Trip from Cranbury, NJ to Edison, NJ

Drive Time

28m

Distance

17.4 mi

28 km

Drive Score

6/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$3

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 7 min
4 AM
0h 26m ★
6 AM
0h 28m
8 AM
0h 33m
10 AM
0h 30m
12 PM
0h 30m
3 PM
0h 30m
5 PM
0h 33m
8 PM
0h 27m

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

Downtown Cranbury, NJ, NJ

Cranbury, NJ

James Kampeis

Downtown Edison, NJ, NJ

Edison, NJ

Garrison Gao

Trip Overview

Spanning just 17.4 miles, the drive from Cranbury to Edison is a quick, efficient trip through the Northeast corridor of New Jersey. You can easily complete this journey in about 28 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $3, this route is as economical as it is brief. Because of the short distance, there is no need to plan for overnight stays or complex itineraries. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a local visit, the straightforward nature of this drive allows for maximum flexibility in your 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

8.7 miles from Cranbury, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 13m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 86% of this route consists of high-speed transit. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating US 130 and US 1, with the final leg transitioning onto Plainfield Avenue. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 11.1 miles on US 130, providing a consistent pace before the road shifts toward your destination. While the drive is functional and direct, the road dynamics change as you move from the initial highway segments into the local environment of Edison. It is a practical, no-nonsense path designed for commuters and travelers who prioritize efficiency 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 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 130 is the longest continuous segment at about 11.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 130 and US 1. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near CR 535 / Maplewood Avenue.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 17.4 miles you will encounter 10 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 (CR 535 / Maplewood Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (CR 535 / Half Acre Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (US 130; CR 535): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

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

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | CR 535 / Maplewood Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto CR 535 / Maplewood Avenue

Navigation decision point

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | CR 535 / Half Acre Road

Turn right onto CR 535 / Half Acre Road

Navigation decision point

4
0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 130; CR 535

Turn left onto US 130; CR 535

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
5
12 mi into trip | ~18m in | US 1

Merge onto US 1

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
6
16 mi into trip | ~24m in | CR 529 / Plainfield Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto CR 529 / Plainfield Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 130 11.1 mi 16m
US 1 3.9 mi 5m
Plainfield Avenue 1.3 mi 3m
Plainsboro Road 0.2 mi <1m
Reed Street <0.1 mi <1m
Central Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Half Acre Road <0.1 mi <1m
Maplewood Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 130 — 11.1 mi, about 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cranbury, NJ and Edison, 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

11 mi · 16 min · US 130; CR 535
Use the none lane.
5

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 1 North: Newark
6

Merge onto US 1

2.2 mi · 3 min · US 1
Use the none lane.
7

Continue on US 1

1.0 mi · 1 min · US 1
Use the none lane.
8

Continue on US 1

0.2 mi · 16 sec · US 1
Use the none lane.
9

Continue on US 1

0.2 mi · 19 sec · US 1
Use the none lane.
10

Continue on US 1

0.4 mi · 34 sec · US 1
Use the none lane.
11

Turn right

462 ft · 39 sec
12

At end of road, turn left onto CR 529

1.3 mi · 3 min · Plainfield Avenue
Use the none lane.
13

Turn left onto Central Avenue

345 ft · 17 sec · Central Avenue
14

Turn right onto Reed Street

523 ft · 28 sec · Reed Street
15

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a short, 28-minute drive, you have the advantage of being able to depart whenever your schedule allows. You will not need to plan for any scheduled stops, as the entire distance is easily manageable in one go. Keep in mind that the heavy highway reliance means traffic flow can dictate your arrival time, so checking local congestion before you head out is a smart move. Because the trip is so fast, you can focus your energy on your destination rather than worrying about mid-trip fatigue or refueling. A helpful tip for this specific route is to stay alert during the transition from the fast-paced US 1 corridor to the more localized traffic patterns on Plainfield Avenue.

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 8.7 miles from Cranbury, NJ, or about 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 11.1 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 17.4 miles or 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 8.7 miles or 13m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 22m

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 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 17.4 miles and 28m.

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 US 130 for about 11.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 8.7 mi from Cranbury, NJ · 13m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

9 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 17.4 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 8.7 miles from Cranbury, 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

$2.88 one way

$5.76 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 6 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $3.15 $6.30
premium $4.92 $3.37 $6.74
diesel $5.64 $3.87 $7.73

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$28–$53

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 6.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 5.2 0 $1.83 $0.84
Efficient EV 4.4 0 $1.52 $0.70
EV Truck/SUV 7 0 $2.44 $1.11

Gas CO2

6 kg

EV CO2

2 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

Cranbury, NJ

Night in Cranbury on Sunday

Local time

10:45 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Edison, NJ

Night in Edison on Sunday

Local time

10:45 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

28m 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 Edison, NJ covers 17.4 miles and takes about 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 130, US 1, Plainfield Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 8.7 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 $2.88 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 17.4 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (CR 535 / Maplewood Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (CR 535 / Half Acre Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (US 130; CR 535): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Cranbury, NJ to Edison, NJ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Edison, NJ to Cranbury, NJ

Plan the drive back the other way.

17.3 mi 27m

Explore more options from Cranbury, NJ or browse trips ending in Edison, NJ.

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