Trip from Jersey City, NJ to Wildwood, NJ

Drive Time

3h 3m

Distance

149.9 mi

241 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 35 min
4 AM
2h 52m ★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 13m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 57m

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

Trip Overview

Traveling from Jersey City to Wildwood covers 149.9 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 3 minutes. Since this is a highway-focused drive, you can comfortably complete the journey in a single day, making it an ideal choice for a quick shore getaway. Budget approximately $25 for fuel to cover the trip. You will spend the vast majority of your time on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike, transitioning from the urban Northeast corridor toward the coast. Whether you are heading down for a weekend or a longer vacation, this straightforward route offers a reliable path 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

74.9 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, interstate-heavy experience, as 94% of this 149.9-mile route consists of major highways. You will settle into a long, steady rhythm on the Garden State Parkway, which accounts for a 122.4-mile stretch of your total driving time. While the road is efficient, the character is defined by the transition from the dense traffic of the New Jersey Turnpike into the more open stretches of the Parkway. Once you exit onto North Wildwood Boulevard, the pace shifts from a high-speed cruise to local coastal driving as you near your destination.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 20 significant decision points across 149.9 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 20 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 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
New Jersey Avenue 1.5 mi 2m
Exit to GSP and US Route 9 1.4 mi 2m
West Spruce Avenue 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 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

1.5 mi · 2 min · New Jersey Avenue
24

Turn right onto West Wildwood Avenue

142 ft · 11 sec · West Wildwood Avenue
25

Turn left

38 ft · 2 sec
26

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just over 3 hours, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time, though planning for one stop will help break up the monotony of the long highway segments. Given the heavy reliance on the Garden State Parkway, keep an eye on real-time traffic reports to adjust your departure if congestion builds up. Since you only need to budget $25 for gas, this remains an economical choice for a spontaneous trip. Make sure to keep your electronic toll payment method ready, as you will be navigating significant highway infrastructure throughout the entire 149.9-mile transit.

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 74.9 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 74.9 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 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near 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 149.9 miles and 3h 3m.

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

75 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 74.9 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 Wildwood, NJ

The final approach into 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 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

$24.80 one way

$49.61 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $27.14 $54.28
premium $4.92 $29.05 $58.10
diesel $5.64 $33.30 $66.61

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: 52.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45 0 $15.74 $7.20
Efficient EV 37.5 0 $13.12 $6.00
EV Truck/SUV 60 0 $20.99 $9.59

Gas CO2

52 kg

EV CO2

18 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Jersey City, NJ

Evening in Jersey City on Sunday

Local time

7:23 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wildwood, NJ

Evening in Wildwood on Sunday

Local time

7:23 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°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

8 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 3m 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 Wildwood, NJ covers 149.9 miles and takes about 3h 3m 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 74.9 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 $24.80 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 20 significant decision points across 149.9 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 Wildwood, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp, Woodbridge, Gsp South and Perth Amboy.

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Return Trip

Wildwood, NJ to Jersey City, NJ

Plan the drive back the other way.

148.3 mi 3h 2m

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

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