Origin
Jackson, NJ
Late night in Jackson on Sunday
Local time
12:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jackson, NJ to Passaic, NJ
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 3m
Distance
96.5 mi
155 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 55m
★
6 AM
2h 3m
8 AM
2h 21m
10 AM
2h 10m
12 PM
2h 8m
3 PM
2h 11m
5 PM
2h 20m
8 PM
1h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jackson, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Passaic, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 96.5-mile drive from Jackson to Passaic, New Jersey, will take you about 2 hours and 3 minutes, making it a convenient day trip. Primarily utilizing the New Jersey Turnpike, NJ 73, and NJ 21, this route is heavily highway-focused, with 95% of the journey on high-speed roads. You can expect a fuel cost of around $16 for this trip. As both your origin and destination are within the Northeast region, you'll stay within familiar territory. This is a straightforward drive, suitable for a single day without needing an overnight stay, and offers a direct path between these two New Jersey locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.2 miles from Jackson, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike | 66.5 mi | 1h 17m |
| NJ 21 | 11.4 mi | 16m |
| NJ 73 | 11 mi | 15m |
| Jackson Road | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| US 1 | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| NJ 81 | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Paulison Avenue | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| River Drive | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 66.5 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jackson, NJ and Passaic, NJ.
1
Start on CR 534
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Jackson Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Turn right onto NJ 73
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
NJ 73
Use the right lane.
3
Continue on NJ 73
8.9 mi
·
12 min
·
NJ 73
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on NJ 73
198 ft
·
3 sec
·
NJ 73
Use the right lane.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward NJTP
Use the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward NJTP North: New York
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Merge onto NJTP
15 mi
·
16 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
8
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP
52 mi
·
1 hr
·
New Jersey Turnpike
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 13A
Toward Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto NJ 81
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
NJ 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on US 1; US 9
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
US 1; US 9
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 21
11 mi
·
16 min
·
NJ 21
Toward NJ 21, US 22: Newark, Downtown
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 11A
Toward River Drive, Passaic
Use the slight right lane.
15
Continue on CR 624
350 ft
·
8 sec
·
River Drive
16
Turn left onto CR 618
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
·
Paulison Avenue
17
Turn right onto Passaic Avenue
95 ft
·
2 sec
·
Passaic Avenue
18
Arrive at destination
Passaic Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour duration, departing Jackson, NJ, early in the morning or later in the evening can help you avoid peak traffic, especially on the New Jersey Turnpike. With 96.5 miles to cover and a fuel cost estimate of $16, plan for one fuel stop if needed, though the longest stretch is manageable. Since this is a single-day drive, there's no need to split it. Keep an eye on the mileage markers as you transition between main roads like NJ 73 and NJ 21 to ensure you're on the most direct path to Passaic.
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 48.2 miles from Jackson, NJ, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.5 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 21 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.2 miles or 1h 1m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Passaic, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jackson, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Jackson, NJ
This is one driving day of about 96.5 miles and 2h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Jackson, 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 66.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 48.2 miles from Jackson, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before New Jersey Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66.5 miles.
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 135 decision points cluster between mile 13.5 and 95.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
13.5 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward NJTP
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJTP
7
13.8 mi into trip
|
~20m 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
80.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 39m in
Take the exit toward Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport
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 13A
Toward Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport
8
84.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 45m in
|
NJ 21
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 21 toward NJ 21, US 22: Newark, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 21, US 22: Newark, Downtown
8
95.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m in
Take the exit toward River Drive, Passaic
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 11A
Toward River Drive, Passaic
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.00 one way
$32.00 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $17.52 | $35.04 |
| premium | $4.93 | $18.71 | $37.43 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.31 | $42.61 |
Estimated Tolls: $9.30
New Jersey Turnpike
(66.5 mi)
$9.30
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
$16
Tolls
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29 | 0 | $10.13 | $4.63 |
| Efficient EV | 24.1 | 0 | $8.44 | $3.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.6 | 0 | $13.51 | $6.18 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Destination
Passaic, NJ
Late night in Passaic on Sunday
Local time
12:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°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
14 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
2h 3m 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?
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 96.5-mile trip, with 95% of the drive on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 66.5 miles along the New Jersey Turnpike. This segment suggests a consistent, fast-paced journey with minimal slowdowns. As you transition to NJ 73 and then NJ 21, the road character might subtly shift, but the overall profile remains that of a direct, efficient drive. Prepare for a predominantly interstate feel, designed for covering distance quickly.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.5 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 NJ 21. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 96.5 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 13.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.8 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jackson, NJ and Passaic, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp, Njtp North: New York, Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport and Downtown.
Njtp
13.5 mi in
|
~20m
Njtp North: New York
13.8 mi in
|
~20m
Newark Airport
80.8 mi in
|
~1h 39m
Elizabeth Seaport
80.8 mi in
|
~1h 39m
Downtown
84.2 mi in
|
~1h 45m
|
via NJ 21
About the Cities
Starting in Jackson, NJ
Full guide →Jackson Township is a town of 60,000 people (2022) in Ocean County (New Jersey). Jackson is the site of Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor theme parks. This article also covers Plumsted Township, a community of about 8,000 people to the west of Jackson.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 3m. Total distance: 96.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 66.5 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $9.30 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 Passaic, NJ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Passaic, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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