Origin
Montvale, NJ
Late night in Montvale on Monday
Local time
1:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Montvale, NJ to Lakewood, NJ
Drive Time
1h 50m
Distance
75 mi
121 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 43m
★
6 AM
1h 51m
8 AM
2h 7m
10 AM
1h 57m
12 PM
1h 55m
3 PM
1h 57m
5 PM
2h 6m
8 PM
1h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Montvale, NJ
Peter Vang
Lakewood, NJ
James Kampeis
Trip Overview
Traveling from Montvale to Lakewood covers 75 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. This trip is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as the duration is manageable without requiring an overnight stay. Your journey will primarily utilize the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur, NJ 17, and US Highway 9 to navigate through the Northeast region of New Jersey. Budgeting approximately $12 for fuel should be sufficient for the round trip. Because this is a highway-focused drive, you can expect a fairly straightforward transit between these two points, making it an efficient choice for those looking to reach Lakewood without unnecessary detours.
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
37.5 miles from Montvale, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a trip defined by high-speed transit, with roughly 79 percent of your journey spent on major highways. The road's personality is functional and fast-paced rather than leisurely, keeping you moving steadily toward your destination. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 25.9 miles while traveling along US Highway 9, which provides a consistent rhythm to your drive. Transitions between the Turnpike and state highways keep the route varied, though the primary focus remains on maintaining momentum through the dense regional infrastructure. Behind the wheel, you should prepare for a utilitarian experience that emphasizes speed and directness over scenic winding roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US Highway 9 is the longest continuous segment at about 25.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 9 and New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 19.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 75 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 19.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.4 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 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
19.6 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Take the exit toward East Rutherford, American Dream, Stadium, Racetrack, Training Facility
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward East Rutherford, American Dream, Stadium...
8
20.4 mi into trip
|
~32m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Newark
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Newark
8
41.4 mi into trip
|
~59m 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
42.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m 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
47.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
Take the exit toward US 9 South: Sayreville, Old Bridge
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 123
Toward US 9 South: Sayreville, Old Bridge
Towns Along This Route
Between Montvale, NJ and Lakewood, NJ, road signs point toward Rutherford, American Dream, Stadium, Racetrack, Training Facility and Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike - among others.
Rutherford
19.6 mi in
|
~30m
American Dream
19.6 mi in
|
~30m
Stadium
19.6 mi in
|
~30m
Racetrack
19.6 mi in
|
~30m
Training Facility
19.6 mi in
|
~30m
Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
19.9 mi in
|
~30m
Njtp South: Newark
20.4 mi in
|
~32m
Gsp
41.4 mi in
|
~59m
|
via Exit 11
Woodbridge
41.4 mi in
|
~59m
|
via Exit 11
Gsp South
42.8 mi in
|
~1h 2m
Perth Amboy
42.8 mi in
|
~1h 2m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 9 | 25.9 mi | 38m |
| New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur | 20.6 mi | 26m |
| NJ 17 | 6.3 mi | 7m |
| Forest Avenue | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| Garden State Parkway | 4.2 mi | 5m |
| South Kinderkamack Road | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| Maywood Avenue | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| Exit to GSP and US Route 9 | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 9
— 25.9 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Montvale, NJ and Lakewood, NJ.
1
Start on Penn Avenue
363 ft
·
15 sec
·
Penn Avenue
2
Continue on Myrtle Street
423 ft
·
18 sec
·
Myrtle Street
3
Continue on Hillcrest Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Hillcrest Avenue
4
At end of road, turn right onto CR 94
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
Grand Avenue East
5
Turn left onto CR 503
499 ft
·
8 sec
·
Park Street
6
Turn straight onto CR 503
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
South Kinderkamack Road
7
Turn right onto CR 110
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Westwood Avenue
8
Turn left onto CR 59
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
3rd Avenue
9
Continue on CR 59
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
4th Avenue
10
Continue on CR 59
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
4th Avenue
11
Continue on CR 59
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Forest Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on CR 59
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Maywood Avenue
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn right onto CR 56
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Essex Street
14
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
15
Merge onto NJ 17
6.3 mi
·
7 min
·
NJ 17
Use the none lane.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward NJ 3 East: New York
17
Merge onto NJ 3
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
·
NJ 3
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward East Rutherford, American Dream, Stadium, Racetrack, Training Facility
Use the slight right lane.
19
Continue on Sheraton Plaza Drive
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Sheraton Plaza Drive
20
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Newark
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
6.3 mi
·
8 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
Use the none lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95; NJTP
14 mi
·
17 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
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.
25
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.
26
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.
27
Merge onto GSP
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the none lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto GSP
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 123
Toward US 9 South: Sayreville, Old Bridge
Use the slight right lane.
31
Merge onto US 9
26 mi
·
38 min
·
US Highway 9
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
32
Continue on US 9
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Madison Avenue
Use the none lane.
33
Turn left onto 8th Street
46 ft
·
2 sec
·
8th Street
Use the left lane.
34
Arrive at destination
8th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour and 50 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak commuting hours is always a smart strategy in this busy corridor. Since there are zero official stops planned for this 75-mile route, make sure to fuel up before you leave Montvale to avoid unnecessary mid-trip errands. Keep a close watch on signage when transitioning between the New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur and the state highway segments to ensure you stay on track. Because the drive is relatively short, you can easily complete it in one go without needing to build in significant rest breaks. Prioritize checking real-time traffic reports before you head out, as the highway-heavy nature of the trip means even minor delays can impact your arrival time.
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 37.5 miles from Montvale, NJ, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.9 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 75 miles or 1h 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 37.5 miles or 54m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakewood, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Montvale, 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 Montvale, NJ
This is one driving day of about 75 miles and 1h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Montvale, 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 US Highway 9 for about 25.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 37.5 mi from Montvale, NJ · 54m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
38 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 75 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 37.5 miles from Montvale, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Lakewood, NJ
The final approach into Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, 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
$12.41 one way
$24.82 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
26 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $13.58 | $27.16 |
| premium | $4.92 | $14.53 | $29.07 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $16.66 | $33.32 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.14
New Jersey Turnpike
(20.6 mi)
$2.89
Garden State Parkway
(4.2 mi)
$0.25
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
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
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, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 22.5 | 0 | $7.87 | $3.60 |
| Efficient EV | 18.8 | 0 | $6.56 | $3.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 30 | 0 | $10.50 | $4.80 |
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.
Destination
Lakewood, NJ
Late night in Lakewood on Monday
Local time
1:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°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 50m 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 Montvale, NJ to Lakewood, NJ covers 75 miles and takes about 1h 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US Highway 9, New Jersey Turnpike Western Spur, NJ 17. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 37.5 miles from Montvale, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.41 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 24 significant decision points across 75 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 19.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.4 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 Montvale, NJ and Lakewood, NJ, road signs point toward Rutherford, American Dream, Stadium, Racetrack, Training Facility and Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike - among others.
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