Franklin, NJ to Middletown, NJ is 74.9 miles and takes about 1h 39m via Garden State Parkway and NJ 23, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New Jersey, connecting two points in the Northeast region. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. With a duration under two hours, you'll find this route simple to plan and execute, requiring minimal time commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
37.4 miles from Franklin, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 47m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 39m. Total distance: 74.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the mileage spent on major roads. You'll encounter stretches on NJ 23 before merging onto the Garden State Parkway, where the longest uninterrupted segment measures 29.1 miles. Expect a consistent driving experience characterized by higher speeds and continuous travel, typical of Parkway conditions. The journey is designed for efficient transit, minimizing deviations and maximizing forward momentum.
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 29.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and NJ 23. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near NJ 23; CR 517.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 74.9 miles you will encounter 16 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: near the start (NJ 23; CR 517): Lane positioning matters here; at 21.2 miles (NJ 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.8 miles (ramp to GSP Southbound): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|NJ 23; CR 517
Turn right onto NJ 23; CR 517
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
21.2 mi into trip|~26m in|NJ 23
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 23
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
32.8 mi into trip|~40m in|ramp to GSP Southbound
Take the exit onto ramp to GSP Southbound toward GSP Toll South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward GSP Toll South
8
68.3 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward NJ 35, NJ 36 South: Hazlet, Keyport
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 117
Toward NJ 35, NJ 36 South: Hazlet, Keyport
8
69 mi into trip|~1h 29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 35: Hazlet
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 35: Hazlet
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Franklin, NJ and Middletown, NJ, road signs point toward Clifton, Gsp Toll South and Keyport.
Clifton
27.4 mi in|~33m
Gsp Toll South
32.8 mi in|~40m|via ramp to GSP Southbound
Keyport
68.3 mi in|~1h 27m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Garden State Parkway
29.1 mi
38m
NJ 23
27.3 mi
33m
Garden State Parkway Southbound
6.2 mi
8m
NJ 35
5.3 mi
8m
US 46
3.7 mi
4m
NJ 3
1.3 mi
1m
New Monmouth Road
0.3 mi
<1m
ramp to GSP Southbound
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 29.1 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, NJ and Middletown, NJ.
1
Start on High Street
218 ft·12 sec·High Street
2
Turn right onto NJ 23; CR 517
21 mi·26 min·NJ 23; CR 517
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 23
6.2 mi·7 min·NJ 23
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Take the exit
297 ft·7 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 46 East: New York, Clifton
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward US 46 East: Clifton
6
Merge onto US 46
2.1 mi·2 min·US 46
7
Continue on US 46
1.6 mi·1 min·US 46
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Turn slight left onto NJ 3
1.3 mi·1 min·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit onto ramp to GSP Southbound
0.3 mi·36 sec·ramp to GSP Southbound
Toward GSP Toll SouthUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto GSP
22 mi·30 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on Garden State Parkway
6.2 mi·8 min·Garden State Parkway Southbound
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
0.7 mi·49 sec·Garden State Parkway
13
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
6.6 mi·7 min·Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 117Toward NJ 35, NJ 36 South: Hazlet, KeyportUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
165 ft·4 sec
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward NJ 35: HazletUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto NJ 35
5.3 mi·8 min·NJ 35
18
Turn right onto CR 50
0.3 mi·31 sec·New Monmouth Road
19
At end of road, turn right onto CR 50
0.2 mi·20 sec·Kings Highway
20
Arrive at destination
CR 50
Trip Plan
Given the drive's short duration of under two hours, you have excellent flexibility for departure times. Leaving anytime in the morning or afternoon should allow you to complete the trip well within daylight. With minimal stops recommended and a low fuel cost of approximately $12, you can easily complete this journey without needing to plan for significant breaks or refueling. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transition from NJ 23 to the Garden State Parkway Southbound to ensure a smooth continuation of your drive.
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 37.4 miles from Franklin, NJ, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.1 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 16 miles or 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 37.4 miles or 47m 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 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Middletown, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Franklin, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Franklin, NJ
This is one driving day of about 74.9 miles and 1h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Franklin, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 29.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 37.4 mi from Franklin, NJ
· 47m into the drive
The midpoint is around 37.4 miles from Franklin, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Middletown, NJ
The final approach into Middletown, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Today, the brick buildings on Main Street in West Orange, NJ seem quiet, betraying little evidence of the research, development, and innovation of their heyday. Visitors can step back in time to Thoma...
Silk cloth and steam locomotives; textiles and continuous paper rolls; firearms and aircraft engines. What do these things have in common? All were manufactured in the same place - Paterson, NJ. In 17...
Morristown National Historical Park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, where soldiers survived the coldest winte...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 46.9
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 75.5
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.42 one way
$24.83 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg26 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.60
$27.20
premium
$4.93
$14.53
$29.05
diesel
$5.61
$16.54
$33.07
Estimated Tolls: $2.12
Garden State Parkway
(35.3 mi)$2.12
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
$12
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22.5
0
$7.86
$3.60
Efficient EV
18.7
0
$6.55
$3.00
EV Truck/SUV
30
0
$10.49
$4.79
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Franklin, NJ
Afternoon
in Franklin on Friday
Local time
2:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Middletown, NJ
Afternoon
in Middletown on Friday
Local time
2:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°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
18 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
1h 39m 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, NJ to Middletown, NJ covers 74.9 miles and takes about 1h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Garden State Parkway, NJ 23, Garden State Parkway Southbound. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 37.4 miles from Franklin, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.42 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 74.9 miles you will encounter 16 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: near the start (NJ 23; CR 517): Lane positioning matters here; at 21.2 miles (NJ 23): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 32.8 miles (ramp to GSP Southbound): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Franklin, NJ and Middletown, NJ, road signs point toward Clifton, Gsp Toll South and Keyport.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and Morristown National Historical Park. There are 5 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
