Origin
Syracuse, NY
Afternoon in Syracuse on Sunday
Local time
3:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Syracuse, NY to Brooklyn, NY
Drive Time
5h 19m
Distance
253.4 mi
408 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
Syracuse, NY
Renan Tagliaferro
Brooklyn, NY
Cristian Pedroso
Trip Overview
Traveling from Syracuse to Brooklyn covers approximately 253.4 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 19 minutes. Because this is a relatively straightforward journey, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize I-81, the Keystone Shortway, and I-380 to navigate through the Northeast. With an estimated fuel cost of $40, the route is budget-friendly and efficient for those looking to reach the city quickly. While the drive is focused on major highways, planning for at least one stop will help keep you fresh behind the wheel. Ultimately, this path offers a direct link between Central New York and the metropolitan area, making it a reliable choice for travelers prioritizing time and simplicity.
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
126.7 miles from Syracuse, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 30m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 70% of the route consisting of high-speed interstate travel. You can expect a consistent pace as you navigate the longest stretch, which covers 127.9 miles on I-81. The road maintains a steady, functional personality that is well-suited for those who prefer straightforward interstate driving over complex local roads. As you transition between the interstate systems, the character of the drive remains predictable, allowing you to settle into a rhythm. Expect a focused experience behind the wheel that prioritizes efficiency and movement across the regional landscape.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 127.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near NY 92 / East Genesee Street.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 253.4 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: near the start (NY 92 / East Genesee Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 76.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 129.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
NY 92 / East Genesee Street
Turn left onto NY 92 / East Genesee Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
76.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 30m in
|
I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
129.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
|
US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
8
241.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 54m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
246.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 6m 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
Towns Along This Route
Between Syracuse, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Mt Pocono
129.5 mi in
|
~2h 34m
|
via US 6
Milford
130.2 mi in
|
~2h 35m
|
via I 84; I 380
Newark
221.8 mi in
|
~4h 25m
Cr 508 East: Jersey City
238.4 mi in
|
~4h 47m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 127.9 mi | 2h 31m |
| Keystone Shortway | 63.3 mi | 1h 19m |
| I 380 | 23.6 mi | 25m |
| Essex Freeway | 15.8 mi | 20m |
| I 84 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| Newark-Jersey City Turnpike | 2 mi | 3m |
| Holland Tunnel | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| NY 27 | 1.8 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 127.9 mi, about 2h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Syracuse, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
1
Start on US 11
10 ft
·
5 sec
·
South State Street
2
Turn left onto NY 92
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
East Genesee Street
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto Almond Street
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Almond Street
4
Turn slight right
296 ft
·
5 sec
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward I 81 South
6
Merge onto I 81
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
I 81
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I-81
0.8 mi
·
48 sec
·
I-81
8
Continue on I 81
73 mi
·
1 hr 25 min
·
I 81
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
Use the none lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 380
Exit 4
Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1B
Toward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
14
Merge onto I 80
63 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 47A
Toward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
16
Continue on I 280
16 mi
·
20 min
·
Essex Freeway
Use the none lane.
17
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 17A
Toward CR 508 East: Jersey City
18
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the none lane.
19
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
·
New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Turn straight
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Use the straight lane.
23
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Conrail Viaduct
24
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
12th Street Viaduct
Use the none lane.
25
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
·
12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
27
Take the exit
428 ft
·
14 sec
Toward NY 9A
28
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
29
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Street
Use the straight lane.
30
Take the exit
2.6 mi
·
5 min
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Use the left lane.
31
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
Gowanus Expressway
32
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
NY 27
Exit 24
Toward NY 27 East: Prospect Expressway
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
33
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
NY 27
Exit 5
Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Use the slight right lane.
34
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Caton Avenue
Use the none lane.
35
Continue on NY 27
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Linden Boulevard
Use the left / none lanes.
36
Turn right onto Nostrand Avenue
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Nostrand Avenue
37
Arrive at destination
Nostrand Avenue
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth transition into the city, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours, as the final approach into Brooklyn can be unpredictable. You should plan for at least one planned stop during the 5 hour and 19 minute journey to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the fuel budget is modest at $40, consider topping off your tank before hitting the busier corridors where prices may fluctuate. Keep a close eye on the transitions between I-81, the Keystone Shortway, and I-380, as staying alert during these highway interchanges is key. Taking advantage of the route's flexibility is your best bet for a stress-free arrival.
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 126.7 miles from Syracuse, NY, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.9 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 80 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 126.7 miles or 2h 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 4h 8m
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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse, NY
This is one driving day of about 253.4 miles and 5h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Syracuse, 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 I 81 for about 127.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 126.7 mi from Syracuse, NY · 2h 30m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 126.7 miles from Syracuse, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 127.9 miles.
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.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Brooklyn, NY.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.25 one way
$82.50 round trip
$4.14/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $44.70 | $89.41 |
| premium | $4.88 | $48.71 | $97.43 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $56.30 | $112.59 |
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)
$0.14
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
$41
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76 | 0 | $26.61 | $12.16 |
| Efficient EV | 63.4 | 0 | $22.17 | $10.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 101.4 | 1 | $35.48 | $16.22 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Brooklyn, NY
Afternoon in Brooklyn on Sunday
Local time
3:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
59°F
Ramapo, NY
127 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
5 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 19m 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 Syracuse, NY to Brooklyn, NY covers 253.4 miles and takes about 5h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Keystone Shortway, I 380. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 126.7 miles from Syracuse, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $41.25 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 26 significant decision points across 253.4 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: near the start (NY 92 / East Genesee Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 76.1 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 129.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Syracuse, NY and Brooklyn, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
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