Origin
Margate City, NJ
Late night in Margate City on Monday
Local time
12:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Margate City, NJ to Toms River, NJ
Drive Time
1h 5m
Distance
52.6 mi
85 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 0m
★
6 AM
1h 6m
8 AM
1h 16m
10 AM
1h 9m
12 PM
1h 8m
3 PM
1h 10m
5 PM
1h 15m
8 PM
1h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Margate City, NJ
Malcolm Garret
Toms River, NJ
Aisling Kerr
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Margate City to Toms River, you can expect a straightforward 52.6-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as the modest distance makes an overnight stay unnecessary. You should budget approximately $9 for fuel to complete the trip. Because both the origin and destination are located in the Northeast, the drive maintains a consistent regional feel as you transition between these two Jersey Shore hubs. It is a highly practical connection, ideal for travelers looking for a quick, efficient transit rather than a leisurely scenic tour.
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
26.3 miles from Margate City, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 33m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 86% of your commute is spent on major thoroughfares. You will navigate a mix of local connectors like Tilton Road and the Downbeach Express before merging onto the Garden State Parkway. The route hits its stride with a long, uninterrupted 45.3-mile stretch on the Parkway, which serves as the backbone of your drive. While the initial local roads require a bit more attention, the bulk of the trip settles into a steady, fast-paced interstate grind. You will find that the road transitions from suburban local streets into a more uniform high-speed transit environment once you reach the highway.
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.
Garden State Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 45.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and Tilton Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CR 563 / North Jerome Avenue.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 52.6 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: near the start (CR 563 / North Jerome Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.8 miles (CR 651 / Fire Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.7 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
CR 563 / North Jerome Avenue
Turn right onto CR 563 / North Jerome Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
5.8 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
CR 651 / Fire Road
Turn right onto CR 651 / Fire Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
23.7 mi into trip
|
~30m 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 straight lane.
8
51.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
Take the exit toward Lakehurst Road, Toms River
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 81
Toward Lakehurst Road, Toms River
6
52.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
|
Irons Street
Turn left onto Irons Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Margate City, NJ to Toms River, NJ, road signs begin pointing toward Gsp Toll North along the way.
Gsp Toll North
6.4 mi in
|
~10m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 45.3 mi | 52m |
| Tilton Road | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Downbeach Express | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| North Jerome Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Margate Boulevard | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| East Mill Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Fire Road | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Black Horse Pike | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 45.3 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Margate City, NJ and Toms River, NJ.
1
Start on CR 629; OD
10 ft
·
3 sec
·
Ventnor Avenue
2
Turn right onto CR 563
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
North Jerome Avenue
Use the none lane.
3
Continue on CR 563
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Downbeach Express
4
Continue on CR 563
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
Margate Boulevard
5
Continue on CR 563
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
East Mill Road
6
Turn slight right onto CR 563
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Tilton Road
Use the slight right / right lanes.
7
Turn right onto CR 651
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
Fire Road
Use the right lane.
8
Turn left onto US 40; US 322
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Black Horse Pike
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward GSP Toll North
10
Merge onto GSP
17 mi
·
19 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the none lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
28 mi
·
32 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 81
Toward Lakehurst Road, Toms River
Use the slight right lane.
13
Continue on Lakehurst Road
469 ft
·
10 sec
·
Lakehurst Road
14
Continue on CR 527
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Water Street
15
Turn left onto Irons Street
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Irons Street
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on Irons Street
268 ft
·
16 sec
·
Irons Street
17
Turn right onto NJ 166
287 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Main Street
18
Turn left
78 ft
·
5 sec
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours on the Garden State Parkway is always a smart move. Because the entire trip is only about 65 minutes long, you likely won't need any scheduled stops, allowing you to reach Toms River in one efficient push. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the Parkway to avoid unnecessary stops along the high-speed sections. A practical tip: check traffic reports for the Parkway specifically, as the 45.3-mile stretch is the primary variable that could impact your arrival time. Planning your departure to avoid rush hour will ensure you maintain that projected one-hour travel window.
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 26.3 miles from Margate City, NJ, or about 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 45.3 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 52.6 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 26.3 miles or 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 55m
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 Margate 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 Margate City, NJ
This is one driving day of about 52.6 miles and 1h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Margate City, 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 45.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 26.3 mi from Margate City, NJ · 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
26 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 52.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 26.3 miles from Margate City, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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
$8.70 one way
$17.41 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
18 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $9.52 | $19.05 |
| premium | $4.92 | $10.19 | $20.39 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $11.69 | $23.37 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.72
Garden State Parkway
(45.3 mi)
$2.72
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
$9
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 15.8 | 0 | $5.52 | $2.52 |
| Efficient EV | 13.2 | 0 | $4.60 | $2.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 21 | 0 | $7.36 | $3.37 |
Gas CO2
18 kg
EV CO2
6 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.
Destination
Toms River, NJ
Late night in Toms River on Monday
Local time
12:10 AM
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
11 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 5m 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 Margate City, NJ to Toms River, NJ covers 52.6 miles and takes about 1h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Garden State Parkway, Tilton Road, Downbeach Express. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 26.3 miles from Margate City, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.70 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 11 significant decision points across 52.6 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: near the start (CR 563 / North Jerome Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.8 miles (CR 651 / Fire Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.7 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Margate City, NJ to Toms River, NJ, road signs begin pointing toward Gsp Toll North along the way.
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