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Trip from Hainesport, NJ to Clifton, NJ

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

Drive Time

1h 43m

Distance

78.4 mi

126 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 36m ★
6 AM
1h 43m
8 AM
1h 59m
10 AM
1h 49m
12 PM
1h 47m
3 PM
1h 50m
5 PM
1h 58m
8 PM
1h 39m

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

Downtown Hainesport, NJ, NJ

Hainesport, NJ

Aisling Kerr

city in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States

Clifton, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 78.4-mile drive from Hainesport, NJ, to Clifton, NJ, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 43 minutes. Given its relatively short duration and efficient route, it's an ideal day trip, requiring no overnight stops. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $13, making it an economical option for getting between these two points in the Northeast region. You'll primarily be on major roadways, so expect a consistent driving experience focused on reaching your destination efficiently.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

39.2 miles from Hainesport, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New Jersey Turnpike 46.5 mi 53m
Garden State Parkway 22.2 mi 30m
Burlington-Mount Holly Road 1.6 mi 2m
Mount Holly Bypass 1.3 mi 1m
Marne Highway 1 mi 1m
Allwood Road 1 mi 1m
Clifton Avenue 0.5 mi 1m
West Passaic Avenue 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: New Jersey Turnpike — 46.5 mi, about 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hainesport, NJ and Clifton, NJ.

1

Start on CR 537

1.0 mi · 1 min · Marne Highway
2

Turn left onto CR 541

0.8 mi · 1 min · Mount Holly Bypass
Use the left / straight lanes.
3

Continue on CR 541

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Mount Holly Avenue Bypass
4

Continue on CR 541

0.5 mi · 49 sec · Mount Holly Bypass
5

At end of road, turn left onto CR 541

1.6 mi · 2 min · Burlington-Mount Holly Road
Use the left lane.
6

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 27 sec
Toward NJTP: Hancock Lane, All Turns
7

Turn left onto Hancock Lane

306 ft · 6 sec · Hancock Lane
8

Continue on NJ Turnpike Exit 5

0.2 mi · 40 sec · NJ Turnpike Exit 5
Toward NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 52 sec
Toward NJTP North: New York
10

Merge onto NJTP

5.1 mi · 5 min · New Jersey Turnpike
11

Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP

41 mi · 47 min · New Jersey Turnpike
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 11 Toward GSP, US 9: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward GSP North: Garden State Parkway Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto GSP

22 mi · 30 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the straight lane.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Exit 151 Toward Montclair, Nutley Use the slight right lane.
16

Turn right onto CR 655

483 ft · 15 sec · Watchung Avenue
17

At end of road, turn left onto CR 652

0.4 mi · 45 sec · East Passaic Avenue
18

Turn right onto CR 622

0.5 mi · 52 sec · West Passaic Avenue
19

Turn left onto CR 622

411 ft · 7 sec · Darling Avenue
Use the left lane.
20

Continue on CR 622

0.4 mi · 37 sec · Bloomfield Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Enter roundabout onto CR 602

261 ft · 4 sec · Allwood Road
22

Continue on CR 602

1.0 mi · 1 min · Allwood Road
23

Turn right onto NJ 161

0.5 mi · 1 min · Clifton Avenue
24

Turn right onto Olga B Terrace

174 ft · 9 sec · Olga B Terrace
25

Turn right onto Hutton Road

39 ft · 6 sec · Hutton Road
26

Turn left onto Olga B Terrace

441 ft · 25 sec · Olga B Terrace
27

Turn left onto Donna Drive

0.1 mi · 33 sec · Donna Drive
28

Turn right onto Holly Street

516 ft · 22 sec · Holly Street
29

Arrive at destination

Holly Street

Trip Plan

For this 1 hour and 43-minute drive, departing early in the morning, perhaps before 7 AM, can help you avoid the heaviest traffic, especially as you approach Clifton. With only 78.4 miles, you don't need to plan for extensive stops, but keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major exit is considerable. The estimated $13 fuel cost is a good benchmark for budgeting. Since this is a short drive, you have the flexibility to depart whenever it suits you best, but minimizing time on the busy New Jersey Turnpike during peak hours is always a good strategy.

