Exploring the Best and Worst Route to Drive from Barnegat Township, NJ to Ocean City, NJ

If you're planning to enjoy a refreshing post-COVID summer in Ocean City, NJ, then it's essential to choose the right route to get there. The wrong route can lead to long, frustrating hours behind the wheel, and the last thing you want is to arrive feeling exhausted before your vacation even begins.

The distance between Barnegat Township and Ocean City is approximately 60 miles, and it can take anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours to reach your destination, depending on the route you choose and the time of day you're driving.

The Fastest Route: Garden State Parkway

Garden State Parkway is the quickest and most direct route to get to Ocean City from Barnegat Township. The total distance is about 58 miles and should take roughly 1 hour with minimal traffic. With its wide lanes and clear signage, driving on the Garden State Parkway is a breeze. However, if you're driving during peak hours, especially on the weekends, you might find yourself in bumper-to-bumper traffic. If you're driving at rush hour, it's best to give yourself a buffer of at least 30 to 45 minutes over the expected travel time.

The Scenic Route: Route 9

Route 9 is the more scenic route that leads from Barnegat Township, NJ, to Ocean City, NJ. With a distance of 66 miles, the route is slightly longer than the Parkway but just as enjoyable. Make sure to give yourself an extra 20 to 30 minutes over your expected arrival time, especially during peak hours. Route 9 is a two-lane road that goes through towns and villages, so expect to encounter some stoplights and slower traffic.

The Slowest Route: Atlantic City Expressway

The Atlantic City Expressway is the slowest route to take from Barnegat Township to Ocean City. Though it's the longest route at 75 miles, it takes about an hour and a half to arrive at your destination with no traffic. But be warned, if you're traveling during peak hours, the expressway can add an additional 30-60 minutes to your expected arrival time. The upside is that the Atlantic City Expressway is a well-maintained road with fewer stops compared to Route 9.

It's essential to plan your route and travel time based on personal preferences, whether it be speed or scenery. Knowing the traffic patterns and the expected time it takes to reach your destination ahead of time can save you from the frustration of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. So pack your bags, plan your route, and hit the open road!

Safe travels!