Origin
Clifton, NJ
Evening in Clifton on Sunday
Local time
8:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clifton, NJ to Wildwood, NJ
Drive Time
3h 11m
Distance
155.2 mi
250 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 0m
★
6 AM
3h 12m
8 AM
3h 35m
10 AM
3h 20m
12 PM
3h 18m
3 PM
3h 21m
5 PM
3h 34m
8 PM
3h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clifton, NJ
James Kampeis
Trip Overview
Traveling from Clifton to Wildwood covers 155.2 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 11 minutes. Since 95% of the trip is highway-focused, you can easily complete this drive in a single day, making it an ideal choice for a quick shore getaway. Budgeting approximately $26 for fuel should cover your transit costs comfortably. While the journey remains entirely within the Northeast region of New Jersey, you will transition from the suburban northern landscape toward the coastal atmosphere of the southern shore. This route is straightforward and efficient, perfect for drivers who prefer a direct path to their destination without the need for an overnight split.
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
77.6 miles from Clifton, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed, highway-focused journey as you spend the vast majority of your time on the Garden State Parkway. You will settle into a long, uninterrupted 141.5-mile stretch on the Parkway, which defines the personality of this drive. Because the route is so heavily reliant on major arteries, the experience is consistent and fast-paced rather than winding or technical. As you transition from the Parkway onto North Wildwood Boulevard, the character of the road shifts from a major interstate transit to the final approach toward the coastline. It is a functional, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 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 141.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 155.2 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 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.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Olga B Terrace
At end of road, turn right onto Olga B Terrace
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
0.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
CR 602 / Allwood Road
At end of road, turn right onto CR 602 / Allwood Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
1.1 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the ramp toward NJ 3 West, GSP South
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ 3 West, GSP South
6
1.3 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the exit toward GSP South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward GSP South
8
149.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 2m in
Take the exit toward NJ 147: North Wildwood, Whitesboro
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 6
Toward NJ 147: North Wildwood, Whitesboro
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 141.5 mi | 2h 49m |
| Garden State Parkway Southbound | 6.2 mi | 8m |
| North Wildwood Boulevard | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| New Jersey Avenue | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| West Spruce Avenue | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Clifton Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| West Anglesea Drive | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Allwood Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 141.5 mi, about 2h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clifton, NJ and Wildwood, NJ.
1
Start on Holly Street
516 ft
·
26 sec
·
Holly Street
2
Turn left onto Donna Drive
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
Donna Drive
3
At end of road, turn right onto Olga B Terrace
441 ft
·
21 sec
·
Olga B Terrace
4
Turn right onto Hutton Road
39 ft
·
7 sec
·
Hutton Road
5
Turn left onto Olga B Terrace
174 ft
·
13 sec
·
Olga B Terrace
6
Turn left onto NJ 161
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Clifton Avenue
7
At end of road, turn right onto CR 602
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Allwood Road
Use the right lane.
8
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward NJ 3 West, GSP South
9
Merge onto NJ 3
304 ft
·
4 sec
·
State Route 3
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward GSP South
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto GSP
22 mi
·
30 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
12
Continue on Garden State Parkway
6.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Garden State Parkway Southbound
Use the none lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the none lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto GSP
119 mi
·
2 hr 17 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 6
Toward NJ 147: North Wildwood, Whitesboro
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn right onto NJ 147
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
North Wildwood Boulevard
17
Continue on NJ 147; OD
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
West Spruce Avenue
18
Continue on NJ 147; OD
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
West Anglesea Drive
19
Continue on CR 621; OD
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
New Jersey Avenue
20
Turn right onto West Wildwood Avenue
142 ft
·
11 sec
·
West Wildwood Avenue
21
Turn left
38 ft
·
2 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 3-hour and 11-minute drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours on the Garden State Parkway. Since you only have one planned stop scheduled for the 155.2-mile journey, use that break strategically to refuel or stretch your legs before the final leg of the trip. Keeping your fuel budget around $26 in mind will help you plan your stops at reliable stations along the highway. Because the route is short enough for a single day of travel, you have the flexibility to head out early in the morning and maximize your time in Wildwood. Always keep an eye on Parkway traffic updates, as the heavy reliance on this single road means conditions can change quickly.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 77.6 miles from Clifton, NJ, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 141.5 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 80 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.6 miles or 1h 38m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wildwood, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clifton, 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 Clifton, NJ
This is one driving day of about 155.2 miles and 3h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Clifton, 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 141.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 77.6 mi from Clifton, NJ · 1h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 77.6 miles from Clifton, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Garden State Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 141.5 miles.
Arriving in Wildwood, NJ
The final approach into Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, NJ.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.68 one way
$51.36 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $28.10 | $56.20 |
| premium | $4.92 | $30.07 | $60.15 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $34.48 | $68.96 |
Estimated Tolls: $8.85
Garden State Parkway
(147.7 mi)
$8.85
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
$26
Tolls
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.6 | 0 | $16.30 | $7.45 |
| Efficient EV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.58 | $6.21 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62.1 | 0 | $21.73 | $9.93 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Wildwood, NJ
Evening in Wildwood on Sunday
Local time
8:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°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
6 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
3h 11m 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 Clifton, NJ to Wildwood, NJ covers 155.2 miles and takes about 3h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Garden State Parkway, Garden State Parkway Southbound, North Wildwood Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 77.6 miles from Clifton, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.68 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 155.2 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 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.
The route from Clifton, NJ to Wildwood, NJ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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