Planning a trip from Buena, NJ, to Jersey City, NJ? This 103.7-mile drive will take you about 2 hours and 14 minutes, making it a very manageable day trip. You'll primarily be on the New Jersey Turnpike, with some stretches on Trenton Road and US 206. Given its relatively short duration and focused highway profile, it’s ideal for a single-day journey without needing an overnight stop. Expect a fuel cost of around $17 for this northeast-to-northeast route within New Jersey. This trip is designed for efficiency, getting you from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
51.8 miles from Buena, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike
51.7 mi
1h 1m
Trenton Road
17.6 mi
23m
US 206
16.5 mi
20m
12th Street
6.1 mi
7m
Buena-Hammonton Road
2.3 mi
2m
Lincoln Highway
1.5 mi
2m
Bellevue Avenue
1.1 mi
2m
New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 51.7 mi, about 1h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buena, NJ and Jersey City, NJ.
1
Start on this road
213 ft·20 sec·this road
2
Turn left
408 ft·32 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto NJ 54
1.0 mi·1 min·Blue Anchor Road
4
Continue on NJ 54
0.7 mi·52 sec·Hammonton Road
5
Continue on NJ 54
2.3 mi·2 min·Buena-Hammonton Road
6
Continue on NJ 54
4.4 mi·5 min·12th Street
7
Continue on NJ 54
0.4 mi·29 sec·Route 54 North
8
Continue on NJ 54
1.7 mi·2 min·12th Street
9
Continue on NJ 54
1.1 mi·2 min·Bellevue Avenue
10
Turn right onto NJ 54
501 ft·8 sec·NJ 54
11
Continue on US 206
18 mi·23 min·Trenton Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Enter roundabout onto US 206
498 ft·6 sec·US 206
Toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
13
Continue on US 206
7.6 mi·10 min·US 206
Toward US 206 North: Trenton, New YorkUse the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 206
8.8 mi·10 min·US 206
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
18
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
52 mi·1 hr 1 min·New Jersey Turnpike
19
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP
1.1 mi·1 min·New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·58 sec
Exit 15EToward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Newark, Jersey CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork
322 ft·7 sec
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North: Jersey City, Doremus AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Jersey City
23
Merge onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
1.5 mi·2 min·Lincoln Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
0.7 mi·1 min·US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck NorthUse the left lane.
25
Turn right onto Duncan Avenue
0.4 mi·51 sec·Duncan Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn left onto Olean Avenue
316 ft·13 sec·Olean Avenue
27
Arrive at destination
Olean Avenue
Trip Plan
For this straightforward 2-hour and 14-minute drive, flexibility is key. Leaving early in the morning can help you avoid peak traffic, especially as you approach the Jersey City area. With no designated stops in the data, you can easily add your own breaks as needed; however, consider refueling before you leave Buena or planning a stop along the New Jersey Turnpike, as it's the longest continuous stretch. The $17 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices. This route is efficient, so focus on a smooth and timely arrival.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 51.8 miles from Buena, NJ, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 23 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.8 miles or 1h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jersey City, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Buena, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Buena, NJ
This is one driving day of about 103.7 miles and 2h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Buena, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New Jersey Turnpike for about 51.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 29.5 and 102.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
29.5 mi into trip|~39m in|US 206
Enter roundabout onto US 206 toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
8
100.3 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Newark, Jersey City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 15E
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Newa...
8
100.7 mi into trip|~2h 9m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North: Jersey City, Doremus Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North: Jers...
7
100.8 mi into trip|~2h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Jersey City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Jers...
7
102.5 mi into trip|~2h 12m in|US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.19 one way
$34.38 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg36 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$18.83
$37.66
premium
$4.93
$20.11
$40.22
diesel
$5.61
$22.90
$45.79
Estimated Tolls: $7.39
New Jersey Turnpike
(52.8 mi)$7.39
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
30 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
IHOP - Tesla Supercharger
East Windsor, NJ
Tesla
32 DCFC
Courtyard by Marriott Cranbury South Brunswick - Tesla Supercharger
Cranbury, NJ
Tesla
16 DCFC
Brunswick Square - Tesla Supercharger
East Brunswick, NJ
Tesla
16 DCFC
Wawa - Tesla Supercharger
Medford, NJ
Tesla
12 DCFC
Wawa - Tesla Supercharger
Hamilton Township, NJ
Tesla
12 DCFC
The Shoppes at North Brunswick - Tesla Supercharger
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31.1
0
$10.89
$4.98
Efficient EV
25.9
0
$9.07
$4.15
EV Truck/SUV
41.5
0
$14.52
$6.64
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Buena, NJ
Morning
in Buena on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Jersey City, NJ
Morning
in Jersey City on Sunday
Local time
6:26 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Bristol, PA
52 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
22 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 14m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Today, the brick buildings on Main Street in West Orange, NJ seem quiet, betraying little evidence of the research, development, and innovation of their heyday. Visitors can step back in time to Thoma...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
$10
near mile 100.1
Silk cloth and steam locomotives; textiles and continuous paper rolls; firearms and aircraft engines. What do these things have in common? All were manufactured in the same place - Paterson, NJ. In 17...
13 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 100.1
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 103.7
Morristown National Historical Park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, where soldiers survived the coldest winte...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 92.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 68% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 51.7 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike, offering a consistent, albeit fast-paced, driving experience. While the majority is highway, expect transitions onto Trenton Road and US 206, which may offer a slight change in scenery and pace as you progress towards your destination. The overall feel is one of steady progress rather than winding exploration, prioritizing direct travel.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.7 mi on New Jersey Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and Trenton Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 29.5 miles in near US 206.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 103.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 29.5 miles (US 206): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Buena, NJ and Jersey City, NJ, road signs point toward New York, Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike and Njtp North: New York City.
Jersey City is New Jersey's second-largest city. Jersey City sits in Hudson County in the northeastern section of the state, across the Hudson from its older and bigger cousin, New York City, and south of Hoboken. It is frequently referred to as New York’s “sixth borough”.
Until the early 1600s, the area was inhabited by Lenape Indians. The Dutch then settled here as a part of the colony of New Amsterdam. It evolved into an industrial powerhouse, with railroads winding up and down the city (some of these lines are still used today). Although Jersey City declined in the 1960s, an upswing began in the 1980s, and the city was transformed into what it is today.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 14m. Total distance: 103.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (68%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 51.7 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $7.39 in tolls one way, starting with New Jersey Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Jersey City, NJ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 29.5 miles (US 206): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and Gateway National Recreation Area (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Jersey City, NJ before heading back.
