New Jersey driving is a unique brand of chaos. If you've lived here long enough, you know the Garden State Parkway isn't just a road; it's a massive, 172-mile artery that dictates the mood of your entire weekend. Getting directions to Garden State Parkway south seems easy on paper. Just point the car toward Cape May and hit the gas, right? Not exactly. Between the "spaghetti bowl" interchanges in North Jersey and the sudden lane shifts near the Driscoll Bridge, a simple trip can turn into a stressful nightmare if you don't know the nuances of the local landscape.
The Parkway is iconic. It's the path to the Shore. It’s also a toll-heavy gauntlet that demands your full attention.
Getting on the GSP South from Major Hubs
If you’re coming from the north, specifically near the New York border, you’re likely starting at the Montvale service area or the massive interchange with I-287. This is the northern terminus. You’ll see signs for the Parkway South almost immediately after crossing the state line. Honestly, the signage here is decent, but the traffic density is what gets people. You’ve got drivers merging from the New York Thruway (I-87) and local traffic from Chestnut Ridge Road all fighting for the same narrow stretch of asphalt.
Wait for the merge. It’s aggressive.
Coming from the west, say around Parsippany or Morristown, you’re looking for I-80 or Route 46. The transition from I-80 East to the Parkway South is one of the busiest spots in the state. You’ll want to stay in the right lanes as you approach Saddle Brook. The exit for the Parkway South is often backed up for a mile during morning rush hour. If you miss that exit, you’re heading toward the George Washington Bridge, and nobody wants that accidental toll.
Then there’s the Newark area. This is where things get hairy. If you’re navigating from I-78 or the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), you’re entering the "Interchange 142" zone. This was notoriously one of the most confusing highway connections in the United States for decades until the massive multi-year construction project "fixed" it. It’s better now, but you still need to keep your eyes peeled for the GSP South signs early. The ramps are long and sweeping.
The Driscoll Bridge: The Great Divider
You cannot talk about directions to Garden State Parkway south without mentioning the Driscoll Bridge. It spans the Raritan River, connecting Woodbridge to Sayreville. It is technically one of the widest motor vehicle bridges in the world.
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When you’re heading south, the bridge splits into "Express" and "Local" lanes. This is where many out-of-staters panic.
Basically, if you are looking to exit soon—say, for the Cheesequake Service Area or the early exits in Monmouth County like 123 or 120—stay in the Local lanes (to the right). If you’re trying to make time and you’re heading deep into Ocean County or the Shore points, take the Express lanes. The Express lanes don't have exits for several miles. It’s a straight shot. However, if there’s a wreck on the bridge, the Express lanes become a literal parking lot with no escape. Check your Waze or Google Maps before you commit to that split.
Why the Local Lanes Might Save Your Sanity
- Easier access to the Cheesequake Rest Stop (Essential for snacks or gas).
- Multiple "outs" if traffic grinds to a halt.
- Better signage for the Route 9 and Route 35 splits.
Navigating the Toll Situation
The Parkway is a cash cow for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. You’re going to hit tolls. Often. While the "toss a quarter in the basket" days are mostly gone, replaced by high-speed E-ZPass readers, the layout still matters.
The main toll plazas (like Union, Raritan, and Asbury Park) are huge. Even though you don't have to stop if you have E-ZPass, the speed limit drops. Cops love to sit just past the toll gantries. If the sign says 35 mph through the toll lane, do 35 mph. They aren't joking.
If you don't have E-ZPass, life is much harder. Cash lanes are usually restricted to the far right. They are slow. They are frustrating. If you’re following directions to Garden State Parkway south as a visitor, honestly, just get an E-ZPass or be prepared for "toll by plate" invoices in the mail, which often come with annoying administrative fees.
The Shore Points and Beyond
Once you pass the Asbury Park toll plaza, the vibe changes. The road opens up. The trees get shorter, the air gets saltier, and the exits start leading to some of the best beaches on the East Coast.
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At Exit 98, you’ve got the massive split for I-195 and Route 34. This is the gateway to Belmar and Manasquan. If you stay on the Parkway South through Brick and Toms River, watch out for the lane drops. The Parkway famously narrows and expands in ways that don't always make sense.
Toms River is a major bottleneck. You have local traffic merging from Route 37 (the bridge to Seaside Heights) and people just trying to get down to LBI (Long Beach Island). Exit 63 is your target for LBI. It’s a sharp right onto Route 72 East. On a Saturday morning in July, this exit can back up for three miles onto the Parkway shoulder. It’s brutal.
South of Atlantic City
Most people think the Parkway ends at Atlantic City. It doesn't.
To get to AC, you’ll usually take the Atlantic City Expressway via Exit 38. But if you keep going south on the GSP, you hit the "Wildwoods" and Cape May section. This is the quietest part of the road. The tolls are fewer, and the scenery becomes marshes and wetlands.
The very end of the Parkway South is at Mile Marker 0. It literally ends at a traffic light in Cape May. It’s a bit anticlimactic after 172 miles of high-speed driving, but it’s the gateway to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Real-World Shortcuts and Hacks
Locals know that the Parkway isn't always the fastest route, even if the GPS says it is. If the Parkway South is "red" on the map near the Union Toll Plaza, you can sometimes hop over to Route 22 or the local Newark streets to bypass the mess, though that’s for the brave.
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Another tip: The "hidden" exits. Some exits on the Parkway only allow you to go North or only allow you to enter South. For example, you can't get off at certain spots if you didn't plan ahead. Always look for the "North Only" or "South Only" tabs on the exit signs.
Gas is another thing. The service areas (like Brookdale, Vauxhall, and Cheesequake) are convenient, but you pay a premium. If you have the range, get off the Parkway and find a Wawa or a QuickChek a mile or two inland. You’ll save twenty cents a gallon and probably get better coffee.
Essential Safety Notes for the GSP
The Parkway has a reputation for fast drivers. The "unofficial" speed limit in the left lane is often 75-80 mph, even though the posted limit is 65 mph. However, New Jersey State Troopers are everywhere. They use "gray" or "ghost" cruisers that are hard to spot until you’re right on top of them.
Keep right except to pass. It’s the law in New Jersey, and they actually enforce it. If you’re cruising in the left lane doing 65, you’re going to have a line of angry commuters behind you, and you might even get pulled over for obstructing traffic.
Also, watch for deer. Especially south of the Raritan River in the evening. The Pine Barrens sections (from Exit 80 down to 30) are prime territory for deer crossings. A collision at 70 mph will total your car.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip South
To make your journey down the Garden State Parkway as smooth as possible, follow these practical steps:
- Download the NJ E-ZPass App: Even if you're just visiting, you can manage your account and check for toll disputes easily.
- Check the "511NJ" Website: The New Jersey Department of Transportation maintains a live map with camera feeds. It is significantly more accurate for construction closures than generic apps.
- Time Your Departure: If you are heading south on a Friday, leave before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM. Anything in between is "shore traffic" hell.
- Mind the Lane Splits: Pay attention to "Express vs. Local" signs at least two miles before the Driscoll Bridge (Woodbridge area).
- Gas Up Early: Don't let your tank get below a quarter when you're in the dense sections of Essex or Union counties; getting off to find a gas station there can be confusing if you don't know the local grid.
The Parkway is the backbone of New Jersey travel. Navigating it requires a mix of aggressive merging, lane awareness, and a bit of patience. Whether you're heading to a business meeting in New Brunswick or a vacation in Wildwood, understanding these quirks makes the drive feel a lot shorter.