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Trip from Paterson, NJ to Penns Grove, NJ

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 34m

Distance

122.9 mi

198 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 24m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 55m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 54m
8 PM
2h 29m

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

city in and the county seat of Passaic County, New Jersey, United States

Paterson, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

borough in Salem County, New Jersey, United States

Penns Grove, NJ

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Paterson, NJ to Penns Grove, NJ covers 122.9 miles and takes about 2h 34m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on New Jersey Turnpike, I 295, Garden State Parkway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 55.9 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.38 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

61.5 miles from Paterson, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
New Jersey Turnpike 55.9 mi 1h 4m
I 295 32.5 mi 38m
Garden State Parkway 23.8 mi 33m
Garden State Parkway Southbound 2.3 mi 3m
NJ 19 2 mi 2m
Harding Highway 1.4 mi 2m
NJ 73 0.5 mi <1m
Exit 129 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: New Jersey Turnpike — 55.9 mi, about 1h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Paterson, NJ and Penns Grove, 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 straight / right lanes.
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 lanes.
10

Continue on Garden State Parkway

2.3 mi · 3 min · Garden State Parkway Southbound
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 straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP

17 mi · 19 min · New Jersey Turnpike
Toward NJTP South: Camden, Wilmington
18

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 55 sec
Exit 4 Toward NJ 73: Mount Laurel, Camden
19

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward NJ 73 North: Camden Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
20

Merge onto NJ 73

0.5 mi · 42 sec · NJ 73
Use the slight right lane.
21

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward I 295 South: Delaware Memorial Bridge
22

Merge onto I 295

23 mi · 27 min · I 295
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
23

Keep slight left at fork onto I 295

9.6 mi · 11 min · I 295
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Exit 4 Toward NJ 48: Woodstown, Penns Grove Use the slight right lane.
25

Turn right onto NJ 48

1.4 mi · 2 min · Harding Highway
26

Continue on CR 675

0.3 mi · 46 sec · East Main Street
27

Arrive at destination

CR 675

Trip Plan

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 61.5 miles from Paterson, NJ, or about 1h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.9 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 27 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61.5 miles or 1h 20m 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 7m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Penns Grove, 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 122.9 miles and 2h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 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 55.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

61 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 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bristol, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61.5 miles from Paterson, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Union, New Jersey

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 17.6

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+19083966401

Visit website

Idea Asian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Clarksboro, New Jersey

1.7 mi

Juany's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fair Lawn, New Jersey

2.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Eagle Rock Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Montclair, New Jersey

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 8.8

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+19733586543

Visit website

Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 17.6

Union, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+19083966401

Visit website

Idea Asian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 105.4

Clarksboro, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18565991668

Visit website

Juany's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Fair Lawn, New Jersey

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15512248030

Visit website

The Boiling House Seafood Boil Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10 mile 87.8

Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey

Hours: 2–10 pm

+18567512800

Visit website

Toscana

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $30 to $40 mile 87.8

Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+18564897373

Visit website

Dolsot House | Korean BBQ Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 87.8

Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+18562160090

Visit website

Restaurant Lorena's

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $50 to $10 mile 17.6

Maplewood, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+19737634460

Visit website

Botto's Italian Line Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 114.1

Swedesboro, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18564671570

Visit website

Eagle Rock Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 8.8

Montclair, New Jersey

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+19733586543

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 17.6

Union, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 61.5

Robbinsville Twp, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Applegreen Electric Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 17.6

Union, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18885577099

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 8.8

Belleville, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 61.5

Hamilton Township, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 35.1

Edison, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 52.7

East Windsor, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 52.7

Monroe Township, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Amazing Escape Room Cherry Hill

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 87.8

Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey

Hours: 12:30–11 pm

+18563246417

Visit website

Haddon Lake Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 96.6

Mt Ephraim, New Jersey

Hours: Open 24 hours

Bury the Hatchet

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 87.8

Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey

Hours: 4–10 pm

+18562727475

Visit website

Monster Mini Golf Cherry Hill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 87.8

Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey

Hours: 2–9 pm

+18563935500

Visit website

We Rock the Spectrum - Audubon

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 96.6

Audubon, NJ

Hours: 9 am–12:30 pm

+18566170927

Visit website

Bellmawr Lake

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 96.6

Bellmawr, New Jersey

+18569330554

Visit website

Knight Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 96.6

Collingswood, NJ

Hours: 9:30 am–8:30 pm

+18568540720

Visit website

Barclay Farmstead Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 87.8

Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey

Hours: Closed

+18567956225

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 29.4 and 120.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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
7
87.4 mi into trip | ~1h 50m in

Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 73 North: Camden

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward NJ 73 North: Camden
8
120.9 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in

Take the exit toward NJ 48: Woodstown, Penns Grove

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 4 Toward NJ 48: Woodstown, Penns Grove

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.38 one way

$40.75 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $22.32 $44.63
premium $4.93 $23.83 $47.67
diesel $5.61 $27.13 $54.27

Estimated Tolls: $9.40

New Jersey Turnpike (55.9 mi) $7.83
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

$9

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 43 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.9 0 $12.90 $5.90
Efficient EV 30.7 0 $10.75 $4.92
EV Truck/SUV 49.2 0 $17.21 $7.87

Gas CO2

43 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Paterson, NJ

Afternoon in Paterson on Saturday

Local time

4:21 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Penns Grove, NJ

Afternoon in Penns Grove on Saturday

Local time

4:21 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°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

12 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 34m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Silk cloth and steam locomotives; textiles and continuous paper rolls; firearms and aircraft engines. What do these things have in common? All were manufactured in the same place - Paterson, NJ. In 17...

0 mi from route ~1 min detour Free
Caution: Limited Amphitheater Accessibility
Caution: Overlook Park Parking Lot - Vehicles Must Be Parked in a Designated Spot
View on nps.gov
Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Today, the brick buildings on Main Street in West Orange, NJ seem quiet, betraying little evidence of the research, development, and innovation of their heyday. Visitors can step back in time to Thoma...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 near mile 12.7
View on nps.gov
Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, where soldiers survived the coldest winte...

15 mi from route ~38 min detour Free near mile 21.2
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...

20 mi from route ~49 min detour Free near mile 17
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

122.9 mi in 2h 34m, mostly highway — 55.9 mi of that is on New Jersey Turnpike.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.9 mi on New Jersey Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and I 295. 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.

Driving Effort 10/10

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

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 122.9 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.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Paterson, NJ and Penns Grove, 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

Camden

86.9 mi in | ~1h 49m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 34m. Total distance: 122.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 55.9 miles on New Jersey Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $9.40 in tolls one way, starting with New Jersey Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Penns Grove, NJ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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.

Yes — Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park and Morristown National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Penns Grove, NJ before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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