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Trip from Demarest, NJ to Toms River, NJ

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 52m

Distance

85.1 mi

137 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 44m ★
6 AM
1h 52m
8 AM
2h 9m
10 AM
1h 58m
12 PM
1h 56m
3 PM
1h 59m
5 PM
2h 8m
8 PM
1h 47m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Demarest, NJ, NJ

Demarest, NJ

Garrison Gao

township in Ocean County, New Jersey

Toms River, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 85.1-mile drive from Demarest, NJ, to Toms River, NJ, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 52 minutes. Designed as a highway-focused route, it's perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, so you won't need to worry about finding overnight accommodations. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $14, making it an economical option. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, with an 88% highway share, so expect a consistent driving experience as you travel from the Northeast region of New Jersey to another part of the same state. This route is all about getting you from point A to point B efficiently.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

42.6 miles from Demarest, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Garden State Parkway 46.7 mi 54m
New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur 24.3 mi 31m
Washington Avenue 3.1 mi 4m
Teaneck Road 2.9 mi 5m
New Jersey Turnpike 1.8 mi 2m
Exit to GSP and US Route 9 1.4 mi 2m
Hardenburgh Avenue 1.1 mi 2m
North Main Street 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Garden State Parkway — 46.7 mi, about 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Demarest, NJ and Toms River, NJ.

1

Start on CR 80

1.1 mi · 2 min · Hardenburgh Avenue
2

At end of road, turn left onto CR 39

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Schraalenburgh Road
3

Continue on CR 39

3.1 mi · 4 min · Washington Avenue
Use the straight lane.
4

Continue on CR 39

2.9 mi · 5 min · Teaneck Road
5

Turn left onto CR 56

0.4 mi · 49 sec · Degraw Avenue
Use the left lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 25 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward I 95 South: The Ridgefields Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto I 95; NJTP

1.8 mi · 2 min · New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; NJTP

2.6 mi · 3 min · New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
Toward I 95 South: Turnpike South, Exit 16W Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 43 sec
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
11

Merge onto I 95

7.4 mi · 10 min · New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; NJTP

14 mi · 17 min · New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit onto Exit 11

1.4 mi · 2 min · Exit to GSP and US Route 9
Exit 11 Toward GSP, US 9: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge Use the slight right lane.
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy Use the slight left lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP Southbound entrance

0.5 mi · 1 min · GSP Southbound entrance
Toward GSP South: Garden State Parkway Use the slight left lane.
16

Merge onto GSP

3.0 mi · 3 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP

0.7 mi · 49 sec · Garden State Parkway
18

Keep slight right at fork onto GSP

43 mi · 50 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 48 sec
Exit 82 Toward NJ 37 East: Seaside Heights, Island Beach State Park Use the right lane.
20

Merge onto NJ 37

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Route 37 West
21

Turn right onto NJ 166

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Turn left

78 ft · 5 sec
23

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 52 minutes for this 85.1-mile trip, you have a lot of flexibility in planning your departure. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid the peak rush hour in both your origin and destination areas. With no specific stops recommended, you can make good time, but be mindful of the longest stretch of 46.7 miles on the Garden State Parkway; ensure you're fueled up before entering this segment. The estimated fuel cost of $14 is budget-friendly, so a quick stop at a service plaza along the Garden State Parkway or New Jersey Turnpike should be sufficient if needed. Plan for a smooth, direct journey.

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 42.6 miles from Demarest, NJ, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.7 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 19 miles or 30m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 42.6 miles or 1h 1m 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 36m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Toms River, NJ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Demarest, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Demarest, NJ

This is one driving day of about 85.1 miles and 1h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Demarest, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 46.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

43 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.

Pacing Suggestions

New York City, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42.6 miles from Demarest, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Valenca Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 24.3

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+19083544024

Visit website

Sayola Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tenafly, New Jersey

1.8 mi

Fiore Rosso Restaurant & Catering

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Toms River, New Jersey

2.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Englewood, New Jersey

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 6.1

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hackensack, New Jersey

2 mi

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

South Hackensack, New Jersey

2.8 mi

Valenca Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 24.3

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+19083544024

Visit website

Sayola Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Tenafly, New Jersey

Hours: 4–10 pm

+12018712182

Visit website

Fiore Rosso Restaurant & Catering

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $30 to $50 mile 79

Toms River, New Jersey

Hours: 5–9 pm

+17322553323

Visit website

Amsterdam Alley Bar & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 30.4

Linden, New Jersey

Hours: 12 pm–12 am

+19089254166

Visit website

Princess Maria's 2 Pizza & Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73

Brick Township, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17327146471

Visit website

Chuck E. Cheese

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 6.1

Paramus, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12014871088

Visit website

Fiorentini Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 12.2

Rutherford, New Jersey

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+19737213404

Visit website

Deluca's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 36.5

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 12–9 pm

+17182277200

Visit website

Lily and Liam

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 6.1

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12015675111

Visit website

Marimba Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.1

Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12012563010

Visit website

Wonderland Play and Party

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 6.1

South Hackensack, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+12014265898

