Origin
Jefferson, NJ
Night in Jefferson on Saturday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jefferson, NJ to Elizabeth, 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 55m
Distance
93.7 mi
151 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 47m
★
6 AM
1h 56m
8 AM
2h 13m
10 AM
2h 2m
12 PM
2h 0m
3 PM
2h 2m
5 PM
2h 12m
8 PM
1h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jefferson, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Elizabeth, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 93.7-mile drive from Jefferson, NJ, to Elizabeth, NJ, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes. The journey is predominantly highway-focused, with 92% of the route utilizing major roadways, making it a quick trip within the Northeast region. Expect a fuel cost of around $16 for this route. With no designated stops in the data, this drive is best suited for those looking for efficiency and straightforward travel 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
46.9 miles from Jefferson, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike | 85 mi | 1h 38m |
| Swedesboro Road | 3 mi | 5m |
| US 1 | 1 mi | 1m |
| Bridgeton Pike | 1 mi | 1m |
| Bayway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| South Broad Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| East Jersey Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| North Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 85 mi, about 1h 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ.
1
Start on NJ 45
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Bridgeton Pike
2
Continue on NJ 45
347 ft
·
9 sec
·
North Main Street
3
Turn right onto US 322; CR 536
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Swedesboro Road
Use the right lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
Use the left lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward NJ Turnpike North, New York City
6
Merge onto NJTP
36 mi
·
41 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
7
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP
49 mi
·
56 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.4 mi
·
2 min
Exit 13
Toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten Island
Use the slight right lane.
9
Turn straight
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 278 West, NJ 439: Elizabeth, Linden
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
35 sec
Toward NJ 439: Elizabeth
11
Continue on NJ 439
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Bayway
12
Turn right onto CR 623
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
South Broad Street
13
Turn right onto US 1; US 9
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
US 1; US 9
14
Turn right
60 ft
·
6 sec
15
Turn right
383 ft
·
28 sec
16
Turn right
278 ft
·
22 sec
17
Turn right onto East Jersey Street
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
·
East Jersey Street
18
Turn right
34 ft
·
2 sec
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Factor in the estimated $16 fuel cost for your budget. The longest stretch on the New Jersey Turnpike means you can cover significant distance without frequent turns, but be mindful of potential traffic, especially during peak hours. Plan for a single fuel stop if needed, as the 85-mile stretch on the Turnpike could drain your tank if it's already low.
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 46.9 miles from Jefferson, NJ, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85 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 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 46.9 miles or 57m 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 31m
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 Jefferson, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Jefferson, NJ
This is one driving day of about 93.7 miles and 1h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Jefferson, 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 85 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
47 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 46.9 miles from Jefferson, 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 85 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 155 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 89.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road
Turn right onto US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
4 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Turn left toward NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
6
4.2 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ Turnpike North, New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ Turnpike North, New York City
6
40.9 mi into trip
|
~50m in
|
NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
89.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m 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
$15.53 one way
$31.07 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
33 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $17.01 | $34.03 |
| premium | $4.93 | $18.17 | $36.34 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $20.69 | $41.38 |
Estimated Tolls: $11.90
New Jersey Turnpike
(85 mi)
$11.90
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
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 28.1 | 0 | $9.84 | $4.50 |
| Efficient EV | 23.4 | 0 | $8.20 | $3.75 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 37.5 | 0 | $13.12 | $6.00 |
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Destination
Elizabeth, NJ
Night in Elizabeth on Saturday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Bristol, PA
47 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
15 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 55m 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
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...
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
$10
near mile 93.7
Park Closure: Glenmont Mansion and Grounds Closed
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 90.5
View on nps.gov
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...
17 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 93.7
View on nps.gov
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...
18 mi from route
~46 min detour
Free
near mile 93.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with the vast majority of your travel on major arteries. You'll spend most of your time on the New Jersey Turnpike, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 85 miles. The profile suggests a consistent driving experience, meaning you won't encounter many changes in road type or speed. Expect minimal time on local roads like Swedesboro Road and US 1, as the route prioritizes efficient movement.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 85 mi on New Jersey Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and Swedesboro Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 93.7 miles you will encounter 15 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 1 miles (US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Arriving in Elizabeth, NJ
Full guide →Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in New Jersey.
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 1h 55m. Total distance: 93.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 55m 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 85 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $11.90 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 1 miles (US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
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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