Embarking on a journey from Van Etten, NY, to Islip, NY, covers 268.5 miles and is estimated to take around 5 hours and 42 minutes. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, making it a feasible option if you're looking for a straightforward drive within New York State. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is approximately $44. You'll primarily navigate via the Keystone Shortway and I-81 before transitioning to the Southern State Parkway. The overall feel of this drive is more of a turn-heavy local exploration rather than a pure interstate cruise, offering a dynamic travel experience.
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
134.2 miles from Van Etten, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 42m. Total distance: 268.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This drive presents a varied road personality, with 58% of the journey occurring on highways. While there are highway segments, expect a significant portion to involve navigating local roads, indicated by its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 80 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a period of more consistent travel. As you progress, the route will likely shift from more open highway driving to more intricate local road navigation, requiring your attention to turns and speed limit changes.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 67 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Keystone Shortway is the longest continuous segment at about 80 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 101.4 miles in near US 6.
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 36 significant decision points across 268.5 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 101.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 36 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
101.4 mi into trip|~2h 11m 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
216 mi into trip|~4h 27m 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
216.3 mi into trip|~4h 27m 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
225.7 mi into trip|~4h 42m 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
263.9 mi into trip|~5h 33m in
Take the exit toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 41S
Toward Bay Shore Road South, Bay Shore
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Van Etten, NY and Islip, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level - among others.
Mt Pocono
101.4 mi in|~2h 11m|via US 6
Milford
102.2 mi in|~2h 12m|via I 84; I 380
New York City
216 mi in|~4h 27m
Leonia
216.3 mi in|~4h 27m
Teaneck
216.3 mi in|~4h 27m
George Washington Bridge Upper Level
218.5 mi in|~4h 32m
Cross Island Parkway South
237.1 mi in|~4h 58m
Southern State Parkway East
238.7 mi in|~5h 1m
Eastern Long Island
238.7 mi in|~5h 1m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
80 mi
1h 37m
I 81
53.4 mi
1h 3m
Southern State Parkway
24.7 mi
31m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Southern Tier Expressway
23.5 mi
28m
Cross Bronx Expressway
6.6 mi
8m
State Highway 96
6.5 mi
9m
Christopher Columbus Highway
5.5 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 80 mi, about 1h 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Van Etten, NY and Islip, NY.
1
Start on Waverly Street
79 ft·3 sec·Waverly Street
2
Turn slight left onto NY 34
0.2 mi·19 sec·Gee Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto NY 34
1.6 mi·2 min·State Highway 34
4
Continue on NY 34
0.8 mi·1 min·Spencer-Van Etten Road
5
Continue on NY 34
1.0 mi·2 min·West Tioga Street
6
Continue on NY 96
0.3 mi·27 sec·Candor Road
7
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi·1 min·State Highway 96
8
Continue on NY 96
2.4 mi·3 min·Candor Road
9
Continue on NY 96
4.0 mi·5 min·Spencer Road
10
Continue on NY 96
0.1 mi·15 sec·Spencer Avenue
11
Turn right onto NY 96
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
12
At end of road, turn right onto NY 96
0.4 mi·54 sec·Owego Street
13
Continue on NY 96
2.3 mi·3 min·Owego Road
14
Continue on NY 96
5.4 mi·7 min·State Highway 96
15
At end of road, turn right onto NY 96
1.7 mi·3 min·NY 96
16
At end of road, turn right onto NY 96
335 ft·15 sec·Main Street
17
Turn left onto NY 17C; NY 96
0.1 mi·20 sec·Park Street
18
Turn slight left onto Susquehanna River Bridge Road
89 ft·3 sec·Susquehanna River Bridge Road
19
Continue on NY 96
0.3 mi·45 sec·Susquehanna River Bridge Road
20
Turn left onto NY 434
2.0 mi·3 min·Southside Drive
21
Take the ramp
372 ft·9 sec
22
Merge onto I 86
24 mi·28 min·Southern Tier Expressway
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
24
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.
25
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.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
27
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
28
Merge onto I 80
80 mi·1 hr 37 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
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.
30
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.
