This 76.8-mile drive from Pemberton to Passaic, New Jersey, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. With a projected fuel cost of around $13, it's an economical option for a single-day trip. The route primarily utilizes the New Jersey Turnpike, NJ 21, and US 206, making it a practical choice for those looking to cover ground efficiently. Given its relatively short duration and highway-centric profile, this trip is perfectly suited for a day excursion without the need for an overnight stay. You'll be traveling within the Northeast region throughout, so expect consistent scenery typical of the area.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.4 miles from Pemberton, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 49m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 40m. Total distance: 76.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 91% of the drive taking place on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 47.2 miles on the New Jersey Turnpike, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. As you transition from the Turnpike to NJ 21 and US 206, you may encounter more varied traffic patterns and slightly different road conditions. This drive is characterized by its efficiency, prioritizing getting you to your destination quickly over winding scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 47.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and NJ 21. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.1 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 76.8 miles you will encounter 14 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 13.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
13.1 mi into trip|~18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
6
13.5 mi into trip|~19m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
8
61.2 mi into trip|~1h 16m in
Take the exit toward Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport
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 13A
Toward Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport
8
64.6 mi into trip|~1h 22m in|NJ 21
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 21 toward NJ 21, US 22: Newark, Downtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 21, US 22: Newark, Downtown
8
76 mi into trip|~1h 38m in
Take the exit toward River Drive, Passaic
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 11A
Toward River Drive, Passaic
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Pemberton, NJ and Passaic, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike, Njtp North: New York City, Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport and Downtown.
Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
12.4 mi in|~16m
Njtp North: New York City
13.1 mi in|~18m
Newark Airport
61.2 mi in|~1h 16m
Elizabeth Seaport
61.2 mi in|~1h 16m
Downtown
64.6 mi in|~1h 22m|via NJ 21
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike
47.2 mi
55m
NJ 21
11.4 mi
16m
US 206
8.7 mi
10m
North Pemberton Road
2.8 mi
4m
US 1
1.7 mi
2m
NJ 81
0.7 mi
1m
Paulison Avenue
0.5 mi
<1m
Arney's Mount Road
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 47.2 mi, about 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pemberton, NJ and Passaic, NJ.
1
Start on CR 616
0.3 mi·56 sec·Hanover Street
Use the straight lane.
2
Continue on CR 616
0.1 mi·15 sec·Fort Dix Road
3
Turn slight left onto CR 668
0.4 mi·52 sec·Arney's Mount Road
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left onto CR 630
2.8 mi·4 min·North Pemberton Road
5
Turn right onto US 206
8.7 mi·10 min·US 206
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 Toll, NJTP Toll: New Jersey Turnpike
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North, NJTP North: New York City
9
Merge onto I 95; NJTP
47 mi·55 min·New Jersey Turnpike
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 13AToward Newark Airport, Elizabeth SeaportUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto NJ 81
0.7 mi·1 min·NJ 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·44 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on US 1; US 9
1.7 mi·2 min·US 1; US 9
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 21
11 mi·16 min·NJ 21
Toward NJ 21, US 22: Newark, DowntownUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 11AToward River Drive, PassaicUse the slight right lane.
16
Continue on CR 624
350 ft·8 sec·River Drive
17
Turn left onto CR 618
0.5 mi·54 sec·Paulison Avenue
18
Turn right onto Passaic Avenue
95 ft·2 sec·Passaic Avenue
19
Arrive at destination
Passaic Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this efficient 1 hour and 40-minute drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential rush hour congestion, especially as you approach the Passaic area. Since the route is just 76.8 miles and doesn't necessitate stops, you have a lot of flexibility in your timing. Keep an eye on your fuel level; while the estimated cost is $13, it's always wise to know where service areas are located along the New Jersey Turnpike. A specific tip for this route: familiarize yourself with the Turnpike's toll system beforehand to ensure a smoother passage.
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 38.4 miles from Pemberton, NJ, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.2 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 17 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.4 miles or 49m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Passaic, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pemberton, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Pemberton, NJ
This is one driving day of about 76.8 miles and 1h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Pemberton, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on New Jersey Turnpike for about 47.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 38.4 mi from Pemberton, NJ
· 49m into the drive
The midpoint is around 38.4 miles from Pemberton, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Passaic, NJ
The final approach into Passaic, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 76.8
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 60.9
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...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
near mile 63.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.73 one way
$25.46 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.94
$27.89
premium
$4.93
$14.89
$29.79
diesel
$5.61
$16.96
$33.91
Estimated Tolls: $6.61
New Jersey Turnpike
(47.2 mi)$6.61
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
$13
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23
0
$8.06
$3.69
Efficient EV
19.2
0
$6.72
$3.07
EV Truck/SUV
30.7
0
$10.75
$4.92
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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
Pemberton, NJ
Late night
in Pemberton on Friday
Local time
3:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Passaic, NJ
Late night
in Passaic on Friday
Local time
3:04 AM
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
15 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
1h 40m 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 Pemberton, NJ to Passaic, NJ covers 76.8 miles and takes about 1h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New Jersey Turnpike, NJ 21, US 206. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 38.4 miles from Pemberton, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.73 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 76.8 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Pemberton, NJ and Passaic, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp Toll: New Jersey Turnpike, Njtp North: New York City, Newark Airport, Elizabeth Seaport and Downtown.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and Gateway National Recreation Area. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.
Data sources
The figures on this page are computed from open government and mapping datasets, not crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Full methodology, refresh cadence, and limitations are documented on the
methodology page.
