Trip from Washington Heights, NY to New York City, NY

Drive Time

1h 35m

Distance

71.6 mi

115 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min

4 AM

1h 28m ★

6 AM

1h 35m

8 AM

1h 50m

10 AM

1h 40m

12 PM

1h 39m

3 PM

1h 41m

5 PM

1h 49m

8 PM

1h 31m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Washington Heights, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

New York City, NY

Renan Tagliaferro

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Washington Heights to New York City, expect a straightforward 71.6-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes. This highway-focused route utilizes NJ 17, NY 17, and the New York State Thruway to navigate the Northeast corridor. Because the total duration is quite manageable, this drive is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. You should budget approximately $11 for fuel to cover the distance. Since the trip involves no mandatory stops, you have the flexibility to complete it in one go without needing an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

35.8 miles from Washington Heights, NY

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a consistent highway-focused experience, as 67% of your travel time will be spent on major roads. The drive transitions through varied infrastructure, with the longest uninterrupted stretch occurring over 22.7 miles on NJ 17. You will find that the route moves steadily, balancing high-speed highway segments with the necessary transitions between state routes and the Thruway. Behind the wheel, you should be prepared for the pace to shift as you move from the initial highway segments into the more complex traffic patterns closer to the city. It is a functional, direct drive that prioritizes efficiency over scenic winding paths.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

NJ 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 22.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NJ 17 and NY 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 71.6 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 20.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 36 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

20.7 mi into trip | ~26m 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 none lane. Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City

21.4 mi into trip | ~27m 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

36 mi into trip | ~45m 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

37.3 mi into trip | ~46m 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

67.2 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in

Take the exit toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

Towns Along This Route

Between Washington Heights, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken.

Nyst: Albany

20.7 mi in | ~26m

Jersey City

67.1 mi in | ~1h 24m | via US 1; US 9

Pulaski Skyway

67.1 mi in | ~1h 24m | via US 1; US 9

Hoboken

67.2 mi in | ~1h 24m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
NJ 17	22.7 mi	29m
NY 17	18.5 mi	21m
New York State Thruway	13.7 mi	15m
NJ 3	4.2 mi	4m
Tonnelle Avenue	2.6 mi	3m
Holland Tunnel	2 mi	4m
Route 211 East	1.3 mi	2m
Conrail Viaduct	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: NJ 17 — 22.7 mi, about 29m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Washington Heights, NY and New York City, NY.

Start on the route

85 ft · 8 sec · the route

Turn right onto Route 17M

0.6 mi · 58 sec · Route 17M

Continue on North Street

0.3 mi · 29 sec · North Street

Turn left onto Wisner Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Wisner Avenue

Turn left onto Wickham Avenue

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Wickham Avenue

Continue on Route 211 East

1.3 mi · 2 min · Route 211 East

Take the ramp slight right toward NY 17 East: Goshen, New York City

427 ft · 12 sec · NY 17 East: Goshen, New York City

Continue on I 84 West: Scranton

0.3 mi · 33 sec · I 84 West: Scranton

Merge slight left

18 mi · 20 min

Keep slight left to continue on I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City

0.7 mi · 1 min · I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City

Keep slight right to continue on I 87 Toll South: New York City

0.9 mi · 1 min · I 87 Toll South: New York City

Merge slight left onto New York State Thruway

14 mi · 15 min · New York State Thruway

Keep slight right to continue on I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey

