Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
1h 13m
Distance
53.6 mi
86 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clifton, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
West Long Branch, NJ
Malcolm Garret
This straightforward 53.6-mile drive from Clifton, NJ, to West Long Branch, NJ, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes. You'll primarily be on the Garden State Parkway Southbound, with a brief section on NJ 36. Given its short duration and highway-focused profile, it's an easy trip without the need for an overnight stay. Expect a fuel cost of around $9 for this journey. This route stays within the Northeast region, connecting two points within New Jersey.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 13m. Total distance: 53.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
This is a highway-focused drive, with 93% of the route utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 41.1 miles on the Garden State Parkway. Expect a consistent driving experience for the majority of the trip. The road's personality is that of a well-maintained parkway, designed for efficient travel. You won't find many deviations from this primary highway character until you approach your destination.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
287 ft
Total Descent
441 ft
Highest Point
212 ft
~42.1 mi in
Elevation Range
188 ft
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and Garden State Parkway Southbound. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Olga B Terrace.
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 53.6 miles you will encounter 18 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 0.2 miles (Olga B Terrace): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.9 miles (CR 602 / Allwood Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
At end of road, turn right onto Olga B Terrace
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
At end of road, turn right onto CR 602 / Allwood Road
Lane positioning matters here
Take the ramp toward NJ 3 West, GSP South
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward GSP South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward NJ 36 North: Eatontown, Long Branch
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clifton, NJ and West Long Branch, NJ, road signs point toward Express Roadway and Long Branch.
Express Roadway
Long Branch
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 41.1 mi | 52m |
| Garden State Parkway Southbound | 6.2 mi | 8m |
| NJ 36 | 2.7 mi | 4m |
| Clifton Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Parker Road | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Monmouth Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Allwood Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Donna Drive | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Clifton, NJ and West Long Branch, NJ.
Start on Holly Street
Turn left onto Donna Drive
At end of road, turn right onto Olga B Terrace
Turn right onto Hutton Road
Turn left onto Olga B Terrace
Turn left onto NJ 161
At end of road, turn right onto CR 602
Take the ramp
Merge onto NJ 3
Take the exit
Merge onto GSP
Continue on Garden State Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
Keep slight right at fork onto GSP
Take the exit
Merge onto GSP
Take the exit
Continue on NJ 36
Take the exit
Turn slight right onto NJ 71
Turn left onto Parker Road
Turn right onto CR 15
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 26.8 mi from Clifton, NJ · 39m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
27 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.
A short stop after about 12 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 26.8 miles from Clifton, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into West Long Branch, NJ usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$8.89 one way
$17.77 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $9.73 | $19.46 |
| premium | $4.93 | $10.40 | $20.79 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $11.83 | $23.67 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.83
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$9
Tolls
$3
Total
$12
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.1 | 0 | $5.63 | $2.57 |
| Efficient EV | 13.4 | 0 | $4.69 | $2.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 21.4 | 0 | $7.50 | $3.43 |
Gas CO2
19 kg
EV CO2
6 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Clifton on Thursday
Local time
9:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny
Destination
Night in West Long Branch on Thursday
Local time
9:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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