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Trip from Jefferson, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ

Data updated 52 minutes ago

Drive Time

1h 55m

Distance

93.7 mi

151 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 47m ★
6 AM
1h 56m
8 AM
2h 13m
10 AM
2h 2m
12 PM
2h 0m
3 PM
2h 2m
5 PM
2h 12m
8 PM
1h 51m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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township in Morris County, New Jersey

Jefferson, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Elizabeth, NJ, NJ

Elizabeth, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 93.7-mile drive from Jefferson, NJ, to Elizabeth, NJ, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes. The journey is predominantly highway-focused, with 92% of the route utilizing major roadways, making it a quick trip within the Northeast region. Expect a fuel cost of around $16 for this route. With no designated stops in the data, this drive is best suited for those looking for efficiency and straightforward travel between these two New Jersey locations.

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

46.9 miles from Jefferson, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

This is a highway-focused drive, with the vast majority of your travel on major arteries. You'll spend most of your time on the New Jersey Turnpike, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 85 miles. The profile suggests a consistent driving experience, meaning you won't encounter many changes in road type or speed. Expect minimal time on local roads like Swedesboro Road and US 1, as the route prioritizes efficient movement.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
New Jersey Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 85 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and Swedesboro Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road.

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 93.7 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 1 miles (US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

5
1 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road

Turn right onto US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
4 mi into trip | ~7m in

Turn left toward NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
6
4.2 mi into trip | ~7m in

Keep slight left at fork toward NJ Turnpike North, New York City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward NJ Turnpike North, New York City
6
40.9 mi into trip | ~50m in | NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike

Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
89.7 mi into trip | ~1h 46m in

Take the exit toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten Island

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 13 Toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten Island

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New Jersey Turnpike 85 mi 1h 38m
Swedesboro Road 3 mi 5m
US 1 1 mi 1m
Bridgeton Pike 1 mi 1m
Bayway 0.3 mi <1m
South Broad Street 0.3 mi <1m
East Jersey Street 0.3 mi <1m
North Main Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: New Jersey Turnpike — 85 mi, about 1h 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ.

1

Start on NJ 45

1.0 mi · 1 min · Bridgeton Pike
2

Continue on NJ 45

347 ft · 9 sec · North Main Street
3

Turn right onto US 322; CR 536

3.0 mi · 5 min · Swedesboro Road
Use the right lane.
4

Turn left

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike Use the left lane.
5

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward NJ Turnpike North, New York City
6

Merge onto NJTP

36 mi · 41 min · New Jersey Turnpike
7

Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP

49 mi · 56 min · New Jersey Turnpike
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 2 min
Exit 13 Toward I 278: Elizabeth, Staten Island Use the slight right lane.
9

Turn straight

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward I 278 West, NJ 439: Elizabeth, Linden
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 35 sec
Toward NJ 439: Elizabeth
11

Continue on NJ 439

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Bayway
12

Turn right onto CR 623

0.3 mi · 52 sec · South Broad Street
13

Turn right onto US 1; US 9

1.0 mi · 1 min · US 1; US 9
14

Turn right

60 ft · 6 sec
15

Turn right

383 ft · 28 sec
16

Turn right

278 ft · 22 sec
17

Turn right onto East Jersey Street

0.3 mi · 50 sec · East Jersey Street
18

Turn right

34 ft · 2 sec
19

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Factor in the estimated $16 fuel cost for your budget. The longest stretch on the New Jersey Turnpike means you can cover significant distance without frequent turns, but be mindful of potential traffic, especially during peak hours. Plan for a single fuel stop if needed, as the 85-mile stretch on the Turnpike could drain your tank if it's already low.

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 46.9 miles from Jefferson, NJ, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85 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 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 46.9 miles or 57m 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 31m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Jefferson, 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 Jefferson, NJ

This is one driving day of about 93.7 miles and 1h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Jefferson, 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 New Jersey Turnpike for about 85 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 46.9 mi from Jefferson, NJ · 57m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

47 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 46.9 miles from Jefferson, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before New Jersey Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 85 miles.

Arriving in Elizabeth, NJ

The final approach into Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth, NJ.

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

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...

9 mi from route ~21 min detour $10 near mile 93.7
Park Closure: Glenmont Mansion and Grounds Closed
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

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 90.5
View on nps.gov
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

17 mi from route ~44 min detour Free near mile 93.7
View on nps.gov
Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

18 mi from route ~46 min detour Free near mile 93.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.53 one way

$31.07 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $17.01 $34.03
premium $4.93 $18.17 $36.34
diesel $5.61 $20.69 $41.38

Estimated Tolls: $11.90

New Jersey Turnpike (85 mi) $11.90

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

$16

Tolls

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 32.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.1 0 $9.84 $4.50
Efficient EV 23.4 0 $8.20 $3.75
EV Truck/SUV 37.5 0 $13.12 $6.00

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 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 5 days ago

Origin

Jefferson, NJ

Evening in Jefferson on Tuesday

Local time

8:55 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Elizabeth, NJ

Evening in Elizabeth on Tuesday

Local time

8:55 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°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

4 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 55m 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 Jefferson, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ covers 93.7 miles and takes about 1h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New Jersey Turnpike, Swedesboro Road, US 1. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 46.9 miles from Jefferson, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.53 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 15 significant decision points across 93.7 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 1 miles (US 322; CR 536 / Swedesboro Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Jefferson, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Elizabeth, NJ to Jefferson, NJ

Plan the drive back the other way.

93.3 mi 1h 52m

Continue From Elizabeth, NJ

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