This 63-mile drive from Ridgefield, NJ, to Trenton, NJ, is a manageable 1-hour and 30-minute trip, making it an excellent candidate for a day trip. The route primarily utilizes the New Jersey Turnpike and US 1, with 83% of the journey on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $10, this is an economical option for getting between two points within the Northeast region. You'll find this drive to be straightforward and efficient, designed for covering distance rather than leisurely sightseeing. Given its short duration and straightforward nature, no overnight stays are necessary.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
31.5 miles from Ridgefield, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 43m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 30m. Total distance: 63 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 63-mile journey, with 83% of the route being on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 28.3 miles along the New Jersey Turnpike, offering a consistent pace. While Tonnelle Avenue and US 1 will introduce some variation, the overall character leans heavily towards efficient travel. This isn't a route known for winding scenic byways; instead, it's built for direct transit between Ridgefield and Trenton.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 34 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 28.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on New Jersey Turnpike and US 1. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 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 63 miles you will encounter 27 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 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.9 miles (NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 27 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
5.1 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward I 95, NJTP
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 95, NJTP
7
11.9 mi into trip|~19m in|NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike toward I 95 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South
8
34.6 mi into trip|~46m in
Take the exit toward NJ 18 East, US 1 East: New Brunswick
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 9
Toward NJ 18 East, US 1 East: New Brunswick
8
35.3 mi into trip|~48m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers University
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers Univ...
7
35.5 mi into trip|~48m in
Keep slight left at fork toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers University
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers Univ...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ridgefield, NJ and Trenton, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp and Rutgers University.
Njtp
5.1 mi in|~9m
Rutgers University
35.3 mi in|~48m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
New Jersey Turnpike
28.3 mi
35m
US 1
20.1 mi
28m
Tonnelle Avenue
3.3 mi
5m
Trenton Freeway
3 mi
4m
North Olden Avenue
1.4 mi
2m
South Broad Avenue
1.4 mi
2m
Brunswick Pike
0.9 mi
1m
Hamilton Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
New Jersey Turnpike
— 28.3 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ridgefield, NJ and Trenton, NJ.
1
Start on this road
47 ft·6 sec·this road
2
Turn left
164 ft·14 sec
3
Turn right onto Hillside Street
311 ft·17 sec·Hillside Street
4
Turn right onto CR 50
296 ft·10 sec·Edgewater Avenue
5
Turn left onto US 1; US 9
1.4 mi·2 min·South Broad Avenue
6
Continue on US 1; US 9
3.3 mi·5 min·Tonnelle Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Take the ramp
404 ft·11 sec
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto NJ 3
0.3 mi·19 sec·NJ 3
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 95, NJTPUse the straight / right lanes.
10
Merge onto NJ 495
0.3 mi·26 sec·NJ 495
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: Newark
12
Merge onto I 95
5.6 mi·7 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto NJTP
23 mi·27 min·New Jersey Turnpike
Toward I 95 SouthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 9Toward NJ 18 East, US 1 East: New BrunswickUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers UniversityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
323 ft·7 sec
Toward NJ 18 North: New Brunswick, Rutgers University
17
Merge onto NJ 18; CR 527
0.4 mi·51 sec·State Route 18
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward US 1 South: Princeton, Trenton
19
Merge onto US 1
2.4 mi·3 min·US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on US 1
0.1 mi·9 sec·US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
276 ft·4 sec·US 1
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
387 ft·6 sec·US 1
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1
3.6 mi·5 min·US 1
24
Continue on US 1
14 mi·19 min·US 1
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Use the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·31 sec
27
Merge onto US 1
0.9 mi·1 min·Brunswick Pike
28
Continue on US 1
3.0 mi·4 min·Trenton Freeway
29
Take the exit
474 ft·14 sec
Toward Olden Avenue, New York AvenueUse the slight right lane.
30
At end of road, turn left onto New York Avenue
481 ft·14 sec·New York Avenue
31
Turn left onto CR 622
1.4 mi·2 min·North Olden Avenue
Use the left lane.
32
Turn right onto CR 606
0.6 mi·1 min·Hamilton Avenue
33
Turn right onto CR 626
6 ft·0 sec·Chambers Street
34
Arrive at destination
CR 626
Trip Plan
For this efficient 1-hour and 30-minute drive, you have the flexibility to leave when it suits you best, though avoiding peak commute times on the New Jersey Turnpike is always a good idea. With no designated stops, you can easily break up the 63 miles as needed, perhaps for a quick rest or to refuel if necessary, though the $10 fuel cost suggests it's not a major concern. Keep an eye on traffic patterns, especially as you approach Trenton. A practical tip for this route is to ensure your GPS is updated, as lane configurations on US 1 can sometimes be complex.
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 31.5 miles from Ridgefield, NJ, or about 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.3 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 14 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 31.5 miles or 43m 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 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Trenton, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ridgefield, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Ridgefield, NJ
This is one driving day of about 63 miles and 1h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from Ridgefield, 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 28.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 31.5 mi from Ridgefield, NJ
· 43m into the drive
The midpoint is around 31.5 miles from Ridgefield, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Trenton, NJ
The final approach into Trenton, 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...
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...
15 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 15.2
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
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 19.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.44 one way
$20.89 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg22 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$11.44
$22.88
premium
$4.93
$12.22
$24.44
diesel
$5.61
$13.91
$27.82
Estimated Tolls: $3.96
New Jersey Turnpike
(28.3 mi)$3.96
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
$10
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 22 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
18.9
0
$6.61
$3.02
Efficient EV
15.8
0
$5.51
$2.52
EV Truck/SUV
25.2
0
$8.82
$4.03
Gas CO2
22 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (68% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Ridgefield, NJ
Night
in Ridgefield on Friday
Local time
10:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Trenton, NJ
Night
in Trenton on Friday
Local time
10:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°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
11 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 30m 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 Ridgefield, NJ to Trenton, NJ covers 63 miles and takes about 1h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are New Jersey Turnpike, US 1, Tonnelle Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 31.5 miles from Ridgefield, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.44 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 63 miles you will encounter 27 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 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 11.9 miles (NJTP / New Jersey Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Ridgefield, NJ and Trenton, NJ, road signs point toward Njtp and Rutgers University.
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.
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.
