Origin
Old Bridge, NJ
Evening in Old Bridge on Wednesday
Local time
8:40 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Old Bridge, NJ to Union City, NJ
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
51m
Distance
37.3 mi
60 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 47m
★
6 AM
0h 52m
8 AM
1h 0m
10 AM
0h 55m
12 PM
0h 54m
3 PM
0h 55m
5 PM
1h 0m
8 PM
0h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Old Bridge, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Union City, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from Old Bridge to Union City, expect a straightforward 37.3-mile journey through the Northeast. Under normal traffic conditions, this drive takes approximately 51 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major arterial roads, specifically the New Jersey Turnpike and State Route 18. With a fuel cost of just $6, this is an incredibly economical route to navigate. Because the distance is relatively short, there is no need to plan for overnight stays or complex logistics. It is a practical, efficient corridor that links these two New Jersey locations without requiring significant travel time.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
18.6 miles from Old Bridge, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 24m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a classic highway-focused experience, as 90% of this route consists of high-speed transit. You will spend your time navigating the New Jersey Turnpike and the New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur, which keep the drive moving at a consistent pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 22.1 miles, allowing you to settle into a rhythm once you merge onto the main highway. While the route begins with a brief stint on State Route 18, it quickly transitions into a purely interstate-driven environment. You will find this to be a functional, utilitarian drive rather than a winding scenic byway, designed for getting you to your destination with minimal interference.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
Focused - lots of decisions in a short distance, but it is over quickly
This is a short but busy drive. With 15 decision points packed into just 37.3 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 51m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.2 miles (NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
5.1 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the exit toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpik...
9
5.4 mi into trip
|
~8m 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
6
28.2 mi into trip
|
~36m in
|
NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
34.4 mi into trip
|
~45m in
Take the exit toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 16E
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel
6
35.9 mi into trip
|
~47m in
Take the exit toward Kennedy Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Kennedy Boulevard
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Old Bridge, NJ and Union City, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike and Njtp North: New York City.
Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
5.1 mi in
|
~6m
Njtp North: New York City
5.4 mi in
|
~8m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike | 22.1 mi | 27m |
| New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur | 6.2 mi | 8m |
| State Route 18 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| John F. Kennedy Boulevard | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| NJ 495 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| 30th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Old Bridge Turnpike | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Bergenline Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 22.1 mi, about 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Old Bridge, NJ and Union City, NJ.
1
Start on CR 615
400 ft
·
12 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn right onto CR 527
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
Old Bridge Turnpike
3
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
4
Merge onto NJ 18
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
State Route 18
5
Take the exit
487 ft
·
20 sec
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
6
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
50 sec
·
this road
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
7
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.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
9
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
22 mi
·
27 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
10
Keep slight right at fork onto NJTP
6.2 mi
·
8 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Exit 16E
Toward NJ 495 East: Lincoln Tunnel
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on NJ 495
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
·
NJ 495
13
Take the exit
263 ft
·
6 sec
Toward Kennedy Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
14
Continue on 30th Street
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
30th Street
15
Turn left onto CR 501
296 ft
·
16 sec
·
John F Kennedy Boulevard
16
Continue on CR 501
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
John F. Kennedy Boulevard
17
Turn right onto 47th Street
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
47th Street
18
At end of road, turn right onto Bergenline Avenue
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Bergenline Avenue
19
Turn right onto 45th Street
64 ft
·
2 sec
·
45th Street
20
Arrive at destination
45th Street
Trip Plan
Because this is a short 51-minute trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Since the entire route is highway-based with no mandatory stops, you can easily complete the drive in one go without needing to plan for rest breaks. Keep in mind that the heavy reliance on the New Jersey Turnpike means you should remain alert for traffic patterns typical of these major thoroughfares. If you want to ensure the smoothest transit, check local traffic reports before heading out from Old Bridge. Making the most of this drive is simple: just keep your tank ready for the $6 fuel requirement and enjoy the convenience of a direct, high-speed connection to Union City.
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 18.6 miles from Old Bridge, NJ, or about 24m 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 37 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 18.6 miles or 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Union City, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Old Bridge, NJ.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Old Bridge, NJ
This is one driving day of about 37.3 miles and 51m.
At 37.3 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
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 18.6 mi from Old Bridge, NJ · 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
19 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 18.6 miles from Old Bridge, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Union City, NJ
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Union City, NJ if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$6.18 one way
$12.37 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
13 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $6.77 | $13.55 |
| premium | $4.93 | $7.23 | $14.47 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $8.24 | $16.47 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.97
New Jersey Turnpike
(28.3 mi)
$3.97
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
$6
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$35–$60
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 13.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 11.2 | 0 | $3.92 | $1.79 |
| Efficient EV | 9.3 | 0 | $3.26 | $1.49 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.9 | 0 | $5.22 | $2.39 |
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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
Union City, NJ
Evening in Union City on Wednesday
Local time
8:40 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
51m 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 Old Bridge, NJ to Union City, NJ covers 37.3 miles and takes about 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New Jersey Turnpike, New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur, 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 18.6 miles from Old Bridge, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.18 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 short but busy drive. With 15 decision points packed into just 37.3 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 51m.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.2 miles (NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Old Bridge, NJ and Union City, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike and Njtp North: New York City.
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