How far is Rutherford, NJ from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance from Rutherford, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ is about 17.1 miles (27.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 12.5 miles (20.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 48m 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 24m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rutherford and Elizabeth.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rutherford and Elizabeth.
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1
Start on Park Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Park Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Marginal Road
606 ft · 10 sec · Marginal Road
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3
Take the ramp straight toward NJ 3 West
1372 ft · 33 sec
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4
Keep slight right to continue on NJ 21 North, NJ 21 South
590 ft · 14 sec
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5
Keep slight right to continue on NJ 21 South: Newark
1313 ft · 32 sec
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6
Merge slight left
9.4 mi · 15 min
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7
Merge slight left
1072 ft · 17 sec
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8
Continue straight
3.1 mi · 4 min
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9
Turn right onto East Jersey Street
1164 ft · 36 sec · East Jersey Street
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10
Turn right
11 m · 3 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rutherford and Elizabeth.
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 South
Merge slight left
9.35 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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Rutherford and Chance Rain Showers near Elizabeth.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rutherford to Elizabeth?
The road trip is about 17.1 miles (27.5 km) and usually takes 00h 24m 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?
East Newark is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7.2 miles from Rutherford and 9.9 miles from Elizabeth.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 12.5 miles (20.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.6 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 7:42 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.45 one way or $4.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Rutherford and Chance Rain Showers near Elizabeth.
Stop Ideas Near East Newark
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 East Newark.
Pennsylvania Station
Newark Liberty International Airport
Pennsylvania Station
Metropark station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rutherford and Elizabeth. Straight-line distance: 12.48 mi (20.08 km).
#1 Rutherford
Borough in New Jersey, United States
| Population | 18,209 |
| Coordinates | 40.8264900, -74.1068100 |
| Altitude | 28 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elizabeth
The second most populous city in Union County, New Jersey.
| Population | 128,382 |
| Coordinates | 40.6639900, -74.2107000 |
| Altitude | 6 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-74.210651, 40.663974)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 28 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $2.45 | $4.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $2.76 | $5.52 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $2.97 | $5.94 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $3.59 | $7.18 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.