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Trip from Elizabethport, NJ to Shark River Hills, NJ

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

Drive Time

59m

Distance

42.7 mi

69 km

Drive Score

6/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$7

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 14 min
4 AM
0h 55m ★
6 AM
1h 0m
8 AM
1h 9m
10 AM
1h 3m
12 PM
1h 2m
3 PM
1h 4m
5 PM
1h 9m
8 PM
0h 57m

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

city in and county seat of Union County, New Jersey, United States

Elizabethport, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

census designated place in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States

Shark River Hills, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Elizabethport, NJ to Shark River Hills, NJ is 42.7 miles and takes about 59 minutes via Garden State Parkway, with a fuel budget near $7 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, specifically traversing New Jersey for its entirety. Expect a straightforward, highway-focused drive that's perfect for a quick journey between these two Garden State locations. Given its short duration, it's an ideal candidate for a same-day excursion with minimal planning needed. This route is designed for efficiency, getting you to your destination without significant detours.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Garden State Parkway 22 mi 25m
New Jersey Turnpike 6.9 mi 7m
NJ 18 6.2 mi 6m
Exit to GSP and US Route 9 1.4 mi 2m
Brighton Avenue 0.8 mi 2m
2nd Street 0.6 mi 2m
GSP Southbound entrance 0.5 mi 1m
Lakewood Road 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Garden State Parkway — 22 mi, about 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elizabethport, NJ and Shark River Hills, NJ.

1

Start on Broadway

370 ft · 21 sec · Broadway
2

Turn left onto 2nd Street

0.6 mi · 2 min · 2nd Street
3

Turn right onto 3rd Avenue

0.3 mi · 56 sec · 3rd Avenue
4

Turn left onto Atlantic Street

0.3 mi · 44 sec · Atlantic Street
5

Continue on Cole Place

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Cole Place
6

Continue on Brunswick Avenue

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Brunswick Avenue
7

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: NJ Turnpike
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 11 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 37 sec
Use the slight left lane.
10

Merge onto I 95; NJTP

6.9 mi · 7 min · New Jersey Turnpike
11

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.
12

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.
13

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.
14

Merge onto GSP

3.0 mi · 3 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP

0.7 mi · 49 sec · Garden State Parkway
16

Keep slight right at fork onto GSP

18 mi · 21 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Exit 105 Toward NJ 36 North, NJ 18: Eatontown, Long Branch, Tinton Falls Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 39 sec
Toward NJ 18 JCT: Tinton Falls Use the slight right lane.
19

Turn left onto CR 38

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Wayside Road
20

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 18 South, NJ 36 East
21

Merge onto NJ 18

6.2 mi · 6 min · NJ 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 57 sec
Exit 8A Toward NJ 33 East: Neptune Use the right lane.
23

Merge onto NJ 33

265 ft · 5 sec · NJ 33
24

Turn right

345 ft · 25 sec
25

Continue on Brighton Avenue

0.8 mi · 2 min · Brighton Avenue
26

Turn left onto Lakewood Road

0.4 mi · 58 sec · Lakewood Road
27

Turn right onto Forest Drive

26 ft · 1 sec · Forest Drive
28

Arrive at destination

Forest Drive

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

21 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

Neptune City, NJ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 21.3 miles from Elizabethport, 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.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 23

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 33.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
2.2 mi into trip | ~6m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton
8
9.7 mi into trip | ~15m 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
11.1 mi into trip | ~18m 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...
7
11.4 mi into trip | ~18m in | GSP Southbound entrance

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP Southbound entrance toward GSP South: Garden State Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward GSP South: Garden State Parkway
8
33.8 mi into trip | ~45m in

Take the exit toward NJ 36 North, NJ 18: Eatontown, Long Branch, Tinton Falls

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 105 Toward NJ 36 North, NJ 18: Eatontown, Long Bran...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$7.08 one way

$14.16 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 15 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $7.75 $15.51
premium $4.93 $8.28 $16.56
diesel $5.61 $9.43 $18.86

Estimated Tolls: $2.28

Garden State Parkway (22 mi) $1.31
New Jersey Turnpike (6.9 mi) $0.97

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Drive Cost (one way)

Fuel

$7

Tolls

$2

Total

$9

Estimated CO2 emission: 14.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 12.8 0 $4.48 $2.05
Efficient EV 10.7 0 $3.74 $1.71
EV Truck/SUV 17.1 0 $5.98 $2.73

Gas CO2

15 kg

EV CO2

5 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

Elizabethport, NJ

Morning in Elizabethport on Sunday

Local time

11:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Shark River Hills, NJ

Morning in Shark River Hills on Sunday

Local time

11:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

59m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is primarily highway-focused, with 85% of the journey utilizing major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Garden State Parkway, including a continuous stretch of 22 miles. The New Jersey Turnpike and NJ 18 also contribute to the predominantly high-speed nature of this trip. Expect a consistent driving experience characterized by highway speeds and efficient travel. The route prioritizes directness over scenic detours, making it a practical choice for timely arrivals.

85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 22 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. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Focused - lots of decisions in a short distance, but it is over quickly

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a short but busy drive. With 23 decision points packed into just 42.7 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 59m.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.7 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; at 11.1 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.

Between Elizabethport, NJ and Shark River Hills, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp South: Trenton, Gsp, Woodbridge, Gsp South, Perth Amboy and Long Branch - among others.

Njtp South: Trenton

2.2 mi in | ~6m

Gsp

9.7 mi in | ~15m | via Exit 11

Woodbridge

9.7 mi in | ~15m | via Exit 11

Gsp South

11.1 mi in | ~18m

Perth Amboy

11.1 mi in | ~18m

Long Branch

33.8 mi in | ~45m

Tinton Falls

33.8 mi in | ~45m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 59m. Total distance: 42.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

EV Driver

0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 22 miles on Garden State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.28 in tolls one way, starting with Garden State Parkway. 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 Shark River Hills, 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 2.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.7 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; at 11.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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 Shark River Hills, 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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