Origin
Paterson, NJ
Evening in Paterson on Sunday
Local time
7:24 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Paterson, NJ to Elmer, NJ
Drive Time
2h 32m
Distance
119.4 mi
192 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 22m
★
6 AM
2h 32m
8 AM
2h 53m
10 AM
2h 39m
12 PM
2h 37m
3 PM
2h 40m
5 PM
2h 52m
8 PM
2h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paterson, NJ
Ren Aukeman
Elmer, NJ
Garrison Gao
Trip Overview
Traveling from Paterson to Elmer covers 119.4 miles of New Jersey landscape, typically taking about 2 hours and 32 minutes of drive time. Because this journey is manageable in a single day, you can easily complete it without needing an overnight stay. Your route primarily utilizes the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, and the Veterans Memorial Highway to bridge the distance between the Northeast regions. With an estimated fuel cost of just $20, it is a budget-friendly trip that balances efficiency with highway connectivity. Whether you are heading out for business or a change of scenery, this direct path offers a straightforward transit across the state.
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
59.7 miles from Paterson, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 78% of your time behind the wheel will be spent on major corridors. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, with the longest uninterrupted segment spanning 64.4 miles along the New Jersey Turnpike. The road maintains a consistent pace, transitioning from the busier northern arteries toward the more open stretches of the Veterans Memorial Highway as you approach your destination. While the drive is largely functional rather than scenic, the high percentage of highway travel ensures a predictable and steady commute. Prepare for a standard interstate experience that prioritizes speed and direct navigation over winding backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 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 64.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 29.4 miles in near Exit 129.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 119.4 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 29.4 miles (Exit 129): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
29.4 mi into trip
|
~41m in
|
Exit 129
Take the exit onto Exit 129 toward I 95, NJTP, US 9, NJ 440, I 287: New York City, Philadelphia, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy
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 129
Toward I 95, NJTP, US 9, NJ 440, I 287: New Yor...
8
29.8 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95, NJTP: New York City, Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95, NJTP: New York City, Philadelphia
9
30.4 mi into trip
|
~43m in
Keep slight left 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 lane.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton
8
70.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 30m in
|
NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike toward NJTP South: Camden, Wilmington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward NJTP South: Camden, Wilmington
8
95.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 59m in
Take the exit toward NJ 168: Camden, Atlantic City Expressway
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 3
Toward NJ 168: Camden, Atlantic City Expressway
Towns Along This Route
Between Paterson, NJ and Elmer, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp, Philadelphia, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Njtp: New York City and Njtp South: Trenton - among others.
Njtp
29.4 mi in
|
~41m
|
via Exit 129
Philadelphia
29.4 mi in
|
~41m
|
via Exit 129
Woodbridge
29.4 mi in
|
~41m
|
via Exit 129
Perth Amboy
29.4 mi in
|
~41m
|
via Exit 129
Njtp: New York City
29.8 mi in
|
~42m
Njtp South: Trenton
30.4 mi in
|
~43m
Njtp South: Camden
70.1 mi in
|
~1h 30m
|
via NJTP
Wilmington
70.1 mi in
|
~1h 30m
|
via NJTP
Vineland
98.6 mi in
|
~2h 6m
|
via NJ 55
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike | 64.4 mi | 1h 14m |
| Garden State Parkway | 23.8 mi | 33m |
| Veterans Memorial Highway | 15 mi | 17m |
| Buck Road | 3.8 mi | 5m |
| Garden State Parkway Southbound | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| NJ 19 | 2 mi | 2m |
| Harding Highway | 1.7 mi | 1m |
| North-South Freeway | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 64.4 mi, about 1h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paterson, NJ and Elmer, NJ.
1
Start on Colt Street
216 ft
·
17 sec
·
Colt Street
2
Turn right onto Ellison Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Ellison Street
3
Turn right onto Memorial Drive
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Memorial Drive
Use the right lane.
4
Turn right
267 ft
·
9 sec
5
Turn straight onto Ward Street
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
Ward Street
Use the none lane.
6
Continue on NJ 19
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
Oliver Street
7
Turn slight left onto NJ 19
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
NJ 19
Use the slight left lane.
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward GSP South
Use the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto GSP
24 mi
·
33 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
10
Continue on Garden State Parkway
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Garden State Parkway Southbound
Use the none lane.
11
Take the exit onto Exit 129
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Exit 129
Exit 129
Toward I 95, NJTP, US 9, NJ 440, I 287: New York City, Philadelphia, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
Toward I 95, NJTP: New York City, Philadelphia
Use the slight left lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Trenton
Use the slight left lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Use the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
39 mi
·
45 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
Use the none lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP
25 mi
·
29 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
Toward NJTP South: Camden, Wilmington
Use the none lane.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 3
Toward NJ 168: Camden, Atlantic City Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward NJ 168 North: Camden, Philadelphia
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Turn straight onto NJ 168
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
Black Horse Pike
Use the none lane.
21
Turn left onto CR 659
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West Browning Road
Use the left lane.
22
Turn slight left onto CR 753
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Creek Road
23
Turn left onto Harding Avenue
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Harding Avenue
Use the left lane.
24
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
25
Merge onto NJ 42
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North-South Freeway
26
Keep slight right at fork onto NJ 55
15 mi
·
17 min
·
Veterans Memorial Highway
Toward NJ 55 South: Glassboro, Vineland
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 45
Toward CR 553: Clayton, Glassboro, Centerton
Use the slight right lane.
28
Turn right onto CR 553
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Buck Road
29
Turn right onto US 40
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Harding Highway
30
Continue on US 40
431 ft
·
7 sec
·
Front Street
31
Arrive at destination
US 40
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around local traffic patterns. You only need to account for one planned stop to keep your energy up during the 2-hour and 32-minute transit. Given the significant stretch on the New Jersey Turnpike, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the highway to avoid unnecessary stops in heavy traffic. Since the route is efficient, try to time your departure to avoid peak rush hours in the northern region to ensure a smoother transition to the open road. Using your single stop for a quick break mid-way will help you stay alert as you shift from the busier northern highways to the quieter roads near Elmer.
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 59.7 miles from Paterson, NJ, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.4 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 80 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.7 miles or 1h 18m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elmer, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Paterson, 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 Paterson, NJ
This is one driving day of about 119.4 miles and 2h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Paterson, 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 New Jersey Turnpike for about 64.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 59.7 mi from Paterson, NJ · 1h 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 59.7 miles from Paterson, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before New Jersey Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.4 miles.
Arriving in Elmer, NJ
The final approach into Elmer, 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 Elmer, 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
$19.76 one way
$39.51 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $21.62 | $43.24 |
| premium | $4.92 | $23.14 | $46.27 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $26.53 | $53.05 |
Estimated Tolls: $10.58
New Jersey Turnpike
(64.4 mi)
$9.01
Garden State Parkway
(26.1 mi)
$1.57
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
$20
Tolls
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35.8 | 0 | $12.54 | $5.73 |
| Efficient EV | 29.9 | 0 | $10.45 | $4.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 47.8 | 0 | $16.72 | $7.64 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (67% 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
Elmer, NJ
Evening in Elmer on Sunday
Local time
7:24 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 32m 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 Paterson, NJ to Elmer, NJ covers 119.4 miles and takes about 2h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Veterans Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 59.7 miles from Paterson, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.76 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 119.4 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 29.4 miles (Exit 129): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Paterson, NJ and Elmer, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp, Philadelphia, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Njtp: New York City and Njtp South: Trenton - among others.
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