Road Trips from Paterson, NJ
Looking for a quick escape from Paterson? You've got options. The closest trips are under an hour and keep you mostly on highways, great for a fast day trip. If you have a bit more time, there are longer drives heading south, all primarily highway with flat terrain. All these routes offer access to national historical parks, so you can easily combine your drive with some outdoor exploration or a dose of history. These are all day trips, so no overnight stays are recommended.
Total Routes
47
Shortest
0.5h
With Parks Nearby
47
Under 2 hours
32 total in this range
Riverton, NJ
1h 58m88.5 mi one way
This 2-hour, mostly highway drive is a solid option if you're looking for a trip that's not too far but offers a good drive score of 8. The terrain is mostly flat. Like many trips from Paterson, it has access to nearby parks.
Hewitt, NJ
31m21.3 mi one way
At just 0.5 hours and 21.3 miles, this is your fastest option. It offers a mixed highway and surface road profile with a drive score of 8. The terrain is gently rolling. It’s a great choice for a very short outing and includes access to nearby parks.
Lambertville, NJ
1h 27m65.7 mi one way
This 1.5-hour drive covers 65.7 miles and features a mostly highway profile with a drive score of 8. The terrain is mostly flat, making for an easy cruise. It's a good mid-range option for a day trip, with park access included.
Cherry Hill Mall, NJ
1h 57m91.3 mi one way
This destination is 91.3 miles and takes about 2 hours, primarily via highway. It has a drive score of 7 and mostly flat terrain. It's one of the longer day trip options available, with nearby park access.
Maple Shade, NJ
1h 56m90.3 mi one way
A 1.9-hour drive covering 90.3 miles, this route is mostly highway with a drive score of 7. The terrain remains mostly flat. It’s a good choice for a day trip that balances distance with ease of travel, and park access is available.
Full-day getaway
15 total in this range
Harmony, NJ
2h 50m128.4 mi one way
This 2.8-hour drive is the longest option at 128.4 miles, but it maintains a high drive score of 9. The profile is mostly highway with mostly flat terrain. If you want the furthest day trip with a great drive, this is it, and it includes park access.
Glassboro, NJ
2h 20m107.7 mi one way
Covering 107.7 miles and taking 2.3 hours, this trip features a mostly highway profile and a drive score of 8. The terrain is mostly flat. It's a longer day trip option, similar to others heading south, with nearby park access.
Linwood, NJ
2h 39m128 mi one way
This 2.7-hour drive spans 128 miles and is mostly highway with a drive score of 8. The terrain is mostly flat. It's one of the furthest destinations, offering a substantial day trip with access to parks.
Whitesboro, NJ
3h 7m153.8 mi one way
At 153.8 miles and 3.1 hours, this is one of the longest drives, boasting a drive score of 8. It's mostly highway with flat terrain. Consider this if you want a significant day trip, and it includes nearby park access.
Erma, NJ
3h 13m158.2 mi one way
This 3.2-hour drive is the longest available at 158.2 miles, with a solid drive score of 8. The route is mostly highway and features mostly flat terrain. It's the furthest option for a day trip, and park access is available.
Browse by Mood
Harmony, NJ
2h 50m128.4 mi one way
Glassboro, NJ
2h 20m107.7 mi one way
Linwood, NJ
2h 39m128 mi one way
Whitesboro, NJ
3h 7m153.8 mi one way
North Wildwood, NJ
3h 13m157.8 mi one way
Lambertville, NJ
1h 27m65.7 mi one way
Lincoln Park, NJ
2h94.1 mi one way
Shrewsbury, NJ
1h 10m51.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions for these mostly flat, highway routes. Access to parks like Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park makes for enjoyable outings.
Summer
Summer drives are easy with mostly flat terrain and highway access. The parks nearby provide historical context and green spaces for breaks on your day trip.
Fall
Enjoy the mostly flat terrain and highway drives in the fall. The surrounding parks offer opportunities for scenic views and historical exploration.
Winter
These mostly highway routes with flat terrain are accessible year-round. Nearby parks remain open for visits, offering a historical perspective regardless of the season.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Paterson, NJ city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.