Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
47m
Distance
36 mi
58 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
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.
Edison, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Monroe, NJ
Garrison Gao
If you are planning a quick excursion between Edison and Monroe, New Jersey, expect a straightforward 36-mile journey that typically takes about 47 minutes. This trip is perfectly suited for a single day, as the short duration makes an overnight stay unnecessary. You will primarily navigate via I-287, Stelton Road, and Whippany Road to reach your destination. Budgeting around $6 for fuel is a safe bet for this transit. Because both locations are situated within the Northeast, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. It is a highly practical route for anyone needing to bridge the gap between these two New Jersey communities efficiently.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 287 | 30.3 mi | 35m |
| Stelton Road | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| Whippany Road | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Plainfield Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Morris Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Park Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Reed Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Central Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Edison, NJ and Monroe, NJ.
Start on this road
Continue on Reed Street
Turn left onto Central Avenue
Turn left onto CR 529
Continue on CR 529
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 287
Keep slight right at fork onto I 287
Take the exit
Turn straight onto CR 510
Turn slight left
Continue on CR 511
Turn left onto Park Avenue
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
18 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 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 18 miles from Edison, 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.
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 35.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn left onto Central Avenue
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto CR 529 / Plainfield Avenue
Navigation decision point
Keep slight right at fork onto I 287 toward I 78 East: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward CR 510 East: Morris Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Turn left onto Park Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$5.97 one way
$11.94 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $6.54 | $13.07 |
| premium | $4.93 | $6.98 | $13.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $7.95 | $15.90 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$6
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.8 | 0 | $3.78 | $1.73 |
| Efficient EV | 9 | 0 | $3.15 | $1.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.4 | 0 | $5.04 | $2.30 |
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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
Late night in Edison on Sunday
Local time
3:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Sunny
Destination
Late night in Monroe on Sunday
Local time
3:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Sunny
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
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.
This 36-mile path is a highway-focused drive, with 84% of your time spent on high-speed roads. You can anticipate a significant, uninterrupted stretch of 30.3 miles while cruising along I-287. The experience shifts from the initial local connections of Stelton and Whippany Roads into a more persistent interstate rhythm. Expect a functional, commuter-style journey rather than a leisurely cruise, as the route is designed for speed and directness. You will spend the vast majority of your time behind the wheel focused on highway driving conditions.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 287 and Stelton Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Central Avenue.
Focused - busy navigation packed into a short drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a short but busy drive. With 8 decision points packed into just 36 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 47m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Central Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (CR 529 / Plainfield Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 15.3 miles (I 287): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 47m. Total distance: 36 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Edison, NJ or browse trips ending in Monroe, NJ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NJ road trips.
