Toms River to Netcong is 85.6 miles and takes about 1 hour 56 minutes via NJ 18 and US 202, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New Jersey, moving from the Northeast region toward the Northeast region. Expect a mostly highway experience for this drive, making it a straightforward option if you're looking for efficiency. The relatively short duration and manageable fuel cost make this a convenient route for a single-day excursion.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42.8 miles from Toms River, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NJ 18
22.2 mi
26m
US 202
17.9 mi
28m
Garden State Parkway
15 mi
17m
I 287
11.7 mi
13m
NJ 34
7 mi
9m
Easton Avenue
3.4 mi
5m
Memorial Parkway
1.9 mi
2m
NJ 33
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
NJ 18
— 22.2 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Toms River, NJ and Netcong, NJ.
1
Start on this road
78 ft·7 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto NJ 166
0.7 mi·1 min·North Main Street
3
Turn left onto NJ 37
0.1 mi·21 sec·Route 37 West
4
Take the exit
0.5 mi·47 sec
Toward US 9 Toll North, GSP Toll North: Lakewood, New York, Woodbridge
5
Merge onto GSP; US 9
15 mi·17 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 98Toward NJ 138 East, I 195 West, NJ 34: Belmar, TrentonUse the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward GSP North, I 195 West
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 195 West: TrentonUse the right lane.
9
Merge onto NJ 138
0.2 mi·16 sec·NJ 138
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Exit 35BToward NJ 34 North: MatawanUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto NJ 34
3.4 mi·4 min·NJ 34
12
Enter roundabout onto NJ 33; NJ 34
451 ft·6 sec·NJ 33; NJ 34
13
Continue on NJ 33; NJ 34
1.0 mi·1 min·NJ 33; NJ 34
14
Take the exit onto NJ 34
3.6 mi·5 min·NJ 34
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick
16
Merge onto NJ 18
22 mi·26 min·NJ 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on NJ 18
1.9 mi·2 min·Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward Easton Avenue, So Bound BrookUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn straight onto (672)
0.2 mi·18 sec·George Street
20
Turn left onto CR 609
0.3 mi·27 sec·Landing Lane
21
Turn right onto CR 527
3.4 mi·5 min·Easton Avenue
Use the right lane.
22
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 287 North: Morristown, Mahwah
23
Merge onto I 287
7.2 mi·8 min·I 287
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 287
4.5 mi·5 min·I 287
Toward I 78 East: New York CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 22BToward US 202 North, US 206 North: Bedminster, NetcongUse the right lane.
26
Merge onto US 202; US 206
18 mi·28 min·US 202; US 206
Use the slight right lane.
27
Turn straight onto NJ 183
0.6 mi·1 min·NJ 183
Use the straight lane.
28
Turn left onto US 46
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 46
Use the left lane.
29
Turn slight right
136 ft·6 sec
Use the right lane.
30
Turn right onto Main Street
486 ft·16 sec·Main Street
Use the right lane.
31
Arrive at destination
Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 1 hour 56 minute drive time, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid the worst of any potential rush hour traffic around Toms River. With only 85.6 miles, you won't need many stops, but if you do, remember the longest stretch without a major road change is 22.2 miles on NJ 18. The estimated fuel cost of $16 is quite reasonable, so you should have plenty of budget for a quick coffee or snack. Keep an eye out for the transition points between the highway sections and surface roads to adjust your speed accordingly.
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 42.8 miles from Toms River, NJ, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.2 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 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42.8 miles or 54m 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 Netcong, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Toms River, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Toms River, NJ
This is one driving day of about 85.6 miles and 1h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Toms River, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on NJ 18 for about 22.2 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 16.3 and 66.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
16.3 mi into trip|~20m in
Take the exit toward NJ 138 East, I 195 West, NJ 34: Belmar, Trenton
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 98
Toward NJ 138 East, I 195 West, NJ 34: Belmar,...
8
16.9 mi into trip|~21m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 195 West: Trenton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 195 West: Trenton
8
17.4 mi into trip|~22m in
Take the exit toward NJ 34 North: Matawan
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 35B
Toward NJ 34 North: Matawan
7
50.1 mi into trip|~1h 3m in
Take the exit toward Easton Avenue, So Bound Brook
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 Easton Avenue, So Bound Brook
8
66.5 mi into trip|~1h 25m in
Take the exit toward US 202 North, US 206 North: Bedminster, Netcong
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 22B
Toward US 202 North, US 206 North: Bedminster,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.14 one way
$30.28 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg30 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$16.58
$33.16
premium
$5.24
$17.67
$35.35
diesel
$5.35
$18.03
$36.06
Estimated Tolls: $0.90
Garden State Parkway
(15 mi)$0.90
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
$15
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
25.7
0
$8.99
$4.11
Efficient EV
21.4
0
$7.49
$3.42
EV Truck/SUV
34.2
0
$11.98
$5.48
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 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 May 18, 2026
Origin
Toms River, NJ
Evening
in Toms River on Wednesday
Local time
5:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Sunny
S 0 to 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued May 18 at 2:52AM EDT until May 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Netcong, NJ
Evening
in Netcong on Wednesday
Local time
5:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Sunny
S 0 to 10 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued May 18 at 2:52AM EDT until May 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
70°F
Edison, NJ
43 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 56m 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.
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 70.8
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,...
20 mi from route
~50 min detour
$10
near mile 85.6
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
~56 min detour
$10
near mile 50.2
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...
24 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 35.4
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 82.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 91% of the 85.6 miles on major roads like NJ 18 and US 202. You'll encounter your longest continuous stretch on NJ 18, covering 22.2 miles. As you transition away from the high-speed roads, expect more frequent exits and a change in the driving environment. The majority of your travel time will be spent on these main thoroughfares.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 22.2 mi on NJ 18.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NJ 18 and US 202. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.3 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 85.6 miles you will encounter 25 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 16.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
872 ft11 ft
Total Climb
1,093 ft
Total Descent
243 ft
Highest Point
872 ft
~85.6 mi in
Elevation Range
861 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Toms River, NJ and Netcong, NJ, road signs point toward Trenton, Gsp North, So Bound Brook and Mahwah.
Toms River is the county seat of Ocean County, New Jersey. It is a few miles west of the beaches of the Jersey Shore Region, midway between New York and Philadelphia and a short distance from Atlantic City. Toms River is easy to get to by car as the Garden State Parkway bisects the town, and it is served by express bus service to and from New York City.
Top landmarks
•Ocean County Courthouse — county courthouse in Ocean County, New Jersey
•Stoutenburgh-Minturn House — historic house in Ocean County, New Jersey
•Captain Amos Birdsall House — historic house in Ocean County, New Jersey
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 56m. Total distance: 85.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 22.2 miles on NJ 18. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.90 in tolls one way, starting with Garden State Parkway. 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 2 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 Netcong, 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 16.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Netcong, NJ before heading back.
