Lakewood to Belvidere is 81.5 miles and takes about 1 hour 59 minutes via NJ 18 and Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New Jersey, moving from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. Expect a drive that is primarily on highways, making it a straightforward option for a single-day excursion. It's a practical route for getting between these two points with minimal fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
40.8 miles from Lakewood, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NJ 18
16 mi
19m
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
12 mi
13m
NJ 31
10.1 mi
15m
I 287
9.9 mi
11m
US Highway 9
7.6 mi
11m
Brass Castle Road
6.5 mi
12m
Easton Avenue
3.4 mi
5m
Kozloski Road
3.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NJ 18
— 16 mi, about 19m
Traffic on I-78
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,900 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,574
Quietest
2 AM
~491 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 99 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lakewood, NJ and Belvidere, NJ.
1
Start on 8th Street
46 ft·4 sec·8th Street
2
Turn right onto US 9; CR 547
1.0 mi·1 min·Madison Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on US 9
7.6 mi·11 min·US Highway 9
Use the straight lane.
4
Take the exit
291 ft·8 sec
Use the right lane.
5
Keep slight right at fork
140 ft·3 sec
Use the right lane.
6
Turn straight onto Edinburgh Drive
0.3 mi·27 sec·Edinburgh Drive
7
Continue on CR 55
2.0 mi·3 min·Halls Mill Road
8
Continue on CR 55
3.2 mi·4 min·Kozloski Road
9
Turn right onto NJ 79
1.8 mi·2 min·South Main Street
Use the left lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New BrunswickUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto NJ 18
16 mi·19 min·NJ 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on NJ 18
1.9 mi·2 min·Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward Easton Avenue, So Bound BrookUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn straight onto (672)
0.2 mi·18 sec·George Street
15
Turn left onto CR 609
0.3 mi·27 sec·Landing Lane
16
Turn right onto CR 527
3.4 mi·5 min·Easton Avenue
Use the right lane.
17
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 287 North: Morristown, Mahwah
18
Merge onto I 287
7.2 mi·8 min·I 287
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 287
2.7 mi·3 min·I 287
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
1.4 mi·1 min
Exit 21BToward I 78 West: Easton, PennsylvaniaUse the slight left / straight lanes.
21
Merge onto I 78
12 mi·13 min·Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·42 sec
Exit 17Toward NJ 31: Clinton, Flemington, WashingtonUse the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto NJ 31
10 mi·15 min·NJ 31
24
Turn sharp left onto CR 630
391 ft·14 sec·Washburn Avenue
25
At end of road, turn right onto South Lincoln Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·South Lincoln Avenue
26
Turn left onto NJ 57
0.9 mi·2 min·West Washington Avenue
27
Turn right onto CR 623
6.5 mi·12 min·Brass Castle Road
28
Continue on Oxford Street
0.8 mi·3 min·Oxford Street
29
Turn right onto Hardwick Street
0.1 mi·30 sec·Hardwick Street
30
Turn left onto CR 620
476 ft·20 sec·Water Street
31
Turn left
30 ft·2 sec
32
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour 59 minute estimated drive time, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, offering flexibility for when you depart. Leaving mid-morning, perhaps around 9:30 AM, should allow you to avoid the worst of any potential commuter traffic and still have ample daylight. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, it's wise to ensure your tank is full before you leave Lakewood, as there are no specific stops noted for refueling on this route. Pay attention to the transition from highway to surface roads as you get closer to Belvidere.
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 40.8 miles from Lakewood, NJ, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 16 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 18 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 40.8 miles or 58m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belvidere, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lakewood, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lakewood, NJ
This is one driving day of about 81.5 miles and 1h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Lakewood, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on NJ 18 for about 16 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 62 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 9; CR 547 / Madison Avenue
Turn right onto US 9; CR 547 / Madison Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
8.6 mi into trip|~13m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
34 mi into trip|~47m in
Take the exit toward Easton Avenue, So Bound Brook
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Easton Avenue, So Bound Brook
8
48.7 mi into trip|~1h 7m in
Take the exit toward I 78 West: Easton, Pennsylvania
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 21B
Toward I 78 West: Easton, Pennsylvania
8
62 mi into trip|~1h 22m in
Take the exit toward NJ 31: Clinton, Flemington, Washington
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 17
Toward NJ 31: Clinton, Flemington, Washington
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.23 one way
$28.47 round trip
$4.44/gal25.4 MPG avg29 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.86
$15.58
$31.17
premium
$5.20
$16.67
$33.34
diesel
$6.28
$20.14
$40.28
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
24.5
0
$8.56
$3.91
Efficient EV
20.4
0
$7.13
$3.26
EV Truck/SUV
32.6
0
$11.41
$5.22
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Lakewood, NJ
Late night
in Lakewood on Saturday
Local time
1:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Mostly Clear
NE 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Belvidere, NJ
Late night
in Belvidere on Saturday
Local time
1:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
34°F
Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive 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
5 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 59m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 50.6
Caution: Jockey Hollow Outer Blue Loop and a Section of Primrose Trail Closed
Caution: Passaic River Bridge Trail (Teal Trail) Closed
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
$10
near mile 81.5
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...
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
$10
near mile 33.7
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...
24 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 19.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 71% of the 81.5 miles covered on higher-speed roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 16 miles on NJ 18 before transitioning to other main roads like the Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway and NJ 31. Be prepared for the highway to give way to more local driving as you approach your destination, signaled by more frequent exits and changes in speed limits.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 16 mi on NJ 18.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NJ 18 and Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 9; CR 547 / Madison Avenue.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 81.5 miles you will encounter 23 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: near the start (US 9; CR 547 / Madison Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
646 ft30 ft
Total Climb
742 ft
Total Descent
557 ft
Highest Point
646 ft
~75.7 mi in
Elevation Range
616 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lakewood, NJ and Belvidere, NJ, road signs point toward So Bound Brook, Mahwah, Pennsylvania, Flemington and Washington.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 59m. Total distance: 81.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 16 miles on NJ 18. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 2 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Belvidere, 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: near the start (US 9; CR 547 / Madison Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Morristown National Historical Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Thomas Edison 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 Belvidere, NJ before heading back.
