The drive from Waterville, NY to Staten Island, NY covers 244.5 miles and takes about 5h 18m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on NY 17, State Highway 8, NJ 17 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 106 miles on NY 17.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $40.25 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
122.3 miles from Waterville, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 18m. Total distance: 244.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 5h 18m highway drive covering 244.5 miles, with most of the trip on NY 17 and State Highway 8. The longest continuous stretch is about 106 miles on NY 17.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 50 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
NY 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 106 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and State Highway 8. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 178.8 miles in.
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 30 significant decision points across 244.5 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 178.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 194.1 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 30 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
178.8 mi into trip|~3h 46m 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 slight right lane.
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York City
7
179.5 mi into trip|~3h 47m 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
9
194.1 mi into trip|~4h 5m 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
195.5 mi into trip|~4h 6m 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
225.4 mi into trip|~4h 44m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Waterville, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike.
Nyst: Albany
178.8 mi in|~3h 46m
New York City
178.8 mi in|~3h 46m
Jersey City
225.3 mi in|~4h 44m|via US 1; US 9
Pulaski Skyway
225.3 mi in|~4h 44m|via US 1; US 9
Hoboken
225.4 mi in|~4h 44m
Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike
226.9 mi in|~4h 47m|via I 78; NJTP
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
106 mi
2h 12m
State Highway 8
61.4 mi
1h 16m
NJ 17
22.7 mi
29m
New York State Thruway
13.7 mi
15m
US 20
7.6 mi
10m
New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
4.7 mi
5m
NJ 440
4.5 mi
6m
NJ 3
4.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 106 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterville, NY and Staten Island, NY.
1
Start on NY 12
0.2 mi·15 sec·Main Street East
2
Continue on NY 12
1.2 mi·1 min·Sanger Avenue
3
Turn left onto US 20
7.6 mi·10 min·US 20
4
Turn right onto NY 8
0.6 mi·1 min·South Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on NY 8
18 mi·24 min·State Highway 8
6
Continue on NY 8
1.5 mi·3 min·North Main Street
7
Continue on NY 8
25 mi·30 min·State Highway 8
8
Continue on NY 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·Airport Road
9
Continue on NY 8
19 mi·21 min·State Highway 8
10
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.3 mi·18 sec·Oak Street
11
Continue on NY 8; NY 10
0.4 mi·44 sec·State Highway 10
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward NY 17 East
13
Merge onto NY 17
105 mi·2 hr 11 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
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.
18
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
19
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 17
23 mi·29 min·NJ 17
Exit 66Toward NJ 17 South: MahwahUse the slight left / straight lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
21
Merge onto NJ 3
4.2 mi·4 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on US 1; US 9
2.5 mi·3 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tonnelle Avenue
Toward NJ 139 East, US 1 South, US 9 South: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel, Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the left lane.
25
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
26
Continue on NJ 139
0.3 mi·27 sec·12th Street Viaduct
27
Take the exit
236 ft·9 sec
Use the left lane.
28
Turn left onto Jersey Avenue
463 ft·23 sec·Jersey Avenue
Use the left lane.
29
Turn left onto I 78; NJ 139
408 ft·5 sec·14th Street Viaduct
Use the left lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto I 78; NJTP
4.7 mi·5 min·New Jersey Turnpike Newark Bay Extension
Toward NJTP: New Jersey TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 14AToward NJ 440: BayonneUse the right lane.
32
Continue on Port Jersey Boulevard
0.3 mi·17 sec·Port Jersey Boulevard
Toward NJ 440
33
Take the exit
357 ft·8 sec
Toward NJ 440 South: Chosin Few WayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 440 SouthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
35
Merge onto NJ 440
4.5 mi·6 min·NJ 440
36
Continue on NY 440
1.4 mi·2 min·Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
37
Take the exit
0.6 mi·55 sec
Exit 10EToward I 278 East: Verrazano Bridge, Brooklyn
38
Merge onto I 278
0.8 mi·1 min·Staten Island Expressway
39
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 11Toward I 278 West: Bradley AvenueUse the slight right lane.
40
Turn straight onto South Gannon Avenue
198 ft·8 sec·South Gannon Avenue
41
Turn right onto Bradley Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Bradley Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Turn slight right onto Brielle Avenue
0.8 mi·2 min·Brielle Avenue
43
Turn left onto Rockland Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Rockland Avenue
44
Continue on Richmond Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Richmond Road
45
Turn left onto Kensico Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Kensico Street
46
At end of road, turn left onto Clarke Avenue
284 ft·13 sec·Clarke Avenue
47
Turn right onto Cotter Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Cotter Avenue
48
Continue on Corona Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Corona Avenue
49
Turn right onto Croft Court
147 ft·6 sec·Croft Court
50
Arrive at destination
Croft Court
Trip Plan
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 122.3 miles from Waterville, NY, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106 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 54 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.3 miles or 2h 36m 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 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Staten Island, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waterville, 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 Waterville, NY
This is one driving day of about 244.5 miles and 5h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Waterville, 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 NY 17 for about 106 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 122.3 mi from Waterville, NY
· 2h 36m into the drive
The midpoint is around 122.3 miles from Waterville, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before NY 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106 miles.
Arriving in Staten Island, NY
The final approach into Staten Island, 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 Staten Island, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 227.7
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 227.7
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 227.7
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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 227.7
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 227.7
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 227.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.25 one way
$80.49 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$43.52
$87.04
premium
$4.92
$47.39
$94.78
diesel
$5.61
$53.98
$107.97
Estimated Tolls: $1.33
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
New Jersey Turnpike
(4.7 mi)$0.65
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
$40
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.4
0
$25.67
$11.74
Efficient EV
61.1
0
$21.39
$9.78
EV Truck/SUV
97.8
1
$34.23
$15.65
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Forecast as of Apr 13, 2026
Origin
Waterville, NY
Late night
in Waterville on Friday
Local time
1:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
32°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Staten Island, NY
Late night
in Staten Island on Friday
Local time
1:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
122 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
16 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 18m 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 Waterville, NY to Staten Island, NY covers 244.5 miles and takes about 5h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 17, State Highway 8, NJ 17. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 122.3 miles from Waterville, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.25 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 30 significant decision points across 244.5 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 178.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 194.1 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Waterville, NY and Staten Island, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Jersey City, Pulaski Skyway, Hoboken and Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Castle Clinton National Monument, Statue Of Liberty National Monument and African Burial Ground National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
