Are you planning a trip to New York State? If so, you may want to include nearby states in your travel itinerary. In that case, it’s useful to know which states are near New York. Likewise, if your travel plans include New York City, it’s helpful to know the nearest cities to NYC in case you want to plan a day or weekend getaway during your visit.
First, let’s zoom out for some geographical context.
New York State is on the east coast of the United States. Five states border New York. Sharing the eastern border from north to south are Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. New Jersey is at the southeastern tip, and Pennsylvania shares most of New York State’s southern border.
To the west, Lake Erie borders New York. Lake Ontario borders the northeastern portion of the state. The Canadian province of Ontario lies to the west and north. Also at the northern border is the Canadian province of Quebec. The Atlantic Ocean is to the southeast.
New York is part of the U.S. region known as the Northeast. Other Northeastern states include the five border states mentioned, as well as Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
See an interactive version of the Google map of New York State.
Because “New York” refers to both a city and a state, clarification is often required. This article describes states near New York State, as well as cities near New York City.
You’ll also find answers to frequently asked questions about both cities and states near New York.
States Near New York
Five states border New York State: Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The first three are part of the northeast region known as New England, a part of the country well-known for its display of colorful fall leaves. Every year, New England states draw millions of tourists in search of vibrant autumn colors.
New England is also well known for their abundance of nature, and lots of options for outdoor recreation exists, whether you love the mountains, beaches, state parks, or all of the above!
So what are the states close to New York known for? Each has its own local culture, history, and claim to fame.
Vermont
Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States, a status they celebrate with annual events like the spring Vermont Maple Festival. Ben & Jerry’s, the ubiquitous ice cream brand with memorable flavors like Chewy Gooey Cookie and Cherry Garcia, was founded in Vermont in 1978. The state also draws skiers in the winter and hikers in warmer months.
Massachussetts
Massachusetts is the home of many “firsts.” In 1620, the Mayflower ship transported 102 men, women, and children from England to the coastal town of Plymouth, where the first European settlement was established. Plymouth Rock is a major tourist destination with more than a million annual visitors.
The first reading of the Declaration of Independence took place in Boston on July 18, 1776, and more than a century later, the first subway line in America was built and put into use in Boston. And finally, founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in the U.S.
And every summer, sun worshippers head to the shores of Cape Cod for pristine beaches, scenic lighthouses, and fresh seafood.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, fans of Mark Twain, author of numerous classic novels including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, can visit his home in Hartford, where Twain lived for nearly 20 years and penned some of his most famous books.
Visitors also love the coastal town of Mystic, where they can explore a 1720-era Colonial Village, sail aboard a schooner from Steamboat Wharf, tour the Mystic Seaport Museum, and top off the day with a pie at Mystic Pizza, made famous by a 1988 film of the same name starring Julia Roberts.
Yale University, the Ivy League school that was founded in 1701, is located in the waterfront town of New Haven.
New Jersey
There are two things you should know about New Jersey: The Boss and the Jersey Shore. Bruce Springsteen, a.k.a. the Boss, was born in the beachside city of Long Branch and has embraced his working-class Jersey roots since he hit the music scene in 1973.
New Jersey also boasts a 130-mile Atlantic coast shoreline, beckoning millions of beach lovers to travel “down the shore” for their summer vacations in beach communities like Cape May, Ocean City, and Asbury Park. The casinos, boardwalk, and world-class entertainment of Atlantic City are also major draws.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, the fifth and final state that borders New York, is home to the city of Philadelphia. In addition to giving the world the gift of the Philly Cheesesteak, the “City of Brotherly Love” was also the nation’s first capital.
Major tourist attractions in Pennsylvania include the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Amish Country in Lancaster County, and Gettysburg National Military Park, site of the deadliest battle of the Civil War and one that’s considered the turning point that prevented an invasion of the North.
Where is New York City?
New York City is located at the southeastern tip of New York State. It is made up of the five boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. At the southern tip of Manhattan, the Hudson River and the East River empty out into the New York Harbor and then the Atlantic Ocean. The states closest to New York City are New Jersey and Connecticut.
