Traveling from Wildwood to Edison covers 131.1 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 42 minutes, making it a straightforward day trip. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major thoroughfares, as the route is heavily highway-focused. With an estimated fuel cost of $22, it is an affordable trek across the Northeast region of New Jersey. Since the entire trip is easily manageable in a single day, you do not need to worry about booking overnight accommodations. Whether you are heading north for business or a weekend getaway, this drive offers a reliable connection between the coast and the central part of the state.
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
65.5 miles from Wildwood, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Garden State Parkway
90.4 mi
1h 45m
NJ 18
21.4 mi
24m
NJ 34
7 mi
9m
North Wildwood Boulevard
3.1 mi
4m
US 1
1.6 mi
2m
New Jersey Avenue
1.5 mi
2m
Plainfield Avenue
1.3 mi
3m
NJ 33
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 90.4 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wildwood, NJ and Edison, NJ.
1
Start on this road
38 ft·4 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto West Wildwood Avenue
142 ft·13 sec·West Wildwood Avenue
3
Turn left onto CR 621
1.5 mi·2 min·New Jersey Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Continue on CR 621; OD
0.3 mi·36 sec·West Anglesea Drive
5
Continue on NJ 147; OD
0.5 mi·52 sec·West Spruce Avenue
6
Continue on NJ 147; OD
3.1 mi·4 min·North Wildwood Boulevard
7
Turn slight right
432 ft·15 sec
Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 6Toward GSP Toll North: Garden State Parkway
9
Merge onto GSP
12 mi·14 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·31 sec
11
Merge onto GSP
34 mi·39 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
44 mi·51 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 98Toward NJ 138 East, I 195 West, NJ 34: Belmar, TrentonUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward GSP North, I 195 West
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 195 West: TrentonUse the right lane.
16
Merge onto NJ 138
0.2 mi·16 sec·NJ 138
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Exit 35BToward NJ 34 North: MatawanUse the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto NJ 34
3.4 mi·4 min·NJ 34
19
Enter roundabout onto NJ 33; NJ 34
451 ft·6 sec·NJ 33; NJ 34
20
Continue on NJ 33; NJ 34
1.0 mi·1 min·NJ 33; NJ 34
21
Take the exit onto NJ 34
3.6 mi·5 min·NJ 34
Use the straight lane.
22
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick
23
Merge onto NJ 18
21 mi·24 min·NJ 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward US 1 North: NewarkUse the left / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto US 1
0.9 mi·1 min·US 1
26
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi·16 sec·US 1
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on US 1
0.2 mi·19 sec·US 1
Use the right lane.
28
Continue on US 1
0.4 mi·34 sec·US 1
29
Turn right
462 ft·39 sec
30
At end of road, turn left onto CR 529
1.3 mi·3 min·Plainfield Avenue
31
Turn left onto Central Avenue
345 ft·17 sec·Central Avenue
32
Turn right onto Reed Street
523 ft·28 sec·Reed Street
33
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 2 hour and 42 minute drive, aim to leave during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion on the Garden State Parkway. You should plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping your $22 fuel budget in mind as you navigate the corridor. Because this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your specific arrival needs in Edison. Since you will be utilizing a mix of state highways and the Parkway, keep a close eye on signage when transitioning between NJ 18 and NJ 34 to ensure you stay on track.
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 65.5 miles from Wildwood, NJ, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 90.4 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 29 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65.5 miles or 1h 18m 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 11m
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 Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, NJ
This is one driving day of about 131.1 miles and 2h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Wildwood, 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 90.4 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.6 and 97.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
5.6 mi into trip|~9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward GSP Toll North: Garden State Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 6
Toward GSP Toll North: Garden State Parkway
6
52.5 mi into trip|~1h 3m in|GSP / Garden State Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP / Garden State Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
96.7 mi into trip|~1h 55m 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
97.3 mi into trip|~1h 56m 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
97.8 mi into trip|~1h 57m 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
$21.73 one way
$43.47 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg46 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$23.80
$47.61
premium
$4.93
$25.43
$50.85
diesel
$5.61
$28.95
$57.89
Estimated Tolls: $5.42
Garden State Parkway
(90.4 mi)$5.42
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
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
39.3
0
$13.77
$6.29
Efficient EV
32.8
0
$11.47
$5.24
EV Truck/SUV
52.4
0
$18.35
$8.39
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Wildwood, NJ
Night
in Wildwood on Saturday
Local time
9:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
23 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 42m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed experience with 93% of your journey spent on highways. The Garden State Parkway dominates the route, providing a significant 90.4-mile uninterrupted stretch that allows you to maintain a steady pace. As you transition from the Parkway onto NJ 18 and NJ 34, the character of the road shifts, requiring more attention to local traffic patterns. You will find this to be a functional, highway-focused drive rather than a winding scenic byway. Prepare for a consistent rhythm behind the wheel, as the infrastructure is designed for efficiency and getting you to your destination without unnecessary detours.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 90.4 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 5.6 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 25 significant decision points across 131.1 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 5.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 52.5 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 96.7 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 Wildwood, NJ and Edison, NJ, road signs point toward Trenton and Gsp North.
Wildwood is on the Southern Shore of New Jersey. It is primarily a resort town whose population swells in the summer months (June - August) with vacationers coming mainly from New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and Quebec. There are also a significant number of seasonal workers from Pennsylvania, Ireland and Eastern Europe. Together with the small bordering towns of North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, Wildwood is often called "the Wildwoods."
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 42m. Total distance: 131.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 90.4 miles on Garden State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $5.42 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 5.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 52.5 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 96.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Edison, NJ before heading back.
