Embark on a 117-mile journey from Tivoli, NY, to Queens, NY, a drive that typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. This route, primarily utilizing local roads like Broadway and State Route 28, with a segment of Highway 9G, is best suited for a single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, it's an economical option for exploring within the Northeast region. The drive offers a turn-heavy local experience, so expect a more engaged driving style rather than a straightforward highway cruise. It's a practical choice if you're looking for a direct, albeit winding, connection between these two New York locations.
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
59.8 miles from Tivoli, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 15m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 40m. Total distance: 119.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (43%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll be navigating numerous turns and local roads, with a 0% highway share. The absence of long highway stretches means you'll be constantly adjusting your speed and direction, making for an engaging driving experience. You won't encounter a 'longest stretch' that dominates the drive, as the journey is broken up by frequent intersections and changes in road character. Expect to feel connected to the local landscape as you weave through communities and varying terrain.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
New York State Thruway is the longest continuous segment at about 60.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 77 miles in near NY 17.
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 23 significant decision points across 119.7 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 77 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
77 mi into trip|~1h 35m 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
78.4 mi into trip|~1h 37m 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
107.2 mi into trip|~2h 17m in
Take the exit toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
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 6A
Toward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, Queens
8
116.8 mi into trip|~2h 32m in
Take the exit toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 6
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlanti...
9
117 mi into trip|~2h 33m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tivoli, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
Gsp South: Paterson
92.5 mi in|~1h 55m
Fort Lee
92.5 mi in|~1h 55m
New York
92.5 mi in|~1h 55m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New York State Thruway
60.6 mi
1h 9m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
State Highway 9G
5.9 mi
9m
Cross Bronx Expressway
4.4 mi
5m
NY 199
4.4 mi
6m
Van Wyck Expressway
4.3 mi
6m
US 209
3.7 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
New York State Thruway
— 60.6 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tivoli, NY and Queens, NY.
1
Start on this road
75 ft·7 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto CR 78
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway
3
Turn right onto NY 9G
1.2 mi·1 min·State Highway 9G
4
Continue on NY 9G
4.7 mi·7 min·State Highway 9G
5
Take the ramp onto NY 199
4.4 mi·6 min·NY 199
6
Continue on US 209
3.7 mi·4 min·US 209
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
8
Continue on NY 28
0.6 mi·1 min·State Route 28
9
Enter roundabout
340 ft·4 sec
Toward I 87: New York State Thruway
10
Continue
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 87: New York State Thruway
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 87: New York State Thruway
12
Merge onto I 87
61 mi·1 hr 9 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
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.
14
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
15
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.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
18
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
23
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
25
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.4 mi·5 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.9 mi·2 min
Exit 6AToward I 678 South: Whitestone Bridge, QueensUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 678
0.8 mi·1 min·Hutchinson River Expressway
28
Continue on I 678
1.3 mi·2 min·Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
29
Continue on I 678
2.3 mi·3 min·Whitestone Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 678
4.3 mi·6 min·Van Wyck Expressway
Toward I 678 South: Kennedy AirportUse the slight left lane.
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 6Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic AvenueUse the right lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward Hillside Avenue, Jamaica AvenueUse the slight right lane.
33
Turn straight onto Van Wyck Expressway West
0.9 mi·2 min·Van Wyck Expressway West
Use the straight / right lanes.
34
Turn right onto Liberty Avenue
1.5 mi·4 min·Liberty Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Turn left onto 104th Street
205 ft·9 sec·104th Street
36
Arrive at destination
104th Street
Trip Plan
Given this 2-hour and 15-minute drive is easily manageable in a single day, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. However, leaving earlier in the day can help you avoid potential local traffic congestion, especially as you approach Queens. Plan for brief stops as needed, recognizing that the 'Turn-heavy local drive' nature means you'll be frequently engaged. The estimated fuel cost of $19 suggests that keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always a good idea, though this is a relatively short distance. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to road signage for Broadway, Highway 9G, and State Route 28 to ensure you're following the most direct path.
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 59.8 miles from Tivoli, NY, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.6 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 26 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.8 miles or 1h 15m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Queens, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Tivoli, 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 Tivoli, NY
This is one driving day of about 119.7 miles and 2h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Tivoli, 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 New York State Thruway for about 60.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 59.8 mi from Tivoli, NY
· 1h 15m 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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 103.2
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 103.2
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 119.7
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 119.7
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 119.7
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...
9 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 119.7
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
35.9
0
$12.57
$5.75
Efficient EV
29.9
0
$10.47
$4.79
EV Truck/SUV
47.9
0
$16.76
$7.66
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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 16, 2026
Origin
Tivoli, NY
Afternoon
in Tivoli on Thursday
Local time
4:40 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Partly Sunny
SW 8 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Queens, NY
Afternoon
in Queens on Thursday
Local time
4:40 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
60 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
38 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 40m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Tivoli, NY to Queens, NY covers 119.7 miles and takes about 2h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New York State Thruway, NJ 17, NJ 4. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 59.8 miles from Tivoli, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.70 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 23 significant decision points across 119.7 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 77 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.4 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Tivoli, NY and Queens, NY, road signs point toward Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee and New York.
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.
