Paterson, NJ to Medford, NJ is 87.9 miles and takes about 1 hour 55 minutes via the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New Jersey, making it a straightforward option for a single-day drive. You'll primarily be on major roadways, offering a consistent and efficient way to get from the northern part of the state to the southern region. The route is almost entirely highway, so expect minimal time spent on local streets once you're on your way.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
44 miles from Paterson, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike
46.4 mi
53m
Garden State Parkway
23.8 mi
33m
Main Street
2.9 mi
4m
Mount Holly Bypass
2.8 mi
4m
Garden State Parkway Southbound
2.3 mi
3m
Medford-Mount Holly Road
2.1 mi
3m
NJ 19
2 mi
2m
Burlington-Mount Holly Road
1.7 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 46.4 mi, about 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paterson, NJ and Medford, 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
39 mi·45 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP
7.3 mi·8 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Toward NJTP South: Camden, Wilmington
18
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 5Toward Burlington, Mount HollyUse the right lane.
19
Continue on NJ Turnpike Exit 5
0.1 mi·17 sec·NJ Turnpike Exit 5
20
Turn right onto CR 541
1.7 mi·2 min·Burlington-Mount Holly Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn right onto CR 541
2.8 mi·4 min·Mount Holly Bypass
Use the right lane.
22
Turn right onto CR 541
2.9 mi·4 min·Main Street
23
Continue on CR 541
2.1 mi·3 min·Medford-Mount Holly Road
24
Continue on CR 541
0.3 mi·23 sec·North Main Street
25
Arrive at destination
CR 541
Trip Plan
Given this route takes less than two hours, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Paterson, NJ mid-morning should help you avoid the worst of any potential commuter traffic. Since the drive is short, you likely won't need many, if any, stops. However, if you do want to stretch your legs, keep in mind that the longest continuous highway section is 46.4 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike, which could be a good point to consider a quick break. Plan your fuel stops accordingly, as the estimated cost is around $16.
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 44 miles from Paterson, NJ, or about 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.4 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 19 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44 miles or 59m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Medford, 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 87.9 miles and 1h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 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 46.4 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 77.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|Memorial Drive
Turn right onto Memorial Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
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
77.4 mi into trip|~1h 38m in
Take the exit toward Burlington, Mount Holly
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 5
Toward Burlington, Mount Holly
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.55 one way
$31.09 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$17.03
$34.05
premium
$5.24
$18.15
$36.30
diesel
$5.35
$18.51
$37.03
Estimated Tolls: $8.07
New Jersey Turnpike
(46.4 mi)$6.49
Garden State Parkway
(26.1 mi)$1.57
Nj Turnpike
(0.1 mi)$0.01
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
$16
Tolls
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.4
0
$9.23
$4.22
Efficient EV
22
0
$7.69
$3.52
EV Truck/SUV
35.2
0
$12.31
$5.63
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 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 May 31, 2026
Origin
Paterson, NJ
Evening
in Paterson on Wednesday
Local time
6:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Partly Sunny
NW 12 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 31 at 4:06AM EDT until May 31 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Medford, NJ
Evening
in Medford on Wednesday
Local time
6:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Sunny
W 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 31 at 4:06AM EDT until May 31 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
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
1 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 55m 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.
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 18.2
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...
20 mi from route
~49 min detour
Free
near mile 15.2
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 85% of the total distance covered on major roads. You'll encounter a continuous stretch of 46.4 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike. After the highway portion, you'll transition to Main Street for the final leg. Expect frequent exits and merges typical of a busy interstate system for most of the drive.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.4 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 0.2 miles in near Memorial Drive.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 87.9 miles you will encounter 17 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 (Memorial Drive): Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
171 ft38 ft
Total Climb
212 ft
Total Descent
239 ft
Highest Point
171 ft
~6.3 mi in
Elevation Range
133 ft
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 Medford, 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
Njtp South: Camden
70.1 mi in|~1h 30m|via NJTP
Wilmington
70.1 mi in|~1h 30m|via NJTP
Burlington
77.4 mi in|~1h 38m
Mount Holly
77.4 mi in|~1h 38m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
For the township in the Hunter region of New South Wales, see Paterson (New South Wales).
Paterson is New Jersey's third largest city (about 155,000 inhabitants as of 2022), and hosts a great attraction: the Great Falls, which are very extensive and second only to Niagara Falls in terms of volume of water in waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Paterson is 12 miles away from Manhattan. It is an ethnically diverse city that houses large Hispanic, Arab, Italian-American, African American and Bengali communities. South Paterson is home to one of the nation's largest Arab communities.
Top landmarks
•Great Falls — waterfalls on the Passaic River
•Passaic County Court House — courthouse in Paterson, New Jersey
•Lambert Castle — historic building in Paterson, New Jersey
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 55m. Total distance: 87.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.4 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $8.07 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.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Medford, 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 0.2 miles (Memorial Drive): Lane positioning matters here; 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.
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 Medford, NJ before heading back.