Cities Near New York City
Cities close to New York include Newark, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Fort Lee, all located across the Hudson River in New Jersey. To get geographically oriented to this, I recommend taking a tourist cruise on the Hudson River. You’ll see that you’re just a stone’s throw away from New Jersey!
Yonkers, NY is to the north of NYC, bordering the borough of the Bronx.
Traveling a little farther out, the major cities near New York City are Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington D.C. There are tons of cities near NYC to visit. Some are closer and work just fine as day trips, while others are farther away and would work better as weekend trips from NYC.
Read on for cities within two hours and within four hours of New York City.
Cities Within Two Hours of New York City
The cities below can be reached within two hours of New York City, which, in my opinion, is about the upper time limit for a reasonable day trip. The travel times and distances are calculated from midtown Manhattan and are approximations. Note that all cities are within two hours by car but a few take a little longer than that by public transit.
Hoboken, NJ
Perhaps most famously known as the hometown of Frank Sinatra, this waterfront city also offers sweeping views of the New York City skyline. See for yourself along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway or at Hoboken Riverside Park. Hoboken is also home to Carlo’s Bakery, made famous by the reality show Cake Boss.
- Distance: 4 miles
- By public transit: 30 minutes
- By car: 25 minutes
Long Beach, NY
Locals and visitors alike flock to this Long Island city all summer long. They come for the pristine beaches, a 2.2-mile-long boardwalk, and prime surfing conditions. A Long Island Railroad Station near the beach makes it easy for day trippers.
- Distance: 30 miles
- By public transit: 1 hr 20 min
- By car: 1 hr 10 min
Greenwich, CT
A coastal town that many millionaires call home, Greenwich is known for its art galleries and downtown shops and restaurants. There are also beaches and miles of scenic walking trails at Greenwich Point Park.
- Distance: 35 miles
- By public transit: 1 hr 5 min
- By car: 1 hour
Princeton, NJ
Step back a few centuries by touring the campus of Princeton University, founded in 1746. Afterwards, grab a beer at Yankee Doodle Tap Room, where you can’t miss the 1937 Normal Rockwell mural that hangs over the bar. The taproom is at the Nassau Inn, which was originally founded in 1756 and continues to provide lodging to weary travelers. Downtown Princeton is packed with good restaurants from the fantastic pies at Conte’s Pizza to the homemade ice cream and desserts at Thomas Sweet.
- Distance: 55 miles
- By public transit: 2 hr 15 min
- By car: 90 minutes
New Haven, CT
Situated on the Long Island Sound, New Haven is best known as the hometown of Yale University, founded in 1701. The city also happens to make pizza so good it’ll make your mouth water just thinking about. Three longstanding restaurants—Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Modern Apizza, and Sally’s Apizza (read why it’s called apizza)—vie for the loyalty of pizza lovers.
- Distance: 80 miles
- By public transit: 2 hr 20 min
- By car: 1 hr 45 minutes
Poughkeepsie, NY
Access Walkway Over the Hudson, a pedestrian bridge that spans more than a mile across the Hudson River. Continue north to Hyde Park and tour the magnificent Vanderbilt Mansion and visit Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home and presidential library. While you’re up that way, you can dine at one of the world-class restaurants at the Culinary Institute of America.
- Distance: 82 miles
- By public transit: 2 hr 5 min
- By car: 1 hr 45 min
Philadelphia, PA
See sites integral to the founding of the nation, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the signing of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution took place. And don’t miss the other Philly landmark central to U.S. culture: the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art! A statue commemorates Sylvester Stallone’s famous film character at the top of the 72 steps.
- Distance: 98 miles
- By public transit: 2 hours
- By car: 2 hours
Cities Within Four Hours of New York City
The cities below can be reached within four hours and all make for lovely weekend trips from NYC. The travel times and distances are calculated from midtown Manhattan and are approximations.
Hartford, CT
Connecticut’s state capital has the Wadsworth Atheneum, featuring artwork by Thomas Cole and other Hudson River school artists. Works created by Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and many more are also in the museum’s permanent collection.
Two literary attractions in Hartford honor 19th century American authors. The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center includes the Victorian Gothic cottage where the author lived for 23 years. The Mark Twain House & Museum lets visitors see where the author lived with his family from 1874 to 1891.
