Origin
Buena, NJ
Late night in Buena on Saturday
Local time
2:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Buena, NJ to Jersey City, NJ
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 14m
Distance
103.7 mi
167 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 5m
★
6 AM
2h 15m
8 AM
2h 33m
10 AM
2h 21m
12 PM
2h 19m
3 PM
2h 22m
5 PM
2h 33m
8 PM
2h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Buena, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Planning a trip from Buena, NJ, to Jersey City, NJ? This 103.7-mile drive will take you about 2 hours and 14 minutes, making it a very manageable day trip. You'll primarily be on the New Jersey Turnpike, with some stretches on Trenton Road and US 206. Given its relatively short duration and focused highway profile, it’s ideal for a single-day journey without needing an overnight stop. Expect a fuel cost of around $17 for this northeast-to-northeast route within New Jersey. This trip is designed for efficiency, getting you from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
51.8 miles from Buena, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 10m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 14m. Total distance: 103.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (68%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 68% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 51.7 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike, offering a consistent, albeit fast-paced, driving experience. While the majority is highway, expect transitions onto Trenton Road and US 206, which may offer a slight change in scenery and pace as you progress towards your destination. The overall feel is one of steady progress rather than winding exploration, prioritizing direct travel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
New Jersey Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 51.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and Trenton Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 29.5 miles in near US 206.
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 17 significant decision points across 103.7 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 29.5 miles (US 206): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
29.5 mi into trip
|
~39m in
|
US 206
Enter roundabout onto US 206 toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
8
100.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Newark, Jersey City
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 15E
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Newa...
8
100.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North: Jersey City, Doremus Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North: Jers...
7
100.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Jersey City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Jers...
7
102.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
|
US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Buena, NJ and Jersey City, NJ, road signs point toward New York, Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike and Njtp North: New York City.
New York
29.5 mi in
|
~39m
|
via US 206
Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
46.1 mi in
|
~1h
Njtp North: New York City
46.7 mi in
|
~1h 2m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike | 51.7 mi | 1h 1m |
| Trenton Road | 17.6 mi | 23m |
| US 206 | 16.5 mi | 20m |
| 12th Street | 6.1 mi | 7m |
| Buena-Hammonton Road | 2.3 mi | 2m |
| Lincoln Highway | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Bellevue Avenue | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 51.7 mi, about 1h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buena, NJ and Jersey City, NJ.
1
Start on this road
213 ft
·
20 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
408 ft
·
32 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto NJ 54
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Blue Anchor Road
4
Continue on NJ 54
0.7 mi
·
52 sec
·
Hammonton Road
5
Continue on NJ 54
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Buena-Hammonton Road
6
Continue on NJ 54
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
12th Street
7
Continue on NJ 54
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
Route 54 North
8
Continue on NJ 54
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
12th Street
9
Continue on NJ 54
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Bellevue Avenue
10
Turn right onto NJ 54
501 ft
·
8 sec
·
NJ 54
11
Continue on US 206
18 mi
·
23 min
·
Trenton Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Enter roundabout onto US 206
498 ft
·
6 sec
·
US 206
Toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
13
Continue on US 206
7.6 mi
·
10 min
·
US 206
Toward US 206 North: Trenton, New York
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 206
8.8 mi
·
10 min
·
US 206
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
18
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
52 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
19
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
Exit 15E
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Newark, Jersey City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork
322 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North: Jersey City, Doremus Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Jersey City
23
Merge onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Lincoln Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North
Use the left lane.
25
Turn right onto Duncan Avenue
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
Duncan Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn left onto Olean Avenue
316 ft
·
13 sec
·
Olean Avenue
27
Arrive at destination
Olean Avenue
Trip Plan
For this straightforward 2-hour and 14-minute drive, flexibility is key. Leaving early in the morning can help you avoid peak traffic, especially as you approach the Jersey City area. With no designated stops in the data, you can easily add your own breaks as needed; however, consider refueling before you leave Buena or planning a stop along the New Jersey Turnpike, as it's the longest continuous stretch. The $17 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices. This route is efficient, so focus on a smooth and timely arrival.
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 51.8 miles from Buena, NJ, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.7 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 23 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.8 miles or 1h 10m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jersey City, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Buena, 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 Buena, NJ
This is one driving day of about 103.7 miles and 2h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Buena, 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 51.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 51.8 mi from Buena, NJ · 1h 10m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
52 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 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 51.8 miles from Buena, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Jersey City, NJ
The final approach into Jersey City, NJ usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Jersey City, NJ.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.19 one way
$34.38 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
36 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $18.83 | $37.66 |
| premium | $4.93 | $20.11 | $40.22 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $22.90 | $45.79 |
Estimated Tolls: $7.39
New Jersey Turnpike
(52.8 mi)
$7.39
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
$17
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 31.1 | 0 | $10.89 | $4.98 |
| Efficient EV | 25.9 | 0 | $9.07 | $4.15 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 41.5 | 0 | $14.52 | $6.64 |
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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.
Destination
Jersey City, NJ
Late night in Jersey City on Saturday
Local time
2:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
47°F
Bristol, PA
52 mi in
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
22 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
2h 14m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Buena, NJ to Jersey City, NJ covers 103.7 miles and takes about 2h 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New Jersey Turnpike, Trenton Road, US 206. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 51.8 miles from Buena, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.19 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 103.7 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 29.5 miles (US 206): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Buena, NJ and Jersey City, NJ, road signs point toward New York, Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike and Njtp North: New York City.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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