Hershey to Montauk Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

Driving from Hershey, Pennsylvania to Montauk, New York covers roughly 320 miles, traversing diverse landscapes from Pennsylvania Dutch country to the Long Island shoreline. The route, largely via I-78, I-95, and the Long Island Expressway (I-495), typically takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours without stops. But the real value lies in the detours: the Delaware Water Gap, historic New Jersey towns, and the North Fork wine country. This guide explores how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

A lesser-known fact: the route crosses the terminal moraine of the Wisconsin glaciation near Montauk, marking the southernmost advance of the last ice age. This geological feature shapes the region's rolling hills and rocky shoreline.

The journey transitions from the Appalachian foothills to the coastal plain. Key natural highlights: the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (near I-80), the pine barrens of central New Jersey, and the glacial outwash plains of Long Island.

Local commerce thrives on farm stands and wineries. In Pennsylvania, stop at the Market at the Delta (Delta, PA) for Amish goods. In New Jersey, visit the Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes). On Long Island’s North Fork, the wine trail offers over 50 wineries, including Bedell Cellars and Macari Vineyards.

• Farm Stands: Cherry Grove Farm (Lawrenceville, NJ); Sang Lee Farms (Greenport, NY)
• Wineries: Oliver Winery (PA); Beneduce Vineyards (NJ); Martha Clara Vineyards (NY)

Road quality varies: I-78 is well-paved; I-495 can be congested with potholes near exits 50-60. Montauk Highway (CR-27) is narrow and winding. Drive cautiously near dawn/dusk due to deer.

For families, top stops: Crayola Experience (Easton, PA) and Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ). Rest zones: New Jersey’s safety rest areas along I-78 (mile 7.5 eastbound) and at the Long Island Welcome Center (exit 50). Fatigue management: schedule a break every 2 hours at the Delaware Water Gap or at a rest area.

• Kid-Friendly: Poconos (water parks); Adventureland (Farmingdale, NY)
• Rest Areas: PA Welcome Center (I-78); NJ Turnpike (Molly Pitcher)

The primary route uses I-78 east from Hershey to the Lehigh Valley, merging onto I-95 near Newark. After crossing the George Washington Bridge, take I-495 (Long Island Expressway) east to exit 70 (CR-39) for Montauk. Plan for tolls: about $15 for the Pennsylvania Turnpike and $8.50 for the Verrazzano or GWB bridge.

Fuel stops: Fill up at Sheetz or Wawa in PA (cheaper than NY). On Long Island, prices spike 20-30% near the Hamptons. Best stations: Love's at mile 23 on I-78 (NJ) and Hess in Riverhead (NY). For EV owners, Tesla Superchargers are in Allentown, Newark, and Riverhead.

• Best Fuel Stops (Cost): Sheetz, Hershey (exit 80); Wawa, Bethlehem (exit 67); Love's, Clinton (exit 15 NJ)
• EV Charging: Tesla Supercharger, Allentown (I-78 exit 54); Electrify America, Cranbury (NJ Turnpike)