Trip from Franklin Lakes, NJ to Toms River, NJ

Drive Time

1h 53m

Distance

85.9 mi

138 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min

4 AM

1h 45m ★

6 AM

1h 54m

8 AM

2h 10m

10 AM

1h 59m

12 PM

1h 58m

3 PM

2h 0m

5 PM

2h 9m

8 PM

1h 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

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Toms River, NJ

Aisling Kerr

Trip Overview

Traveling from Franklin Lakes to Toms River is a straightforward 85.9-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes. Because this trip is well within a single day’s reach, you can easily complete it as a one-day outing without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the Garden State Parkway, which keeps the drive efficient and direct. Budgeting approximately $14 for fuel should cover your travel costs, making this an affordable excursion within the Northeast region. Since both towns are located in New Jersey, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition from the northern suburbs down toward the shore. It is a practical, no-nonsense route ideal for those looking to reach their destination with minimal fuss.

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

43 miles from Franklin Lakes, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 2m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive, as 88% of your journey is spent on major thoroughfares. The core of your experience involves a significant 67.5-mile stretch along the Garden State Parkway, which allows for steady, consistent speeds. While you will start and end on local roads like Belmont Avenue, the vast majority of your time behind the wheel is dedicated to the primary arterial highway. This makes for a predictable ride that is less about technical maneuvering and more about cruising through the state. You will find that the rhythm of the drive remains largely uniform, providing a reliable and steady pace from start to finish.

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

There are about 20 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 67.5 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 8.3 miles in near NJ 19 / Ward Street.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 85.9 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 8.3 miles (NJ 19 / Ward Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.1 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

8.3 mi into trip | ~15m in | NJ 19 / Ward Street

Turn right onto NJ 19 / Ward Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

10.5 mi into trip | ~17m in

Take the exit toward GSP South

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward GSP South

41.1 mi into trip | ~1h in | GSP / Garden State Parkway

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP / Garden State Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

41.8 mi into trip | ~1h in | GSP / Garden State Parkway

Keep slight right at fork onto GSP / Garden State Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

84.7 mi into trip | ~1h 50m in

Take the exit toward NJ 37 East: Seaside Heights, Island Beach State Park

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 82 Toward NJ 37 East: Seaside Heights, Island Beac...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Franklin Lakes, NJ to Toms River, NJ, road signs begin pointing toward Gsp South along the way.

Gsp South

10.5 mi in | ~17m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Garden State Parkway	67.5 mi	1h 24m
Garden State Parkway Southbound	6.2 mi	8m
Belmont Avenue	3.4 mi	6m
Ewing Avenue	2.2 mi	3m
NJ 19	2 mi	2m
High Mountain Road	0.9 mi	1m
Franklin Avenue	0.8 mi	1m
North Main Street	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Garden State Parkway — 67.5 mi, about 1h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Franklin Lakes, NJ and Toms River, NJ.

Start on Shirley Avenue

0.2 mi · 59 sec · Shirley Avenue

Turn right onto CR S-89

0.8 mi · 1 min · Franklin Avenue

Turn right onto CR 502

2.2 mi · 3 min · Ewing Avenue

Use the straight lane.

At end of road, turn left onto CR 89

0.9 mi · 1 min · High Mountain Road

Keep slight right at fork onto CR 675

3.4 mi · 6 min · Belmont Avenue

Turn left onto CR 673

0.5 mi · 52 sec · West Broadway

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto CR 509

0.3 mi · 36 sec · Main Street

Turn right onto NJ 19

397 ft · 9 sec · Ward Street

Use the right lane.

Continue on NJ 19

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Oliver Street

Turn slight left onto NJ 19

2.0 mi · 2 min · NJ 19

Use the slight left lane.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward GSP South Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto GSP

24 mi · 33 min · Garden State Parkway

Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.

Continue on Garden State Parkway

6.2 mi · 8 min · Garden State Parkway Southbound

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP

0.7 mi · 49 sec · Garden State Parkway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto GSP

43 mi · 50 min · Garden State Parkway

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 48 sec

Exit 82 Toward NJ 37 East: Seaside Heights, Island Beach State Park Use the right lane.

Merge onto NJ 37

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Route 37 West

Turn right onto NJ 166

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Main Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left

78 ft · 5 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this route is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though keep in mind that the Garden State Parkway can experience varying traffic density throughout the day. With no formal stops required for this 1 hour and 53-minute trek, you can easily handle the drive in one go without needing to plan for breaks. It is wise to check real-time traffic conditions before you head out, as the reliance on the Parkway means any congestion will directly impact your travel time. Ensure your gas tank is prepared for the $14 fuel expense before leaving Franklin Lakes. By staying focused on the Parkway, you will maintain the most efficient path to Toms River while keeping your travel logistics simple and stress-free.

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 43 miles from Franklin Lakes, NJ, or about 1h 2m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.5 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 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 43 miles or 1h 2m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 37m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Toms River, NJ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Franklin Lakes, 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 Franklin Lakes, NJ

This is one driving day of about 85.9 miles and 1h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Franklin Lakes, 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 67.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 43 mi from Franklin Lakes, NJ · 1h 2m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

43 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43 miles from Franklin Lakes, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Garden State Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.5 miles.

Arriving in Toms River, NJ

The final approach into Toms River, 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 Toms River, 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

$14.21 one way

$28.43 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$15.55	$31.11
premium	$4.92	$16.65	$33.29
diesel	$5.64	$19.08	$38.17

Estimated Tolls: $4.42

Garden State Parkway (73.7 mi) $4.42

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

$14

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	25.8	$9.02	$4.12
Efficient EV	21.5	$7.52	$3.44
EV Truck/SUV	34.4	$12.03	$5.50

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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

Franklin Lakes, NJ

Evening in Franklin Lakes on Sunday

Local time

8:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Toms River, NJ

Evening in Toms River on Sunday

Local time

8:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°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 53m 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 Franklin Lakes, NJ to Toms River, NJ covers 85.9 miles and takes about 1h 53m 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, Belmont 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 43 miles from Franklin Lakes, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.21 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.

On the drive from Franklin Lakes, NJ to Toms River, NJ, road signs begin pointing toward Gsp South along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Franklin Lakes, NJ or browse trips ending in Toms River, NJ.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NJ road trips.

Explore maps for Franklin Lakes, NJ or Toms River, NJ on MapSof.net.

Trip from Franklin Lakes, NJ to Toms River, 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 Toms River, NJ

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Franklin Lakes, NJ

Toms River, NJ

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

1h 53m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Toms River, NJ

More from Franklin Lakes, NJ

More trips to Toms River, NJ