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Trip from Newark, NJ to Cedar Grove, NJ

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 44m

Distance

132.6 mi

213 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 34m ★
6 AM
2h 44m
8 AM
3h 6m
10 AM
2h 52m
12 PM
2h 50m
3 PM
2h 53m
5 PM
3h 5m
8 PM
2h 38m

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

township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States

Cedar Grove, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Newark, NJ to Cedar Grove, NJ covers 132.6 miles and takes about 2h 44m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, Shore Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 111.4 miles on Garden State Parkway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.98 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

66.3 miles from Newark, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Garden State Parkway 111.4 mi 2h 9m
New Jersey Turnpike 9.4 mi 11m
Shore Road 2.3 mi 3m
US 1 1.7 mi 2m
McCarter Highway 1.5 mi 3m
Exit to GSP and US Route 9 1.4 mi 2m
NJ 81 1.1 mi 2m
Mulberry Street 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Garden State Parkway — 111.4 mi, about 2h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Newark, NJ and Cedar Grove, NJ.

1

Start on CR 510

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Market Street
Use the straight lane.
2

Turn right onto Mulberry Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · Mulberry Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3

Turn slight right onto NJ 21

1.5 mi · 3 min · McCarter Highway
Use the left lane.
4

Merge onto US 1; US 9

0.2 mi · 17 sec · US 1; US 9
5

Continue on US 1; US 9

1.5 mi · 2 min · US 1; US 9
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
7

Continue on NJ 81

1.1 mi · 2 min · NJ 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork

315 ft · 7 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton
10

Merge onto I 95; NJTP

9.4 mi · 11 min · New Jersey Turnpike
11

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.
12

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.
13

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.
14

Merge onto GSP

3.0 mi · 3 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP

0.7 mi · 49 sec · Garden State Parkway
16

Keep slight right at fork onto GSP

108 mi · 2 hr 5 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit onto GSP SB Exit 17

0.2 mi · 29 sec · GSP SB Exit 17
Exit 17 Toward Sea Isle City, Dennis Township Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork

210 ft · 10 sec
19

Turn left onto CR 625

0.3 mi · 35 sec · Sea Isle Boulevard
20

Turn left onto US 9

2.3 mi · 3 min · Shore Road
21

Turn right onto NJ 83

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman III Memorial Highway
22

Turn slight right onto CR 608

0.7 mi · 1 min · Kings Highway
23

Arrive at destination

CR 608

Trip Plan

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.3 miles from Newark, NJ, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.4 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 29 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 66.3 miles or 1h 24m 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 14m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Newark, 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 Newark, NJ

This is one driving day of about 132.6 miles and 2h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Newark, 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 111.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

66 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 66.3 miles from Newark, 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 111.4 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Somers Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Linwood, New Jersey

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.7

Hours: 7 am–4:30 pm

+16097804734

Amsterdam Alley Bar & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Linden, New Jersey

2 mi

Island Shore Chinese Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Marmora, New Jersey

1.6 mi

Somers Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.7

Linwood, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–4:30 pm

+16097804734

Amsterdam Alley Bar & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 9.5

Linden, New Jersey

Hours: 12 pm–12 am

+19089254166

Visit website

Island Shore Chinese Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 123.1

Marmora, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+16093907320

Visit website

Sushi Ocean View Japanese Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 132.6

Ocean View, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+16096248886

Visit website

Captain Bob's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $30 to $50 mile 123.1

Ocean City, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+16093919292

Fai's Chinese Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132.6

Ocean View, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–2:45 pm

+16096248000

Visit website

Italian Street Restaurant & Pizza

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.7

Somers Point, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+16099265526

Visit website

Carangi's Cafe & Deli

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 113.7

Northfield, New Jersey

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+16093804937

Visit website

Shorebreak Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132.6

Sea Isle City, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+16094862137

Visit website

agnello's cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85.2

Manahawkin, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16095495775

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Newark, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 18.9

Perth Amboy, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Kearny, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Newark, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Newark, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 56.8

Lakewood, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Kearny, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 37.9

Shrewsbury, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

American star inn and suites hotel galloway

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 104.2

Galloway, NJ

Military Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Newark, New Jersey

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+19739005800

Visit website

Independence Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Newark, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19732683500

Visit website

Cornucopia Cruise Lines

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 18.9

Perth Amboy, New Jersey

+17326979500

Visit website

West Hudson Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Harrison, NJ

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12012175482

Visit website

Fords Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 18.9

Woodbridge, New Jersey

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17327453900

Visit website

Conference House Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 18.9

Staten Island, New York

+17189846046

Visit website

Kids 'N Shape - Staten Island

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 18.9

Staten Island, New York

+17182278300

Visit website

Just Kidding Playground - Universe (South Shore)

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 18.9

Staten Island, New York

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+17189678000

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 5.4 and 128.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
5.4 mi into trip | ~11m 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 left / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton
8
15.2 mi into trip | ~23m 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
16.6 mi into trip | ~25m 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...
7
16.9 mi into trip | ~26m in | GSP Southbound entrance

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP Southbound entrance toward GSP South: Garden State Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward GSP South: Garden State Parkway
8
128.8 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in | GSP SB Exit 17

Take the exit onto GSP SB Exit 17 toward Sea Isle City, Dennis Township

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 17 Toward Sea Isle City, Dennis Township

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.98 one way

$43.97 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $24.08 $48.15
premium $4.93 $25.72 $51.43
diesel $5.61 $29.28 $58.55

Estimated Tolls: $7.99

Garden State Parkway (111.4 mi) $6.68
New Jersey Turnpike (9.4 mi) $1.31

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

$22

Tolls

$8

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 39.8 0 $13.92 $6.36
Efficient EV 33.2 0 $11.60 $5.30
EV Truck/SUV 53 0 $18.56 $8.49

Gas CO2

46 kg

EV CO2

16 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Newark, NJ

Afternoon in Newark on Saturday

Local time

2:27 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cedar Grove, NJ

Afternoon in Cedar Grove on Saturday

Local time

2:27 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°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

12 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

2h 44m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Today, the brick buildings on Main Street in West Orange, NJ seem quiet, betraying little evidence of the research, development, and innovation of their heyday. Visitors can step back in time to Thoma...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $10
Park Closure: Glenmont Mansion and Grounds Closed
View on nps.gov
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Silk cloth and steam locomotives; textiles and continuous paper rolls; firearms and aircraft engines. What do these things have in common? All were manufactured in the same place - Paterson, NJ. In 17...

12 mi from route ~31 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...

16 mi from route ~41 min detour Free near mile 9.1
View on nps.gov
Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, where soldiers survived the coldest winte...

19 mi from route ~47 min detour Free near mile 4.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

132.6 mi in 2h 44m, mostly highway — 111.4 mi of that is on Garden State Parkway.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.4 mi on Garden State Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 5.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 132.6 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: at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.2 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; at 16.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Newark, NJ and Cedar Grove, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp, Woodbridge, Gsp South and Perth Amboy.

Gsp

15.2 mi in | ~23m | via Exit 11

Woodbridge

15.2 mi in | ~23m | via Exit 11

Gsp South

16.6 mi in | ~25m

Perth Amboy

16.6 mi in | ~25m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 44m. Total distance: 132.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.4 miles on Garden State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $7.99 in tolls one way, starting with Garden State Parkway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Cedar Grove, NJ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 15.2 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; at 16.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and Gateway National Recreation Area (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cedar Grove, NJ before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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