Origin
New Brunswick, NJ
Night in New Brunswick on Sunday
Local time
9:36 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New Brunswick, NJ to Jersey City, NJ
Drive Time
43m
Distance
30.4 mi
49 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 40m
★
6 AM
0h 44m
8 AM
0h 51m
10 AM
0h 46m
12 PM
0h 46m
3 PM
0h 47m
5 PM
0h 51m
8 PM
0h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Brunswick, NJ
Illya Goloborodko
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel the 30.4 miles from New Brunswick to Jersey City, expect a quick transit of approximately 43 minutes. This trip is ideally suited as a single-day excursion, as the modest distance requires no overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the New Jersey Turnpike, State Route 18, and the Lincoln Highway. Budgeting about $5 for fuel should comfortably cover the entire journey through this Northeast corridor. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a day of exploration, this route offers a straightforward connection between these two New Jersey hubs.
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
15.2 miles from New Brunswick, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 22m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 83% of this route consists of high-speed transit. You will spend the bulk of your time on the New Jersey Turnpike, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 22.1 miles. The road’s personality is defined by efficient, fast-paced travel rather than leisurely backroads. While you start in New Brunswick, the transition toward Jersey City maintains a consistent, industrial-adjacent pace typical of these major thoroughfares. Navigating these sections requires staying alert, as the volume of traffic on the Turnpike often dictates the flow of the drive.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 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 22.1 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
143 ft
-4 ft
Total Climb
244 ft
Total Descent
297 ft
Highest Point
143 ft
~10.2 mi in
Elevation Range
146 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and Lincoln Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 30.4 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 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
1.1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 18 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward NJ 18 South
7
2.8 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward NJTP Toll, I 95 Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward NJTP Toll, I 95 Toll: New Jersey Turnpik...
8
3.2 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
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 North, NJTP North: New York City
8
27.1 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Take the exit toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Newark, Jersey City
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 15E
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Newa...
8
27.5 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North: Jersey City, Doremus Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North: Jers...
Towns Along This Route
Between New Brunswick, NJ and Jersey City, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp Toll and Njtp North: New York City.
Njtp Toll
2.8 mi in
|
~5m
Njtp North: New York City
3.2 mi in
|
~7m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike | 22.1 mi | 27m |
| Lincoln Highway | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| State Route 18 | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| US 1 Truck | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Livingston Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Duncan Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| New Street | 0.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 22.1 mi, about 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Brunswick, NJ and Jersey City, NJ.
1
Start on Delavan Street
68 ft
·
9 sec
·
Delavan Street
2
Turn left onto CR 691
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Livingston Avenue
3
Turn right onto New Street
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
New Street
4
Continue on New Street
0.2 mi
·
46 sec
·
New Street
Toward NJ 18 South
5
Turn straight onto Burnet Street
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
Burnet Street
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward NJ 18 South
Use the none lane.
7
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
this road
8
Merge onto NJ 18
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
Memorial Parkway
9
Continue on NJ 18; CR 527
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
State Route 18
Use the none lane.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward NJTP Toll, I 95 Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
Use the right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
13
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
22 mi
·
27 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
Use the none lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
Exit 15E
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Newark, Jersey City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
322 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 1 Truck North, US 9 Truck North: Jersey City, Doremus Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward US 1 North Truck, US 9 North Truck: Jersey City
18
Merge onto US 1 Truck; US 9 Truck
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Lincoln Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
19
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 North, US 9 Truck North
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto Duncan Avenue
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
Duncan Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Turn left onto Olean Avenue
316 ft
·
13 sec
·
Olean Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
Olean Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a short 30.4-mile trek, you have significant flexibility in your departure time, though keep in mind that traffic patterns on the Turnpike can fluctuate. Because the entire drive takes less than an hour, you likely will not need to plan for any formal stops along the way. Focus your energy on navigating the interchanges where the Lincoln Highway and State Route 18 feed into the larger highway network. To ensure a smooth arrival, check real-time traffic reports for the New Jersey Turnpike before you head out, as this is the most critical segment of your route. Planning your departure to avoid peak commuter hours will make the 43-minute trip much more predictable.
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 15.2 miles from New Brunswick, NJ, or about 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.1 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 30.4 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 15.2 miles or 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jersey City, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Brunswick, 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 New Brunswick, NJ
This is one driving day of about 30.4 miles and 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from New Brunswick, 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 22.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 15.2 mi from New Brunswick, NJ · 22m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
15 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 30.4 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 15.2 miles from New Brunswick, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Jersey City, NJ
The final approach into Jersey City, 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 Jersey City, 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
$5.03 one way
$10.06 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
11 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $5.50 | $11.01 |
| premium | $4.92 | $5.89 | $11.78 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $6.75 | $13.51 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.25
New Jersey Turnpike
(23.2 mi)
$3.25
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
$5
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 10.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 9.1 | 0 | $3.19 | $1.46 |
| Efficient EV | 7.6 | 0 | $2.66 | $1.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 12.2 | 0 | $4.26 | $1.95 |
Gas CO2
11 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (64% 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
Jersey City, NJ
Night in Jersey City on Sunday
Local time
9:36 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
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
43m 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 New Brunswick, NJ to Jersey City, NJ covers 30.4 miles and takes about 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New Jersey Turnpike, Lincoln Highway, State Route 18. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 15.2 miles from New Brunswick, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.03 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 16 significant decision points across 30.4 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 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between New Brunswick, NJ and Jersey City, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp Toll and Njtp North: New York City.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from -4 ft to 143 ft elevation with about 244 ft of total climbing.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Jersey City, NJ
More trips to Jersey City, NJ
Explore more options from New Brunswick, NJ or browse trips ending in Jersey City, NJ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NJ road trips.
Explore maps for New Brunswick, NJ or Jersey City, NJ on MapSof.net.