Origin
Toms River, NJ
Late night in Toms River on Saturday
Local time
5:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Toms River, NJ to Stanhope, NJ
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 12, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 57m
Distance
85.9 mi
138 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 49m
★
6 AM
1h 58m
8 AM
2h 15m
10 AM
2h 3m
12 PM
2h 2m
3 PM
2h 4m
5 PM
2h 14m
8 PM
1h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Toms River, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Stanhope, NJ
Alexa V. Mato
Trip Overview
Toms River to Stanhope is 85.9 miles and takes about 1h 57m via NJ 18, US 202, and Garden State Parkway, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New Jersey, connecting two points in the Northeast region. Given its relatively short duration and highway-heavy profile, it's a straightforward drive, ideal for a single-day excursion. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained parkways and highways, making for efficient travel between these two locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42.9 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 Stanhope, 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 98
Toward NJ 138 East, I 195 West, NJ 34: Belmar, Trenton
Use 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: Trenton
Use 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 35B
Toward NJ 34 North: Matawan
Use 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 Brook
Use 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 City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 22B
Toward US 202 North, US 206 North: Bedminster, Netcong
Use 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
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
NJ 183
Use the straight lane.
28
Turn left onto CR 601
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Main Street
29
Turn left onto Kelly Place
71 ft
·
3 sec
·
Kelly Place
30
Turn right onto Plane Street
56 ft
·
2 sec
·
Plane Street
31
Arrive at destination
Plane Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 85.9-mile drive, consider departing Toms River in the morning to avoid heavier traffic, especially on the Garden State Parkway. The 1 hour and 57-minute estimated duration means you can comfortably complete this trip in one day without needing to stop overnight. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, plan to fill up before you leave or at a convenient point along the way. Pay attention to the transition points between NJ 18, US 202, and the Garden State Parkway, as these are where you'll see the most changes in traffic patterns and exit signage.
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 42.9 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 42.9 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 Stanhope, 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 85.9 miles and 1h 57m.
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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
43 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 42.9 miles from Toms River, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 255 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
$14.76 one way
$29.52 round trip
$4.37/gal
25.4 MPG avg
30 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.79 | $16.20 | $32.40 |
| premium | $5.13 | $17.34 | $34.68 |
| diesel | $5.97 | $20.18 | $40.36 |
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: 30.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-09-07.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25.8 | 0 | $9.02 | $4.12 |
| Efficient EV | 21.5 | 0 | $7.52 | $3.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34.4 | 0 | $12.03 | $5.50 |
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.
Destination
Stanhope, NJ
Late night in Stanhope on Saturday
Local time
5:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°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
2 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 57m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 91% of the 85.9 miles on major roads. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch of 22.2 miles on NJ 18. Expect frequent exits and merges as you transition between NJ 18, US 202, and the Garden State Parkway. The highway nature means you'll likely experience consistent cruising speeds for most of the trip.
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 Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 85.9 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
851 ft
13 ft
Total Climb
1,068 ft
Total Descent
239 ft
Highest Point
851 ft
~85.9 mi in
Elevation Range
838 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Stanhope, NJ, road signs point toward Trenton, Gsp North, So Bound Brook, Mahwah and Netcong.
Trenton
16.3 mi in
|
~20m
Gsp North
16.6 mi in
|
~20m
So Bound Brook
50.1 mi in
|
~1h 3m
Mahwah
54.6 mi in
|
~1h 11m
Netcong
66.5 mi in
|
~1h 25m
About the Cities
Starting in Toms River, NJ
Full guide →Founded 1768
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
Arriving in Stanhope, NJ
Full guide →Founded 1904
Stanhope is a city in Sussex County in New Jersey
Top landmarks
- • Plaster Mill — historic building in Stanhope, New Jersey
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 57m. Total distance: 85.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 57m 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.
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 Stanhope, 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. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Stanhope, NJ before heading back.
How this page is built
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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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