Origin
West Cape May, NJ
Night in West Cape May on Saturday
Local time
9:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from West Cape May, NJ to Edison, NJ
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 47m
Distance
135.6 mi
218 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 37m
★
6 AM
2h 48m
8 AM
3h 9m
10 AM
2h 55m
12 PM
2h 53m
3 PM
2h 56m
5 PM
3h 8m
8 PM
2h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
West Cape May, NJ
Aisling Kerr
Edison, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 135.6-mile drive from West Cape May, NJ, to Edison, NJ, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect the trip to take about 2 hours and 47 minutes, primarily utilizing the Garden State Parkway, NJ 18, and NJ 34. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, this route is an economical option for a one-day excursion. The drive stays within the Northeast region, offering a consistent experience as you head north through New Jersey. It's a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
67.8 miles from West Cape May, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 97.2 mi | 1h 53m |
| NJ 18 | 21.4 mi | 24m |
| NJ 34 | 7 mi | 9m |
| Lafayette Street | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| US 1 | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Plainfield Avenue | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| NJ 33 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Sunset Boulevard | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 97.2 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Cape May, NJ and Edison, NJ.
1
Start on 2nd Avenue
217 ft
·
16 sec
·
2nd Avenue
2
Turn left onto CR 607
414 ft
·
14 sec
·
South Bayshore Drive
3
Turn left onto CR 606; OD
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Sunset Boulevard
4
Continue on CR 606
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
West Perry Street
5
Continue on CR 606
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Jackson Street
6
Turn left onto NJ 109
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Lafayette Street
7
Turn right onto NJ 109; OD
265 ft
·
10 sec
·
Sidney Avenue
Use the right lane.
8
At end of road, turn left onto NJ 109; OD
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Washington Street
Use the left lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto NJ 109; OD
102 ft
·
2 sec
·
Washington Street
Use the right lane.
10
Turn straight onto NJ 109; OD
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Lafayette Street
11
Turn straight onto GSP
19 mi
·
22 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Toward GSP North: Garden State Parkway North
Use the slight right lane.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
31 sec
13
Merge onto GSP
34 mi
·
39 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
44 mi
·
51 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the straight lane.
15
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.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward GSP North, I 195 West
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward I 195 West: Trenton
Use the right lane.
18
Merge onto NJ 138
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
NJ 138
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 35B
Toward NJ 34 North: Matawan
Use the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto NJ 34
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 34
21
Enter roundabout onto NJ 33; NJ 34
451 ft
·
6 sec
·
NJ 33; NJ 34
22
Continue on NJ 33; NJ 34
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
NJ 33; NJ 34
23
Take the exit onto NJ 34
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
NJ 34
Use the straight lane.
24
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick
25
Merge onto NJ 18
21 mi
·
24 min
·
NJ 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward US 1 North: Newark
Use the left / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto US 1
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
US 1
28
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 1
Use the right lane.
30
Continue on US 1
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
US 1
31
Turn right
462 ft
·
39 sec
32
At end of road, turn left onto CR 529
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Plainfield Avenue
33
Turn left onto Central Avenue
345 ft
·
17 sec
·
Central Avenue
34
Turn right onto Reed Street
523 ft
·
28 sec
·
Reed Street
35
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under 3 hours, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. You'll want to consider leaving early to avoid potential traffic, especially as you get closer to the Edison area. While there's only one recommended stop, you can adjust your pace as needed since it's not an overly long drive. The primary roads are well-maintained, but keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on the Garden State Parkway is quite substantial. A good tip is to fill up before you depart West Cape May to ensure you have ample fuel for the initial segment.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.8 miles from West Cape May, NJ, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.2 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 30 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.8 miles or 1h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Edison, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving West Cape May, 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 West Cape May, NJ
This is one driving day of about 135.6 miles and 2h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from West Cape May, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 97.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
68 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 67.8 miles from West Cape May, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Garden State Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97.2 miles.
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 275 decision points cluster between mile 2.4 and 102.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.4 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
NJ 109; OD / Washington Street
At end of road, turn left onto NJ 109; OD / Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
2.5 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
NJ 109; OD / Washington Street
Keep slight right at fork onto NJ 109; OD / Washington Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
101.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 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
101.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 2m 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
102.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 3m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.48 one way
$44.96 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $24.62 | $49.24 |
| premium | $4.93 | $26.30 | $52.60 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.94 | $59.88 |
Estimated Tolls: $5.83
Garden State Parkway
(97.2 mi)
$5.83
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
$22
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.7 | 0 | $14.24 | $6.51 |
| Efficient EV | 33.9 | 0 | $11.86 | $5.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.2 | 0 | $18.98 | $8.68 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (66% 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
Edison, NJ
Night in Edison on Saturday
Local time
9:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°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
1 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 47m 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...
18 mi from route
~46 min detour
Free
near mile 135.6
Park Closure: Partial Reopening: Cross Estate Gardens
Caution: Passaic River Trail Bridge washed out
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
21 mi from route
~51 min detour
$10
near mile 135.6
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
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 121.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the journey taking place on major roadways. You'll spend a significant amount of time on the Garden State Parkway, including a longest uninterrupted stretch of 97.2 miles. While the profile suggests a highway-centric experience, the inclusion of NJ 18 and NJ 34 indicates a transition to more arterial roads as you approach your destination. The overall feel is one of steady progress rather than winding scenic byways, making it ideal for covering distance efficiently.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.2 mi on Garden State Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and NJ 18. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in near NJ 109; OD / Washington Street.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 27 significant decision points across 135.6 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 2.4 miles (NJ 109; OD / Washington Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.5 miles (NJ 109; OD / Washington Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 101.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 West Cape May, NJ and Edison, NJ, road signs point toward Trenton and Gsp North.
Trenton
101.1 mi in
|
~2h
Gsp North
101.5 mi in
|
~2h 1m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 47m. Total distance: 135.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 97.2 miles on Garden State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.83 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 Edison, 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles (NJ 109; OD / Washington Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.5 miles (NJ 109; OD / Washington Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 101.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Morristown National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park and Gateway National Recreation Area. 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 Edison, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
More trips to Edison, NJ
Explore more options from West Cape May, NJ or browse trips ending in Edison, NJ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NJ road trips.