major routes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 29.9 miles on NY 17, offering a consistent pace. This route is characterized by its efficient travel, prioritizing speed and directness over winding scenic byways. While largely highway, the inclusion of the Taconic State Parkway might offer a slightly different feel for a portion of the drive, but the overall personality remains that of a steady, direct road.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 56 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
NY 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 29.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.2 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 38 significant decision points across 129.6 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 5.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.1 miles (I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 38 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
5.2 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward NY 440 North: Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Expressway, Bayonne Bridge
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 9
Toward NY 440 North: Doctor Martin Luther King...
8
12.3 mi into trip|~24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 78 East, NJTP East: Holland Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 78 East, NJTP East: Holland Tunnel
7
17.1 mi into trip|~31m in|I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
25.4 mi into trip|~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Rutherford
8
78.7 mi into trip|~1h 46m in
Take the exit toward I 84, NY 300, NY 17K: Scranton, Newburgh
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 17
Toward I 84, NY 300, NY 17K: Scranton, Newburgh
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Staten Island, NY and Bethel, NY, road signs point toward Njtp: Newark, Jersey City, New York State Thruway North: Albany, Newburgh, Scranton and Taconic State Parkway North - among others.
Njtp: Newark
11.6 mi in|~23m
Jersey City
17.2 mi in|~31m|via NJ 139
New York State Thruway North: Albany
48.8 mi in|~1h 11m|via NY 17
Newburgh
78.7 mi in|~1h 46m
Scranton
78.8 mi in|~1h 46m
Taconic State Parkway North
95.6 mi in|~2h 7m
Albany
95.6 mi in|~2h 7m
Millbrook
113.5 mi in|~2h 31m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
29.9 mi
34m
NJ 17
22.9 mi
28m
Taconic State Parkway
17.6 mi
23m
I 84
16.1 mi
19m
State Highway 82
13.7 mi
19m
Bayonne Bridge
4.6 mi
7m
New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
4.3 mi
5m
NJ 3
4.3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 29.9 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Staten Island, NY and Bethel, NY.
1
Start on Croft Court
147 ft·13 sec·Croft Court
2
Turn left onto Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·38 sec·Corona Avenue
3
Continue on Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·Cotter Avenue
4
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
5
Turn right onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
6
At end of road, turn right onto Richmond Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
7
Continue on Richmond Road
447 ft·14 sec·Richmond Road
8
Continue on Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
9
Turn right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
10
Turn left onto Bradley Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the left lane.
11
Turn left onto North Gannon Avenue
364 ft·8 sec·North Gannon Avenue
Use the left lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward I 278 West: Staten Island Expressway, Goethals Bridge, Elizabeth
13
Merge onto I 278
0.8 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 9Toward NY 440 North: Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Expressway, Bayonne BridgeUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto NY 440
1.3 mi·1 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
16
Continue on NY 440
4.6 mi·7 min·Bayonne Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward I 78 Toll, NJTP: Newark, Holland Tunnel
18
Merge onto Port Jersey Boulevard
0.4 mi·27 sec·Port Jersey Boulevard
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 78 East, NJTP East: Holland TunnelUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 78; NJTP
2.0 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
21
Continue on I 78; NJTP
2.3 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
Exit 14CUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn left onto Jersey Avenue
0.1 mi·26 sec·Jersey Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
23
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139
408 ft·5 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Use the left lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 139
0.3 mi·24 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Toward NJ 139 West: Pulaski Skyway, Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
25
Continue on NJ 139
0.8 mi·1 min·NJ 139 Lower Level
26
Continue on NJ 139
406 ft·7 sec·Pulaski Skyway
27
Take the exit
420 ft·14 sec
Toward US 1-9 North: SecaususUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
2.6 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Turn straight onto NJ 3
4.3 mi·5 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: RutherfordUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
32
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·3 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on NJ 17
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on NJ 17
4.1 mi·5 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
37
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
38
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
39
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
30 mi·34 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
40
Take the exit
0.1 mi·12 sec
Exit 17Toward I 84, NY 300, NY 17K: Scranton, NewburghUse the slight right lane.
41
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·28 sec
Toward I 84, NY 300: Danbury, Scranton
42
Continue on this road
485 ft·11 sec·this road
43
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward I 84 East: Danbury
44
Merge onto I 84
16 mi·19 min·I 84
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Take the exit
0.3 mi·53 sec
Exit 52BToward Taconic State Parkway North, Albany
46
Merge onto Taconic State Parkway
18 mi·23 min·Taconic State Parkway
47
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward US 44: Poughkeepsue, Millbrook
48
Merge onto US 44
0.7 mi·1 min·US 44
49
Turn left onto NY 82
7.3 mi·10 min·State Highway 82
50
Continue on NY 82
1.1 mi·1 min·State Highway 82
51
Continue on NY 82
5.3 mi·7 min·State Highway 82
52
Turn sharp right onto Strever Farm Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Strever Farm Road
53
Turn left onto Bethel Cross Road
0.6 mi·2 min·Bethel Cross Road
54
Turn left onto Carpenter Hill Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Carpenter Hill Road
55
Turn right
132 ft·5 sec
56
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2 hour and 58 minute duration, this route is best tackled as a single-day adventure. Leaving Staten Island earlier in the day, perhaps before peak traffic, will help maximize your time. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 29.9 miles, you can easily complete the journey without extensive breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $21, and plan your fill-up accordingly. A good tip for this drive is to be aware of the transition onto the Taconic State Parkway, as road conditions and speed limits may change.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 64.8 miles from Staten Island, NY, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.9 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 29 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.8 miles or 1h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bethel, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Staten Island, 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 Staten Island, NY
This is one driving day of about 129.6 miles and 2h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Staten Island, 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 NY 17 for about 29.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 64.8 mi from Staten Island, NY
· 1h 30m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.33 one way
$42.67 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg45 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$23.07
$46.14
premium
$4.92
$25.12
$50.24
diesel
$5.61
$28.61
$57.23
Estimated Tolls: $16.61
Bayonne Bridge
$16.00
New Jersey Turnpike
(4.3 mi)$0.61
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
$21
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
38.9
0
$13.61
$6.22
Efficient EV
32.4
0
$11.34
$5.18
EV Truck/SUV
51.8
0
$18.14
$8.29
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Staten Island, NY
Morning
in Staten Island on Saturday
Local time
11:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bethel, NY
Morning
in Bethel on Saturday
Local time
11:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
65 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
6 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 58m 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 Staten Island, NY to Bethel, NY covers 129.6 miles and takes about 2h 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 17, NJ 17, Taconic State Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 64.8 miles from Staten Island, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.33 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 38 significant decision points across 129.6 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 5.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.1 miles (I 78; NJ 139 / 14th Street Viaduct): Lane positioning matters here.
Between Staten Island, NY and Bethel, NY, road signs point toward Njtp: Newark, Jersey City, New York State Thruway North: Albany, Newburgh, Scranton and Taconic State Parkway North - among others.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Statue Of Liberty National Monument, African Burial Ground National Monument and Castle Clinton National Monument. 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.
