Origin
Ship Bottom, NJ
Evening in Ship Bottom on Sunday
Local time
7:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ship Bottom, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ
Drive Time
1h 49m
Distance
83.5 mi
134 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 41m
★
6 AM
1h 49m
8 AM
2h 5m
10 AM
1h 55m
12 PM
1h 53m
3 PM
1h 56m
5 PM
2h 5m
8 PM
1h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ship Bottom, NJ
yaman ozuduru
Elizabeth, NJ
Noé Villalta Photography
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Ship Bottom to Elizabeth, you are looking at an 83.5-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 49 minutes. This route is designed as a straightforward, one-day drive that connects the coast to the northern part of the state. You can expect to spend roughly $14 on fuel for the trip, making it a budget-friendly option for your itinerary. Because the total duration is under two hours, there is no need to plan for an overnight stay unless you have specific business or leisure plans at either end. The drive is entirely contained within the Northeast region, keeping the travel environment consistent throughout your journey.
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
41.8 miles from Ship Bottom, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 86 percent of your travel time will be spent on major roads. Your route relies heavily on the Garden State Parkway, US 9, and the Manahawkin Bay Bridge to bridge the distance between your starting point and destination. You will settle into a long, steady rhythm during the 62.8-mile stretch on the Garden State Parkway, which serves as the backbone of the drive. While the transition from coastal transit to northern roadways is efficient, the route maintains a predictable pace that favors speed and directness over technical, winding backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 62.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and US 9. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CR 607 / Long Beach Boulevard.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 83.5 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: near the start (CR 607 / Long Beach Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 69.9 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
CR 607 / Long Beach Boulevard
Turn right onto CR 607 / Long Beach Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
7.4 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the exit toward GSP Toll North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward GSP Toll North
8
69.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
|
GSP / Garden State Parkway
Take the exit onto GSP / Garden State Parkway toward GSP North, US 9 North, NJ 440: Woodbridge, Staten Island
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 127
Toward GSP North, US 9 North, NJ 440: Woodbridg...
9
71.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 9 North, I 287, NJ 440: Woodbridge, Staten Island
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 127
Toward US 9 North, I 287, NJ 440: Woodbridge, S...
7
71.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 9 North: Woodbridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 9 North: Woodbridge
Towns Along This Route
Between Ship Bottom, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp Toll North, Gsp North and Staten Island.
Gsp Toll North
7.4 mi in
|
~11m
Gsp North
7.7 mi in
|
~12m
|
via GSP Northbound entrance ramp
Staten Island
69.9 mi in
|
~1h 25m
|
via GSP
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 62.8 mi | 1h 14m |
| US 9 | 9.2 mi | 14m |
| Manahawkin Bay Bridge | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| Carlton Street | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| East Edgar Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Long Beach Boulevard | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| West 8th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| East Jersey Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 62.8 mi, about 1h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ship Bottom, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ.
1
Start on East 19th Street
196 ft
·
10 sec
·
East 19th Street
2
Turn right onto CR 607
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Long Beach Boulevard
Use the none lane.
3
Take the ramp
423 ft
·
11 sec
Toward NJ 72 West: Manahawkin
4
Merge onto NJ 72
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
West 8th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Continue on NJ 72
154 ft
·
3 sec
·
West 8th Street
Toward Manahawkin
6
Continue on NJ 72
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Manahawkin Bay Bridge
Toward Manahawkin
Use the none lane.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Toward GSP Toll North
Use the right lane.
8
Continue on GSP Northbound entrance ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
GSP Northbound entrance ramp
Toward GSP North
9
Merge onto GSP
39 mi
·
46 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
31 sec
11
Continue on GSP
22 mi
·
26 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit onto GSP
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Exit 127
Toward GSP North, US 9 North, NJ 440: Woodbridge, Staten Island
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 127
Toward US 9 North, I 287, NJ 440: Woodbridge, Staten Island
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward US 9 North: Woodbridge
Use the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto US 9
9.2 mi
·
14 min
·
US 9
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Edgar Road
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on US 1; US 9
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Carlton Street
Use the none lane.
18
Turn right
60 ft
·
6 sec
19
Turn right
383 ft
·
28 sec
20
Turn right
278 ft
·
22 sec
21
Turn right onto East Jersey Street
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
·
East Jersey Street
22
Turn right
34 ft
·
2 sec
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though it is wise to check for typical traffic patterns on the Garden State Parkway before you head out. You will not need to plan for any mandatory stops given the sub-two-hour drive time, allowing you to complete the journey in one go. Keep in mind that your fuel budget is estimated at $14, so topping off your tank before you leave Ship Bottom will ensure you arrive in Elizabeth without needing to hunt for gas stations along the way. Because you are relying on major highways for the majority of the 83.5 miles, prioritize staying alert during the long, uninterrupted 62.8-mile segment to maintain a smooth flow.
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 41.8 miles from Ship Bottom, NJ, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.8 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 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 41.8 miles or 52m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elizabeth, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ship Bottom, 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 Ship Bottom, NJ
This is one driving day of about 83.5 miles and 1h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ship Bottom, 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 62.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 41.8 mi from Ship Bottom, NJ · 52m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
42 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 41.8 miles from Ship Bottom, 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 62.8 miles.
Arriving in Elizabeth, NJ
The final approach into Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth, 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
$13.82 one way
$27.63 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
29 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $15.12 | $30.24 |
| premium | $4.92 | $16.18 | $32.36 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $18.55 | $37.10 |
Estimated Tolls: $10.76
Bay Bridge
$7.00
Garden State Parkway
(62.8 mi)
$3.76
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
$14
Tolls
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25.1 | 0 | $8.77 | $4.01 |
| Efficient EV | 20.9 | 0 | $7.31 | $3.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 33.4 | 0 | $11.69 | $5.34 |
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% 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
Elizabeth, NJ
Evening in Elizabeth on Sunday
Local time
7:22 PM
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
10 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
1h 49m 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 Ship Bottom, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ covers 83.5 miles and takes about 1h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Garden State Parkway, US 9, Manahawkin Bay Bridge. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 41.8 miles from Ship Bottom, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.82 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 17 significant decision points across 83.5 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: near the start (CR 607 / Long Beach Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 69.9 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Ship Bottom, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp Toll North, Gsp North and Staten Island.
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