Connecting Woodbury to Passaic, this 97.4-mile trip is a straightforward journey through the heart of New Jersey. You can expect to spend about 2 hours and 3 minutes behind the wheel, making it a very manageable day trip that requires no overnight stops. Budget roughly $16 for fuel to cover the distance, which is primarily facilitated by the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, and NJ-21. Because the route stays entirely within the Northeast region, you will experience a consistent transition from the southern suburbs to the more densely populated northern areas. It is a highly practical drive for those looking to traverse the state efficiently, favoring speed and directness over leisure.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.7 miles from Woodbury, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike
66.5 mi
1h 17m
I 295
11.7 mi
14m
NJ 21
11.4 mi
16m
US 1
1.7 mi
2m
North Broad Street
0.9 mi
2m
NJ 81
0.7 mi
1m
Broadway
0.7 mi
1m
Paulison Avenue
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 66.5 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woodbury, NJ and Passaic, NJ.
1
Start on CR 534
115 ft·7 sec·Cooper Street
2
Turn right onto NJ 45; CR 551
0.9 mi·2 min·North Broad Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn right onto Edith Avenue
236 ft·9 sec·Edith Avenue
4
Turn left onto Washington Avenue
0.1 mi·15 sec·Washington Avenue
5
Continue on CR 551
0.2 mi·18 sec·Broadway
6
At end of road, turn left onto CR 551
0.5 mi·45 sec·Broadway
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 295 North: Walt Whitman Bridge
8
Merge onto I 295
12 mi·14 min·I 295
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 36AToward NJ 73 South: BerlinUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto NJ 73
0.2 mi·18 sec·NJ 73
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJTP: New Jersey Turnpike
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward NJTP North: New YorkUse the straight / right lanes.
13
Merge onto NJTP
15 mi·16 min·New Jersey Turnpike
14
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP
52 mi·1 hr·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 13AToward Newark Airport, Elizabeth SeaportUse the slight right lane.
16
Merge onto NJ 81
0.7 mi·1 min·NJ 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·44 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 1; US 9
1.7 mi·2 min·US 1; US 9
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 21
11 mi·16 min·NJ 21
Toward NJ 21, US 22: Newark, DowntownUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 11AToward River Drive, PassaicUse the slight right lane.
21
Continue on CR 624
350 ft·8 sec·River Drive
22
Turn left onto CR 618
0.5 mi·54 sec·Paulison Avenue
23
Turn right onto Passaic Avenue
95 ft·2 sec·Passaic Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
Passaic Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule rather than worrying about long-haul logistics. Keep in mind that the majority of your time is spent on high-speed highways, so staying alert during the long 66.5-mile Turnpike stretch is key. Because the entire drive takes just over two hours, you likely won't need to plan formal rest stops, but fueling up before you hit the Turnpike can help you maintain your momentum. Check local traffic conditions on NJ-21 specifically, as this final portion may experience different flow patterns than the open highway segments. Having your toll payment method ready for the Turnpike will ensure a smoother transition throughout the drive.
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 48.7 miles from Woodbury, NJ, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.5 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 21 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.7 miles or 1h 1m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Passaic, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Woodbury, 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 Woodbury, NJ
This is one driving day of about 97.4 miles and 2h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Woodbury, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New Jersey Turnpike for about 66.5 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 13.7 and 96.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
13.7 mi into trip|~19m in
Take the exit toward NJ 73 South: Berlin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 36A
Toward NJ 73 South: Berlin
7
14.8 mi into trip|~21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJTP North: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward NJTP North: New York
8
81.8 mi into trip|~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport
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 13A
Toward Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport
8
85.2 mi into trip|~1h 45m in|NJ 21
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 21 toward NJ 21, US 22: Newark, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 21, US 22: Newark, Downtown
8
96.6 mi into trip|~2h 2m in
Take the exit toward River Drive, Passaic
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 11A
Toward River Drive, Passaic
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.15 one way
$32.30 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg34 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$17.69
$35.37
premium
$4.93
$18.89
$37.78
diesel
$5.61
$21.50
$43.01
Estimated Tolls: $9.30
New Jersey Turnpike
(66.5 mi)$9.30
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
$16
Tolls
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 34.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
29.2
0
$10.23
$4.68
Efficient EV
24.4
0
$8.52
$3.90
EV Truck/SUV
39
0
$13.64
$6.23
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Woodbury, NJ
Night
in Woodbury on Saturday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Passaic, NJ
Night
in Passaic on Saturday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 2 to 7 mph6% 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
8 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 3m 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.
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...
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 97.4
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 80.6
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-intensity, highway-focused experience, as 95% of this route consists of major thoroughfares. The journey is defined by efficiency, with your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 66.5 miles along the New Jersey Turnpike. While the initial segments utilize I-295, the transition to the Turnpike dominates the mid-section, offering a consistent, fast-paced rhythm. As you approach the final leg on NJ-21, the character of the road shifts from open interstate cruising to a more urban-adjacent environment. It is a functional, no-nonsense drive designed for those who prioritize arriving at their destination quickly rather than taking the scenic route.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.5 mi on New Jersey Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and I 295. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.7 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 19 significant decision points across 97.4 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 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 81.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
145 ft10 ft
Total Climb
253 ft
Total Descent
196 ft
Highest Point
145 ft
~69.6 mi in
Elevation Range
135 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Woodbury, NJ and Passaic, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike, Njtp North: New York, Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport and Downtown.
Njtp: New Jersey Turnpike
14.3 mi in|~20m
Njtp North: New York
14.8 mi in|~21m
Newark Airport
81.8 mi in|~1h 40m
Elizabeth Seaport
81.8 mi in|~1h 40m
Downtown
85.2 mi in|~1h 45m|via NJ 21
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 3m. Total distance: 97.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 3m 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 66.5 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $9.30 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 Passaic, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 81.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls 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 Passaic, NJ before heading back.
