Toms River to Stillwater is 105.8 miles and takes about 2h 28m via NJ 18 and US 202, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New Jersey, moving from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. With most of the drive on highways, you'll cover a good distance efficiently. Plan for a straightforward drive that's easily achievable in a single day.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
52.9 miles from Toms River, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 8m 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
Christopher Columbus Highway
6.7 mi
7m
Easton Avenue
3.4 mi
5m
Johnsonburg Road
2.8 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
NJ 18
— 22.2 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Toms River, NJ and Stillwater, 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
Take the exit onto US 206
0.5 mi·1 min·US 206
Toward I 80 West, US 206 North: Stanhope, Newton
28
Merge onto I 80; US 206
6.7 mi·7 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 19Toward CR 517: Hackettstown, Allamuchy, AndoverUse the slight right lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork
196 ft·6 sec
Toward CR 517 North: Allamuchy, AndoverUse the straight / right lanes.
31
Continue on CR 667
0.2 mi·23 sec·Old Hackettstown Road
32
Keep slight left at fork onto CR 612
2.8 mi·4 min·Johnsonburg Road
33
Continue on CR 612
2.1 mi·3 min·Allamuchy Road
34
Turn right onto CR 519
0.4 mi·40 sec·Johnsonburg Bypass Road
35
Continue on CR 661
1.4 mi·2 min·Ramsey Road
36
At end of road, turn left onto NJ 94
1.9 mi·2 min·NJ 94
37
Turn right onto CR 659
1.3 mi·2 min·Spring Valley Road
38
Turn right onto CR 521
2.5 mi·4 min·Stillwater Road
39
Continue on CR 521
1.1 mi·1 min·Maple Avenue
40
At end of road, turn right onto CR 610
155 ft·5 sec·Main Fredon Road
41
Turn sharp left
158 ft·11 sec
42
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 28m estimated drive time, leaving in the morning from Toms River allows ample time to reach Stillwater well before evening. You won't need to break this 105.8-mile trip into multiple days, so flexibility is key. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is around $19. Consider filling up before you hit US 202, as highway stretches can sometimes mean fewer immediate service options.
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 52.9 miles from Toms River, NJ, or about 1h 8m 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 23 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 52.9 miles or 1h 8m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stillwater, 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.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Toms River, NJ
This is one driving day of about 105.8 miles and 2h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 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 32
5 decision points cluster between mile 16.3 and 92 — 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
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,...
9
92 mi into trip|~2h 3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CR 517 North: Allamuchy, Andover
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward CR 517 North: Allamuchy, Andover
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.71 one way
$37.42 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg37 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$20.49
$40.99
premium
$5.24
$21.84
$43.69
diesel
$5.35
$22.28
$44.57
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
$19
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31.7
0
$11.11
$5.08
Efficient EV
26.5
0
$9.26
$4.23
EV Truck/SUV
42.3
0
$14.81
$6.77
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 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 Jun 3, 2026
Origin
Toms River, NJ
Evening
in Toms River on Wednesday
Local time
5:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Mostly Clear
NW 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Stillwater, NJ
Evening
in Stillwater on Wednesday
Local time
5:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny
N 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive 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
26 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
2h 28m 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.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
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,...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
$10
near mile 105.8
Park Closure: Old Mine Road North Construction Closure Begins April 6, 2026
Park Closure: Dingmans Falls Trail, Road, and Access Closed for Bridge Replacement
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
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 69.3
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 54.7
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
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 25.5
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
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 83.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 75% of the 105.8 miles on faster roads. You'll encounter a 22.2-mile stretch on NJ 18 before transitioning. Expect a significant amount of highway cruising with many exits and merges as you navigate these main arteries.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 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
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 32 significant decision points across 105.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
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
1,036 ft22 ft
Total Climb
1,127 ft
Total Descent
715 ft
Highest Point
1,036 ft
~90.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,014 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 Stillwater, NJ, road signs point toward Trenton, Gsp North, So Bound Brook, Mahwah, Netcong and Newton - among others.
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 2h 28m. Total distance: 105.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). 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 5 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 Stillwater, NJ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. There are 5 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Morristown National Historical Park 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 Stillwater, NJ before heading back.
