Wurtsboro, NY to Manhattan, NY is 78.2 miles and takes about 1h 43m via NY 17 and NJ 17, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York and New Jersey, offering a straightforward drive from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. Given its relatively short duration and highway focus, this route is ideal for a quick journey, whether you're heading into the city for a day trip or just passing through. Plan for it to be a direct, efficient drive without extensive detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.1 miles from Wurtsboro, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 47m into the drive
.
Wall Street. Madison Avenue. 34th Street. Broadway. Times Square. Manhattan is so well known that even the names of its streets have become iconic and understood the world over. This long, thin island is only one of New York City's five boroughs, but it's Manhattan that has the concrete canyons and the inimitable skyline; Manhattan that has the world's brightest theater district; Manhattan that has Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Met; and Manhattan that includes iconic neighborhoods like Harlem, the Upper East Side, Times Square, and Greenwich Village.
The rest of New York City has much to see and do, but it's Manhattan that represents the city—and sometimes the entire United States—to the world. You could spend a month on this tiny island and still not see all there is to see.
Top landmarks
•Empire State Building — skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 78.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is a highway-focused drive, with approximately 75% of the journey taking place on major roadways. You'll primarily be on NY 17 and NJ 17, transitioning to the New York State Thruway. Expect stretches of consistent speed, with the longest uninterrupted segment covering 30.8 miles on NY 17. The character of the drive is one of steady progress, moving efficiently from a more suburban or rural starting point towards the dense urban environment of Manhattan.
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.
NY 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 30.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NY 17 and NJ 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 31.5 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.2 miles you will encounter 22 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 31.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
31.5 mi into trip|~37m 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
9
46.8 mi into trip|~56m 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
48.2 mi into trip|~58m 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
71.7 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|US 9
Take the exit onto US 9 toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th Street
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 1A
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th...
8
72.1 mi into trip|~1h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, Downt...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Wurtsboro, NY and Manhattan, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York and Downtown.
Nyst: Albany
31.5 mi in|~37m
New York City
31.5 mi in|~37m
Gsp South: Paterson
62.3 mi in|~1h 16m
Fort Lee
62.3 mi in|~1h 16m
New York
62.3 mi in|~1h 16m
Downtown
72.1 mi in|~1h 31m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
30.8 mi
36m
NJ 17
14.1 mi
18m
New York State Thruway
13.7 mi
15m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
Henry Hudson Parkway
4.2 mi
6m
I 95 EXPR
1.5 mi
2m
United States Highway 209
0.8 mi
1m
Kingston Avenue
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 30.8 mi, about 36m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wurtsboro, NY and Manhattan, NY.
1
Start on Sullivan Street
444 ft·14 sec·Sullivan Street
2
Turn left onto US 209
0.5 mi·35 sec·Kingston Avenue
3
Continue on US 209
0.8 mi·1 min·United States Highway 209
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward NY 17 East: New York CityUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto NY 17
30 mi·35 min·NY 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 87, NYST: Albany, New York CityUse the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 Toll South: New York CityUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 87
14 mi·15 min·New York State Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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.
10
Continue on I 287; NJ 17
0.5 mi·39 sec·I 287; NJ 17
11
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.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward NJ 4, GSP South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJ 4 East: Fort Lee, New York
14
Merge onto NJ 4
0.3 mi·24 sec·NJ 4
Use the right lane.
15
Continue on NJ 4
6.4 mi·8 min·NJ 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 95 North: George Washington BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Merge onto I 95 EXPR
0.7 mi·54 sec·I 95 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR
0.8 mi·1 min·I 95 EXPR
19
Continue on I 95; US 1; US 9
0.5 mi·45 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
20
Take the exit onto US 9
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 9
Exit 1AToward NY 9A: Henry Hudson Parkway, West 178th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward NY 9A: Henry Hudson ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward NY 9A South: Henry Hudson Parkway, DowntownUse the straight lane.
23
Merge onto HH; NY 9A
4.2 mi·6 min·Henry Hudson Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Boat Basin, Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Children's Museum Of Manhattan, JCC in Manhattan, Lincoln Center, New York Historical Society, New York Institute of TechnologyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on West 79th Street
0.2 mi·51 sec·West 79th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn left onto Broadway
0.4 mi·56 sec·Broadway
27
Turn right onto West 86th Street
0.4 mi·1 min·West 86th Street
28
Continue on 86th Street Transverse
0.2 mi·35 sec·86th Street Transverse
Toward East SideUse the straight / left lanes.
29
Arrive at destination
86th Street Transverse
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive of just over an hour and a half, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Wurtsboro, NY, consider heading out early in the morning to beat potential traffic into Manhattan, especially if you're arriving during peak hours. With a fuel cost estimated at $13, you won't need to worry too much about frequent stops for gas. The longest stretch is 30.8 miles, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge before you begin this segment to ensure you have enough for the entire drive.
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 39.1 miles from Wurtsboro, NY, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.8 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 17 miles or 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.1 miles or 47m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Manhattan, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wurtsboro, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Wurtsboro, NY
This is one driving day of about 78.2 miles and 1h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Wurtsboro, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on NY 17 for about 30.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 39.1 mi from Wurtsboro, NY
· 47m into the drive
The midpoint is around 39.1 miles from Wurtsboro, NY, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Manhattan, NY
The final approach into Manhattan, NY usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
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.
General Grant National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 77.5
Caution: Lower Crypt Access Subject to Safe Conditions
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...
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 80.2
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 80.2
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 80.2
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 80.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.87 one way
$25.74 round trip
$4.18/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.52
$13.92
$27.84
premium
$4.92
$15.16
$30.31
diesel
$5.61
$17.27
$34.53
Estimated Tolls: $16.68
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
New York State Thruway
(13.7 mi)$0.68
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
$13
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.5
0
$8.21
$3.75
Efficient EV
19.6
0
$6.84
$3.13
EV Truck/SUV
31.3
0
$10.95
$5.00
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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 15, 2026
Origin
Wurtsboro, NY
Morning
in Wurtsboro on Saturday
Local time
10:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Manhattan, NY
Morning
in Manhattan on Saturday
Local time
10:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Ramapo, NY
39 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
8 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
1h 43m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Wurtsboro, NY to Manhattan, NY covers 78.2 miles and takes about 1h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NY 17, NJ 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 39.1 miles from Wurtsboro, NY. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.87 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.2 miles you will encounter 22 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 31.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.8 miles (NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 48.2 miles (NJ 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Wurtsboro, NY and Manhattan, NY, road signs point toward Nyst: Albany, New York City, Gsp South: Paterson, Fort Lee, New York and Downtown.
Yes. Nearby national parks include General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Memorial and Stonewall National Monument. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
