Valenca Restaurant
Near the start, short detour
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm
+19083544024
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 39m
Distance
79.8 mi
128 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$13
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Vernon, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Newark, NJ to Vernon, NJ is 80 miles and takes about 1 hour 39 minutes via New Jersey Turnpike and I 295, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, specifically within New Jersey, making it a straightforward, single-day excursion. Given its highway-focused profile and relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a quick getaway or a simple transfer between locations. You'll spend most of your time on major roadways, so expect efficient travel rather than a leisurely exploration.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.9 miles from Newark, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike | 66.5 mi | 1h 17m |
| I 295 | 4.3 mi | 4m |
| US 1 | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| McCarter Highway | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| NJ 81 | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Berlin Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Mulberry Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| NJ 73 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Newark, NJ and Vernon, NJ.
Start on CR 510
Turn right onto Mulberry Street
Turn slight right onto NJ 21
Merge onto US 1; US 9
Continue on US 1; US 9
Take the exit
Continue on NJ 81
Keep slight right at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto NJ 73
Take the exit
Merge onto I 295
Take the exit
Turn slight right onto CR 561
Continue on CR 561
Continue on CR 561
Turn left
Turn slight right onto Ellis Street
Turn right
Arrive at destination
Since this is a shorter, single-day drive of under two hours, you have plenty of flexibility with your departure time. Aiming to leave Newark during off-peak hours, perhaps mid-morning or early afternoon, can help you avoid the heaviest traffic. With a fuel cost estimated at $13, you won't need to worry too much about frequent fill-ups, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Keep an eye on your GPS for the most efficient lane choices as you navigate the various highway systems, especially around interchanges.
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.
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 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.9 miles or 51m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Vernon, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Newark, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Newark, NJ
This is one driving day of about 79.8 miles and 1h 39m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
40 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.
A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 39.9 miles from Newark, 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 66.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Near the start, short detour
Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm
+19083544024
Dolsot House | Korean BBQ Restaurant
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
The Boiling House Seafood Boil Restaurant
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Near the start, short detour
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm
+19083544024
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm
+18562160090
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 2–10 pm
+18567512800
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm
+18564897373
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 11:30 am–8:45 pm
+18568881578
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Dayton, New Jersey
Hours: 12–3 pm
+17323331199
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Linden, New Jersey
Hours: 12 pm–12 am
+19089254166
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Mt Laurel Township, New Jersey
Hours: 12–9 pm
+18564391941
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Cranbury, NJ
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Robbinsville Twp, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Newark, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Edison, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
East Windsor, NJ
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18885577099
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Kearny, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
East Windsor, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Newark, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Newark, New Jersey
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+19739005800
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Haddonfield, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+16093136648
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Woodbridge, New Jersey
Hours: 6 am–6 pm
+17327453900
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 5 am–10 pm
+18564953080
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+18562162117
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 12:30–11 pm
+18563246417
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Newark, New Jersey
Hours: Open 24 hours
+19732683500
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey
Hours: 12:15–8:45 pm
+16107571053
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 78 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn right onto Mulberry Street
Lane positioning matters here
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
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 73 North: Camden
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward CR 561: Haddonfield, Voorhees, Gibbsboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$13.23 one way
$26.46 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $14.49 | $28.98 |
| premium | $4.93 | $15.48 | $30.95 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $17.62 | $35.24 |
Estimated Tolls: $9.31
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
$13
Tolls
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.9 | 0 | $8.38 | $3.83 |
| Efficient EV | 20 | 0 | $6.98 | $3.19 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 31.9 | 0 | $11.17 | $5.11 |
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (68% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Newark on Sunday
Local time
6:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Destination
Morning in Vernon on Sunday
Local time
6:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Historical Park
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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...
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Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 93% of the journey taking place on major expressways like the New Jersey Turnpike and I 295. You can expect long stretches of consistent speed, including one uninterrupted segment of 66.5 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike. The character of the drive is primarily about efficient transit, with the majority of your time spent on high-speed, multi-lane roads. While the profile is largely highway, transitioning to US 1 offers a slight change in pace as you approach your destination.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and I 295. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Mulberry Street.
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 79.8 miles you will encounter 18 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 0.2 miles (Mulberry Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Newark, NJ and Vernon, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp South: Trenton, Njtp South: Camden, Wilmington and Camden.
Njtp South: Trenton
Njtp South: Camden
Wilmington
Camden
Newark is New Jersey's largest city and second largest in Metro New York. Although one of the great historic cities of the Northeast and the most culture-rich city in the state, Newark is often overlooked in favor of Goliath-like Manhattan and towns along the Hudson River, such as Jersey City and Hoboken. While no longer the industrial powerhouse it once was, Newark remains one of America's major shipping, rail, and air hubs. Public transportation is abundant, making it easy to get to, from, and around the city. Newark has been economically disadvantaged for some time, and suffers from a bad reputation, often informed by negative stereotyping. Thanks in large part to a nationally high-profile mayor (Cory Booker, now a U.S.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 39m. Total distance: 79.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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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