Paterson, NJ to Chesterfield, NJ is 72.3 miles and takes about 1h 42m via New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Extonville Road, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Northeast region, specifically within New Jersey, making it a straightforward drive. Given its relatively short duration and highway focus, it's a practical option for a quick trip. You can expect most of your travel to be on major roadways. This trip is well-suited for a single day.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36.1 miles from Paterson, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike
29.4 mi
33m
Garden State Parkway
23.8 mi
33m
Extonville Road
2.5 mi
5m
Garden State Parkway Southbound
2.3 mi
3m
NJ 19
2 mi
2m
Central Jersey Expressway
1.9 mi
2m
Jacobstown-Chesterfield Road
1.7 mi
2m
Orr Road
1.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 29.4 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paterson, NJ and Chesterfield, NJ.
1
Start on Colt Street
216 ft·17 sec·Colt Street
2
Turn right onto Ellison Street
0.2 mi·28 sec·Ellison Street
3
Turn right onto Memorial Drive
0.1 mi·14 sec·Memorial Drive
Use the right lane.
4
Turn right
267 ft·9 sec
5
Turn straight onto Ward Street
0.3 mi·34 sec·Ward Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on NJ 19
0.2 mi·17 sec·Oliver Street
7
Turn slight left onto NJ 19
2.0 mi·2 min·NJ 19
Use the slight left lane.
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward GSP SouthUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto GSP
24 mi·33 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Continue on Garden State Parkway
2.3 mi·3 min·Garden State Parkway Southbound
11
Take the exit onto Exit 129
0.3 mi·42 sec·Exit 129
Exit 129Toward I 95, NJTP, US 9, NJ 440, I 287: New York City, Philadelphia, Woodbridge, Perth AmboyUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·57 sec
Toward I 95, NJTP: New York City, PhiladelphiaUse the slight left lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: TrentonUse the slight left lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Use the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
29 mi·33 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
1.2 mi·3 min
Exit 7AToward I 195: Trenton, Shore PointsUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 195 East: Shore PointsUse the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto I 195
1.9 mi·2 min·Central Jersey Expressway
20
Take the exit
0.1 mi·21 sec
Exit 8Toward CR 539: Hightstown, AllentownUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork
282 ft·8 sec
Toward AllentownUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Turn straight onto CR 524; CR 539
0.8 mi·1 min·North Main Street
23
Continue on CR 524; CR 539
0.3 mi·31 sec·High Street
24
Turn straight onto CR 524
0.3 mi·31 sec·Yardville-Allentown Road
25
Turn straight onto CR 28
0.1 mi·20 sec·South Main Street
26
Continue on CR 28
0.7 mi·1 min·Old York Road
27
Turn left onto Extonville Road
2.5 mi·5 min·Extonville Road
28
Continue on Orr Road
1.5 mi·3 min·Orr Road
29
At end of road, turn right onto Stewart Road
455 ft·14 sec·Stewart Road
30
Continue on CR 664
0.4 mi·1 min·Chesterfield - Arneytown Road
31
Continue on CR 664
1.7 mi·2 min·Jacobstown-Chesterfield Road
32
Turn right
52 ft·3 sec
33
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a 1-day trip covering just 72.3 miles, you have plenty of flexibility for departure time. Leaving Paterson mid-morning should help you avoid the worst of rush hour traffic. The drive is short enough that you might not need a dedicated stop, but if you do, consider breaking up the 29.4-mile stretch on the New Jersey Turnpike. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $12, and knowing where the last services are before hitting Extonville Road could be helpful. The transition from highway to surface roads around Chesterfield will be your main navigational cue.
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 36.1 miles from Paterson, NJ, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.4 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 16 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.1 miles or 50m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chesterfield, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Paterson, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Paterson, NJ
This is one driving day of about 72.3 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Paterson, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New Jersey Turnpike for about 29.4 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 29.4 and 63.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
29.4 mi into trip|~41m in|Exit 129
Take the exit onto Exit 129 toward I 95, NJTP, US 9, NJ 440, I 287: New York City, Philadelphia, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy
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 129
Toward I 95, NJTP, US 9, NJ 440, I 287: New Yor...
8
29.8 mi into trip|~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95, NJTP: New York City, Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95, NJTP: New York City, Philadelphia
9
30.4 mi into trip|~43m in
Keep slight left 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 left lane.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton
8
60.4 mi into trip|~1h 18m in
Take the exit toward I 195: Trenton, Shore Points
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 7A
Toward I 195: Trenton, Shore Points
8
63.7 mi into trip|~1h 25m in
Take the exit toward CR 539: Hightstown, Allentown
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 8
Toward CR 539: Hightstown, Allentown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.99 one way
$23.97 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg25 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.13
$26.26
premium
$4.93
$14.02
$28.04
diesel
$5.61
$15.96
$31.93
Estimated Tolls: $5.68
New Jersey Turnpike
(29.4 mi)$4.11
Garden State Parkway
(26.1 mi)$1.57
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
$12
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.3 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
21.7
0
$7.59
$3.47
Efficient EV
18.1
0
$6.33
$2.89
EV Truck/SUV
28.9
0
$10.12
$4.63
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Paterson, NJ
Evening
in Paterson on Sunday
Local time
5:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Chesterfield, NJ
Evening
in Chesterfield on Sunday
Local time
5:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°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
11 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 42m 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.
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
Caution: Limited Amphitheater Accessibility
Caution: Overlook Park Parking Lot - Vehicles Must Be Parked in a Designated Spot
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...
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 19.9
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 82% of the trip on major roads. You'll encounter a 29.4-mile stretch on the New Jersey Turnpike, indicating a substantial portion of uninterrupted highway cruising. The route transitions to surface roads like Extonville Road later in the drive, likely signaling a change from dense highway exits to a more local feel as you approach your destination. Be prepared for urban merging and dense exits early on.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29.4 mi on New Jersey Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 29.4 miles in near Exit 129.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 72.3 miles you will encounter 21 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 29.4 miles (Exit 129): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 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 Paterson, NJ and Chesterfield, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp, Philadelphia, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Njtp: New York City and Njtp South: Trenton - among others.
Njtp
29.4 mi in|~41m|via Exit 129
Philadelphia
29.4 mi in|~41m|via Exit 129
Woodbridge
29.4 mi in|~41m|via Exit 129
Perth Amboy
29.4 mi in|~41m|via Exit 129
Njtp: New York City
29.8 mi in|~42m
Njtp South: Trenton
30.4 mi in|~43m
Shore Points
60.4 mi in|~1h 18m
Cr 539: Hightstown
63.7 mi in|~1h 25m
Allentown
63.7 mi in|~1h 25m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 72.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 29.4 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.68 in tolls one way, starting with New Jersey Turnpike. 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 Chesterfield, 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 29.4 miles (Exit 129): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park and Morristown 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 Chesterfield, NJ before heading back.
