Planning a trip from Syracuse, NY, to Island Park, NY? This 277.6-mile drive will take approximately 5 hours and 41 minutes, making it a feasible day trip for most travelers. The route primarily utilizes major interstates like I-81 and I-380, with a significant portion of the journey on the Keystone Shortway. With an estimated fuel cost of $46, it's an economical option for covering ground across New York. This highway-focused drive is designed for efficient travel, connecting two points within the Northeast region.
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
138.8 miles from Syracuse, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 44m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 277.6-mile journey, with 63% of the drive on interstates. You'll spend a considerable amount of time on I-81, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 127.9 miles. While the route is predominantly high-speed, the landscape will transition as you move through different sections of New York. The profile suggests a consistent pace, emphasizing getting you to your destination efficiently rather than focusing on winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 52 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 around 129.5 miles in near US 6.
Route Complexity10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 33 significant decision points across 277.6 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 129.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 33 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
244 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, Ne...
9
244.3 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Leonia, Teaneck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 70A-B
Toward Leonia, Teaneck
8
253.7 mi into trip|~5h 4m 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
9
268.3 mi into trip|~5h 25m in
Take the exit toward Francis Lewis Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 24A
Toward Francis Lewis Boulevard
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Syracuse, NY and Island Park, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level.
Mt Pocono
129.5 mi in|~2h 34m|via US 6
Milford
130.2 mi in|~2h 35m|via I 84; I 380
New York City
244 mi in|~4h 50m
Leonia
244.3 mi in|~4h 50m
Teaneck
244.3 mi in|~4h 50m
George Washington Bridge Upper Level
246.5 mi in|~4h 54m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
127.9 mi
2h 31m
Keystone Shortway
80 mi
1h 37m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
Christopher Columbus Highway
5.5 mi
5m
Clearview Expressway
5 mi
5m
Sunrise Highway
4.3 mi
5m
I 84
3.7 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 127.9 mi, about 2h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Syracuse, NY and Island Park, 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 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 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: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse 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, MilfordUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
14
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·5 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Toward I 95: George Washington Bridge Lower LevelUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington Bridge, New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
20
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
22
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
23
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
25
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
27
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
29
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
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.
31
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
32
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
35
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
36
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
37
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft·9 sec·225th Street
Use the right lane.
38
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
39
Merge onto CI
1.6 mi·2 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Continue on BP
1.3 mi·1 min·Belt Parkway
41
Keep slight right at fork onto BP
279 ft·3 sec·Belt Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
42
Take the exit
248 ft·11 sec
Exit 24AToward Francis Lewis BoulevardUse the straight / right lanes.
43
At end of road, turn right onto Laurelton Parkway
152 ft·4 sec·Laurelton Parkway
44
Turn right onto Francis Lewis Boulevard
0.3 mi·1 min·Francis Lewis Boulevard
45
Turn left onto NY 27
0.4 mi·28 sec·South Conduit Avenue
Use the left lane.
46
Continue on NY 27
4.3 mi·5 min·Sunrise Highway
47
Turn right onto North Centre Avenue
200 ft·6 sec·North Centre Avenue
48
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
0.9 mi·1 min·Lincoln Avenue
49
Turn slight right onto Long Beach Road
0.4 mi·46 sec·Long Beach Road
Use the right lane.
50
Continue on Long Beach Road
2.8 mi·5 min·Long Beach Road
51
Continue on Long Beach Road
0.2 mi·18 sec·Long Beach Road
52
Arrive at destination
Long Beach Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour and 41-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Syracuse to avoid any potential traffic congestion, especially as you approach Long Island. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a major exit is over 127 miles on I-81. This route is straightforward, so focus on maintaining a steady speed and enjoying the efficiency of the interstate system to reach Island Park.
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 138.8 miles from Syracuse, NY, or about 2h 44m 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 138.8 miles or 2h 44m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Island Park, 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 277.6 miles and 5h 41m.
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 138.8 mi from Syracuse, NY
· 2h 44m into the drive
The midpoint is around 138.8 miles from Syracuse, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 127.9 miles.
Arriving in Island Park, NY
The final approach into Island Park, 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 Island Park, 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
$45.69 one way
$91.39 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$49.41
$98.82
premium
$4.92
$53.80
$107.61
diesel
$5.61
$61.29
$122.58
Estimated Tolls: $22.55
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
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
$46
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$93–$118
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83.3
1
$29.15
$13.32
Efficient EV
69.4
0
$24.29
$11.10
EV Truck/SUV
111
1
$38.86
$17.77
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 data refreshed 14 hours ago
Origin
Syracuse, NY
Morning
in Syracuse on Wednesday
Local time
7:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 10 mph67% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 4:32PM EDT until April 14 at 5:15PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 4:26PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
Destination
Island Park, NY
Morning
in Island Park on Wednesday
Local time
7:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
139 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
34 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
5h 41m 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 Island Park, NY covers 277.6 miles and takes about 5h 41m 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 138.8 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 $45.69 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 33 significant decision points across 277.6 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 129.5 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 244.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Syracuse, NY and Island Park, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level.
