Trip from Jersey City, NJ to North Wildwood, NJ

Drive Time

3h 2m

Distance

148.9 mi

240 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 51m ★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 25m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 8m
3 PM
3h 12m
5 PM
3h 24m
8 PM
2h 56m

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

Trip Overview

If you are looking to escape Jersey City for the coast, this 148.9-mile trip to North Wildwood is a straightforward, highway-focused journey. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 2 minutes behind the wheel, making it a perfectly manageable day trip. You will spend roughly $25 on fuel, keeping the excursion budget-friendly for a quick weekend getaway. The route primarily utilizes the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, and North Wildwood Boulevard to navigate south through the Northeast. Whether you need a day to recharge or a full weekend, this drive provides a direct link between the urban density of the north and the shore atmosphere of the south.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

74.5 miles from Jersey City, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a high-speed commute, as 95% of this journey is spent on major highways. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 122.4 miles on the Garden State Parkway. While the initial leg involves the New Jersey Turnpike, the drive transitions into the Parkway, which serves as the backbone of your travel. Because the route is so highway-intensive, you should prepare for a consistent, steady pace rather than technical twists or turns. The experience is largely functional, moving you efficiently from your starting point to the coastal destination.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 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 122.4 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 0.9 miles in near US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 148.9 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 0.9 miles (US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.4 miles (Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 19 key points

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

7
0.9 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck

Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck toward US 1 South, US 9 South: Newark Airport, Port Newark Elizabeth Seaport

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

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 1 South, US 9 South: Newark Airport,...
8
6.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton
8
19.4 mi into trip | ~27m in | Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9

Take the exit onto Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9 toward GSP, US 9: 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 GSP, US 9: Garden State Parkway, Woodbri...
8
20.8 mi into trip | ~29m in

Keep slight left at fork toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Pa...
8
143.9 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in

Take the exit toward NJ 147: North Wildwood, Whitesboro

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 6 Toward NJ 147: North Wildwood, Whitesboro

Towns Along This Route

Between Jersey City, NJ and North Wildwood, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp, Woodbridge, Gsp South and Perth Amboy.

Gsp

19.4 mi in | ~27m | via Exit 11

Woodbridge

19.4 mi in | ~27m | via Exit 11

Gsp South

20.8 mi in | ~29m

Perth Amboy

20.8 mi in | ~29m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Garden State Parkway 122.4 mi 2h 22m
New Jersey Turnpike 11.9 mi 14m
North Wildwood Boulevard 3.3 mi 5m
US 1 Truck 3 mi 5m
US 1 2.1 mi 2m
Exit to GSP and US Route 9 1.4 mi 2m
West Spruce Avenue 0.5 mi <1m
GSP Southbound entrance 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Garden State Parkway — 122.4 mi, about 2h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jersey City, NJ and North Wildwood, NJ.

1

Start on Olean Avenue

316 ft · 15 sec · Olean Avenue
2

Turn right onto Duncan Avenue

0.4 mi · 53 sec · Duncan Avenue
3

Turn left onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck

0.4 mi · 44 sec · US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Use the left lane.
4

Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck

1.9 mi · 3 min · US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Toward US 1 South, US 9 South: Newark Airport, Port Newark Elizabeth Seaport Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
Toward US 1 Truck South, US 9 Truck South: Port Newark, Newark Airport
6

Merge onto US 1; US 9

2.1 mi · 2 min · US 1; US 9
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 78 East, I 95, NJTP: New Jersey Turnpike Toll Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto I 78

47 ft · 0 sec · I 95/NJTP North Tolls
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95/NJTP North Tolls

0.1 mi · 7 sec · I 95/NJTP North Tolls
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 49 sec
Use the none lane.
12

Merge onto I 95

12 mi · 14 min · New Jersey Turnpike
Use the none lane.
13

Take the exit onto Exit 11

1.4 mi · 2 min · Exit to GSP and US Route 9
Exit 11 Toward GSP, US 9: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge Use the slight right lane.
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward GSP South, US 9, NJ 440: Garden State Parkway, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy Use the slight left lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP Southbound entrance

0.5 mi · 1 min · GSP Southbound entrance
Toward GSP South: Garden State Parkway Use the slight left lane.
16

Merge onto GSP

3.0 mi · 3 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP

0.7 mi · 49 sec · Garden State Parkway
Use the none lane.
18

Keep slight right at fork onto GSP

119 mi · 2 hr 17 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
19

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Exit 6 Toward NJ 147: North Wildwood, Whitesboro Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Turn right onto NJ 147

3.3 mi · 5 min · North Wildwood Boulevard
21

Continue on NJ 147; OD

0.5 mi · 50 sec · West Spruce Avenue
22

Continue on NJ 147; OD

0.3 mi · 36 sec · West Anglesea Drive
23

Continue on CR 621; OD

0.5 mi · 48 sec · New Jersey Avenue
24

Turn left onto East 12th Avenue

0.1 mi · 28 sec · East 12th Avenue
25

Arrive at destination

East 12th Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 3-hour journey, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and break up the monotony of the long highway stretches. Given the heavy reliance on the Garden State Parkway, try to avoid peak commuter hours to ensure you maintain your estimated travel time. Since you are only budgeting $25 for fuel, it is wise to fuel up before you hit the main arteries to avoid higher prices often found at service plazas. Because this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart early in the morning and maximize your time once you arrive in North Wildwood. Keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition onto North Wildwood Boulevard, as this final stretch marks the shift from high-speed highway travel to your destination.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 74.5 miles from Jersey City, NJ, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 122.4 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 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 74.5 miles or 1h 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 2h 28m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Jersey City, 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 Jersey City, NJ

This is one driving day of about 148.9 miles and 3h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Jersey City, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 122.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 74.5 mi from Jersey City, NJ · 1h 33m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

74 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 74.5 miles from Jersey City, 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 122.4 miles.

Arriving in North Wildwood, NJ

The final approach into North Wildwood, 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 North Wildwood, NJ.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.64 one way

$49.28 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $26.96 $53.92
premium $4.92 $28.85 $57.71
diesel $5.64 $33.08 $66.16

Estimated Tolls: $9.01

Garden State Parkway (122.4 mi) $7.34
New Jersey Turnpike (11.9 mi) $1.67

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

$25

Tolls

$9

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 52.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44.7 0 $15.63 $7.15
Efficient EV 37.2 0 $13.03 $5.96
EV Truck/SUV 59.6 0 $20.85 $9.53

Gas CO2

52 kg

EV CO2

17 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

Jersey City, NJ

Evening in Jersey City on Sunday

Local time

7:22 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

North Wildwood, NJ

Evening in North Wildwood on Sunday

Local time

7:22 PM

EDT

Current temp

55°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

6 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

3h 2m 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 Jersey City, NJ to North Wildwood, NJ covers 148.9 miles and takes about 3h 2m 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, North Wildwood Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 74.5 miles from Jersey City, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.64 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 148.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.4 miles (Exit 11 / Exit to GSP and US Route 9): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Jersey City, NJ and North Wildwood, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp, Woodbridge, Gsp South and Perth Amboy.

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Return Trip

North Wildwood, NJ to Jersey City, NJ

Plan the drive back the other way.

147.3 mi 3h 1m

Explore more options from Jersey City, NJ or browse trips ending in North Wildwood, NJ.

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