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Trip from Jersey City, NJ to Barnegat, 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 47m

Distance

85.1 mi

137 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 40m ★
6 AM
1h 48m
8 AM
2h 4m
10 AM
1h 54m
12 PM
1h 52m
3 PM
1h 54m
5 PM
2h 3m
8 PM
1h 43m

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

township in New Jersey, United States

Barnegat, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a quick getaway from Jersey City to Barnegat, expect a straightforward journey covering 85.1 miles. This drive typically takes about 1 hour and 47 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip rather than an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the New Jersey Turnpike, US 1 Truck, and the Garden State Parkway. With fuel costs estimated around $14, this is an affordable excursion within the Northeast region. Because the route is entirely contained within New Jersey, you will experience a seamless transition from the urban density of the North to the more relaxed coastal atmosphere of the South.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

42.5 miles from Jersey City, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Garden State Parkway 61.2 mi 1h 11m
New Jersey Turnpike 11.9 mi 14m
US 1 Truck 3 mi 5m
US 1 2.1 mi 2m
West Bay Avenue 1.7 mi 3m
Exit to GSP and US Route 9 1.4 mi 2m
GSP Southbound entrance 0.5 mi 1m
Duncan Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Garden State Parkway — 61.2 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jersey City, NJ and Barnegat, NJ.

1

Start on Olean Avenue

316 ft · 15 sec · Olean Avenue
2

Turn right onto Duncan Avenue

0.4 mi · 53 sec · Duncan Avenue
3

Turn left onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck

0.4 mi · 44 sec · US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Use the left lane.
4

Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck

1.9 mi · 3 min · US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Toward US 1 South, US 9 South: Newark Airport, Port Newark Elizabeth Seaport Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Toward US 1 Truck South, US 9 Truck South: Port Newark, Newark Airport
6

Merge onto US 1; US 9

2.1 mi · 2 min · US 1; US 9
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 78 East, I 95, NJTP: New Jersey Turnpike Toll Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto I 78

47 ft · 0 sec · I 95/NJTP North Tolls
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95/NJTP North Tolls

0.1 mi · 7 sec · I 95/NJTP North Tolls
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 49 sec
12

Merge onto I 95

12 mi · 14 min · New Jersey Turnpike
13

Take the exit onto Exit 11

1.4 mi · 2 min · Exit to GSP and US Route 9
Exit 11 Toward GSP, US 9: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge Use the slight right lane.
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy Use the slight left lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP Southbound entrance

0.5 mi · 1 min · GSP Southbound entrance
Toward GSP South: Garden State Parkway Use the slight left lane.
16

Merge onto GSP

3.0 mi · 3 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP

0.7 mi · 49 sec · Garden State Parkway
18

Keep slight right at fork onto GSP

57 mi · 1 hr 7 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 41 sec
Exit 67A Toward CR 554 East: Barnegat Use the slight right lane.
20

Turn right onto (105)

0.2 mi · 38 sec · Lighthouse Drive
21

Turn right onto West Bay Avenue

1.7 mi · 3 min · West Bay Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22

Arrive at destination

CR 609

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around New Jersey’s notoriously busy peak traffic hours. Because the route is direct and requires zero planned stops to complete the 1 hour and 47 minute duration, you can easily power through in one sitting. Keep an eye on the Garden State Parkway traffic reports, as this will be your primary artery for most of the drive. Budgeting $14 for fuel is a safe baseline, but ensure your tank is topped off before hitting the major highways to avoid paying premium prices at service areas. Enjoy the convenience of a trip that gets you from the city to your destination without the need for complex logistical planning.

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 42.5 miles from Jersey City, NJ, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.2 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 19 miles or 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 42.5 miles or 56m 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 Barnegat, NJ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Jersey City, NJ

This is one driving day of about 85.1 miles and 1h 47m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Jersey City, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 61.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

43 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

Staten Island, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42.5 miles from Jersey City, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Garden State Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.2 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 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 20.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.9 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck

Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck toward US 1 South, US 9 South: Newark Airport, Port Newark Elizabeth Seaport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 1 South, US 9 South: Newark Airport,...
7
5.6 mi into trip | ~9m in

Take the exit toward I 78 East, I 95, NJTP: New Jersey Turnpike Toll

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 78 East, I 95, NJTP: New Jersey Turnpi...
8
6.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton
8
19.4 mi into trip | ~27m in | Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9

Take the exit onto Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9 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...
8
20.8 mi into trip | ~29m in

Keep slight left at fork toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Pa...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.11 one way

$28.22 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $15.45 $30.90
premium $4.93 $16.50 $33.01
diesel $5.61 $18.79 $37.58

Estimated Tolls: $5.34

Garden State Parkway (61.2 mi) $3.67
New Jersey Turnpike (11.9 mi) $1.67

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

$14

Tolls

$5

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.5 0 $8.94 $4.08
Efficient EV 21.3 0 $7.45 $3.40
EV Truck/SUV 34 0 $11.91 $5.45

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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

Jersey City, NJ

Morning in Jersey City on Sunday

Local time

9:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Barnegat, NJ

Morning in Barnegat on Sunday

Local time

9:27 AM

EDT

Current temp

46°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 47m 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...

7 mi from route ~16 min detour $10 near mile 5.9
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...

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free near mile 2.9
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...

14 mi from route ~35 min detour Free
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...

19 mi from route ~48 min detour Free near mile 11.7
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 high-speed, highway-focused experience, as 94% of this route consists of major thoroughfares. You will spend the vast majority of your time behind the wheel on the Garden State Parkway, which claims the longest uninterrupted stretch of 61.2 miles. While the initial portions involving US 1 Truck may feel more industrial, the drive quickly settles into a predictable interstate rhythm. This is a utilitarian commute designed for efficiency rather than winding backroads, so prepare for a consistent pace throughout the entire 85.1-mile trek.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.2 mi on Garden State Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck.

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 85.1 miles you will encounter 19 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 (US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Jersey City, NJ and Barnegat, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike Toll, Njtp South: Trenton, Gsp, Woodbridge, Gsp South and Perth Amboy.

Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike Toll

5.6 mi in | ~9m

Njtp South: Trenton

6.3 mi in | ~10m

Gsp

19.4 mi in | ~27m | via Exit 11

Woodbridge

19.4 mi in | ~27m | via Exit 11

Gsp South

20.8 mi in | ~29m

Perth Amboy

20.8 mi in | ~29m

About the Cities

Starting in Jersey City, NJ

Full guide →

Jersey City is New Jersey's second-largest city. Jersey City sits in Hudson County in the northeastern section of the state, across the Hudson from its older and bigger cousin, New York City, and south of Hoboken. It is frequently referred to as New York’s “sixth borough”. Until the early 1600s, the area was inhabited by Lenape Indians. The Dutch then settled here as a part of the colony of New Amsterdam. It evolved into an industrial powerhouse, with railroads winding up and down the city (some of these lines are still used today). Although Jersey City declined in the 1960s, an upswing began in the 1980s, and the city was transformed into what it is today.

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 47m. Total distance: 85.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 61.2 miles on Garden State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $5.34 in tolls one way, starting with Garden State Parkway. 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 Barnegat, 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 (US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and Gateway National Recreation Area (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 Barnegat, 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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