Allentown to Waterford is 320.6 miles and takes about 6h 36m via Keystone Shortway, with a fuel budget near $53 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays entirely within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region towards its western side. Expect a local, turn-heavy experience rather than a high-speed interstate cruise. With a drive time under 7 hours, it's a feasible one-day trip, but consider the nature of the roads when planning your departure time. This route is best suited for those who prefer a more engaging drive over pure speed.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
160.3 miles from Allentown, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
153 mi
2h 44m
William Penn Highway
21.7 mi
26m
William Flinn Highway
12.4 mi
16m
Route 208
12.3 mi
18m
Locust Gap Highway
11.5 mi
13m
Centre Turnpike
10.6 mi
12m
South Market Street
9.7 mi
11m
PA 36
9.5 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 153 mi, about 2h 44m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 22 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,072 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,424
Quietest
2 AM
~183 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Allentown, PA and Waterford, PA.
1
Start on Tilghman Street
5.0 mi·8 min·Tilghman Street
Use the straight lane.
2
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
Toward US 22 West: Harrisburg
3
Merge onto US 22
0.7 mi·54 sec·Lehigh Valley Thruway
4
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi·26 min·William Penn Highway
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 29Toward PA 61 North: PottsvilleUse the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 29Toward PA 61 North: Pottsville
7
Merge onto PA 61
2.4 mi·3 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Centre Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on PA 61
3.0 mi·3 min·Route 61 South
10
Continue on PA 61
0.3 mi·18 sec·Pottsville Boulevard
11
Continue on PA 61
0.2 mi·20 sec·South Claude A. Lord Boulevard
12
Turn left onto US 209
0.1 mi·10 sec·Mauch Chunk Street
13
At end of road, turn right onto US 209
0.4 mi·38 sec·South Centre Street
14
Turn left onto US 209
2.3 mi·4 min·West Market Street
15
Continue on US 209; PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
Use the straight lane.
16
At end of road, turn left onto PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·East Sunbury Street
17
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
18
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
19
Continue on PA 901
0.3 mi·43 sec·Locust Gap Highway
20
Continue on PA 54; PA 901
11 mi·13 min·Locust Gap Highway
21
Continue on PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·South Market Street
22
Turn right onto PA 54
0.3 mi·45 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
Use the right lane.
23
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on PA 54
3.0 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
26
Merge onto I 80
153 mi·2 hr 44 min·Keystone Shortway
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward US 322: Strattanville
28
Turn right onto US 322
4.0 mi·5 min·Route 322
29
Continue on US 322
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
30
Continue on US 322
1.6 mi·2 min·Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
31
Continue on US 322
1.7 mi·2 min·East Main Street
32
Turn slight right onto US 322
4.6 mi·6 min·North 1st Avenue
33
Turn right onto PA 208
0.4 mi·35 sec·North School Street
34
Continue on PA 208
7.2 mi·10 min·Route 208
35
Continue on PA 208
5.0 mi·7 min·Route 208
36
Continue on PA 36
9.5 mi·14 min·PA 36
37
Turn left onto US 62; PA 36
0.3 mi·20 sec·Route 36 and 62
38
Turn right onto PA 36
4.5 mi·6 min·Colonel Drake Highway
39
Continue on PA 36
4.4 mi·6 min·Tionesta Road
40
Continue on PA 36
1.3 mi·1 min·East State Street
41
Continue on PA 27
2.6 mi·3 min·Titusville Road
42
Continue on PA 27
1.1 mi·2 min·Plank Road
43
Continue on PA 27
1.5 mi·4 min·East Central Avenue
44
Turn slight right onto PA 8
0.9 mi·2 min·West Spring Street
Use the right lane.
45
Continue on PA 8
3.0 mi·4 min·Hydetown Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
46
Continue on PA 8
4.6 mi·6 min·William Flinn Highway
47
Continue on PA 8
1.6 mi·2 min·Erie Street
48
Continue on PA 8
7.8 mi·10 min·William Flinn Highway
49
Continue on PA 8
3.1 mi·4 min·Titusville Road
50
Continue on US 6; PA 8
0.8 mi·2 min·South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
51
Turn left onto PA 97
0.2 mi·23 sec·Perry Street
Use the left lane.
52
Continue on PA 97
0.5 mi·54 sec·Waterford Street
53
Continue on PA 97
6.9 mi·8 min·PA-97
54
Enter roundabout onto US 19; PA 97
62 ft·0 sec·Route 19
55
Continue on US 19; PA 97
0.2 mi·29 sec·Route 19
56
Continue on US 19; PA 97
0.4 mi·52 sec·High Street
57
Arrive at destination
US 19; PA 97
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 36m estimated duration and the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, an early morning departure from Allentown is recommended to maximize daylight. While this trip can be completed in one day, its character suggests taking your time. You'll have one recommended stop, so plan it strategically to break up the 320.6 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially when you're not on highway stretches, as gas stations might be less frequent. The longest stretch on the Keystone Shortway is 153 miles, so ensure you're fueled up before entering that segment.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 160.3 miles from Allentown, PA, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 71 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 160.3 miles or 3h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waterford, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Allentown, PA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Allentown, PA
This is one driving day of about 320.6 miles and 6h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Allentown, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 153 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 27.5 and 82.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
27.5 mi into trip|~36m in
Take the exit toward PA 61 North: Pottsville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 29
Toward PA 61 North: Pottsville
7
27.7 mi into trip|~36m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PA 61 North: Pottsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 29
Toward PA 61 North: Pottsville
5
28 mi into trip|~37m in|PA 61 / Pottsville Pike
Merge onto PA 61 / Pottsville Pike
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
44.3 mi into trip|~57m in|US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street
Turn left onto US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street
Navigation decision point
5
82.5 mi into trip|~1h 45m in|PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
Turn right onto PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.12 one way
$102.24 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg112 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$56.57
$113.14
premium
$4.81
$60.69
$121.37
diesel
$4.80
$60.54
$121.07
Estimated Tolls: $0.79
Centre Turnpike
(10.6 mi)$0.74
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(0.7 mi)$0.05
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 112.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
96.2
1
$33.66
$15.39
Efficient EV
80.2
0
$28.05
$12.82
EV Truck/SUV
128.2
1
$44.88
$20.52
Gas CO2
112 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Allentown, PA
Afternoon
in Allentown on Sunday
Local time
1:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Smoke
NW 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Waterford, PA
Afternoon
in Waterford on Sunday
Local time
1:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Smoke
W 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 36m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 55.3
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll likely encounter more frequent turns and varied road conditions. Only 15% of this journey is on highways, so anticipate a slower pace for much of the 320.6 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 153 miles along the Keystone Shortway. Be prepared for the road to feel more like local byways for significant portions, offering a different kind of engagement than a typical interstate commute.
Only 15% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
57 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 153 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 27.5 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 320.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 27.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 27.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 28 miles (PA 61 / Pottsville Pike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Allentown is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, the county seat and largest city in Lehigh County, and the third-largest city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with a population of 125,845 as of 2020.
Top landmarks
•Albertus L. Meyers Bridge — bridge in United States of America
•Allentown Masonic Temple — masonic temple in Allentown, Pennsylvania
•Allentown National Bank — bank building in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 36m. Total distance: 320.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 153 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.79 in tolls one way, starting with Centre Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 22 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Waterford, PA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 27.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 27.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 28 miles (PA 61 / Pottsville Pike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Waterford, PA before the return drive.
