Driving Time between Cape May, New Jersey and Camden, Delaware

A picture depicting driving

How Long Does It Take to Drive from Cape May, NJ to Camden, DE?

Are you planning a road trip from Cape May, New Jersey to Camden, Delaware? One of the biggest factors in planning your trip is figuring out how long it will take to get there. After all, nobody wants to sit in traffic for hours on end! In this blog post, we'll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the estimated time it will take to drive from Cape May to Camden based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Routes

If you're looking to get to Camden as quickly as possible, there are a few different routes you can take. The fastest option is to take the Garden State Parkway North to the Atlantic City Expressway, and then take Route 42 South into Camden. This route is approximately 67 miles and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive under normal traffic conditions. However, keep in mind that this route can get crowded during peak hours, so you may want to plan your trip accordingly.

Another fast option is to take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from Cape May to Lewes, Delaware, and then take Route 1 North into Camden. This route is approximately 80 miles and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive. While the ferry ride can be a fun experience, it's important to note that there may be a wait time to board the ferry, so be sure to consider that when planning your trip.

Slowest Routes

If you have more time to spare and want to take a scenic route, there are some slower options as well. One possibility is to take Route 9 North through the coastal towns of southern New Jersey, before eventually turning onto Route 1 South into Delaware. This route is approximately 92 miles and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive under normal traffic conditions.

Another scenic option is to take Route 9 North to the Lewes-Cape May Ferry, and then take the ferry across to Cape May. This route is approximately 105 miles and takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes, including the ferry ride. While this may not be the fastest route, it can be a fun way to break up your trip and see some beautiful scenery along the way.

Traffic Considerations

It's important to keep in mind that traffic patterns can greatly affect the length of your trip. During peak traffic times, such as weekday rush hours or holiday weekends, all of the routes mentioned above can experience delays. On the other hand, driving during off-peak hours can significantly reduce your travel time.

To give you an idea of the impact of traffic, here are some estimated drive times for each of the routes we've discussed:

  • Fastest Route (Garden State Parkway/Atlantic City Expressway/Route 42): 1 hour 20 minutes in good traffic, potentially up to 2 hours in heavy traffic
  • Fast Route via Cape May-Lewes Ferry (Route 1): 1 hour 30 minutes in good traffic, potentially up to 2 hours or more depending on ferry wait times and traffic on Route 1
  • Slow Route via Route 9 and Route 1: 2 hours 15 minutes in good traffic, potentially up to 3 hours or more in heavy traffic
  • Slow Route via Lewes-Cape May Ferry: 3 hours 15 minutes, including ferry ride. Ferry wait times will vary.

Conclusion

When it comes to driving from Cape May to Camden, there are several routes to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Whether you're looking for the fastest route or a scenic drive, it's important to consider traffic patterns and plan accordingly. By doing so, you can make the most of your road trip and arrive at your destination with minimal stress. Safe travels!