- Distance: 115 miles
- By public transit: 2 hr 55 min
- By car: 2 hr 15 min
Atlantic City, NJ
Visitors enjoy the attractions on the boardwalk, which first opened in 1870 as the first boardwalk in the U.S. All ages love the amusement rides, games, and restaurants at the boardwalk’s Steel Pier. Atlantic City casinos, five-star hotels, and live entertainment also make AC a popular destination.
- Distance: 130 miles
- By public transit: 3 hours
- By car: 2 hr 15 min
Albany, NY
Highlights in the New York State capital include the 98-acre Empire State Plaza, which features a Farmer’s Market, reflecting pools, a performance arts center called The Egg, the New York State Museum, and so much more. A fun way to learn about the city’s history is on a cruise with Dutch Apple Cruises, narrated by a historian who tells stories about local points of interest.
- Distance: 150 miles
- By public transit: 3 hr 30 min
- By car: 2 hr 30 min
Providence, RI
The capital of Rhode Island is on Narragansett Bay and is one of the oldest cities in New England. Attractions include the RISD Museum at the Rhode Island School of Design, the prestigious Brown University campus, and WaterFire, an installation that’s been dazzling spectators for more than 25 years. The free event takes place on select dates each year and consists of dozens of bonfires floating on Providence’s downtown rivers.
- Distance: 180 miles
- By public transit: 4 hours
- By car: 3 hr 15 min
Boston, MA
There’s no end of attractions in this historical New England city. Take in the gorgeous Victorian brick row houses as you wander the narrow streets of Beacon Hill, shop on famous Newbury Street in Back Bay, or just take it easy and lounge all day in Boston Common, a downtown public park founded in 1634.
Additional popular attractions in Boston include Harvard University, and the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that stops at 16 sites related to U.S. history. The city is also known for its fresh seafood.
- Distance: 215 miles
- By public transit: 4 hr 42 min
- By car: 3 hr 15 min
Washington, D.C.
The capital of the United States offers much to see such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Memorial, the six-acre Capitol Reflecting Pool, and of course, the White House, which is open to public tours, which must be requested in advance. The nation’s capital is also famous for their display of spring cherry blossoms.
- Distance: 230 miles
- By public transit: 3 hr 40 min
- By car: 4 hours
Answering Your FAQs About Cities and States Near New York
Q: Is New York a city or a state?
New York is both a city and state!
New York City is made up of the five boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, and has a population of around 8.5 million people. New York State’s population is nearly 20 million, which means an astounding 43 percent of the state’s population live in NYC.
Q: What states are near New York State?
The five bordering states are Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Q: What states are near New York City?
To the west, the closest state is New Jersey, which lies just across the Hudson River. Manhattan is an island. The bridges and tunnels that travel from NYC to New Jersey include the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln Tunnel, the Holland Tunnel, the Bayonne Bridge, the Goethals Bridge, and the Outerbridge Crossing.
Heading north out of New York City, the closest state is Connecticut.
Q: Is New York City in New York State?
Yes. New York is the largest city in the state by population, followed by Buffalo, Yonkers, and Rochester. Contrary to popular belief, New York City is not the state capital. That title goes to Albany, located 150 miles north of NYC. When people refer to New York, New York, the first reference is the city and the second is the state. When people say they’re from New York, clarification is needed about whether they’re from the city or the state.
Q: Is New Jersey part of New York?
No. New Jersey and New York are two of the states that make up the 50 American states. Likewise, New York City is not part of New Jersey. That means their public transit systems are different. In New York City, we use the MTA subway and buses. If you want to travel by public transit from NYC to New Jersey, you’ll use either NJ Transit or PATH.
Q: What is the NYC Tri-State Area?
The Tri-State Area is made up of all of New York City, as well as parts of New York State, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Any area that is considered within a reasonable commute (by car, bus, or train) to New York City is part of the Tri-State Area, which is sometimes called Metro New York or the greater New York City Area.
Final Thoughts on Cities and States Near New York
The Northeast is a region rich in history and natural resources. Many travelers come seeking the thrill of New York City, but should not hesitate to add the neighboring cities and states into their travel plans! Whether you’re looking to explore hiking and walking trails, historical sites, beaches, or major landmarks, the cities and states close to New York will not disappoint.