Origin
Paterson, NJ
Evening in Paterson on Sunday
Local time
7:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Paterson, NJ to Elwood, NJ
Drive Time
2h 25m
Distance
109.8 mi
177 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 16m
★
6 AM
2h 25m
8 AM
2h 45m
10 AM
2h 32m
12 PM
2h 30m
3 PM
2h 33m
5 PM
2h 44m
8 PM
2h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paterson, NJ
Ren Aukeman
Elwood, NJ
Garrison Gao
Trip Overview
Traveling from Paterson to Elwood covers approximately 109.8 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes. Since this is a straightforward, highway-focused route, you can easily complete the entire trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $18 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly option for a regional excursion. By utilizing the New Jersey Turnpike, US 206, and the Garden State Parkway, you will transition from the northern reaches of the state down toward the more southern landscape of Elwood. This drive is ideal if you are looking for a practical, direct transit between these two Northeast locations.
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
54.9 miles from Paterson, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
With 86% of the journey spent on highways, this trip is designed for efficiency rather than leisurely winding roads. You will settle into a steady rhythm on the New Jersey Turnpike, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the drive at 36.7 miles. As you transition between the Turnpike, US 206, and the Garden State Parkway, the road environment shifts from high-speed interstate travel to a mix of arterial connections. It is a functional drive that prioritizes movement over technical complexity, so you can expect a fairly consistent experience behind the wheel. Prepare for a focused, highway-heavy trek that gets you to your destination with minimal detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 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 36.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and US 206. 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 20 significant decision points across 109.8 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 20 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
67.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward US 206: Bordentown, Trenton
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 7
Toward US 206: Bordentown, Trenton
7
68.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 206 South: Joint Base MDL
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 206 South: Joint Base MDL
Towns Along This Route
Between Paterson, NJ and Elwood, 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
Trenton
67.8 mi in
|
~1h 27m
Atlantic City
85.5 mi in
|
~1h 51m
|
via US 206
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Turnpike | 36.7 mi | 42m |
| US 206 | 29.8 mi | 38m |
| Garden State Parkway | 23.8 mi | 33m |
| White Horse Pike | 6.6 mi | 10m |
| Main Street | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| Garden State Parkway Southbound | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| NJ 19 | 2 mi | 2m |
| Exit 129 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 36.7 mi, about 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paterson, NJ and Elwood, 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
37 mi
·
42 min
·
New Jersey Turnpike
Use the none lane.
17
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 7
Toward US 206: Bordentown, Trenton
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward US 206 South: Joint Base MDL
Use the slight left lane.
19
Merge onto US 206
0.2 mi
·
12 sec
·
US 206
Use the none lane.
20
Continue on US 206
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
US 206
Use the none lane.
21
Continue on US 206
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
US 206
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 206
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Main Street
23
Enter roundabout onto US 206
486 ft
·
6 sec
·
US 206
Toward US 206 South: Hammonton, Atlantic City
24
Continue on US 206
18 mi
·
23 min
·
US 206
Toward US 206 South: Hammonton, Atlantic City
Use the left / none lanes.
25
Turn left onto US 30
6.6 mi
·
10 min
·
White Horse Pike
Use the left lane.
26
Turn right onto CR 623
104 ft
·
3 sec
·
Elwood Road
27
Arrive at destination
CR 623
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours on the major parkways is always a smart move. Since the trip is under three hours, you likely won't require a dedicated rest stop, but keep that $18 fuel estimate in mind before you head out to ensure you are ready for the road. Use the lack of required stops to your advantage by planning your arrival time precisely to meet your needs in Elwood. The most important thing to watch for is the transition between the three main road types, as navigation can shift quickly between the Turnpike and the local segments of US 206. Staying attentive during these junctions will ensure a smooth trip from start to finish.
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 54.9 miles from Paterson, NJ, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.7 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 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 54.9 miles or 1h 12m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elwood, 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 109.8 miles and 2h 25m.
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.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on New Jersey Turnpike for about 36.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 54.9 mi from Paterson, NJ · 1h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
55 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 54.9 miles from Paterson, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Elwood, NJ
The final approach into Elwood, 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 Elwood, 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
$18.17 one way
$36.34 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
38 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $19.88 | $39.76 |
| premium | $4.92 | $21.28 | $42.55 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $24.39 | $48.79 |
Estimated Tolls: $6.71
New Jersey Turnpike
(36.7 mi)
$5.14
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
$18
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 32.9 | 0 | $11.53 | $5.27 |
| Efficient EV | 27.5 | 0 | $9.61 | $4.39 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 43.9 | 0 | $15.37 | $7.03 |
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 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.
Destination
Elwood, NJ
Evening in Elwood on Sunday
Local time
7:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°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
22 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
2h 25m 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 Elwood, NJ covers 109.8 miles and takes about 2h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New Jersey Turnpike, US 206, Garden State Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 54.9 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 $18.17 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 20 significant decision points across 109.8 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 Elwood, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp, Philadelphia, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Njtp: New York City and Njtp South: Trenton - among others.
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