Traveling from Gloucester City to Elizabeth covers 80.4 miles of New Jersey’s busy corridor. Expect the drive to take approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Because this is a relatively short trip, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget about $13 for fuel for the one-way journey. Utilizing a combination of the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, and US-1, you will navigate through the heart of the Northeast region. It is a straightforward, functional trip that connects two key points in the state efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.2 miles from Gloucester City, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike
63.4 mi
1h 13m
I 295
9.3 mi
10m
US 1
1 mi
1m
Exit 1B
0.5 mi
1m
Klemm Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
North-South Freeway
0.4 mi
<1m
Bayway
0.3 mi
<1m
South Broad Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 63.4 mi, about 1h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gloucester City, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ.
1
Start on East Brown Street
9 ft·5 sec·East Brown Street
2
Turn left onto Kathryn Street
391 ft·19 sec·Kathryn Street
3
Turn right onto South Johnson Boulevard
0.1 mi·15 sec·South Johnson Boulevard
4
Continue on Klemm Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Klemm Avenue
5
Turn right onto US 130
0.2 mi·14 sec·Crescent Boulevard
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 76 East: Atlantic City, Trenton, Delaware Memorial BridgeUse the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Merge onto I 76
0.4 mi·30 sec·North-South Freeway
8
Take the exit onto Exit 1B
0.5 mi·1 min·Exit 1B
Exit 1BToward I 295 North: TrentonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 295
9.3 mi·10 min·I 295
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 36AToward NJ 73 South: BerlinUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto NJ 73
0.2 mi·18 sec·NJ 73
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJTP: New Jersey Turnpike
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJTP North: New YorkUse the straight / right lanes.
14
Merge onto NJTP
15 mi·16 min·New Jersey Turnpike
15
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP
49 mi·56 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
1.4 mi·2 min
Exit 13Toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten IslandUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 278 West, NJ 439: Elizabeth, Linden
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·35 sec
Toward NJ 439: Elizabeth
19
Continue on NJ 439
0.3 mi·41 sec·Bayway
20
Turn right onto CR 623
0.3 mi·52 sec·South Broad Street
21
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
1.0 mi·1 min·US 1; US 9
22
Turn right
60 ft·6 sec
23
Turn right
383 ft·28 sec
24
Turn right
278 ft·22 sec
25
Turn right onto East Jersey Street
0.3 mi·50 sec·East Jersey Street
26
Turn right
34 ft·2 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To ensure the smoothest experience, plan your departure around local traffic patterns common on the New Jersey Turnpike. Since the entire 80.4-mile trek is designed to be completed in one go, you have the flexibility to drive straight through without needing scheduled stops. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the turnpike, as the longest stretch of 63.4 miles offers fewer opportunities to exit for quick errands. If you are traveling during peak weekday hours, factor in extra time for potential congestion on the main highways. Staying alert during the long highway segments is the best way to handle this quick, efficient transit across the state.
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 40.2 miles from Gloucester City, NJ, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.4 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 18 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.2 miles or 50m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elizabeth, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gloucester City, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Gloucester City, NJ
This is one driving day of about 80.4 miles and 1h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Gloucester City, 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 63.4 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 76.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
0.9 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the exit toward I 76 East: Atlantic City, Trenton, Delaware Memorial Bridge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 76 East: Atlantic City, Trenton, Delaw...
7
1.6 mi into trip|~3m in|Exit 1B
Take the exit onto Exit 1B toward I 295 North: Trenton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 1B
Toward I 295 North: Trenton
7
11.4 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward NJ 73 South: Berlin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 36A
Toward NJ 73 South: Berlin
7
12.4 mi into trip|~17m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJTP North: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward NJTP North: New York
8
76.3 mi into trip|~1h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten Island
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 13
Toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten Island
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.33 one way
$26.66 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg28 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$14.60
$29.20
premium
$4.93
$15.59
$31.19
diesel
$5.61
$17.75
$35.50
Estimated Tolls: $8.87
New Jersey Turnpike
(63.4 mi)$8.87
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
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.1 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
24.1
0
$8.44
$3.86
Efficient EV
20.1
0
$7.04
$3.22
EV Truck/SUV
32.2
0
$11.26
$5.15
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 16, 2026
Origin
Gloucester City, NJ
Afternoon
in Gloucester City on Sunday
Local time
12:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Elizabeth, NJ
Afternoon
in Elizabeth on Sunday
Local time
12:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Partly Sunny
SW 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
52°F
Bristol, PA
40 mi in
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
41 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 41m 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...
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 77.6
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...
17 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 80.4
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...
18 mi from route
~46 min detour
Free
near mile 80.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 92% of your travel spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a steady rhythm quickly, highlighted by a significant 63.4-mile stretch along the New Jersey Turnpike. While the drive is efficient, be prepared for a consistent interstate experience rather than a winding scenic tour. The transition between the primary arteries keeps the pace fast, allowing you to cover the distance with minimal stop-and-go maneuvers. You can expect a highly predictable driving environment that prioritizes speed and directness over local detours.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.4 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 I 295. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 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 80.4 miles you will encounter 23 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 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles (Exit 1B): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Gloucester City, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike and Njtp North: New York.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 41m. Total distance: 80.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 41m 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 63.4 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $8.87 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 Elizabeth, 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 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles (Exit 1B): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Elizabeth, NJ before heading back.
