Traveling from Margate City to Edison covers 102.3 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 9 minutes. Because this is a straightforward highway-focused drive within the Northeast region, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $17 for fuel to complete the journey. The route relies heavily on the Garden State Parkway, NJ 18, and NJ 34 to move you efficiently between these two New Jersey points. Whether you are heading north for business or a visit, this trip is designed for speed and convenience rather than a leisurely pace.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
51.2 miles from Margate City, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Garden State Parkway
61.3 mi
1h 11m
NJ 18
21.4 mi
24m
NJ 34
7 mi
9m
Tilton Road
2.1 mi
3m
Downbeach Express
1.8 mi
2m
US 1
1.6 mi
2m
Plainfield Avenue
1.3 mi
3m
NJ 33
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 61.3 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Margate City, NJ and Edison, NJ.
1
Start on CR 629; OD
10 ft·3 sec·Ventnor Avenue
2
Turn right onto CR 563
0.8 mi·1 min·North Jerome Avenue
3
Continue on CR 563
1.8 mi·2 min·Downbeach Express
4
Continue on CR 563
0.5 mi·48 sec·Margate Boulevard
5
Continue on CR 563
0.5 mi·48 sec·East Mill Road
6
Turn slight right onto CR 563
2.1 mi·3 min·Tilton Road
Use the slight right / right lanes.
7
Turn right onto CR 651
0.4 mi·54 sec·Fire Road
Use the right lane.
8
Turn left onto US 40; US 322
0.2 mi·19 sec·Black Horse Pike
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward GSP Toll North
10
Merge onto GSP
17 mi·19 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
44 mi·51 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 98Toward NJ 138 East, I 195 West, NJ 34: Belmar, TrentonUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward GSP North, I 195 West
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 195 West: TrentonUse the right lane.
15
Merge onto NJ 138
0.2 mi·16 sec·NJ 138
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Exit 35BToward NJ 34 North: MatawanUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto NJ 34
3.4 mi·4 min·NJ 34
18
Enter roundabout onto NJ 33; NJ 34
451 ft·6 sec·NJ 33; NJ 34
19
Continue on NJ 33; NJ 34
1.0 mi·1 min·NJ 33; NJ 34
20
Take the exit onto NJ 34
3.6 mi·5 min·NJ 34
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick
22
Merge onto NJ 18
21 mi·24 min·NJ 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward US 1 North: NewarkUse the left / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto US 1
0.9 mi·1 min·US 1
25
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi·16 sec·US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi·19 sec·US 1
Use the right lane.
27
Continue on US 1
0.4 mi·34 sec·US 1
28
Turn right
462 ft·39 sec
29
At end of road, turn left onto CR 529
1.3 mi·3 min·Plainfield Avenue
30
Turn left onto Central Avenue
345 ft·17 sec·Central Avenue
31
Turn right onto Reed Street
523 ft·28 sec·Reed Street
32
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience without needing to schedule mid-route overnight stops. However, keep in mind that the Garden State Parkway can experience varying traffic volumes, so checking real-time conditions before you pull out of Margate City is a smart move. Because the entire 102.3-mile trip is manageable in just over two hours, you likely won't need to plan for major rest breaks unless you prefer them. Keep your $17 fuel budget in mind when planning your departure, and ensure your tank is ready for the 61.3-mile stretch on the Parkway. Staying alert during the long highway segments is the best way to ensure a smooth arrival in Edison.
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 51.2 miles from Margate City, NJ, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.3 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 23 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.2 miles or 1h 3m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Edison, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Margate City, 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 Margate City, NJ
This is one driving day of about 102.3 miles and 2h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Margate 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 61.3 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 23.7 and 69 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
23.7 mi into trip|~30m in|GSP / Garden State Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP / Garden State Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
67.9 mi into trip|~1h 22m in
Take the exit toward NJ 138 East, I 195 West, NJ 34: Belmar, Trenton
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 98
Toward NJ 138 East, I 195 West, NJ 34: Belmar,...
6
68.2 mi into trip|~1h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward GSP North, I 195 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward GSP North, I 195 West
8
68.5 mi into trip|~1h 24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 195 West: Trenton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 195 West: Trenton
8
69 mi into trip|~1h 24m in
Take the exit toward NJ 34 North: Matawan
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 35B
Toward NJ 34 North: Matawan
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.96 one way
$33.92 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg36 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$18.58
$37.15
premium
$4.93
$19.84
$39.68
diesel
$5.61
$22.59
$45.17
Estimated Tolls: $3.68
Garden State Parkway
(61.3 mi)$3.68
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
$17
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
30.7
0
$10.74
$4.91
Efficient EV
25.6
0
$8.95
$4.09
EV Truck/SUV
40.9
0
$14.32
$6.55
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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 14, 2026
Origin
Margate City, NJ
Night
in Margate City on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
38°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Edison, NJ
Night
in Edison on Saturday
Local time
10:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°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
33 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 9m 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.
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 102.3
Park Closure: Partial Reopening: Cross Estate Gardens
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...
21 mi from route
~51 min detour
$10
near mile 102.3
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
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 77.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed experience, as 91 percent of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend the bulk of your time on the Garden State Parkway, which accounts for your longest uninterrupted stretch of 61.3 miles. The character of the road is consistent and functional, designed to move traffic steadily through the state. While you will transition onto NJ 18 and NJ 34 to reach your destination, the overall feel remains that of a focused, efficient transit. Be prepared for a standard highway rhythm that prioritizes getting you to Edison as quickly as possible.
91% 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: 61.3 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 NJ 18. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.7 miles in near GSP / Garden State Parkway.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 102.3 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 23.7 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 67.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Margate City, NJ and Edison, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp Toll North, Trenton and Gsp North.
Gsp Toll North
6.4 mi in|~10m
Trenton
67.9 mi in|~1h 22m
Gsp North
68.2 mi in|~1h 23m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 9m. Total distance: 102.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.3 miles on Garden State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.68 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 Edison, 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 23.7 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 67.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Morristown National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park and Gateway National Recreation Area. 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 Edison, NJ before heading back.
