Origin
Cranbury, NJ
Night in Cranbury on Sunday
Local time
9:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cranbury, NJ to Clifton, NJ
Drive Time
1h 8m
Distance
48 mi
77 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 3m
★
6 AM
1h 9m
8 AM
1h 20m
10 AM
1h 13m
12 PM
1h 12m
3 PM
1h 13m
5 PM
1h 19m
8 PM
1h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Cranbury, NJ
James Kampeis
Clifton, NJ
James Kampeis
Trip Overview
Traveling from Cranbury to Clifton is a straightforward 48-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 8 minutes. Since this trip is well within the range of a single day, you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations. You can expect to spend roughly $8 on fuel for the entire trip, making it a budget-friendly option for your schedule. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares like the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway to navigate the Northeast corridor. Because it is a highway-focused drive, it is best suited for commuters or travelers looking for efficiency rather than a leisurely backroad tour.
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
24 miles from Cranbury, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 33m into the drive .
Drive Character
This drive is defined by its high-speed efficiency, with 81% of the route spent on major highways. You will experience a mix of heavy-duty transit, specifically when transitioning between the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the Garden State Parkway, where you will cover 22.2 miles without needing to exit. While the trip includes segments of South River Road, the overall personality of the drive is that of a fast-paced interstate commute. Expect a consistent flow of traffic as you navigate these primary arteries through the region.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 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 22.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 48 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 3.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
3.5 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95, NJTP North: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95, NJTP North: New York City
6
3.9 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
21 mi into trip
|
~28m in
Take the exit toward US 9, GSP: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge
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 11
Toward US 9, GSP: Garden State Parkway, Woodbri...
7
21.6 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward GSP North: Garden State Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward GSP North: Garden State Parkway
8
44.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward Montclair, Nutley
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 151
Toward Montclair, Nutley
Towns Along This Route
Between Cranbury, NJ and Clifton, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp Toll, Njtp North: New York City, Woodbridge, Montclair and Nutley.
Njtp Toll
2.9 mi in
|
~5m
Njtp North: New York City
3.5 mi in
|
~6m
Woodbridge
21 mi in
|
~28m
Montclair
44.5 mi in
|
~1h 1m
Nutley
44.5 mi in
|
~1h 1m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 22.2 mi | 30m |
| New Jersey Turnpike | 16.6 mi | 19m |
| South River Road | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Allwood Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| Clifton Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Cranbury-South River Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| West Passaic Avenue | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| East Passaic Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 22.2 mi, about 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cranbury, NJ and Clifton, NJ.
1
Start on CR 535
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Plainsboro Road
2
At end of road, turn left onto CR 535
236 ft
·
6 sec
·
Maplewood Avenue
3
Turn right onto CR 535
287 ft
·
9 sec
·
Half Acre Road
4
Turn left onto US 130; CR 535
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
US 130; CR 535
5
Turn slight right onto CR 535
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
South River Road
Use the none lane.
6
Continue on CR 535
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
·
Cranbury-South River Road
Use the none lane.
7
Turn right onto NJ 32
158 ft
·
2 sec
·
Forsgate Drive
Use the right lane.
8
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward NJTP Toll, I 95 Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 95, NJTP North: New York City
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
17 mi
·
19 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
Use the none lane.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 11
Toward US 9, GSP: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward GSP North: Garden State Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto GSP
22 mi
·
30 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the none lane.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 151
Toward Montclair, Nutley
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn right onto CR 655
483 ft
·
15 sec
·
Watchung Avenue
17
At end of road, turn left onto CR 652
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
East Passaic Avenue
18
Turn right onto CR 622
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
West Passaic Avenue
19
Turn left onto CR 622
411 ft
·
7 sec
·
Darling Avenue
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on CR 622
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
Bloomfield Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Enter roundabout onto CR 602
261 ft
·
4 sec
·
Allwood Road
22
Continue on CR 602
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Allwood Road
23
Turn right onto NJ 161
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Clifton Avenue
24
Turn right onto Olga B Terrace
174 ft
·
9 sec
·
Olga B Terrace
25
Turn right onto Hutton Road
39 ft
·
6 sec
·
Hutton Road
26
Turn left onto Olga B Terrace
441 ft
·
25 sec
·
Olga B Terrace
27
Turn left onto Donna Drive
0.1 mi
·
33 sec
·
Donna Drive
28
Turn right onto Holly Street
516 ft
·
22 sec
·
Holly Street
29
Arrive at destination
Holly Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip with no required stops, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. However, given the heavy reliance on the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, try to avoid peak rush hours to ensure you maintain that 1 hour and 8 minute travel time. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before you head out, as the $8 budget assumes a steady pace on the highway. Because the longest stretch is 22.2 miles, make sure you are comfortable with sustained high-speed driving before you merge onto the Parkway. Use the lack of required stops to your advantage by keeping a light load and enjoying the quick transit between these two New Jersey hubs.
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 24 miles from Cranbury, NJ, or about 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.2 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 48 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 24 miles or 33m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clifton, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cranbury, 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 Cranbury, NJ
This is one driving day of about 48 miles and 1h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Cranbury, 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 22.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 24 mi from Cranbury, NJ · 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
24 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 24 miles from Cranbury, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Clifton, NJ
The final approach into Clifton, 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 Clifton, 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
$7.94 one way
$15.89 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
17 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $8.69 | $17.38 |
| premium | $4.92 | $9.30 | $18.60 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $10.66 | $21.33 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.66
New Jersey Turnpike
(16.6 mi)
$2.33
Garden State Parkway
(22.2 mi)
$1.33
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
$8
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 16.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 14.4 | 0 | $5.04 | $2.30 |
| Efficient EV | 12 | 0 | $4.20 | $1.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 19.2 | 0 | $6.72 | $3.07 |
Gas CO2
17 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (65% 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
Clifton, NJ
Night in Clifton on Sunday
Local time
9:34 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
1h 8m 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 Cranbury, NJ to Clifton, NJ covers 48 miles and takes about 1h 8m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, South River Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 24 miles from Cranbury, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.94 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 23 significant decision points across 48 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 3.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Cranbury, NJ and Clifton, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp Toll, Njtp North: New York City, Woodbridge, Montclair and Nutley.
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