Spanning 64.1 miles from Edgewater to Trenton, this trip is a straightforward journey through the heart of New Jersey. You can easily complete the drive in about 1 hour and 32 minutes, making it an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. By primarily utilizing the New Jersey Turnpike, US 1, and River Road, you’ll navigate the Northeast corridor efficiently. Expect to budget roughly $11 for fuel to cover the distance between these two locations. Whether you are heading to the state capital for business or a quick change of scenery, this route offers a practical, no-nonsense connection within the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
32 miles from Edgewater, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike
28.3 mi
35m
US 1
20.1 mi
28m
River Road
3 mi
4m
Trenton Freeway
3 mi
4m
NJ 495
1.5 mi
2m
North Olden Avenue
1.4 mi
2m
Park Avenue
1.4 mi
3m
Brunswick Pike
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 28.3 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Edgewater, NJ and Trenton, NJ.
1
Start on Hilliard Avenue
0.1 mi·29 sec·Hilliard Avenue
2
Turn right onto CR 505
3.0 mi·4 min·River Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Turn right onto CR 505
0.6 mi·53 sec·CR 505
4
Continue on 60th Street
246 ft·11 sec·60th Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
5
Turn left onto Park Avenue
1.4 mi·3 min·Park Avenue
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward NJ 495 West
7
Merge onto NJ 495
1.5 mi·2 min·NJ 495
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: Newark
9
Merge onto I 95
5.6 mi·7 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP
23 mi·27 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Toward I 95 SouthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 9Toward NJ 18 East, US 1 East: New BrunswickUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers UniversityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
323 ft·7 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers University
14
Merge onto NJ 18; CR 527
0.4 mi·51 sec·State Route 18
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward US 1 South: Princeton, Trenton
16
Merge onto US 1
2.4 mi·3 min·US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on US 1
0.1 mi·9 sec·US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
276 ft·4 sec·US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
387 ft·6 sec·US 1
20
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
3.6 mi·5 min·US 1
21
Continue on US 1
14 mi·19 min·US 1
Use the straight lane.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·31 sec
24
Merge onto US 1
0.9 mi·1 min·Brunswick Pike
25
Continue on US 1
3.0 mi·4 min·Trenton Freeway
26
Take the exit
474 ft·14 sec
Toward Olden Avenue, New York AvenueUse the slight right lane.
27
At end of road, turn left onto New York Avenue
481 ft·14 sec·New York Avenue
28
Turn left onto CR 622
1.4 mi·2 min·North Olden Avenue
Use the left lane.
29
Turn right onto CR 606
0.6 mi·1 min·Hamilton Avenue
30
Turn right onto CR 626
6 ft·0 sec·Chambers Street
31
Arrive at destination
CR 626
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule rather than worrying about mid-route lodging. Given the 1-hour and 32-minute duration, you likely won't need to build in formal stops, though keeping an eye on your fuel gauge before hitting the Turnpike is always a smart move. Because the route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, try to avoid peak rush hours to ensure your travel time stays close to the estimated duration. Use the 28.3-mile stretch on the Turnpike to settle into a steady rhythm, but stay alert for changing traffic patterns as you transition onto US 1 or River Road. Being mindful of these shifts will help you maintain a smooth pace as you reach Trenton.
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 32 miles from Edgewater, NJ, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.3 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 14 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 32 miles or 44m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Trenton, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Edgewater, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Edgewater, NJ
This is one driving day of about 64.1 miles and 1h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from Edgewater, 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 28.3 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 13 and 40 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
13 mi into trip|~21m in|NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike toward I 95 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South
8
35.7 mi into trip|~49m in
Take the exit toward NJ 18 East, US 1 East: New Brunswick
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 9
Toward NJ 18 East, US 1 East: New Brunswick
8
36.4 mi into trip|~50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers University
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers Univ...
7
36.6 mi into trip|~51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers University
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers Univ...
7
40 mi into trip|~57m in|US 1
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.63 one way
$21.25 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg22 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$11.64
$23.28
premium
$4.93
$12.43
$24.86
diesel
$5.61
$14.15
$28.30
Estimated Tolls: $3.96
New Jersey Turnpike
(28.3 mi)$3.96
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
$11
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 22.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
19.2
0
$6.73
$3.08
Efficient EV
16
0
$5.61
$2.56
EV Truck/SUV
25.6
0
$8.97
$4.10
Gas CO2
22 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (68% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Edgewater, NJ
Evening
in Edgewater on Sunday
Local time
7:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Trenton, NJ
Evening
in Trenton on Sunday
Local time
7:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Mostly Cloudy
NE 0 to 5 mph9% chanceLive 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
15 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 32m on the road
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.
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...
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 6.6
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 17.7
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 19.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With 84% of your travel taking place on highways, this drive is definitely focused on speed and efficiency rather than leisurely cruising. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the New Jersey Turnpike, which features a long, uninterrupted 28.3-mile stretch that defines the core of the experience. The personality of the road is that of a commuter-heavy, high-speed corridor designed to move traffic quickly across the region. While the transition from the bustling Edgewater area to Trenton involves shifting between major interchanges and local arteries, the highway-focused nature of the trip keeps the pace consistent. Be prepared for a functional, high-traffic environment that prioritizes getting you to your destination without unnecessary detours.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.3 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 US 1. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13 miles in near NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 64.1 miles you will encounter 25 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 13 miles (NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 35.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.4 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.
On the drive from Edgewater, NJ to Trenton, NJ, road signs begin pointing toward Rutgers University along the way.
Trenton is in Mercer County, and is the capital of New Jersey. The city's strategic location in between New York City and Philadelphia has historically contributed to its growth and significantly impacts local culture. Located on the Delaware River across from Pennsylvania, Trenton is the only accessible capital city in the United States to border another state.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 32m. Total distance: 64.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 28.3 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.96 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 Trenton, 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 13 miles (NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 35.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.4 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 Trenton, NJ before heading back.
