Origin
Somerset, NJ
Evening in Somerset on Sunday
Local time
8:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Somerset, NJ to Ocean Gate, NJ
Drive Time
1h 21m
Distance
56.3 mi
91 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 15m
★
6 AM
1h 21m
8 AM
1h 34m
10 AM
1h 26m
12 PM
1h 24m
3 PM
1h 26m
5 PM
1h 33m
8 PM
1h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Somerset, NJ
Malcolm Garret
Ocean Gate, NJ
Aisling Kerr
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick getaway from Somerset to the coast, this 56.3-mile trip to Ocean Gate is a straightforward journey. You can expect to spend about 1 hour and 21 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. With a fuel budget of roughly $9, it is a very affordable excursion for a weekend or a spontaneous afternoon. Since both locations are situated within the Northeast region of New Jersey, you will find the transition between these areas familiar and easy to navigate. By sticking to a single-day itinerary, you gain the flexibility to head out whenever your schedule allows without the stress of extensive travel planning.
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
28.1 miles from Somerset, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 41m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 84% of this route is comprised of major arterial roads. Your journey relies on a combination of NJ 18, the Garden State Parkway, and NJ 34 to make steady progress toward the coast. You will encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch of 23.8 miles while traveling on NJ 18, which allows you to settle into a consistent driving rhythm early on. While the drive is efficient, the mix of high-speed parkway travel and state highway segments ensures the road personality shifts as you move from inland Somerset toward Ocean Gate. It is a functional, no-nonsense path designed to get you to your destination with minimal fuss.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
NJ 18 is the longest continuous segment at about 23.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on NJ 18 and Garden State Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near CR 617 / Franklin Boulevard.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 56.3 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 0.7 miles (CR 617 / Franklin Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles (NJ 18): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 26.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.7 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
CR 617 / Franklin Boulevard
At end of road, turn left onto CR 617 / Franklin Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
5
2.6 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
NJ 18
Merge onto NJ 18
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
26.4 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Take the exit toward NJ 34 South: Point Pleasant
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 19B
Toward NJ 34 South: Point Pleasant
8
51 mi into trip
|
~1h 10m in
Take the exit toward Lakehurst Road, Toms River
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 81
Toward Lakehurst Road, Toms River
7
51.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 11m in
|
NJ 166 / Irons Street
Turn right onto NJ 166 / Irons Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Somerset, NJ and Ocean Gate, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp Toll South and Toms River.
Gsp Toll South
35 mi in
|
~50m
Toms River
51 mi in
|
~1h 10m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NJ 18 | 23.8 mi | 31m |
| Garden State Parkway | 15.4 mi | 18m |
| NJ 34 | 8.3 mi | 11m |
| Chelsea Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
| Springfield Avenue | 1 mi | 1m |
| Franklin Boulevard | 0.8 mi | 2m |
| Atlantic City Boulevard | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| George Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
NJ 18
— 23.8 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Somerset, NJ and Ocean Gate, NJ.
1
Start on West Point Avenue
0.1 mi
·
33 sec
·
West Point Avenue
2
Turn right onto Abbott Road
0.2 mi
·
44 sec
·
Abbott Road
3
Turn right onto Belmar Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Belmar Street
4
At end of road, turn left onto CR 617
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Franklin Boulevard
Use the none lane.
5
Continue on Landing Lane
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
Landing Lane
Use the none lane.
6
Turn right onto (672)
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
George Street
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward NJ 18 South
8
Merge onto NJ 18
24 mi
·
31 min
·
NJ 18
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
1 min
Exit 19B
Toward NJ 34 South: Point Pleasant
Use the slight right lane.
10
Turn straight onto NJ 34
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 34
Use the none lane.
11
Take the ramp onto NJ 34
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
NJ 34
12
Enter roundabout onto NJ 34
219 ft
·
3 sec
·
NJ 34
13
Continue on NJ 34
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
NJ 34
14
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward GSP Toll South
15
Merge onto GSP
15 mi
·
18 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the none lane.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 81
Toward Lakehurst Road, Toms River
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn right
235 ft
·
6 sec
18
Turn right onto CR 527
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
Lakehurst Road
19
Continue on CR 527
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
West Water Street
20
Turn right onto NJ 166
386 ft
·
11 sec
·
Irons Street
Use the right lane.
21
Turn left onto NJ 166
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
Herflicker Boulevard
22
Turn straight onto NJ 166
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Atlantic City Boulevard
23
Turn left onto CR 617
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Starboard Street
24
Turn right onto CR 617
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
Compass Avenue
25
Continue on CR 617
501 ft
·
10 sec
·
Club House Drive
26
Continue on CR 617
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Club House Road
27
Continue on CR 617
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
·
Bayside Avenue
28
Continue on CR 617
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Springfield Avenue
29
At end of road, turn left onto CR 617
320 ft
·
9 sec
·
Station Avenue
30
Turn right onto CR 617
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Prospect Avenue
31
Continue on CR 617
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Chelsea Avenue
32
Turn right onto CR 617
500 ft
·
21 sec
·
Ocean Gate Avenue
33
Turn left onto CR 617
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
East Bayview Avenue
34
Turn right onto Stone Harbor Avenue
249 ft
·
12 sec
·
Stone Harbor Avenue
35
Turn right onto (24)
41 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Lakewood Avenue
36
Arrive at destination
(24)
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short 1 hour and 21 minute drive, you have plenty of freedom regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak commuting hours is always a smart move. Since there are no mandatory stops scheduled, you can easily complete the entire 56.3-mile stretch without needing to refuel or break, but feel free to pace yourself however you prefer. Keep a close eye on traffic patterns when transitioning between the Garden State Parkway and NJ 34, as these interchanges can fluctuate in density. Make sure to check your fuel levels before leaving Somerset, as the $9 estimate is based on standard driving conditions. Embracing the flexibility of this short route means you can focus more on your plans in Ocean Gate rather than worrying about complex road logistics.
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 28.1 miles from Somerset, NJ, or about 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.8 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 56.3 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 28.1 miles or 41m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ocean Gate, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Somerset, 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 Somerset, NJ
This is one driving day of about 56.3 miles and 1h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Somerset, 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 NJ 18 for about 23.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 28.1 mi from Somerset, NJ · 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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 56.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 28.1 miles from Somerset, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Ocean Gate, NJ
The final approach into Ocean Gate, 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 Ocean Gate, 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
$9.32 one way
$18.63 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $10.19 | $20.39 |
| premium | $4.92 | $10.91 | $21.82 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.51 | $25.02 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.92
Garden State Parkway
(15.4 mi)
$0.92
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
$9
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$35–$60
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.9 | 0 | $5.91 | $2.70 |
| Efficient EV | 14.1 | 0 | $4.93 | $2.25 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.5 | 0 | $7.88 | $3.60 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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
Ocean Gate, NJ
Evening in Ocean Gate on Sunday
Local time
8:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°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
6 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 21m 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 Somerset, NJ to Ocean Gate, NJ covers 56.3 miles and takes about 1h 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are NJ 18, Garden State Parkway, NJ 34. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 28.1 miles from Somerset, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.32 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 24 significant decision points across 56.3 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 0.7 miles (CR 617 / Franklin Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles (NJ 18): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 26.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Somerset, NJ and Ocean Gate, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp Toll South and Toms River.
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