Visit website

Cafe Amrita

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.2

New York, New York

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+12122220683

Visit website

Duaa’s Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 6.1

New York, New York

+19172614093

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 18.2

Kearny, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 18.2

Kearny, New Jersey

+19083121242

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 36.5

Perth Amboy, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 18.2

Kearny, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 73

Lakewood, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 24.3

Newark, NJ

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 36.5

Edison, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 66.9

Tinton Falls, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18665761495

Visit website

Fords Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 36.5

Woodbridge, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17327453900

Visit website

Xtreme Energy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 6.1

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+12014085555

Visit website

Teaneck Creek Conservancy

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 6.1

Teaneck, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12018362403

Visit website

West Hudson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 18.2

Harrison, NJ

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12012175482

Visit website

Escape Room NJ

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 6.1

Englewood, New Jersey

Hours: 10 am–1 pm

+12018151784

Visit website

Bergen Performing Arts Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 6.1

Englewood, New Jersey

+12012271030

Visit website

Overpeck County Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 6.1

Leonia, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+12013367275

Visit website

Laurel Hill Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 18.2

Secaucus, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12019151388

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.1 and 83.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
8.1 mi into trip | ~14m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South: The Ridgefields

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South: The Ridgefields
8
10.3 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 95; NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur toward I 95 South: Turnpike South, Exit 16W

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South: Turnpike South, Exit 16W
8
35.1 mi into trip | ~50m in | Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9

Take the exit onto Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9 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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 11 Toward GSP, US 9: Garden State Parkway, Woodbri...
8
36.5 mi into trip | ~53m in

Keep slight left at fork toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Pa...
8
83.9 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in

Take the exit toward NJ 37 East: Seaside Heights, Island Beach State Park

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 82 Toward NJ 37 East: Seaside Heights, Island Beac...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.11 one way

$28.22 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $15.45 $30.90
premium $4.93 $16.50 $33.01
diesel $5.61 $18.79 $37.58

Estimated Tolls: $6.47

New Jersey Turnpike (26.1 mi) $3.67
Garden State Parkway (46.7 mi) $2.80

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

$14

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: 29.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.5 0 $8.94 $4.08
Efficient EV 21.3 0 $7.45 $3.40
EV Truck/SUV 34 0 $11.91 $5.45

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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 15, 2026

Origin

Demarest, NJ

Late night in Demarest on Sunday

Local time

12:40 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Toms River, NJ

Late night in Toms River on Sunday

Local time

12:40 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

3 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

1h 52m 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

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 17.6
View on nps.gov
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

9 mi from route ~24 min detour Free near mile 5.9
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

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...

15 mi from route ~39 min detour Free near mile 23.5
View on nps.gov
Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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 29.4
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this 85.1-mile journey. With an 88% highway share, much of your time will be spent on high-speed roads like the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 46.7 miles on the Garden State Parkway, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the profile is primarily highway, you will also navigate segments on Washington Avenue, offering a brief change of pace before returning to faster routes. This drive prioritizes efficiency over winding scenic byways.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.7 mi on Garden State Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 85.1 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 8.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.3 miles (I 95; NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.1 miles (Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Demarest, NJ and Toms River, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp South, Exit 16W, Gsp, Woodbridge, Gsp South and Perth Amboy.

Njtp South

7.7 mi in | ~14m

Exit 16W

10.3 mi in | ~18m | via I 95; NJTP

Gsp

35.1 mi in | ~50m | via Exit 11

Woodbridge

35.1 mi in | ~50m | via Exit 11

Gsp South

36.5 mi in | ~53m

Perth Amboy

36.5 mi in | ~53m

About the Cities

Arriving in Toms River, NJ

Full guide →

Toms River is the county seat of Ocean County, New Jersey. It is a few miles west of the beaches of the Jersey Shore Region, midway between New York and Philadelphia and a short distance from Atlantic City. Toms River is easy to get to by car as the Garden State Parkway bisects the town, and it is served by express bus service to and from New York City.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 52m. Total distance: 85.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 46.7 miles on Garden State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $6.47 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 Toms River, NJ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 8.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10.3 miles (I 95; NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.1 miles (Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Toms River, NJ before heading back.

How this page is built

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Allamuchy, NJ 92.3 mi · 2h 4m Salem, NJ 89.1 mi · 2h Greenwich, NJ 86.9 mi · 1h 58m New Milford, NJ 83.9 mi · 1h 50m

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Netcong, NJ 89.8 mi Woodcliff Lake, NJ 88.6 mi Franklin Lakes, NJ 85.9 mi Fair Lawn, NJ 81.6 mi North Wildwood, NJ 80.4 mi Maurice River, NJ 80.2 mi
Escape planner: Demarest, NJ Scenic drives in NJ

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