Trip from Waretown, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ

Q: How long is the trip from Waretown, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ?

The drive from Waretown, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ covers 70.7 miles and takes about 1h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

Q: What are the main roads on this route?

The main roads are Garden State Parkway, US 9, Lacey Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

Q: Is this a good same-day trip?

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Q: Where should I stop halfway?

The midpoint is about 35.3 miles from Waretown, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

Q: How much does gas cost for this trip?

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.72 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Q: What is the best time to leave?

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 33m

Distance

70.7 mi

114 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 22 min

4 AM

1h 26m ★

6 AM

1h 33m

8 AM

1h 48m

10 AM

1h 38m

12 PM

1h 37m

3 PM

1h 39m

5 PM

1h 47m

8 PM

1h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Waretown, NJ

Aisling Kerr

Elizabeth, NJ

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Trip Overview

Spanning 70.7 miles, your trip from Waretown to Elizabeth is a straightforward journey through New Jersey’s Northeast corridor. You should anticipate a driving time of approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes, making this an ideal one-day excursion that does not require an overnight stay. With a modest fuel budget of $12, this route is highly efficient for those looking to travel between these two points without significant overhead. Because the entire journey remains within the Northeast region and the state of New Jersey, you will experience a consistent environment throughout the drive. Whether you are heading north for business or a quick visit, this trip is designed for speed and reliability rather than a leisurely pace.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

35.3 miles from Waretown, NJ

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 33m. Total distance: 70.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This highway-focused drive is defined by its efficiency, with 91% of the route spent on high-speed thoroughfares. You will rely heavily on the Garden State Parkway, which accounts for a significant 51.7-mile stretch, providing a consistent pace for the majority of your travel. While you will navigate sections of US 9 and Lacey Road to round out the 70.7-mile total, the experience is primarily a straightforward interstate commute. Expect a functional, no-nonsense road personality that prioritizes getting you to your destination quickly. The transition from the more coastal feel of Waretown to the urban landscape of Elizabeth happens steadily as you maintain highway speeds.

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.

Garden State Parkway is the longest continuous segment at about 51.7 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 around 6.1 miles in near GSP / Garden State Parkway.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 70.7 miles you will encounter 15 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 6.1 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 57 miles (GSP / Garden State Parkway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6.1 mi into trip | ~9m in | GSP / Garden State Parkway

Merge onto GSP / Garden State Parkway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

57 mi into trip | ~1h 10m 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...

58.2 mi into trip | ~1h 12m 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...

58.5 mi into trip | ~1h 12m 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

68 mi into trip | ~1h 28m in | US 1; US 9 / East Edgar Road

Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9 / East Edgar Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Waretown, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ, road signs point toward Gsp Toll North, Gsp North and Staten Island.

Gsp Toll North

5.8 mi in | ~9m

Gsp North

57 mi in | ~1h 10m | via GSP

Staten Island

57 mi in | ~1h 10m | via GSP

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Garden State Parkway	51.7 mi	1h 1m
US 9	12.7 mi	20m
Lacey Road	2.2 mi	4m
Carlton Street	1.5 mi	2m
East Edgar Road	0.7 mi	1m
East Jersey Street	0.3 mi	<1m
Bryant Road	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Garden State Parkway — 51.7 mi, about 1h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Waretown, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ.

Start on CR 612

92 ft · 5 sec · Bryant Road

Turn right onto US 9

3.6 mi · 5 min · US 9

Turn left onto CR 614

2.2 mi · 4 min · Lacey Road

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 28 sec

Toward GSP Toll North

Merge onto GSP

28 mi · 33 min · Garden State Parkway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 31 sec

Continue on GSP

22 mi · 26 min · Garden State Parkway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

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.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 45 sec

Toward US 9 North: Woodbridge Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto US 9

9.2 mi · 14 min · US 9

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 9

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Edgar Road

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 1; US 9

1.5 mi · 2 min · Carlton Street

Turn right

60 ft · 6 sec

Turn right

383 ft · 28 sec

Turn right

278 ft · 22 sec

Turn right onto East Jersey Street

0.3 mi · 50 sec · East Jersey Street

Turn right

34 ft · 2 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short 1 hour and 33 minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure schedule, though avoiding peak rush hour traffic is always a smart move. Because the route consists of zero planned stops, you should fuel up in Waretown before you merge onto the Garden State Parkway to ensure you reach Elizabeth without interruption. Keep in mind that the 51.7-mile stretch on the Parkway is the core of your trip, so stay alert for changing traffic patterns as you move toward the more densely populated northern areas of the state. Use the time saved by the direct nature of this route to focus on your arrival in Elizabeth rather than worrying about mid-trip 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 35.3 miles from Waretown, NJ, or about 44m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.7 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 16 miles or 21m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 35.3 miles or 44m 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 Elizabeth, NJ than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Waretown, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Waretown, NJ

This is one driving day of about 70.7 miles and 1h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Waretown, NJ.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 51.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 35.3 mi from Waretown, NJ · 44m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

35 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

Maple Shade, NJ

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hamilton, NJ

Meal break

The midpoint is around 35.3 miles from Waretown, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$11.72 one way

$23.44 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 25 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.61	$12.84	$25.67
premium	$4.93	$13.71	$27.42
diesel	$5.61	$15.61	$31.22

Estimated Tolls: $3.10

Garden State Parkway (51.7 mi) $3.10

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

$12

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 24.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	21.2	$7.42	$3.39
Efficient EV	17.7	$6.19	$2.83
EV Truck/SUV	28.3	$9.90	$4.52

Gas CO2

25 kg

EV CO2

8 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 15, 2026

Origin

Waretown, NJ

Afternoon in Waretown on Thursday

Local time

2:04 PM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Elizabeth, NJ

Afternoon in Elizabeth on Thursday

Local time

2:04 PM

EDT

Current temp

48°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

3 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 33m 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 Waretown, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ covers 70.7 miles and takes about 1h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Garden State Parkway, US 9, Lacey Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 35.3 miles from Waretown, NJ. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.72 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.