Road Tripping: The Best Ways to Get from Boston to Hackensack

Looking for a weekend road trip that won't completely sap your energy? Then consider a jaunt from Boston, Massachusetts, to Hackensack, New Jersey. The two cities sit relatively close to each other, making it a perfect distance for a nice car ride. But which route should you take? How long will it take? What cool pit stops can you make along the way? Here are some options to think about:

The Cozy Route: Take I-95 S to I-295 S and I-95 S

Distance: 306 miles Driving Time: 5 hours Toll: Some

This southern route is perfect for those who want a scenic drive with plenty of comforts along the way. Set your GPS to I-95 South and take that through Rhode Island, into Connecticut. Once you pass the New Haven area, switch to I-295 South for about 23 miles. Then get back onto I-95 South, which will take you through the rest of Connecticut and into New York. Once in New York, you'll cross the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey and onto I-95 South. From there, you'll quickly arrive at Hackensack.

Along the way, you can stop by any number of classic New England sites, like Mystic Seaport or Constitution Beach. Once in New York, visit Little Italy for a delicious Italian meal or take a stroll around Central Park.

The Wide Open Route: Take I-495 W and I-78 W

Distance: 257 miles Driving Time: 4.5 hours Toll: Some

If you're tired of congested roads and want to take a more spacious route, get on I-495 West out of Boston and head straight for New Jersey. You'll be taking I-78 West from Pennsylvania to Hackensack, which is an easy and direct drive. Along the way, you can stretch your legs and stop by the classic town of Princeton, NJ or the quaint village of Clinton, NJ. Once in Hackensack, grab some burgers at White Manna or check out the local beer scene at The Alementary Brewing Co.

The Sightseeing Route: Take I-95 S to U.S. Route 1 and stay on that until you reach I-78 W

Distance: 328 miles Driving Time: 5.5 hours Toll: Some

Maybe you're not in a rush and want to take a leisurely stroll through the northeast. If that's the case, consider taking I-95 South and then veering off on U.S. Route 1. This route will take you through some stunning scenery, like Newport, RI, and Mystic, CT. Once you reach Trenton, NJ, switch to I-78 West and head right for Hackensack. While in New Jersey, make sure to check out Jersey City for the beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline or grab a slice of pizza at Razza Pizza Artigianale.

No matter which route you choose, there's plenty of things to see and taste along the way. So pack up your car, grab your sunglasses, and hit the road. Boston and Hackensack, here we come!