Spanning 171.2 miles, this drive from Stephentown to Babylon typically takes about 4 hours. Because the duration is relatively manageable, you can easily complete this journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via NY 22, I-684, and the Southern State Parkway, transitioning from the rural Northeast into the suburban density of Long Island. Budgeting roughly $28 for fuel should cover your transit costs comfortably. This route is an efficient way to traverse New York State, offering a straightforward path for those looking to reach the coast from the northern reaches of the state.
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
85.6 miles from Stephentown, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 5m into the drive
.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h. Total distance: 171.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 92% of this trip is spent on high-speed thoroughfares. You will start with an 80.7-mile stretch on NY 22, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your journey. As you transition from these quieter roads onto the interstate system, the pace quickens significantly. The character of the drive shifts from open, steady stretches to the more congested, fast-moving traffic typical of the Southern State Parkway. It is a functional, high-efficiency route designed to get you to your destination with minimal detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
NY 22 is the longest continuous segment at about 80.7 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,061 ft7 ft
Total Climb
760 ft
Total Descent
1,630 ft
Highest Point
1,061 ft
~24.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,054 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 22 and I 684. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 118.1 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 21 significant decision points across 171.2 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 118.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
118.1 mi into trip|~2h 44m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1
Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York City
8
133.2 mi into trip|~3h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell Avenue
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 2A
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, St...
8
133.2 mi into trip|~3h 6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge
9
135.2 mi into trip|~3h 9m in|I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695 / Throgs Neck Expressway toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 7A
Toward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Is...
8
147.7 mi into trip|~3h 28m in
Take the exit toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 25A
Toward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Lon...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Stephentown, NY and Babylon, NY, road signs point toward New York City, Long Island, Cross Island Parkway South, Southern State Parkway East and Eastern Long Island.
New York City
118.1 mi in|~2h 44m
Long Island
135.2 mi in|~3h 9m|via I 695
Cross Island Parkway South
146.2 mi in|~3h 25m
Southern State Parkway East
147.7 mi in|~3h 28m
Eastern Long Island
147.7 mi in|~3h 28m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 22
80.7 mi
1h 58m
I 684
27.4 mi
32m
Southern State Parkway
18 mi
22m
Hutchinson River Parkway
13.6 mi
19m
State Route 22
7.5 mi
10m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Farmingdale Road
3.5 mi
5m
East Street
2.2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
NY 22
— 80.7 mi, about 1h 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Stephentown, NY and Babylon, NY.
1
Start on NY 43
0.3 mi·33 sec·State Highway 43
2
Turn slight right onto NY 22
3.0 mi·4 min·NY 22
3
Continue on NY 22
2.2 mi·3 min·East Street
4
Continue on NY 22
0.7 mi·1 min·NY 22
5
Turn straight onto NY 22
0.8 mi·1 min·NY 22
6
Turn left onto NY 22
17 mi·22 min·NY 22
7
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 22
7.5 mi·10 min·State Route 22
8
Turn slight left onto NY 22
60 mi·1 hr 28 min·NY 22
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Continue on I 684
27 mi·32 min·I 684
10
Keep slight left at fork
1.5 mi·2 min
Exit 1Toward Hutchinson River Parkway, New York CityUse the straight lane.
11
Merge onto Hutchinson River Parkway
7.7 mi·10 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto Hutchinson River Parkway
5.9 mi·8 min·Hutchinson River Parkway
Toward Whitestone BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
141 ft·4 sec
Exit 2AToward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, Stillwell AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·47 sec
Toward I 95 South: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 95
0.4 mi·31 sec·New England Thruway
16
Continue on I 95
1.3 mi·2 min·Bruckner Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 695
2.2 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Expressway
Exit 7AToward I 695 South: Throgs Neck Bridge, Long IslandUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
21
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
23
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft·9 sec·225th Street
Use the right lane.
24
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
25
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi·1 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 25AToward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long IslandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
27
Merge onto SO
18 mi·22 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 33Toward NY 109 East: BabylonUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn slight right onto NY 109
3.5 mi·5 min·Farmingdale Road
Use the left lane.
30
Continue on NY 109
0.9 mi·1 min·Little East Neck Road North
31
Turn left onto NY 27A
0.5 mi·49 sec·West Main Street
32
Turn right onto South Carll Avenue
68 ft·2 sec·South Carll Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
South Carll Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour trek, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the majority of the route is highway-based, try to time your departure to avoid peak commuting hours, especially as you approach the Southern State Parkway segment. Keeping your $28 fuel budget in mind, it is wise to fill up before hitting the more densely populated areas where prices can fluctuate. Flexibility is your biggest advantage on a one-day trip of this length, so keep an eye on traffic reports to adjust your timing. Prioritize your single stop toward the middle of the drive to balance your time behind the wheel effectively.
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 85.6 miles from Stephentown, NY, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.7 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 38 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.6 miles or 2h 5m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Babylon, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Stephentown, 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 Stephentown, NY
This is one driving day of about 171.2 miles and 4h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Stephentown, 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 22 for about 80.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 85.6 mi from Stephentown, NY
· 2h 5m 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.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
National Memorial
Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 135.8
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...
8 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 135.8
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 141.7
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 135.8
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 141.7
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 141.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.18 one way
$56.36 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg60 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$30.47
$60.94
premium
$4.92
$33.18
$66.36
diesel
$5.61
$37.80
$75.60
Estimated Tolls: $6.55
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
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
$28
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
51.4
0
$17.98
$8.22
Efficient EV
42.8
0
$14.98
$6.85
EV Truck/SUV
68.5
0
$23.97
$10.96
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Stephentown, NY
Evening
in Stephentown on Friday
Local time
7:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Babylon, NY
Evening
in Babylon on Friday
Local time
7:33 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°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
12 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
4h 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 Stephentown, NY to Babylon, NY covers 171.2 miles and takes about 4h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 22, I 684, Southern 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 85.6 miles from Stephentown, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.18 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 21 significant decision points across 171.2 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 118.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Stephentown, NY and Babylon, NY, road signs point toward New York City, Long Island, Cross Island Parkway South, Southern State Parkway East and Eastern Long Island.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 7 ft to 1,061 ft elevation with about 760 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and African Burial Ground National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