0.9 mi · 1 min · I 287 South, NJ 17 South: New Jersey

Continue straight

0.5 mi · 39 sec

Keep slight left to continue on NJ 17 South: Mahwah

23 mi · 29 min · NJ 17 South: Mahwah

Take the exit straight toward NJ 3 East: New York

0.4 mi · 49 sec · NJ 3 East: New York

Merge slight left

4.2 mi · 4 min

Continue on Tonnelle Avenue

2.5 mi · 3 min · Tonnelle Avenue

Keep slight left to continue on Tonnelle Avenue

0.1 mi · 10 sec · Tonnelle Avenue

Take the exit left toward Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

0.3 mi · 36 sec · Hoboken, Holland Tunnel

Merge slight right onto Conrail Viaduct

0.7 mi · 1 min · Conrail Viaduct

Continue on 12th Street Viaduct

0.4 mi · 32 sec · 12th Street Viaduct

Continue on 12th Street

0.3 mi · 54 sec · 12th Street

Keep slight left to continue on Holland Tunnel

2.0 mi · 4 min · Holland Tunnel

Take the exit slight right toward Brooklyn

305 ft · 10 sec · Brooklyn

Continue on Beach Street

121 ft · 7 sec · Beach Street

Turn slight right onto Walker Street

0.2 mi · 1 min · Walker Street

Turn right onto Broadway

0.4 mi · 1 min · Broadway

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

Given the 1-hour and 35-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though traffic patterns on these major arteries can influence your speed. Because the entire 71.6-mile distance is relatively short, you do not need to worry about complex refueling strategies; a quick check of your tank before heading out is sufficient to cover the $11 fuel cost. Since there are no designated stops on this route, make sure to handle any personal needs or vehicle checks before you start your engine in Washington Heights. Keep a close eye on road signage when transitioning between NJ 17 and the New York State Thruway to ensure you stay on the most efficient path toward your destination.

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.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 35.8 miles from Washington Heights, NY, or about 44m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.7 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 71.6 miles or 1h 35m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 35.8 miles or 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 1h 17m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New York City, NY than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Washington Heights, 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 Washington Heights, NY

This is one driving day of about 71.6 miles and 1h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Washington Heights, NY.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.

The longest stretch is on NJ 17 for about 22.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 35.8 mi from Washington Heights, NY · 44m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

36 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.

Popular next leg

Ramapo, NY to New York City, NY

37.1 mi · 56m

Pacing Suggestions

Brooklyn, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 35.8 miles from Washington Heights, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in New York City, NY

The final approach into New York City, 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 New York City, 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.

African Burial Ground National Monument

National Monument

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...

0 mi from route Free near mile 71.6

View on nps.gov

Castle Clinton National Monument

National Monument

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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Free near mile 71.6

View on nps.gov

Federal Hall National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

1 mi from route ~1 min detour Free near mile 71.6

View on nps.gov

Stonewall National Monument

National Monument

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 71.6

View on nps.gov

Governors Island National Monument

National Monument

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...

2 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 71.6

View on nps.gov

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

National Monument

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 71.6

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.66 one way

$23.31 round trip

$4.14/gal 25.4 MPG avg 25 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.48	$12.63	$25.26
premium	$4.88	$13.76	$27.53
diesel	$5.64	$15.91	$31.81

Estimated Tolls: $16.00

Holland Tunnel $16.00

New York State Thruway $0.00

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

$12

Tolls

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 25.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	21.5	$7.52	$3.44
Efficient EV	17.9	$6.26	$2.86
EV Truck/SUV	28.6	$10.02	$4.58

Gas CO2

25 kg

EV CO2

8 kg (68% 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 data refreshed 3 hours ago

Origin

Washington Heights, NY

Morning in Washington Heights on Monday

Local time

7:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

New York City, NY

Morning in New York City on Monday

Local time

7:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 12 mph 4% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 13 at 12:55AM EDT until April 13 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 13 at 12:22AM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY

Along the Route

59°F

Ramapo, NY

36 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

7 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

1h 35m 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 Washington Heights, NY to New York City, NY covers 71.6 miles and takes about 1h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are NJ 17, NY 17, New York State Thruway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 35.8 miles from Washington Heights, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.66 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.

Between Washington Heights, NY and New York City, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway and Hoboken.

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Return Trip

New York City, NY to Washington Heights, NY

Plan the drive back the other way.

72 mi 1h 36m

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Trip from Washington Heights, NY to New York City, NY

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in New York City, NY

National Parks Near This Route

African Burial Ground National Monument

Castle Clinton National Monument

Federal Hall National Memorial

Stonewall National Monument

Governors Island National Monument

Statue Of Liberty National Monument

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Washington Heights, NY

New York City, NY

Same local time

7 degrees cooler at arrival

1h 35m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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