> Driving from NYC to Lake Placid: ~5 hours, ~280 miles. Adirondack mountains, lakes and Olympic history. Compare car rental deals with free cancellation.

Road trip from NYC

# NYC to Lake Placid

Adirondack mountains, lakes and Olympic history.

~5 hours · ~280 miles from New York City

Lake Placid, deep in the Adirondacks, is about 5 hours from NYC — a true mountain getaway with hiking, paddling, and two-time Winter Olympics history. A car (ideally AWD) is essential for the mountain roads and trailheads.

## Trip highlights

- Mirror Lake, High Falls Gorge and High Peaks hikes
- Olympic sites and the village charm
- Kayaking, paddleboarding and camping
- AWD SUV strongly recommended

## Driving tips

### Fuel up before the mountains

Services thin out in the Adirondacks. Fill the tank and stock snacks before heading into the High Peaks region.

## NYC to Lake Placid FAQs

### How long is the drive from NYC to Lake Placid?

About 5 hours and 280 miles into the Adirondacks. It's a long-weekend trip best done with an AWD SUV for the mountain roads, especially in winter.

## 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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