This straightforward 79.2-mile drive from Fort Lee, NJ, to Toms River, NJ, is easily manageable as a day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes. The primary route utilizes the Garden State Parkway, with a brief transition via the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur and an exit for GSP and US Route 9. With a fuel cost estimated at $13, this highway-focused journey through the Northeast region is efficient and direct. Given its short duration and lack of designated stops, you'll find ample flexibility in your schedule for this trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.6 miles from Fort Lee, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Garden State Parkway
46.7 mi
54m
New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
23.7 mi
30m
Exit to GSP and US Route 9
1.4 mi
2m
Central Boulevard
0.9 mi
1m
US 1
0.9 mi
1m
North Main Street
0.7 mi
1m
Palisade Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
GSP Southbound entrance
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 46.7 mi, about 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Lee, NJ and Toms River, NJ.
1
Start on NJ 67
0.4 mi·37 sec·Lemoine Avenue
2
Continue on NJ 67
0.6 mi·1 min·Palisade Avenue
3
Turn slight right onto Central Boulevard
0.9 mi·1 min·Central Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto 5th Street
0.2 mi·24 sec·5th Street
5
Take the ramp
494 ft·12 sec
Toward US 46 West
6
Merge onto US 1; US 9; US 46
0.9 mi·1 min·US 1; US 9; US 46
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South, I 80 West: NJ Turnpike, Teaneck RoadUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
340 ft·8 sec
Toward I 95 South, I 80 West: NJ TurnpikeUse the slight left lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·2 min
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: NewarkUse the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·49 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: TrentonUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
2.0 mi·2 min·New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·43 sec
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Merge onto I 95
7.4 mi·10 min·New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
14
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.
15
Take the exit onto Exit 11
1.4 mi·2 min·Exit to GSP and US Route 9
Exit 11Toward GSP, US 9: Garden State Parkway, WoodbridgeUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge, Perth AmboyUse the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP Southbound entrance
0.5 mi·1 min·GSP Southbound entrance
Toward GSP South: Garden State ParkwayUse the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto GSP
3.0 mi·3 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
0.7 mi·49 sec·Garden State Parkway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto GSP
43 mi·50 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·48 sec
Exit 82Toward NJ 37 East: Seaside Heights, Island Beach State ParkUse the right lane.
22
Merge onto NJ 37
0.3 mi·33 sec·Route 37 West
23
Turn right onto NJ 166
0.7 mi·1 min·North Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn left
78 ft·5 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 1 hour and 42-minute drive, you have the advantage of flexibility. Leaving during off-peak hours, perhaps mid-morning or early afternoon, can help you avoid potential congestion on the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur. Since there are no recommended stops, plan for any necessary breaks before you depart or once you arrive in Toms River. Keep an eye on your fuel level, as the estimated cost is $13, and ensure you have enough for the entire 79.2-mile journey. A specific tip: pay close attention to the signage for the exit from the Turnpike Western Spur to the Garden State Parkway and US Route 9 to ensure a smooth transition.
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 39.6 miles from Fort Lee, NJ, or about 55m 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 17 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.6 miles or 55m 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 27m
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 Fort Lee, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Fort Lee, NJ
This is one driving day of about 79.2 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Fort Lee, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.3 and 30.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
3.3 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, I 80 West: NJ Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95 South, I 80 West: NJ Turnpike
8
3.4 mi into trip|~6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Newark
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Newark
8
4.3 mi into trip|~8m 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
29.2 mi into trip|~40m 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
30.6 mi into trip|~43m 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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.13 one way
$26.26 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$14.38
$28.76
premium
$4.93
$15.36
$30.72
diesel
$5.61
$17.49
$34.97
Estimated Tolls: $6.12
New Jersey Turnpike
(23.7 mi)$3.32
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
$13
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.8
0
$8.32
$3.80
Efficient EV
19.8
0
$6.93
$3.17
EV Truck/SUV
31.7
0
$11.09
$5.07
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 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 14, 2026
Origin
Fort Lee, NJ
Morning
in Fort Lee on Sunday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 14 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Toms River, NJ
Morning
in Toms River on Sunday
Local time
6:17 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
42 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 42m 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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 8.2
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 19.1
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 21.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 92% of the drive on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 46.7 miles on the Garden State Parkway, offering a consistent pace. While the majority of the trip involves this steady highway travel, be aware of the brief section on the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur and the specific exit procedures for rejoining the Garden State Parkway and US Route 9. This character means you'll be covering ground efficiently with minimal slowdowns.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 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 3.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 79.2 miles you will encounter 22 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 3.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.3 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 Fort Lee, NJ and Toms River, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp South: Trenton, Gsp, Woodbridge, Gsp South and Perth Amboy.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 79.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). 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 $6.12 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 3.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.3 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 Toms River, NJ before heading back.
