Whitney Houston Service Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Trenton, NJ to Ridgewood, 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 42m
Distance
68.9 mi
111 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 35m
★
6 AM
1h 42m
8 AM
1h 58m
10 AM
1h 48m
12 PM
1h 46m
3 PM
1h 48m
5 PM
1h 57m
8 PM
1h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Trenton, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Ridgewood, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Trenton, NJ to Ridgewood, NJ covers 68.9 miles and takes about 1h 42m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Garden State Parkway, Brunswick Pike, US 1 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed highway & surface. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 25.1 miles on Garden State Parkway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $11.84 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
34.4 miles from Trenton, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 50m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 25.1 mi | 34m |
| Brunswick Pike | 17.1 mi | 24m |
| US 1 | 10.3 mi | 15m |
| Lincoln Avenue | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| I 295 | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| Hamilton Avenue | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| River Street | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| NJ 19 | 1.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 25.1 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Trenton, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ.
1
Start on CR 626
6 ft
·
6 sec
·
Chambers Street
2
Turn left onto CR 606
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hamilton Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 295 North
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 295 North
5
Merge onto I 295
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 295
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 67A-B
Toward US 1: New Brunswick, Trenton
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 67A
Toward US 1 North: New Brunswick
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto US 1
17 mi
·
24 min
·
Brunswick Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
504 ft
·
7 sec
·
US 1
Toward Newark|Newark, Camden, New Brunswick|Newark, Camden, New Brunswick
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
366 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
US 1
13
Continue on US 1
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
US 1
14
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 1
Use the right lane.
16
Continue on US 1
5.9 mi
·
9 min
·
US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward GSP Toll North: Garden State Parkway
18
Merge onto GSP
25 mi
·
34 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 155A
Toward NJ 19: Paterson
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto NJ 19
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
NJ 19
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
313 ft
·
7 sec
Toward I 80 West: Grand Street, Del Water Gap
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
Toward Grand Street
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Turn right onto CR 638
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Grand Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn left onto CR 509
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn right onto River Street
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
River Street
26
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
350 ft
·
11 sec
·
2nd Avenue
27
Turn left onto East 19th Street
509 ft
·
10 sec
·
East 19th Street
28
Continue on CR 504; CR 653
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Lincoln Avenue
29
At end of road, turn right onto CR 80
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Godwin Avenue
30
Continue on CR 80
412 ft
·
16 sec
·
Wilsey Square
31
Continue on CR 80
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Garber Square
32
Turn right onto North Broad Street
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
North Broad Street
33
Turn left onto East Ridgewood Avenue
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
East Ridgewood Avenue
34
Arrive at destination
East Ridgewood Avenue
Trip Plan
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 34.4 miles from Trenton, NJ, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.1 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 15 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 34.4 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ridgewood, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Trenton, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Trenton, NJ
This is one driving day of about 68.9 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Trenton, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 25.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
34 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 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 34.4 miles from Trenton, 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.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Connie Chung Service Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Larry Doby Service Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
1.6 mi from route
Valley Settlement House
2 mi from route
Rest Area
2.3 mi from route
Rest Area
2.4 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 265 decision points cluster between mile 6 and 62.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
6 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Take the exit toward US 1: New Brunswick, Trenton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 67A-B
Toward US 1: New Brunswick, Trenton
8
6.2 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 1 North: New Brunswick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 67A
Toward US 1 North: New Brunswick
7
23.9 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
US 1
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1 toward Newark|Newark, Camden, New Brunswick|Newark, Camden, New Brunswick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Newark|Newark, Camden, New Brunswick|New...
7
24 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
US 1
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
62.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Grand Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Grand Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.84 one way
$23.68 round trip
$4.37/gal
25.4 MPG avg
24 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.79 | $12.99 | $25.99 |
| premium | $5.13 | $13.91 | $27.81 |
| diesel | $5.97 | $16.19 | $32.37 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.51
Garden State Parkway
(25.1 mi)
$1.51
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
$12
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-09-07.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 20.7 | 0 | $7.23 | $3.31 |
| Efficient EV | 17.2 | 0 | $6.03 | $2.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 27.6 | 0 | $9.65 | $4.41 |
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 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.
Origin
Trenton, NJ
Morning in Trenton on Saturday
Local time
6:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
SW 10 mph
15% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Ridgewood, NJ
Morning in Ridgewood on Saturday
Local time
6:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 9 mph
6% chance
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
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 42m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
68.9 mi in 1h 42m — 58% highway, the rest on surface roads. Biggest road: Garden State Parkway.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 25.1 mi on Garden State Parkway.
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 6 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 68.9 miles you will encounter 26 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 6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.9 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
166 ft
60 ft
Total Climb
270 ft
Total Descent
219 ft
Highest Point
166 ft
~59 mi in
Elevation Range
106 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 Trenton, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ, road signs point toward Newark|Newark, Camden, New Brunswick|Newark, New Brunswick and Del Water Gap.
Newark|Newark
23.9 mi in
|
~34m
|
via US 1
Camden
23.9 mi in
|
~34m
|
via US 1
New Brunswick|Newark
23.9 mi in
|
~34m
|
via US 1
New Brunswick
23.9 mi in
|
~34m
|
via US 1
Del Water Gap
62 mi in
|
~1h 28m
About the Cities
Starting in Trenton, NJ
Full guide →Founded 1719
Trenton is in Mercer County, and is the capital of New Jersey. The city's strategic location in between New York City and Philadelphia has historically contributed to its growth and significantly impacts local culture. Located on the Delaware River across from Pennsylvania, Trenton is the only accessible capital city in the United States to border another state.
Top landmarks
- • New Jersey State House — state capitol building of the U.S. state of New Jersey
- • First Presbyterian Church — church in Trenton, New Jersey
- • Calhoun Street Bridge — bridge over the Delaware River between Morrisville, Pennsylvania and Trenton, Ne...
Arriving in Ridgewood, NJ
Full guide →Ridgewood is a village of 25,000 people (2019) in New Jersey. It is a suburban bedroom community of New York City, about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Midtown Manhattan. This article also covers the adjacent community of Ho-Ho-Kus.
Top landmarks
- • Ridgewood — NJ Transit railway station
- • David Ackerman House — Ridgewood, New Jersey, listed on the NRHP in Bergen County
- • Paramus Reformed Church Historic District — historic district in Ridgewood, 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 42m. Total distance: 68.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (58%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 25.1 miles on Garden State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.51 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 8 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 Ridgewood, 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 6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.9 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Ridgewood, 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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