Traveling from Sussex to Somerset covers 61.2 miles across the Northeast region of New Jersey. You can expect a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. Your estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $10, keeping the trip budget-friendly. This route functions as a straightforward transit between the two locations, utilizing a mix of local roads and major highways. Because the drive is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time around your own schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
30.6 miles from Sussex, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 206
19.9 mi
31m
I 287
11.4 mi
13m
Ross Corner-Sussex Road
8.2 mi
12m
Woodside Avenue
7.5 mi
12m
Hampton House Road
4.2 mi
6m
Easton Avenue
2.6 mi
4m
Route 206
2 mi
3m
Christopher Columbus Highway
1.2 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 206
— 19.9 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sussex, NJ and Somerset, NJ.
1
Start on CR 643
0.1 mi·21 sec·Main Street
2
At end of road, turn right onto NJ 23
0.4 mi·50 sec·Loomis Avenue
Use the straight lane.
3
Continue on CR 639
8.2 mi·12 min·Ross Corner-Sussex Road
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on US 206
4.2 mi·6 min·Hampton House Road
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on US 206; NJ 94
0.7 mi·1 min·Water Street
6
Enter roundabout onto US 206
465 ft·9 sec·Main Street
7
Continue on US 206
0.2 mi·31 sec·Main Street
8
Continue on US 206
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
9
Continue on US 206
7.5 mi·12 min·Woodside Avenue
10
Continue on US 206
2.0 mi·3 min·Route 206
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 206
0.8 mi·1 min·US 206
Use the left lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 206
0.7 mi·56 sec·US 206
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto US 206
0.6 mi·52 sec·US 206
14
Merge onto I 80; US 206
1.2 mi·1 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
15
Take the exit onto US 206
0.2 mi·24 sec·US 206
Exit 27A-BToward SH 183 North, US 206 South: Netcong, SomervilleUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 206
0.3 mi·32 sec·US 206
Toward US 206 South: SomervilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 206
17 mi·27 min·US 206
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 287 South: Somerville, PrincetonUse the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto I 287
1.3 mi·1 min·I 287
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 287
10 mi·11 min·I 287
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 10Toward CR 527: Easton Avenue, South Bound Brook, New BrunswickUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn straight onto CR 527
2.6 mi·4 min·Easton Avenue
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn straight
271 ft·10 sec
24
Turn right onto Foxwood Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Foxwood Drive
25
At end of road, turn left onto Winston Drive
0.3 mi·1 min·Winston Drive
26
Turn right onto Kingsbridge Road
407 ft·21 sec·Kingsbridge Road
27
Turn left onto Indiana Road
418 ft·20 sec·Indiana Road
28
Turn right onto Concord Drive
0.2 mi·46 sec·Concord Drive
29
At end of road, turn left onto Abbott Road
71 ft·5 sec·Abbott Road
30
Turn right onto West Point Avenue
0.1 mi·31 sec·West Point Avenue
31
Arrive at destination
West Point Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this 61.2-mile journey is easily manageable in under two hours, you don't need to worry about complex pacing or multiple rest stops. Aim to check local traffic conditions before heading out, especially since the route relies on a significant percentage of highway travel where congestion can occur. With no mandatory stops required, you can drive straight through or take a break whenever you find it convenient. A helpful tip is to keep your $10 fuel budget in mind, ensuring you have enough gas to cover the full duration before you leave Sussex. The lack of required stops gives you the advantage of total control over your arrival time in Somerset.
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 30.6 miles from Sussex, NJ, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 19.9 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 13 miles or 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 30.6 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 Somerset, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sussex, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sussex, NJ
This is one driving day of about 61.2 miles and 1h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 13 miles from Sussex, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 206 for about 19.9 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 57 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|NJ 23 / Loomis Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto NJ 23 / Loomis Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
27.4 mi into trip|~45m in|US 206
Take the exit onto US 206 toward SH 183 North, US 206 South: Netcong, Somerville
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 27A-B
Toward SH 183 North, US 206 South: Netcong, Som...
8
27.7 mi into trip|~45m in|US 206
Keep slight right at fork onto US 206 toward US 206 South: Somerville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 206 South: Somerville
7
45.3 mi into trip|~1h 13m 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
8
57 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward CR 527: Easton Avenue, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick
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 10
Toward CR 527: Easton Avenue, South Bound Brook...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.15 one way
$20.29 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg21 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$11.11
$22.22
premium
$4.93
$11.87
$23.74
diesel
$5.61
$13.51
$27.02
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$35–$60
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 21.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
18.4
0
$6.43
$2.94
Efficient EV
15.3
0
$5.35
$2.45
EV Truck/SUV
24.5
0
$8.57
$3.92
Gas CO2
21 kg
EV CO2
7 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 16, 2026
Origin
Sussex, NJ
Morning
in Sussex on Sunday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Somerset, NJ
Morning
in Somerset on Sunday
Local time
6:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°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
22 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 37m 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 42.2
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,...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
$10
near mile 14.8
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...
23 mi from route
~56 min detour
$10
near mile 54.9
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 29.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip offers a mixed driving profile, transitioning from local roads to major interstate travel. You will spend about 55% of your time on highways, providing a balance between slower local sections and faster transit. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 19.9-mile segment on US 206, which serves as a core part of the journey. Expect the road personality to shift as you move from the initial Ross Corner-Sussex Road portion onto the broader flow of I-287. It is a practical drive that combines regional connectivity with varying road types.
55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 19.9 mi on US 206.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near NJ 23 / Loomis Avenue.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 61.2 miles you will encounter 20 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 0.1 miles (NJ 23 / Loomis Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 27.4 miles (US 206): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.7 miles (US 206): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sussex, NJ and Somerset, NJ, road signs point toward Sh 183 North, Somerville, Princeton, Bound Brook and New Brunswick.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 37m. Total distance: 61.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (55%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 19.9 miles on US 206. 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 Somerset, 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 0.1 miles (NJ 23 / Loomis Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 27.4 miles (US 206): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 27.7 miles (US 206): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Morristown National Historical Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Thomas Edison 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 Somerset, NJ before heading back.
