Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge
Around the midpoint, short detour
Union, New Jersey
Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm
+19083966401
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 37m
Distance
120.7 mi
194 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Camden, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
West Milford, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Camden, NJ to West Milford, NJ is 120.7 miles and takes about 2h 37m via New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and NJ 23, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, beginning in southern New Jersey and heading north. Given its relatively short duration and mostly highway profile, it's a straightforward drive, suitable for a single day. You'll find the majority of this route utilizes major roadways, making for efficient travel between these two points in the Garden State.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
60.4 miles from Camden, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike | 55.9 mi | 1h 4m |
| Garden State Parkway | 24.1 mi | 33m |
| NJ 23 | 16.3 mi | 19m |
| CR 513 | 7.2 mi | 10m |
| Kaighns Avenue | 5.9 mi | 9m |
| US 46 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| State Route 3 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| NJ 73 | 0.7 mi | <1m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,419 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~317 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 46 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Camden, NJ and West Milford, NJ.
Start on CR 551
Turn right onto Atlantic Avenue
Turn left
Turn slight right
Keep slight right at fork onto South 8th Street
Turn right onto CR 607
Turn left onto CR 608
Take the ramp
Merge onto US 30
Keep slight left at fork
Continue on NJ 38
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 38
Take the exit
Merge onto NJ-73
Continue on NJ 73
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto NJTP
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto GSP
Take the exit
Merge onto NJ 3
Merge onto US 46
Take the exit
Merge onto NJ 23
Continue on NJ 23
Take the exit onto CR 513
Turn right
Arrive at destination
To make the most of this 2h 37m drive, consider leaving Camden mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour. With a total of 120.7 miles, you'll have plenty of time to comfortably reach West Milford without needing to split the drive. The $22 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to top off your tank before leaving, especially since the longest highway stretch is nearly 56 miles. Keep an eye out for the transition from the parkway to NJ 23, as this marks the shift to more local roads near West Milford.
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.
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 27 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.4 miles or 1h 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Milford, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Camden, 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 Camden, NJ
This is one driving day of about 120.7 miles and 2h 37m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 60.4 miles from Camden, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · final third
Union, New Jersey
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm
+19083966401
Fusion 27 restaurant and catering services
Totowa, New Jersey
Vila Verde Restaurant
Wayne, New Jersey
Best coffee break
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Near the start, short detour
Hours: 12–10 pm
+12154653515
Djakarta Cafe
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
CNT Cafe
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Around the midpoint, short detour
Union, New Jersey
Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm
+19083966401
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Totowa, New Jersey
Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm
+19735955595
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Wayne, New Jersey
Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm
+19736160999
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Cranford, New Jersey
Hours: 12–9:30 pm
+19089676161
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm
+18562160090
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Dayton, New Jersey
Hours: 12–3 pm
+17323331199
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 2–10 pm
+18567512800
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm
+18564897373
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 12–10 pm
+12154653515
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm
+12154638888
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+12678869851
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm
+12673191700
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Montclair, New Jersey
Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm
+19733586543
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18885577099
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Edison, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Robbinsville Twp, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18885577099
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
East Windsor, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Union, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Robbinsville Twp, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 12:30–11 pm
+18563246417
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Camden, New Jersey
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+18444743474
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 4–10 pm
+12159222386
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 4–9:30 pm
+12154546159
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 4–10 pm
+18562727475
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Cranford, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+19085274900
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 2–9 pm
+18563935500
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Woodbridge, New Jersey
Hours: 6 am–6 pm
+17327453900
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 3 and 91.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 38 / Kaighns Avenue toward Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Shopping Malls
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward NJTP North: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward GSP, US 9: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward GSP North: Garden State Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward NJ 3 West: Wayne
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$21.35 one way
$42.69 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.92 | $23.38 | $46.76 |
| premium | $5.24 | $24.92 | $49.84 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $25.42 | $50.85 |
Estimated Tolls: $9.28
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
$21
Tolls
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.2 | 0 | $12.67 | $5.79 |
| Efficient EV | 30.2 | 0 | $10.56 | $4.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.3 | 0 | $16.90 | $7.72 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Camden on Wednesday
Local time
3:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Partly Cloudy
Destination
Afternoon in West Milford on Wednesday
Local time
3:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Cloudy
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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National Recreation Area
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...
National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
You'll spend about 91% of this 120.7-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 55.9 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike. Expect frequent exits and merges as you navigate the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. The transition to NJ 23 will likely mean a change in the type of traffic and road environment as you approach your destination.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3 miles in near NJ 38 / Kaighns Avenue.
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 25 significant decision points across 120.7 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 3 miles (NJ 38 / Kaighns Avenue): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 66.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
784 ft
Total Descent
95 ft
Highest Point
722 ft
~112.1 mi in
Elevation Range
715 ft
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Camden, NJ and West Milford, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike, Njtp North: New York, Gsp, Woodbridge and Butler.
Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike
Njtp North: New York
Gsp
Woodbridge
Butler
Founded 1626
Camden is a city in Camden County, New Jersey, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. Camden is a former industrial boom-town that has fallen onto hard times. Decades of disinvestment and government mismanagement have contributed to Camden's sky-high crime rate, and many of the city's neighborhoods are hotbeds of gang- and drug-related violence. However, the government has begun developing the Delaware River waterfront, which is now a popular and well-traveled tourist destination offering grand views of the Philadelphia skyline and a multitude of activities for adults and children. Headlines about violence and crime in Camden may dissuade many tourists to the Philadelphia area from visiting, but a one-day trip to the waterfront may be well worth the trip.
Top landmarks
Founded 1834
Top landmarks
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 37m. Total distance: 120.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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