Origin
Paterson, NJ
Evening in Paterson on Sunday
Local time
6:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Paterson, NJ to Ship Bottom, NJ
Drive Time
2h 11m
Distance
103.1 mi
166 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 2m
★
6 AM
2h 12m
8 AM
2h 30m
10 AM
2h 18m
12 PM
2h 16m
3 PM
2h 19m
5 PM
2h 29m
8 PM
2h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paterson, NJ
Ren Aukeman
Ship Bottom, NJ
yaman ozuduru
Trip Overview
If you are looking to escape the Paterson area for the coast, this 103.1-mile journey to Ship Bottom is a straightforward trek across New Jersey. You should plan for a drive time of roughly 2 hours and 11 minutes, making this an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. With fuel costs estimated at $17, the route is budget-friendly and keeps you within the Northeast region the entire time. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major corridors, specifically the Garden State Parkway. Because the drive is relatively short, you can easily reach the shore by mid-morning without needing an overnight stop. This route is all about efficiency, prioritizing speed and accessibility over backroads and detours.
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
51.6 miles from Paterson, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-heavy experience, as 98% of this trip takes place on high-speed roads. The Garden State Parkway serves as the backbone of your journey, accounting for a long, uninterrupted stretch of 85.5 miles. You will spend most of your time in the flow of heavy traffic, maintaining steady speeds before eventually transitioning onto NJ 72 to reach your final destination. While the drive lacks technical turns or complex navigation, it does require sustained focus due to the volume of vehicles common on these primary arteries. By the time you peel off the Parkway and head toward Ship Bottom, the character of the road shifts from a fast-paced interstate grind to the final approach toward the coast.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Garden State Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 85.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and NJ 72. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Memorial Drive.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 103.1 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 0.2 miles (Memorial Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.4 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Memorial Drive
Turn right onto Memorial Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
2.8 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the exit toward GSP South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward GSP South
6
33.4 mi into trip
|
~46m in
|
GSP / Garden State Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP / Garden State Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
34.1 mi into trip
|
~47m in
|
GSP / Garden State Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto GSP / Garden State Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
95.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 59m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 72 East: Long Beach Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward NJ 72 East: Long Beach Island
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Paterson, NJ to Ship Bottom, NJ, road signs begin pointing toward Pemberton along the way.
Pemberton
95.1 mi in
|
~1h 58m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 85.5 mi | 1h 45m |
| NJ 72 | 7.1 mi | 10m |
| Garden State Parkway Southbound | 6.2 mi | 8m |
| NJ 19 | 2 mi | 2m |
| Central Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Ward Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Oliver Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Ellison Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 85.5 mi, about 1h 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paterson, NJ and Ship Bottom, 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
6.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Garden State Parkway Southbound
Use the none lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the none lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto GSP
61 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 63
Toward NJ 72: Long Beach Island, Pemberton
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
Toward NJ 72 East: Long Beach Island
15
Merge onto NJ 72
7.1 mi
·
10 min
·
NJ 72
Use the right lane.
16
Turn right onto CR 89
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Central Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn left onto West 19th Street
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
West 19th Street
18
Arrive at destination
East 19th Street
Trip Plan
Timing is everything on this route, so try to depart early to avoid the peak congestion often found on the Garden State Parkway. Since the entire drive takes just over two hours, you have the flexibility to power through without needing formal rest stops, though checking your fuel level before merging onto the Parkway is a smart move. Keep a close watch on traffic reports for the Parkway, as even minor delays can significantly impact your arrival time. Because you are heading directly to the coast, be prepared for the transition to NJ 72, where the pace slows down as you get closer to Ship Bottom. Use the simplicity of this 103.1-mile route to your advantage by planning your arrival to coincide with the best part of your beach day.
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 51.6 miles from Paterson, NJ, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85.5 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 51.6 miles or 1h 7m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ship Bottom, 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 103.1 miles and 2h 11m.
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 Garden State Parkway for about 85.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 51.6 mi from Paterson, NJ · 1h 7m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
52 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 51.6 miles from Paterson, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Garden State Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 85.5 miles.
Arriving in Ship Bottom, NJ
The final approach into Ship Bottom, 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 Ship Bottom, 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
$17.06 one way
$34.12 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
36 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $18.67 | $37.34 |
| premium | $4.92 | $19.98 | $39.96 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $22.91 | $45.81 |
Estimated Tolls: $5.50
Garden State Parkway
(91.7 mi)
$5.50
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
$17
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 30.9 | 0 | $10.83 | $4.95 |
| Efficient EV | 25.8 | 0 | $9.02 | $4.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 41.2 | 0 | $14.43 | $6.60 |
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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
Ship Bottom, NJ
Evening in Ship Bottom on Sunday
Local time
6:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°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
10 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 11m 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 Ship Bottom, NJ covers 103.1 miles and takes about 2h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Garden State Parkway, NJ 72, Garden State Parkway Southbound. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 51.6 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 $17.06 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 14 significant decision points across 103.1 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 0.2 miles (Memorial Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.4 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Paterson, NJ to Ship Bottom, NJ, road signs begin pointing toward Pemberton along the way.
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