How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Clifton, NJ?
The driving distance from Elizabeth, NJ to Clifton, NJ is about 21.8 miles (35.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 13.7 miles (22 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 04m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 32m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in New Jersey
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elizabeth and Clifton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elizabeth and Clifton.
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1
Start on the route
11 m · 8 sec
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2
Turn left onto East Jersey Street
1164 ft · 36 sec · East Jersey Street
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3
Turn left onto Spring Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Spring Street
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4
Keep slight right
2.1 mi · 3 min
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5
Keep slight left to continue on NJ 21, US 22: Newark, Downtown
9.5 mi · 15 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward NJ 3: Clifton, Lincoln Tunnel
1809 ft · 44 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on NJ 3 West: Clifton
2150 ft · 53 sec
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8
Continue straight
3 mi · 3 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Broad Street, Bloomfield, Paterson
151 m · 14 sec
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10
Keep slight right
36 m · 4 sec
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11
Turn right onto Allwood Road
1032 ft · 31 sec · Allwood Road
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12
Turn left onto Clifton Avenue
2833 ft · 1 min · Clifton Avenue
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13
Turn right onto Olga B Terrace
53 m · 10 sec · Olga B Terrace
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14
Turn right onto Hutton Road
12 m · 7 sec · Hutton Road
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15
Turn left onto Olga B Terrace
135 m · 25 sec · Olga B Terrace
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16
Turn left onto Donna Drive
733 ft · 34 sec · Donna Drive
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17
Turn right onto Holly Street
157 m · 23 sec · Holly Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Holly Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elizabeth and Clifton.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
NJ 21
Keep slight left to continue on NJ 21, US 22: Newark, Downtown
9.5 mi · 00h 15m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Elizabeth and Rain Showers Likely near Clifton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elizabeth to Clifton?
The road trip is about 21.8 miles (35.1 km) and usually takes 00h 32m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Kearny is a useful midpoint, sitting about 8.9 miles from Elizabeth and 12.9 miles from Clifton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 13.7 miles (22 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:26 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.15 one way or $6.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Elizabeth and Rain Showers Likely near Clifton.
Stop Ideas Near Kearny
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall Parking Lot
#Artlook New York City Hall Wedding Photographer
City Hall Personnel Office
Diamond City Hall Photography
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Kearny.
Pennsylvania Station
Newark Liberty International Airport
Pennsylvania Station
Metropark station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elizabeth and Clifton. Straight-line distance: 13.66 mi (21.98 km).
#1 Elizabeth
The second most populous city in Union County, New Jersey.
| Population | 128,382 |
| Coordinates | 40.6639900, -74.2107000 |
| Altitude | 6 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clifton
The most populous city in Passaic County, New Jersey.
| Population | 85,025 |
| Coordinates | 40.8584300, -74.1637600 |
| Altitude | 57 |
| Country | United States |
End: Holly Street (-74.163585, 40.858575)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 35 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $3.15 | $6.29 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $3.54 | $7.08 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $3.81 | $7.63 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $4.60 | $9.21 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in New Jersey · Apr 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.