Collings Lakes to Elizabeth is 91.4 miles and takes about 2 hours via New Jersey Turnpike and US 206, with a fuel budget near $15 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New Jersey, moving from the southern part of the state up toward the northern urban corridor. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip, making it a good option if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently. Plan for a mostly utilitarian journey with minimal detours, ideal for a quick transit rather than a leisurely exploration.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
45.7 miles from Collings Lakes, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike
44.1 mi
51m
Trenton Road
17.6 mi
23m
US 206
16.5 mi
20m
12th Street
3.6 mi
4m
East Black Horse Pike
1.7 mi
2m
Bellevue Avenue
1.1 mi
2m
US 1
1 mi
1m
Cains Mill Road
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 44.1 mi, about 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Collings Lakes, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ.
1
Start on East Cushman Avenue
61 ft·4 sec·East Cushman Avenue
2
Turn right onto Cains Mill Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Cains Mill Road
3
Turn right onto US 322
1.7 mi·2 min·East Black Horse Pike
4
Take the exit
0.1 mi·20 sec
5
Merge onto NJ 54
1.9 mi·2 min·12th Street
6
Continue on NJ 54
0.4 mi·29 sec·Route 54 North
7
Continue on NJ 54
1.7 mi·2 min·12th Street
8
Continue on NJ 54
1.1 mi·2 min·Bellevue Avenue
9
Turn right onto NJ 54
501 ft·8 sec·NJ 54
10
Continue on US 206
18 mi·23 min·Trenton Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Enter roundabout onto US 206
498 ft·6 sec·US 206
Toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
12
Continue on US 206
7.6 mi·10 min·US 206
Toward US 206 North: Trenton, New YorkUse the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 206
8.8 mi·10 min·US 206
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
17
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
44 mi·51 min·New Jersey Turnpike
18
Take the exit
1.4 mi·2 min
Exit 13Toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten IslandUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn straight
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 278 West, NJ 439: Elizabeth, Linden
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·35 sec
Toward NJ 439: Elizabeth
21
Continue on NJ 439
0.3 mi·41 sec·Bayway
22
Turn right onto CR 623
0.3 mi·52 sec·South Broad Street
23
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
1.0 mi·1 min·US 1; US 9
24
Turn right
60 ft·6 sec
25
Turn right
383 ft·28 sec
26
Turn right
278 ft·22 sec
27
Turn right onto East Jersey Street
0.3 mi·50 sec·East Jersey Street
28
Turn right
34 ft·2 sec
29
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour duration, this trip is easily completed in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. It's wise to start your journey to avoid peak traffic, especially as you approach Elizabeth. With only 44.1 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike as the longest continuous stretch, you won't need to worry about extended periods without services. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the estimated cost is $15, it’s always good practice to top up before embarking on any drive. There are no specific recommended stops, so plan your own breaks as needed.
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 45.7 miles from Collings Lakes, NJ, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 44.1 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 20 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 45.7 miles or 1h 3m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elizabeth, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Collings Lakes, 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 Collings Lakes, NJ
This is one driving day of about 91.4 miles and 2h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Collings Lakes, 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 44.1 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 25.2 and 87.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
25.2 mi into trip|~35m 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
5
25.3 mi into trip|~35m in|US 206
Slight right onto US 206 toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
6
42.4 mi into trip|~58m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
6
42.8 mi into trip|~59m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
8
87.3 mi into trip|~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten Island
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 13
Toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten Island
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.15 one way
$30.31 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg32 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$16.60
$33.19
premium
$4.93
$17.73
$35.45
diesel
$5.61
$20.18
$40.36
Estimated Tolls: $6.18
New Jersey Turnpike
(44.1 mi)$6.18
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
$15
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
27.4
0
$9.60
$4.39
Efficient EV
22.9
0
$8.00
$3.66
EV Truck/SUV
36.6
0
$12.80
$5.85
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (66% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Collings Lakes, NJ
Night
in Collings Lakes on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Elizabeth, NJ
Night
in Elizabeth on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Bristol, PA
46 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
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 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...
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 88.2
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...
17 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 91.4
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...
18 mi from route
~46 min detour
Free
near mile 91.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 68% of it utilizing major roadways. You'll spend a significant amount of time on the New Jersey Turnpike, including a longest stretch of 44.1 miles. Expect a consistent driving experience with higher speeds for much of the journey. While the majority is highway, the inclusion of Trenton Road and US 206 offers brief transitions, though the overall character remains geared towards efficient travel. The profile suggests a drive where maintaining momentum is key.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 44.1 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 25.2 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 21 significant decision points across 91.4 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 25.2 miles (US 206): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.3 miles (US 206): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Collings Lakes, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ, road signs point toward New York, Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike and Njtp North: New York City.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h. Total distance: 91.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 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 44.1 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.18 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 Elizabeth, 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 25.2 miles (US 206): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 25.3 miles (US 206): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Gateway National Recreation Area and Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (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 Elizabeth, NJ before heading back.
