Trip from Caldwell, NJ to Edison, NJ

Drive Time

51m

Distance

33.4 mi

54 km

Drive Score

6/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 13 min

4 AM

0h 47m ★

6 AM

0h 51m

8 AM

1h 0m

10 AM

0h 54m

12 PM

0h 54m

3 PM

0h 55m

5 PM

0h 59m

8 PM

0h 49m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Caldwell, NJ

Joel Zar

Edison, NJ

Garrison Gao

Trip Overview

Spanning just 33.4 miles, this direct trip between Caldwell and Edison is a straightforward journey through the heart of New Jersey. You can easily complete the drive in about 51 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion that requires no overnight stops. Budget roughly $6 for fuel to cover the distance, which is entirely contained within the Northeast region. Because the route is short and focused on efficiency, it is an ideal choice for commuters or travelers looking to bridge these two points without hassle. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick visit, the simplicity of this trip allows for maximum flexibility in your daily schedule.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

16.7 miles from Caldwell, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 25m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a high-speed experience, as 82% of your journey takes place on major highways. You will navigate via the Essex Freeway, the Garden State Parkway, and US 1, which collectively define the pace of this drive. The longest uninterrupted stretch lasts 13.3 miles while traveling along the Garden State Parkway, offering a consistent flow before you transition to the final leg of your trip. This is a highway-focused drive, so be prepared for a utilitarian, fast-paced environment rather than a winding or leisurely scenic path. Staying focused is key as you maneuver through these busy corridors that connect these two New Jersey hubs.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Garden State Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 13.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and Essex Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in near CR 527; CR 611 / Eagle Rock Avenue.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 33.4 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 1.7 miles (CR 527; CR 611 / Eagle Rock Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.3 miles (Oraton Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in | CR 527; CR 611 / Eagle Rock Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto CR 527; CR 611 / Eagle Rock Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

9.1 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward Harrison Street, Clinton Street, East Orange

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 Harrison Street, Clinton Street, East Or...

11.3 mi into trip | ~17m in | Oraton Parkway

Keep slight right at fork onto Oraton Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

26.4 mi into trip | ~38m in

Take the exit toward US 1: Newark, 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 130B-A Toward US 1: Newark, Trenton

26.6 mi into trip | ~39m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 1 South: Trenton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 130B Toward US 1 South: Trenton

Towns Along This Route

Between Caldwell, NJ and Edison, NJ, road signs point toward Orange, Gsp Toll South and Trenton.

Orange

9.1 mi in | ~13m

Gsp Toll South

11.6 mi in | ~18m

Trenton

26.4 mi in | ~38m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Garden State Parkway	13.3 mi	18m
Essex Freeway	6 mi	7m
US 1	5.1 mi	7m
Roseland Avenue	1.6 mi	2m
Garden State Parkway Southbound	1.3 mi	1m
Plainfield Avenue	1.1 mi	2m
Livingston Avenue	0.9 mi	1m
Freeway Drive East	0.8 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Garden State Parkway — 13.3 mi, about 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Caldwell, NJ and Edison, NJ.

Start on this road

79 ft · 8 sec · this road

Turn right onto CR 506

0.1 mi · 21 sec · Bloomfield Avenue

Turn right onto CR 527

1.6 mi · 2 min · Roseland Avenue

Use the none lane.

At end of road, turn right onto CR 527; CR 611

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Eagle Rock Avenue

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto CR 527

0.9 mi · 1 min · Livingston Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward I 280 East: Newark

Merge onto I 280

6.0 mi · 7 min · Essex Freeway

Use the none / straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Exit 11A Toward Harrison Street, Clinton Street, East Orange Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto Freeway Drive East

0.8 mi · 1 min · Freeway Drive East

Turn right onto South Oraton Parkway

0.4 mi · 42 sec · South Oraton Parkway

Continue on Whittlesey Avenue

0.4 mi · 38 sec · Whittlesey Avenue

Turn straight onto Maybaum Avenue

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Maybaum Avenue

Continue on Oraton Parkway

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Oraton Parkway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto Oraton Parkway

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Oraton Parkway

Use the straight lane.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Toward GSP Toll South

Merge onto GSP

13 mi · 18 min · Garden State Parkway

Use the none lane.

Continue on Garden State Parkway

1.3 mi · 1 min · Garden State Parkway Southbound

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Exit 130B-A Toward US 1: Newark, Trenton Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Exit 130B Toward US 1 South: Trenton Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto US 1

0.1 mi · 12 sec · US 1

Continue on US 1

2.1 mi · 3 min · US 1

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 1

2.8 mi · 4 min · US 1

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

208 ft · 3 sec

Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto Fulton Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Fulton Street

Turn right onto CR 529

1.1 mi · 2 min · Plainfield Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto Central Avenue

345 ft · 17 sec · Central Avenue

Turn right onto Reed Street

523 ft · 28 sec · Reed Street

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a quick 33.4-mile trip, you have the advantage of being able to choose your departure time based on your own schedule. However, keep in mind that the heavy reliance on the Garden State Parkway and US 1 means traffic patterns can fluctuate significantly during peak morning or evening hours. You won't need to plan for any formal stops given the short 51-minute duration, but keeping your fuel tank topped off before you leave Caldwell will ensure you don't have to worry about the $6 estimated cost while on the road. The best strategy is to monitor live traffic reports for the Essex Freeway and US 1 before heading out to avoid unexpected congestion. Enjoy the simplicity of this short haul and the convenience of reaching your destination in under an hour.

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 16.7 miles from Caldwell, NJ, or about 25m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 13.3 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 33.4 miles or 51m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 16.7 miles or 25m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 42m

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 Caldwell, 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 Caldwell, NJ

This is one driving day of about 33.4 miles and 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Caldwell, NJ.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.

The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 13.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 16.7 mi from Caldwell, NJ · 25m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

17 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

Staten Island, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33.4 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 16.7 miles from Caldwell, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Edison, NJ

The final approach into Edison, 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 Edison, 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

$5.53 one way

$11.05 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 12 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$6.05	$12.10
premium	$4.92	$6.47	$12.94
diesel	$5.64	$7.42	$14.84

Estimated Tolls: $0.88

Garden State Parkway (14.6 mi) $0.88

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

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$31–$56

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 11.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	10	$3.51	$1.60
Efficient EV	8.4	$2.92	$1.34
EV Truck/SUV	13.4	$4.68	$2.14

Gas CO2

12 kg

EV CO2

4 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Caldwell, NJ

Evening in Caldwell on Sunday

Local time

6:01 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Edison, NJ

Evening in Edison on Sunday

Local time

6:01 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°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

51m 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 Caldwell, NJ to Edison, NJ covers 33.4 miles and takes about 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Garden State Parkway, Essex Freeway, US 1. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 16.7 miles from Caldwell, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.53 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.

Between Caldwell, NJ and Edison, NJ, road signs point toward Orange, Gsp Toll South and Trenton.

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Trip from Caldwell, NJ to Edison, NJ

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Edison, NJ

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Caldwell, NJ

Edison, NJ

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

51m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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