Sullivan, NY to Hempstead, NY is 264.5 miles and takes about 5h 47m via NY 17 and NJ 17, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive covers a significant portion of your journey on main roads like NY 17 and NJ 17, making it a fairly direct trip across the Northeast region. Given its manageable length and highway share of 75%, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion. You'll likely find it a straightforward way to get from point A to point B, especially if you prefer consistent driving speeds.
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
132.3 miles from Sullivan, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
106 mi
2h 12m
State Highway 8
36.8 mi
41m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
New York State Thruway
13.7 mi
15m
County Road 16
11.8 mi
16m
State Route 80
8.8 mi
12m
Rexford Street
8.3 mi
9m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 106 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sullivan, NY and Hempstead, NY.
1
Start on Canaseraga Road
63 ft·3 sec·Canaseraga Road
2
Turn right onto NY 5; NY 13
355 ft·5 sec·State Route 5
3
Continue on NY 5; NY 13
0.9 mi·1 min·East Genesee Street
4
Continue on NY 5; NY 13
0.7 mi·1 min·Genesee Street
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left onto NY 13
4.3 mi·6 min·Falls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on NY 13
4.2 mi·5 min·Gorge Road
7
Continue on NY 13
0.4 mi·54 sec·Sweetland Street
8
Continue on NY 13
0.3 mi·53 sec·Farnham Street
9
At end of road, turn right onto US 20; NY 13
0.4 mi·1 min·Albany Street
10
Turn left onto US 20; NY 13
0.2 mi·27 sec·Forman Street
11
Continue on NY 13
5.8 mi·7 min·Rippleton Road
12
Continue on NY 13
0.2 mi·25 sec·State Route 13
13
Turn left onto NY 13; NY 80
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
14
Continue on NY 13; NY 80
1.1 mi·1 min·McKinley Street
15
Continue on NY 13; NY 80
1.9 mi·2 min·State Route 13
16
Continue on NY 80
6.1 mi·8 min·State Route 80
17
Continue on NY 26; NY 80
2.7 mi·3 min·State Route 80
18
Continue on NY 26; NY 80
2.2 mi·3 min·State Highway 26
19
Turn left onto CR 16
12 mi·16 min·County Road 16
20
Turn left onto NY 23
1.2 mi·1 min·NY 23
21
Turn left onto CR 44
2.8 mi·3 min·County Road 44
22
Turn right onto NY 12
1.2 mi·1 min·State Highway 12
23
Continue on NY 12
0.6 mi·1 min·North Broad Street
24
Turn left onto NY 23
8.3 mi·9 min·Rexford Street
25
Turn right onto NY 8
18 mi·20 min·State Highway 8
26
Continue on NY 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·Airport Road
27
Continue on NY 8
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
28
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
29
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.4 mi·44 sec·State Highway 10
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
31
Merge onto NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
34
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17
0.9 mi·59 sec·NY 17
Exit 15Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New JerseyUse the slight right lane.
36
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
37
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
14 mi·18 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
38
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
39
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
40
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
41
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
43
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
45
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
47
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295
2.0 mi·2 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 6BToward I 295 South: Throgs Neck BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
49
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
50
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
51
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
52
Turn left onto NY 25
0.7 mi·1 min·Hillside Avenue
Use the left lane.
53
Turn right onto NY 25
1.1 mi·2 min·Braddock Avenue
54
Turn left onto NY 25
0.2 mi·34 sec·Jamaica Avenue
55
Continue on NY 25
0.5 mi·56 sec·Jericho Turnpike
56
Turn slight right onto Tulip Avenue
2.0 mi·3 min·Tulip Avenue
Use the right lane.
57
Turn right onto New Hyde Park Road
0.4 mi·56 sec·New Hyde Park Road
58
Turn left onto NY 24
2.0 mi·3 min·Hempstead Turnpike
Use the left lane.
59
Turn slight right onto NY 102
0.8 mi·1 min·Front Street
Use the right lane.
60
Turn right onto Greenwich Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·Greenwich Street
Use the right lane.
61
Turn left onto Peninsula Boulevard
0.2 mi·26 sec·Peninsula Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
62
Arrive at destination
Peninsula Boulevard
Trip Plan
For this 264.5-mile trip, departing in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the approximately 5-hour drive. With a fuel cost estimated at $44, it's wise to fill up before you leave Sullivan, NY, as there's only one recommended stop. The longest stretch without a break is 106 miles on NY 17, so plan accordingly for any necessities before embarking on that segment. Since this is a one-day drive, you have flexibility, but keeping an eye on traffic, especially as you approach the Hempstead area, is advisable.
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 132.3 miles from Sullivan, NY, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106 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 58 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.3 miles or 2h 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hempstead, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, NY
This is one driving day of about 264.5 miles and 5h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Sullivan, 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 106 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 35
5 decision points cluster between mile 201.1 and 246.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
201.1 mi into trip|~4h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
7
201.8 mi into trip|~4h 20m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 87 Toll South: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York City
9
216.4 mi into trip|~4h 38m in|NY 17
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 17 toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 15
Toward I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey
8
217.8 mi into trip|~4h 39m in|NJ 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17 toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 66
Toward NJ 17 South: Mahwah
8
246.8 mi into trip|~5h 19m in|I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 295 / Cross Bronx Expressway toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 6B
Toward I 295 South: Throgs Neck Bridge
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.54 one way
$87.08 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$47.08
$94.16
premium
$4.92
$51.27
$102.53
diesel
$5.61
$58.40
$116.80
Estimated Tolls: $23.41
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Throgs Neck Bridge
$6.55
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
Hempstead Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
Jericho Turnpike
(0.5 mi)$0.04
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
$44
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.4
0
$27.77
$12.70
Efficient EV
66.1
0
$23.14
$10.58
EV Truck/SUV
105.8
1
$37.03
$16.93
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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
Sullivan, NY
Afternoon
in Sullivan on Saturday
Local time
2:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hempstead, NY
Afternoon
in Hempstead on Saturday
Local time
2:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°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
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 47m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 237.2
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 246.3
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 246.3
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
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 246.3
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 246.3
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 246.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 75% of the route utilizing major roads. You'll spend a good amount of time on NY 17, which offers the longest uninterrupted stretch at 106 miles. Expect a consistent pace for much of the trip, as you navigate through sections of NY 17 and NJ 17. The character of the drive is defined by its efficiency, allowing for steady progress without many significant slowdowns or highly technical road segments.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 62 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 106 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 201.1 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 35 significant decision points across 264.5 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 201.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 216.4 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sullivan, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Hempstead is the most populous town in America, with a whopping 700,000 residents, located on the South Shore of Nassau County, New York. The town is highly urbanized and fragmented, containing 22 semi-autonomous villages within its boundaries, and forty other neighborhoods.
Garden City, encompassing the "Nassau Hub" region, has its own article. The other prominent communities in Hempstead include Floral Park, Hempstead Village, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, and the Five Towns area.
Top landmarks
•Mitchel Air Force Base — US Air Force base in Long Island, New York
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 47m. Total distance: 264.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Sullivan, NY to Hempstead, NY covers 264.5 miles and takes about 5h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 17, State Highway 8, NJ 17. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 132.3 miles from Sullivan, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.54 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 264.5 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 201.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 201.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 216.4 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Sullivan, NY and Hempstead, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
