Netcong to Brick is 77 miles and takes about 1 hour 47 minutes via State Route 18, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within New Jersey, moving from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. It's a predominantly highway-focused trip, so expect efficient travel with minimal detours. Given its relatively short distance and duration, this route is best suited for a single-day journey, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. Consider this a straightforward transit between two points in the Garden State.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.5 miles from Netcong, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
State Route 18
22 mi
28m
US 206
17.5 mi
27m
NJ 34
12.1 mi
15m
I 287
12 mi
13m
NJ 70
5.2 mi
6m
River Road
3.2 mi
5m
John A. Lynch Memorial Bridge
2.5 mi
3m
NJ 183
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
State Route 18
— 22 mi, about 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Netcong, NJ and Brick, NJ.
1
Start on Main Street
0.1 mi·28 sec·Main Street
2
Continue on US 46
0.2 mi·28 sec·Main Street
3
Turn slight right
265 ft·8 sec
Use the right lane.
4
Turn straight onto NJ 183
0.7 mi·1 min·NJ 183
5
Continue on US 206
0.2 mi·17 sec·US 206
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on US 206
17 mi·27 min·US 206
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 287 South: Somerville, PrincetonUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 287
1.3 mi·1 min·I 287
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 287
11 mi·12 min·I 287
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 9Toward River Road, Bound Brook, Highland ParkUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward Highland Park
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·26 sec
13
Turn straight onto CR 622
3.2 mi·5 min·River Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward NJ 18 South: New BrunswickUse the right lane.
15
Merge onto NJ 18
2.5 mi·3 min·John A. Lynch Memorial Bridge
16
Continue on NJ 18; CR 527
22 mi·28 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Exit 19BToward NJ 34 South: Point PleasantUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn straight onto NJ 34
3.1 mi·4 min·NJ 34
19
Take the ramp onto NJ 34
1.2 mi·1 min·NJ 34
20
Enter roundabout onto NJ 34
219 ft·3 sec·NJ 34
21
Continue on NJ 34
5.0 mi·5 min·NJ 34
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Enter roundabout onto NJ 34
228 ft·2 sec·NJ 34
23
Continue on NJ 34
2.7 mi·3 min·NJ 34
24
Turn right onto NJ 35
162 ft·2 sec·NJ 35
25
Continue on NJ 70
5.2 mi·6 min·NJ 70
26
Turn left onto CR 631
0.3 mi·40 sec·Brick Boulevard
Use the left lane.
27
Arrive at destination
(631)
Trip Plan
For this 77-mile drive, leaving mid-morning is a good strategy to avoid the worst of commuter traffic heading south from Netcong. Since the total travel time is under two hours, you likely won't need extensive stops, but there are no designated stops listed, so plan for a quick fuel or restroom break if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $14, and you'll want to ensure you start with enough. A key tip for this route is to be aware of the transition onto NJ 34; while it's part of the main path, it can sometimes feel less like a major highway than the preceding sections.
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 38.5 miles from Netcong, NJ, or about 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22 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 17 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.5 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brick, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Netcong, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Netcong, NJ
This is one driving day of about 77 miles and 1h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Netcong, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on State Route 18 for about 22 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.6 and 59.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
18.6 mi into trip|~29m in
Take the exit toward I 287 South: Somerville, Princeton
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 I 287 South: Somerville, Princeton
6
20.2 mi into trip|~32m in|I 287
Keep slight left at fork onto I 287
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
30.9 mi into trip|~44m in
Take the exit toward River Road, Bound Brook, Highland Park
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 9
Toward River Road, Bound Brook, Highland Park
6
31 mi into trip|~44m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Highland Park
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward Highland Park
7
59.1 mi into trip|~1h 23m in
Take the exit toward NJ 34 South: Point Pleasant
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 19B
Toward NJ 34 South: Point Pleasant
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.77 one way
$25.53 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.98
$27.96
premium
$4.93
$14.93
$29.87
diesel
$5.61
$17.00
$34.00
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23.1
0
$8.08
$3.70
Efficient EV
19.3
0
$6.74
$3.08
EV Truck/SUV
30.8
0
$10.78
$4.93
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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 15, 2026
Origin
Netcong, NJ
Morning
in Netcong on Sunday
Local time
6:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brick, NJ
Morning
in Brick on Sunday
Local time
6:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
45°F
Somerset, NJ
39 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
4 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
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.
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 15.9
Park Closure: Partial Reopening: Cross Estate Gardens
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,...
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
~55 min detour
$10
near mile 31.9
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...
25 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 47.8
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...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 2.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip leans heavily into a highway-focused profile, with 90% of the journey utilizing faster roads. You'll spend the bulk of your time on State Route 18 and US 206, experiencing a consistent driving pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 22 miles on State Route 18, meaning you can settle into a rhythm without frequent interruptions. While primarily highway, the route does incorporate segments of NJ 34, offering a slight variation in the driving experience as you transition between major arteries. Expect a direct and efficient journey rather than a winding, scenic exploration.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 22 mi on State Route 18.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Route 18 and US 206. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 77 miles you will encounter 16 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 18.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.2 miles (I 287): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 30.9 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.
Between Netcong, NJ and Brick, NJ, road signs point toward Princeton, Bound Brook and Highland Park.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 47m. Total distance: 77 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 (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 22 miles on State Route 18. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Brick, 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 18.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.2 miles (I 287): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 30.9 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 (5 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 Brick, NJ before heading back.
