Sterling, VA → Albany, NY
317 mi · 6h 20m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freezing rain in Albany — consider delaying
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Sterling
48°
Clay Township
39°
Lackawaxen Township
35°
Albany
35°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 317 mi · 6h 20m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
39°F, wind 11 mph
Rest Stops
10
Restrooms, Truck svc, information
Cameras
5 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Mountain View Plaza 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Mason-Dixon Welcome Center
Normal Traffic
11 construction zones along route — no other incidents
11 Construction Zones on Route
I-87 (NYS Thruway) in both directions: Long term road construction.
Rockland, NY
NY 300 (Union Ave) in both directions: Bridge maintenance operations.
Orange, NY
NY 199 in both directions: Slow moving maintenance vehicle.
Dutchess, NY
I-87 (NYS Thruway) in both directions: Slow moving maintenance vehicle.
Ulster, NY
NY 9J in both directions: Emergency repairs.
Columbia, NY
I-87 (NYS Thruway) in both directions: Slow moving maintenance vehicle.
Albany, NY
+ 5 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Road Conditions: Wet
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via US-15 → PA-581 → ... → I-87 North (New York State Thruway; Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway) → I-787 North
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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Rt-28 at Old Ox Rd.
VA ·
VA-28 / MM 41.2 / NB
VA · NB
Live video · tap to play
US 15 at US 40
Western MD, MD ·
US 15 BUSINESS @ BALTIMORE PIKE
PA · NB
I-83 @ EXIT 40A ( LIMEKILN RD)
PA · NB
I-78 EXIT 16 MIDWAY
PA · EB
I-78 @ EXIT 51 (US 22 SPLIT)
PA ·
I-78 @ EXIT 67 (PA 412 HELLERTOWN)
PA · EB
I-87 MP 033.00 NB Sloatsburg Service Area Truck Park 2
NY · NB
I-87 MP 045.20 NB at Interchange 16 (Harriman)
NY · NB
I-87 MP 076.00 NB at Interchange 18 (New Paltz)
NY · NB
I-87 MP 113.90 NB at Interchange 21 (Catskill)
NY · NB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
38 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 38
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Sterling, VA to Albany, NY covers 317 miles in roughly 6h 20m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 38 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
52° / 47°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
49° / 38°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
52° / 42°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
52° / 36°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
55° / 36°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
60° / 37°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
63° / 36°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Sterling, VA
48°F
Wind: 14 mph
Albany, NY
35°F
Wind: 10 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Sterling, VA to Albany, NY
The 317-mile drive from Sterling, Virginia to Albany, New York takes approximately 6h 20m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially along coastal regions where fog and marine weather can impact visibility. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from Virginia into New York, connecting Sterling and Albany. Covering 317 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive Sterling to Albany
For medium-distance drives like this 317-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 317-mile drive from Sterling to Albany takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Sterling to Albany?
The drive is approximately 317 miles and takes about 6h 20m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Wednesday, Nov 18 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Sterling to Albany today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Travel is not recommended at this time. Dangerous conditions are present along this route. Check back for updates or use Route Outlook to find a safer departure time.
Are there rest areas on the Sterling to Albany route?
Yes, there are 38 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses VA 28, US-15, I-83 North, I-78 East, I-87 North (New York State Thruway; Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway). Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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