> Driving from NYC to Finger Lakes: ~4.5 hours, ~250 miles. Wineries, waterfalls and lakes in central New York. Compare car rental deals with free cancellation.

Road trip from NYC

# NYC to Finger Lakes

Wineries, waterfalls and lakes in central New York.

~4.5 hours · ~250 miles from New York City

The Finger Lakes region is wine country with a side of waterfalls — about 4.5 hours upstate. With dozens of wineries, gorges like Watkins Glen, and 11 lakes, it's a road trip best explored over a long weekend with a car as your base.

## Trip highlights

- Wineries along Seneca and Cayuga Lakes
- Watkins Glen State Park gorge trail
- Ithaca, Corning Museum of Glass and more
- Full-size or SUV for the distance and the region

## Driving tips

### Plan a designated driver

Wine touring and driving don't mix. Plan tastings around a designated driver, or build in time between stops.

## NYC to Finger Lakes FAQs

### How far are the Finger Lakes from NYC?

About 250 miles and 4.5 hours. It's a long-weekend destination; a car is essential to move between the lakes, wineries and waterfalls.

## Renting a car for the trip

Compare deals for your dates in the search below. For longer hauls, consider an [SUV](https://www.newyorkautorental.com/cars/suv) or [full-size car](https://www.newyorkautorental.com/cars/full-size), and if you're flying back rather than returning to the city, check out a [one-way rental](https://www.newyorkautorental.com/guides/one-way-car-rental-from-nyc).

[More road trips from NYC](https://www.newyorkautorental.com/road-trips)

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