Highways & Parkways

In the image above, you can see a stylized map of Long Island and its surrounding region, highlighting the Island’s network of major highways and parkways. The Long Island Expressway (I-495) runs across the Island like a central spine, flanked by the Northern State Parkway and Southern State Parkway. To the west, the dense roadway grid of New York City connects into Long Island through its bridges and tunnels, while the map also shows Connecticut’s shoreline to the north and New Jersey to the west. The dark background emphasizes the landmass and road system, making Long Island’s transportation routes stand out clearly.
In the image above, you can see a stylized map of Long Island and its surrounding region, highlighting the Island’s network of major highways and parkways. The Long Island Expressway (I-495) runs across the Island like a central spine, flanked by the Northern State Parkway and Southern State Parkway. To the west, the dense roadway grid of New York City connects into Long Island through its bridges and tunnels, while the map also shows Connecticut’s shoreline to the north and New Jersey to the west. The dark background emphasizes the landmass and road system, making Long Island’s transportation routes stand out clearly. File photo: Karim Osama, licensed.

Getting around Long Island means knowing its network of expressways, parkways, and scenic routes. Whether you’re commuting into New York City, traveling between Nassau and Suffolk Counties, or exploring beaches and wineries on the East End, the Island’s road system shapes daily life. Below is a guide to Long Island’s major roadways, their history, and where they’ll take you.

Long Island Expressway (I-495)

  • Route: Runs east–west across the Island from Queens through Nassau and Suffolk, ending in Riverhead.
  • Nickname: “The LIE” — the backbone of Long Island traffic.
  • Use: Primary commuter route into NYC; connects to major north–south parkways.
  • Fun fact: Known for heavy rush-hour congestion, but also for being the direct corridor to the Hamptons.

Northern State Parkway

  • Route: Runs parallel to the LIE in Nassau and western Suffolk.
  • Use: Scenic alternative to I-495 with lighter trucks prohibited (parkways are cars only).
  • History: Built in the 1930s as part of Robert Moses’ parkway system.

Southern State Parkway

Meadowbrook State Parkway

Wantagh State Parkway

Sunken Meadow State Parkway

  • Route: Runs from Northern State Parkway up to Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park.
  • Use: Provides North Shore access; scenic drive to Smithtown Bay.

Sagtikos State Parkway / Robert Moses Causeway

Ocean Parkway

  • Route: Runs along Jones Beach Island between Jones Beach and Captree.
  • Use: Scenic coastal drive with access to beach communities, state parks, and fishing piers.

Sunrise Highway (NY-27)

  • Route: Extends from Queens to Montauk, running along the South Shore.
  • Use: Major east–west route through southern Long Island towns, serving commuters and Hamptons travelers.
  • Notable: Known as “Route 27,” it’s the main alternative to the LIE for reaching the East End.

Route 25 / Route 25A

  • Route 25: Runs from Queens through Nassau and Suffolk to Orient Point.
  • Route 25A: A North Shore scenic route running parallel in Nassau and western Suffolk.
  • Use: Local commercial corridors with shops, restaurants, and historic districts.
  • History: Route 25 is one of Long Island’s oldest continuous highways.

Other Key Roads

Long Island’s major roadways define its daily rhythm – commuters on the LIE, beachgoers on the Meadowbrook and Wantagh, and travelers cruising Sunrise Highway toward the Hamptons. Understanding the Island’s highways and parkways helps locals and visitors navigate more smoothly, avoid bottlenecks, and discover scenic routes to some of Long Island’s best destinations.