Oasis Restaurant
Later in the drive, short detour
Cranford, New Jersey
Hours: 12–9:30 pm
+19089676161
Visit websiteCompiled 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
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hainesport, NJ
Aisling Kerr
Clifton, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
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 .
| 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 |
Step-by-step road directions between Hainesport, NJ and Clifton, NJ.
Start on CR 537
Turn left onto CR 541
Continue on CR 541
Continue on CR 541
At end of road, turn left onto CR 541
Take the exit
Turn left onto Hancock Lane
Continue on NJ Turnpike Exit 5
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto NJTP
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto GSP
Take the exit
Turn right onto CR 655
At end of road, turn left onto CR 652
Turn right onto CR 622
Turn left onto CR 622
Continue on CR 622
Enter roundabout onto CR 602
Continue on CR 602
Turn right onto NJ 161
Turn right onto Olga B Terrace
Turn right onto Hutton Road
Turn left onto Olga B Terrace
Turn left onto Donna Drive
Turn right onto Holly Street
Arrive at destination
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.
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.
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.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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.
A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
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.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Cranford, New Jersey
Later in the drive, short detour
Hours: 12–9:30 pm
+19089676161
Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge
Union, New Jersey
Giorgio's Restaurant
South Orange Village, New Jersey
Top Coffee Stop
Montclair, New Jersey
Near the end, short detour
Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm
+19733586543
Later in the drive, short detour
Cranford, New Jersey
Hours: 12–9:30 pm
+19089676161
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Union, New Jersey
Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm
+19083966401
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
South Orange Village, New Jersey
Hours: 12–3 pm
+19737624440
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Maplewood, New Jersey
Hours: 11 am–11 pm
+19737634460
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Dayton, New Jersey
Hours: 12–3 pm
+17323331199
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Linden, New Jersey
Hours: 12 pm–12 am
+19089254166
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Spotswood, New Jersey
Hours: Closed
+17327230200
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm
+19083544024
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Montclair, New Jersey
Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm
+19733586543
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Cranbury, NJ
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Robbinsville Twp, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Belleville, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Edison, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
East Windsor, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
East Windsor, NJ
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18885577099
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
East Windsor, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Highland Park, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Woodbridge, New Jersey
Hours: 6 am–6 pm
+17327453900
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Cranford, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+19085274900
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Mountainside, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
Later in the drive, short detour
Westfield, New Jersey
Hours: 5 am–9 pm
+19082330028
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Newark, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+19739005800
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Perth Amboy, New Jersey
+17326979500
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Newark, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+19732683500
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
Harrison, NJ
Hours: Open 24 hours
+12012175482
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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.
Keep slight right at fork toward NJTP North: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
Keep slight right at fork toward GSP North: Garden State Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
Regular Gas
$13.00 one way
$26.00 round trip
| 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
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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Hainesport on Sunday
Local time
3:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Clifton on Sunday
Local time
3:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
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.
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.
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.
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
Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
Njtp North: New York
Gsp
Woodbridge
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.
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 Hainesport, NJ or browse trips ending in Clifton, NJ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NJ road trips.