Trip from North Wildwood, NJ to Lakewood, NJ

Drive Time

1h 52m

Distance

90.4 mi

146 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 44m ★
6 AM
1h 53m
8 AM
2h 9m
10 AM
1h 58m
12 PM
1h 57m
3 PM
1h 59m
5 PM
2h 8m
8 PM
1h 48m

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

Downtown Lakewood, NJ, NJ

Lakewood, NJ

James Kampeis

Trip Overview

Traveling from North Wildwood to Lakewood covers 90.4 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 52 minutes. This straightforward journey is ideal for a one-day trip, as it rarely requires an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $15 for fuel to complete the trek. The route stays entirely within the Northeast region, moving through New Jersey via North Wildwood Boulevard and the Garden State Parkway. Because the drive is relatively short and efficient, it works well as a direct commute or a quick weekend excursion between these two New Jersey communities.

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

45.2 miles from North Wildwood, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 85% of this trip consists of high-speed travel. You will spend the vast majority of your time on the Garden State Parkway, which accounts for a 76.5-mile uninterrupted stretch of the journey. The transition from local roads like North Wildwood Boulevard into the Parkway provides a quick shift from slower residential pacing to a steady interstate flow. While the road is mostly a functional grind, the consistency of the highway makes for a predictable, low-stress time behind the wheel. Lakewood Road serves as your final connection, guiding you into your destination after the long highway run.

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 76.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and Lakewood Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 90.4 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 4.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 51.5 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 81.8 miles (US 9): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

7
4.7 mi into trip | ~7m in

Keep slight left at fork toward GSP Toll North: Garden State Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 6 Toward GSP Toll North: Garden State Parkway
6
51.5 mi into trip | ~1h 2m 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
81.8 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in | US 9

Take the exit onto US 9 toward US 9 North, CR 571, NJ 166: Lakewood

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 83 Toward US 9 North, CR 571, NJ 166: Lakewood
7
82.2 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Toms River

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward Toms River
6
82.6 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in | NJ 166 / Lakewood Road

Turn right onto NJ 166 / Lakewood Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between North Wildwood, NJ and Lakewood, NJ, road signs point toward Cr 571 and Toms River.

Cr 571

81.8 mi in | ~1h 37m | via US 9

Toms River

82.2 mi in | ~1h 38m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Garden State Parkway 76.5 mi 1h 28m
Lakewood Road 4.3 mi 6m
North Wildwood Boulevard 3.1 mi 4m
River Avenue 2.6 mi 4m
Madison Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
West Spruce Avenue 0.5 mi <1m
New Jersey Avenue 0.5 mi <1m
US 9 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Garden State Parkway — 76.5 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between North Wildwood, NJ and Lakewood, NJ.

1

Start on East 12th Avenue

0.1 mi · 30 sec · East 12th Avenue
2

Turn right onto CR 621; OD

0.5 mi · 43 sec · New Jersey Avenue
3

Continue on CR 621; OD

0.3 mi · 36 sec · West Anglesea Drive
4

Continue on NJ 147; OD

0.5 mi · 52 sec · West Spruce Avenue
5

Continue on NJ 147; OD

3.1 mi · 4 min · North Wildwood Boulevard
6

Turn slight right

432 ft · 15 sec
Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Exit 6 Toward GSP Toll North: Garden State Parkway
8

Merge onto GSP

12 mi · 14 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the none lane.
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 31 sec
10

Merge onto GSP

34 mi · 39 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto GSP

30 mi · 35 min · Garden State Parkway
Use the straight lane.
12

Take the exit onto US 9

0.4 mi · 34 sec · US 9
Exit 83 Toward US 9 North, CR 571, NJ 166: Lakewood Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 12 sec
Toward Toms River Use the straight lane.
14

Turn straight onto Lomell Lane

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Lomell Lane
15

Turn right onto NJ 166

4.3 mi · 6 min · Lakewood Road
Use the none lane.
16

Continue on US 9

2.6 mi · 4 min · River Avenue
Use the none lane.
17

Continue on US 9

0.9 mi · 1 min · Madison Avenue
Use the none lane.
18

Turn right onto 8th Street

46 ft · 2 sec · 8th Street
19

Arrive at destination

8th Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a compact 90.4-mile trip with zero mandatory stops, you have the flexibility to depart whenever it suits your schedule. Try to time your departure to avoid peak commuting hours on the Garden State Parkway to ensure you maintain that estimated 1 hour and 52 minute travel time. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the Parkway, as it is the longest segment of your trip. Because there are no required stops, you can easily complete the drive in a single push without needing to schedule rest breaks. Carrying a small amount of cash or keeping your E-ZPass ready is a smart move for any tolls you may encounter along the Parkway.

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 45.2 miles from North Wildwood, NJ, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.5 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 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 45.2 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 28m

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 North Wildwood, 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 North Wildwood, NJ

This is one driving day of about 90.4 miles and 1h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from North Wildwood, 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 76.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 45.2 mi from North Wildwood, NJ · 54m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

45 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 45.2 miles from North Wildwood, 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 76.5 miles.

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

$14.96 one way

$29.92 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 32 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $16.37 $32.74
premium $4.92 $17.52 $35.04
diesel $5.64 $20.08 $40.17

Estimated Tolls: $4.59

Garden State Parkway (76.5 mi) $4.59

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

$15

Tolls

$5

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 31.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 27.1 0 $9.49 $4.34
Efficient EV 22.6 0 $7.91 $3.62
EV Truck/SUV 36.2 0 $12.66 $5.79

Gas CO2

32 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (66% 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 3 days ago

Origin

North Wildwood, NJ

Night in North Wildwood on Sunday

Local time

10:43 PM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lakewood, NJ

Night in Lakewood on Sunday

Local time

10:43 PM

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

1 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

1h 52m 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 North Wildwood, NJ to Lakewood, NJ covers 90.4 miles and takes about 1h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Garden State Parkway, Lakewood Road, 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 45.2 miles from North Wildwood, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.96 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 90.4 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 4.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 51.5 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 81.8 miles (US 9): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between North Wildwood, NJ and Lakewood, NJ, road signs point toward Cr 571 and Toms River.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Lakewood, NJ to North Wildwood, NJ

Plan the drive back the other way.

90.2 mi 1h 51m

Explore more options from North Wildwood, NJ or browse trips ending in Lakewood, NJ.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NJ road trips.

Explore maps for North Wildwood, NJ or Lakewood, NJ on MapSof.net.