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 39.2 miles from Hainesport, NJ, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.5 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 22m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 39.2 miles or 48m 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 24m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clifton, NJ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hainesport, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Hainesport, NJ

This is one driving day of about 78.4 miles and 1h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Hainesport, 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 46.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

39 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

Trenton, NJ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Old Bridge, NJ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 39.2 miles from Hainesport, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Oasis Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cranford, New Jersey

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $30 to $50 mile 61.6

Hours: 12–9:30 pm

+19089676161

Visit website

Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Union, New Jersey

2 mi

Giorgio's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

South Orange Village, New Jersey

2.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Eagle Rock Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Montclair, New Jersey

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78.4

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+19733586543

Visit website

Oasis Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $30 to $50 mile 61.6

Cranford, New Jersey

Hours: 12–9:30 pm

+19089676161

Visit website

Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 61.6

Union, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+19083966401

Visit website

Giorgio's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 67.2

South Orange Village, New Jersey

Hours: 12–3 pm

+19737624440

Visit website

Restaurant Lorena's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $50 to $10 mile 67.2

Maplewood, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19737634460

Visit website

The Park Indian Restaurant and Catering

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.6

Dayton, New Jersey

Hours: 12–3 pm

+17323331199

Visit website

Amsterdam Alley Bar & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 61.6

Linden, New Jersey

Hours: 12 pm–12 am

+19089254166

Visit website

Kabaret Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $100 or ab mile 39.2

Spotswood, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+17327230200

Visit website

Valenca Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 67.2

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+19083544024

Visit website

Eagle Rock Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78.4

Montclair, New Jersey

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+19733586543

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 33.6

Cranbury, NJ

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 22.4

Robbinsville Twp, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 72.8

Belleville, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 44.8

Edison, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 28

East Windsor, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Applegreen Electric Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 28

East Windsor, NJ

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18885577099

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 28

East Windsor, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 44.8

Highland Park, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Fords Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 50.4

Woodbridge, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17327453900

Visit website

Nomahegan Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 61.6

Cranford, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+19085274900

Visit website

Echo Lake Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 61.6

Mountainside, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Mindowaskin Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 61.6

Westfield, New Jersey

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+19082330028

Visit website

Military Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 67.2

Newark, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19739005800

Visit website

Cornucopia Cruise Lines

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 50.4

Perth Amboy, New Jersey

+17326979500

Visit website

Independence Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 67.2

Newark, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19732683500

Visit website

West Hudson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 72.8

Harrison, NJ

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12012175482

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.6 and 74.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
4.6 mi into trip | ~8m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NJTP North: New York

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward NJTP North: New York
6
10 mi into trip | ~14m in | NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
51.4 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in

Take the exit 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...
7
51.9 mi into trip | ~1h 3m in

Keep slight right at fork toward GSP North: Garden State Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward GSP North: Garden State Parkway
8
74.8 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the exit toward Montclair, Nutley

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 151 Toward Montclair, Nutley

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.00 one way

$26.00 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 27 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $14.24 $28.47
premium $4.93 $15.20 $30.41
diesel $5.61 $17.31 $34.62

Estimated Tolls: $7.87

New Jersey Turnpike (46.5 mi) $6.51
Garden State Parkway (22.2 mi) $1.33
Nj Turnpike (0.2 mi) $0.03

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

$8

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 27.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23.5 0 $8.23 $3.76
Efficient EV 19.6 0 $6.86 $3.14
EV Truck/SUV 31.4 0 $10.98 $5.02

Gas CO2

27 kg

EV CO2

9 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 16, 2026

Origin

Hainesport, NJ

Late night in Hainesport on Sunday

Local time

3:37 AM

EDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Clifton, NJ

Late night in Clifton on Sunday

Local time

3:37 AM

EDT

Current temp

69°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

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

1h 43m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 near mile 70.3
Park Closure: Glenmont Mansion and Grounds Closed
View on nps.gov
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Free near mile 78.4
View on nps.gov
Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

15 mi from route ~37 min detour Free near mile 62.1
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

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...

20 mi from route ~49 min detour Free near mile 67.5
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-intensive experience, with 88% of this 78.4-mile route utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 46.5 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike, indicating a significant portion of your drive will be on this major artery. You'll also navigate segments of the Garden State Parkway and Burlington-Mount Holly Road. This profile suggests a drive characterized by consistent speeds and the general efficiency of interstate travel, rather than winding scenic byways.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.5 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 Garden State Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.4 miles you will encounter 21 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 4.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 10 miles (NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Hainesport, NJ and Clifton, NJ, road signs point toward All Turns, Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike, Njtp North: New York, Gsp and Woodbridge.

All Turns

4.2 mi in | ~6m

Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike

4.4 mi in | ~7m | via NJ Turnpike Exit 5

Njtp North: New York

4.6 mi in | ~8m

Gsp

51.4 mi in | ~1h 2m

Woodbridge

51.4 mi in | ~1h 2m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 78.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 46.5 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $7.87 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 Clifton, 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 4.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 10 miles (NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and Morristown 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 Clifton, 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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Explore More

Return Trip

Clifton, NJ to Hainesport, NJ

Plan the drive back the other way.

81 mi 1h 43m

Explore more options from Hainesport, NJ or browse trips ending in Clifton, NJ.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NJ road trips.