Westwood to Trenton is 73.4 miles and takes about 1h 43m via New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur and US 1, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within New Jersey, moving from the Northeast region to the same region. Expect a straightforward journey with a high highway share, making it a functional choice for getting from point A to point B. It's a short enough trip that you won't feel rushed, offering flexibility for your schedule. Consider this route if you prioritize efficiency and a direct path.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36.7 miles from Westwood, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
28.5 mi
35m
US 1
20.1 mi
28m
NJ 17
6.3 mi
7m
Forest Avenue
4.3 mi
6m
Trenton Freeway
3 mi
4m
Maywood Avenue
1.7 mi
2m
North Olden Avenue
1.4 mi
2m
Brunswick Pike
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
— 28.5 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Westwood, NJ and Trenton, NJ.
1
Start on CR 502
69 ft·3 sec·Broadway
2
Turn left onto CR 502; CR 110
309 ft·9 sec·Washington Avenue
3
Turn left onto CR 59
0.7 mi·1 min·3rd Avenue
4
Continue on CR 59
0.6 mi·1 min·4th Avenue
5
Continue on CR 59
0.2 mi·19 sec·4th Avenue
6
Continue on CR 59
4.3 mi·6 min·Forest Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on CR 59
1.7 mi·2 min·Maywood Avenue
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn right onto CR 56
0.3 mi·31 sec·Essex Street
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·22 sec
10
Merge onto NJ 17
6.3 mi·7 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
12
Merge onto NJ 3
0.5 mi·36 sec·NJ 3
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward East Rutherford, American Dream, Stadium, Racetrack, Training FacilityUse the slight right lane.
14
Continue on Sheraton Plaza Drive
0.2 mi·22 sec·Sheraton Plaza Drive
15
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: NewarkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
6.3 mi·8 min·New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; NJTP
22 mi·27 min·New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 9Toward NJ 18 East, US 1 East: New BrunswickUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers UniversityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
323 ft·7 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers University
22
Merge onto NJ 18; CR 527
0.4 mi·51 sec·State Route 18
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward US 1 South: Princeton, Trenton
24
Merge onto US 1
2.4 mi·3 min·US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on US 1
0.1 mi·9 sec·US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
276 ft·4 sec·US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
387 ft·6 sec·US 1
28
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
3.6 mi·5 min·US 1
29
Continue on US 1
14 mi·19 min·US 1
Use the straight lane.
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Use the slight right lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·31 sec
32
Merge onto US 1
0.9 mi·1 min·Brunswick Pike
33
Continue on US 1
3.0 mi·4 min·Trenton Freeway
34
Take the exit
474 ft·14 sec
Toward Olden Avenue, New York AvenueUse the slight right lane.
35
At end of road, turn left onto New York Avenue
481 ft·14 sec·New York Avenue
36
Turn left onto CR 622
1.4 mi·2 min·North Olden Avenue
Use the left lane.
37
Turn right onto CR 606
0.6 mi·1 min·Hamilton Avenue
38
Turn right onto CR 626
6 ft·0 sec·Chambers Street
39
Arrive at destination
CR 626
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 43 minutes, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best, though avoiding peak commute times will enhance the experience. With a fuel cost estimated at $12, planning for one fuel stop is unlikely to be necessary, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. The longest stretch without a break is 28.5 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur, so ensure you're comfortable before embarking on that segment. For this particular route, keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you approach the Trenton area, as congestion can impact your estimated travel time.
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 36.7 miles from Westwood, NJ, or about 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.5 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 16 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.7 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Trenton, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Westwood, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Westwood, NJ
This is one driving day of about 73.4 miles and 1h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Westwood, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur for about 28.5 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 15.2 and 45.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
15.2 mi into trip|~21m in
Take the exit toward East Rutherford, American Dream, Stadium, Racetrack, Training Facility
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 East Rutherford, American Dream, Stadium...
8
16 mi into trip|~23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Newark
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Newark
8
44.9 mi into trip|~1h in
Take the exit toward NJ 18 East, US 1 East: New Brunswick
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 9
Toward NJ 18 East, US 1 East: New Brunswick
8
45.6 mi into trip|~1h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers University
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers Univ...
7
45.9 mi into trip|~1h 2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers University
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers Univ...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.17 one way
$24.34 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg26 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.33
$26.66
premium
$4.93
$14.23
$28.47
diesel
$5.61
$16.21
$32.41
Estimated Tolls: $4.00
New Jersey Turnpike
(28.5 mi)$4.00
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
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22
0
$7.71
$3.52
Efficient EV
18.4
0
$6.42
$2.94
EV Truck/SUV
29.4
0
$10.28
$4.70
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Westwood, NJ
Night
in Westwood on Saturday
Local time
9:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Trenton, NJ
Night
in Trenton on Saturday
Local time
9:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°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
12 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 43m 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.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 7.6
Caution: Limited Amphitheater Accessibility
Caution: Overlook Park Parking Lot - Vehicles Must Be Parked in a Designated Spot
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...
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...
15 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 25.3
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...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 30.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is heavily highway-focused, with 80% of it on faster roads. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur, including a continuous stretch of 28.5 miles. While the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur provides a direct path, the inclusion of US 1 and NJ 17 means you'll experience some transitions. The character leans towards a utilitarian drive, designed for covering ground rather than leisurely sightseeing. Be prepared for a driving experience that prioritizes speed and directness.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 28.5 mi on New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur and US 1. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.2 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 73.4 miles you will encounter 29 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 15.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.9 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.
Between Westwood, NJ and Trenton, NJ, road signs point toward Rutherford, American Dream, Stadium, Racetrack, Training Facility and Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike - among others.
Rutherford
15.2 mi in|~21m
American Dream
15.2 mi in|~21m
Stadium
15.2 mi in|~21m
Racetrack
15.2 mi in|~21m
Training Facility
15.2 mi in|~21m
Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
15.5 mi in|~22m
Njtp South: Newark
16 mi in|~23m
Rutgers University
45.6 mi in|~1h 2m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 73.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 28.5 miles on New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.00 in tolls one way, starting with New Jersey Turnpike. 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 Trenton, 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 15.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park and Gateway National Recreation Area (4 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 Trenton, NJ before heading back.
