Origin
Paterson, NJ
Late night in Paterson on Friday
Local time
2:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology
Drive Time
1h 4m
Distance
45.2 mi
73 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$7
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paterson, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Middlebush, NJ
Jer Rey
This 45.2-mile drive from Paterson, NJ, to Middlebush, NJ, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 4 minutes. Designed for a single day, you'll spend most of your time on major highways, with 85% of the journey on the Garden State Parkway and I-287. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $7, making it an economical option for a quick excursion within the Northeast region. Given its short duration and highway focus, it's ideal for a day trip with minimal planning needed.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 4m. Total distance: 45.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 45.2-mile journey, with 85% of the route utilizing major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 23.8 miles on the Garden State Parkway, offering a consistent pace. You'll primarily navigate the Garden State Parkway and I-287, with a brief segment on Cedar Grove Lane to complete the drive. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficient travel rather than varied terrain or scenery.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and I 287. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 28.4 miles in.
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 45.2 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 28.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 31.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Take the exit toward US 1: Newark, Trenton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward US 1 South: Trenton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward I 287 North: Morristown, Mahwah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward CR 527: Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, South Bound Brook
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward CR 527 South: Easton Avenue, New Brunswick
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Paterson, NJ and Middlebush, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp South, Trenton, Mahwah, New Brunswick and Bound Brook.
Gsp South
Trenton
Mahwah
New Brunswick
Bound Brook
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 23.8 mi | 33m |
| I 287 | 9.1 mi | 10m |
| Cedar Grove Lane | 3.1 mi | 5m |
| US 1 | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| NJ 19 | 2 mi | 2m |
| Garden State Parkway Southbound | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| Easton Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Amwell Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Paterson, NJ and Middlebush, NJ.
Start on Colt Street
Turn right onto Ellison Street
Turn right onto Memorial Drive
Turn right
Turn straight onto Ward Street
Continue on NJ 19
Turn slight left onto NJ 19
Take the exit
Merge onto GSP
Continue on Garden State Parkway
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto US 1
Continue on US 1
Take the exit
Merge onto I 287
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Continue on CR 527
Turn right onto CR 619
Turn left onto CR 514
Turn right onto Olcott Street
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 22.6 mi from Paterson, NJ · 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
23 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.
A short stop after about 10 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 22.6 miles from Paterson, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Middlebush, NJ usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$7.49 one way
$14.99 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $8.21 | $16.41 |
| premium | $4.93 | $8.77 | $17.53 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $9.98 | $19.96 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.51
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$7
Tolls
$2
Total
$9
Estimated CO2 emission: 15.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 13.6 | 0 | $4.75 | $2.17 |
| Efficient EV | 11.3 | 0 | $3.96 | $1.81 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 18.1 | 0 | $6.33 | $2.89 |
Gas CO2
16 kg
EV CO2
5 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Paterson on Friday
Local time
2:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Middlebush on Friday
Local time
2:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Paterson, NJ or browse trips ending in Middlebush, NJ.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse NJ road trips.