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 70A-BToward Leonia, TeaneckUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 70AToward LeoniaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Turn straight onto CR 56
454 ft·9 sec·Degraw Avenue
34
Continue on CR 56
1.1 mi·2 min·Fort Lee Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Continue on CR 56
469 ft·13 sec·Main Street
36
Take the ramp
472 ft·12 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge
37
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.3 mi·28 sec·Bergen Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Take the exit
312 ft·4 sec
Toward George Washington Bridge Upper Level
39
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.3 mi·20 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
41
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.6 mi·1 min·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
42
Continue on I 95; US 1
0.7 mi·1 min·Trans-Manhattan Expressway
43
Continue on I 95; US 1
4.7 mi·6 min·Cross Bronx Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
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.
45
Merge onto I 295
0.6 mi·58 sec·Throgs Neck Expressway
46
Continue on I 295
2.0 mi·3 min·Throgs Neck Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
47
Continue on I 295
5.0 mi·5 min·Clearview Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Continue on NY 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Hollis Court Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
49
At end of road, turn left onto NY 24
0.2 mi·35 sec·Jamaica Avenue
Use the left lane.
50
Turn right onto Hempstead Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·Hempstead Avenue
51
Turn right onto 225th Street
228 ft·9 sec·225th Street
Use the right lane.
52
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward Cross Island Parkway South, Verrazano Bridge
53
Merge onto CI
1.3 mi·1 min·Cross Island Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
54
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 25AToward Southern State Parkway East, Eastern Long IslandUse the slight left / straight lanes.
55
Merge onto SO
25 mi·31 min·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
56
Keep slight left at fork onto SO
0.2 mi·16 sec·Southern State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
57
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 41SToward Bay Shore Road South, Bay ShoreUse the slight right lane.
58
Turn straight onto CR 57
0.5 mi·1 min·Bay Shore Road
59
Continue on CR 57
0.3 mi·43 sec·Howells Road
60
Turn straight onto CR 57
341 ft·6 sec·Sunrise Highway
61
Keep slight right at fork onto CR 57
0.6 mi·1 min·Howells Road
Toward Howells Road SouthUse the right lane.
62
Continue on CR 57
0.2 mi·24 sec·Roosevelt Street
63
Continue on CR 57
0.7 mi·1 min·3rd Avenue
64
At end of road, turn left onto NY 27A
1.1 mi·1 min·East Main Street
65
Continue on Montauk Highway
0.2 mi·17 sec·Montauk Highway
66
Continue on NY 27A
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
67
Arrive at destination
NY 27A
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour, 42-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Long Island area. With a total distance of 268.5 miles, you'll want to plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Given the 'turn-heavy' nature of much of the route, pay close attention to your GPS and road signage. A specific tip for this journey: be prepared for the transition onto the Southern State Parkway, as parkways often have different rules and speed limits than traditional interstates, and can become quite busy.
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 134.2 miles from Van Etten, NY, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80 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 59 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.2 miles or 2h 48m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Islip, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Van Etten, 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 Van Etten, NY
This is one driving day of about 268.5 miles and 5h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Van Etten, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 80 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 134.2 mi from Van Etten, NY
· 2h 48m into the drive
The midpoint is around 134.2 miles from Van Etten, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80 miles.
Arriving in Islip, NY
The final approach into Islip, 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 Islip, NY.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 222.2
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 222.2
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 222.2
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 222.2
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 222.2
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 222.2
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
80.6
0
$28.19
$12.89
Efficient EV
67.1
0
$23.49
$10.74
EV Truck/SUV
107.4
1
$37.59
$17.18
Gas CO2
94 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
Van Etten, NY
Night
in Van Etten on Thursday
Local time
10:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Islip, NY
Night
in Islip on Thursday
Local time
10:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
134 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
4 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 42m 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 Van Etten, NY to Islip, NY covers 268.5 miles and takes about 5h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, I 81, Southern State Parkway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 134.2 miles from Van Etten, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.20 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 36 significant decision points across 268.5 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 101.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Van Etten, NY and Islip, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, New York City, Leonia, Teaneck and George Washington Bridge Upper Level - among others.
