Is White Plains a nice place to visit?

Yes, it has a vibrant downtown and many shopping options.

Yes, but it requires multiple transfers between different rail systems.

No, parking in the city is generally paid.

What is the best way to get there?

Driving is the most convenient method.

Stony Brook

White Plains

Train Driving

Stony Brook to White Plains

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from Stony Brook to White Plains is an 85-kilometer trip that involves crossing from Long Island into Westchester County. The most direct driving route is via the Long Island Expressway to the Cross Island Parkway, then over the Throgs Neck Bridge to the Hutchinson River Parkway. By train, you can take the LIRR to Penn Station, then the subway to Grand Central, and finally the Metro-North to White Plains. This is a complex journey that typically takes 2 to 3 hours. White Plains is a major commercial and residential hub in Westchester.

Total Distance: 85 km driving distance; 60 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest method, especially outside of rush hour.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally more cost-effective than the multi-leg train journey.

Compare Stony Brook to White Plains Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	1 hour 45 mins
Avg Price	$30-$45	$20-$30 in fuel + tolls
Operator	LIRR + Metro-North	Personal Vehicle
Route	LIRR to Penn Station, Subway to Grand Central, Metro-North to White Plains.	I-495 W to Cross Island Pkwy to Throgs Neck Bridge to I-95 N to I-287 W.
Tip	This is a long journey; check schedules carefully for transfers.	Expect heavy traffic on the bridges and parkways; use E-ZPass for tolls.

Travel Tips

Tolls
The route involves bridge tolls; ensure you have an E-ZPass.
Traffic
The parkways in Westchester are very busy; plan accordingly.
Train
The train journey is complex; allow plenty of time for transfers.
Parking
Parking in downtown White Plains can be expensive; use municipal garages.
Dining
There are many great restaurants in the city for all tastes.