Valley Forge Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Trip from Altoona, PA to North Wales, PA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 26m
Distance
234 mi
377 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 13m
★
6 AM
4h 26m
8 AM
4h 53m
10 AM
4h 36m
12 PM
4h 33m
3 PM
4h 37m
5 PM
4h 52m
8 PM
4h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Altoona, PA
Wikimedia Commons
North Wales, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Altoona to North Wales covers 234 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 26 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey stays entirely within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, it is well-suited for a single-day trip. You should budget approximately $39 for fuel to complete the transit. Navigating via Lexington Avenue, 8th Street, and 7th Avenue requires your full attention, as the route avoids major highways entirely. While the drive is manageable in one go, the turn-heavy nature of the roads means you should plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and stay alert.
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
117 miles from Altoona, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 187.9 mi | 3h 23m |
| I 99 | 32.1 mi | 34m |
| Morris Road | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| Walton Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| 17th Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| North Wales Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Penllyn Blue Bell Pike | 1 mi | 2m |
| Plymouth Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 187.9 mi, about 3h 23m
Traffic on I-99
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,140 veh/hr typical · worst 1,371
Quietest
1 AM
~71 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Altoona, PA and North Wales, PA.
1
Start on 7th Street
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
7th Street
2
Turn left onto Lexington Avenue
257 ft
·
16 sec
·
Lexington Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left onto 8th Street
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
8th Street
4
Turn right onto PA 764
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
7th Avenue
5
Turn left onto 17th Street
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
17th Street
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Bedford
7
Merge onto I 99; US 220
32 mi
·
34 min
·
I 99; US 220
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
9
Keep slight right at fork
284 ft
·
8 sec
Toward US 220 Business South: Bedford
10
Turn slight right onto US 220 BUS
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Business 220
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward I 70, I 76, PATP: Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 76 East, I 70 East: Harrisburg
13
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
188 mi
·
3 hr 23 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 333
Toward I 476 South: Chester
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 476 South: Plymouth Road, Chester, Norristown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
403 ft
·
16 sec
Toward Plymouth Road
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Turn left onto Plymouth Road
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Plymouth Road
18
Turn right onto West Germantown Pike
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West Germantown Pike
19
Turn right onto Walton Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Walton Road
20
Keep slight left at fork onto Stenton Avenue
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Stenton Avenue
21
Continue on Penllyn Blue Bell Pike
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Penllyn Blue Bell Pike
22
Turn slight left onto Plymouth Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Plymouth Road
23
Turn left onto Morris Road
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Morris Road
24
Turn slight right onto US 202 Alternate Truck
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Wales Road
25
Continue on US 202 Alternate Truck
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West Walnut Street
26
Arrive at destination
US 202 Alternate Truck
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 26-minute trek, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid local traffic congestion that can impact these smaller roads. Since the route relies on local streets like 7th Avenue and 8th Street, give yourself extra time for navigation and unexpected turns. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to refuel and reset, keeping your $39 fuel budget in mind as you map out service stations along the way. Given the turn-heavy nature of the path, check your tire pressure and fluid levels before leaving Altoona to ensure a smooth, trouble-free arrival in North Wales.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 117 miles from Altoona, PA, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 187.9 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 51 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117 miles or 2h 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 3h 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North Wales, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Altoona, 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 Altoona, PA
This is one driving day of about 234 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Altoona, 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike for about 187.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
117 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 117 miles from Altoona, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 187.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
South Midway Service Plaza
0 mi from route
North Midway Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Blue Mountain Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Bomansville Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Sideling Hill Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Cumberland Valley Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Peter J. Camiel Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Lawn Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
King of Prussia Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
TA
0.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.1 mi from route
The Escape Game King Of Prussia
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 8 am–12 pm
+16106248058
Visit websiteiFLY Indoor Skydiving - King of Prussia
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+16105954359
Visit websiteHeuser Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+16102651071
Visit websiteAmazing Escape Room Montgomeryville
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania
Hours: 12–11 pm
+12672228186
Visit websiteArnold's Family Fun Center
4.2
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Oaks, Pennsylvania
Hours: 3–9 pm
+16106660600
Visit websiteWharton Esherick Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~9 min detour
Home stretch
3.7 mi from route
~9 min detour
Malvern, Pennsylvania
+16106445822
Visit websiteFischer's Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~11 min detour
Home stretch
4.3 mi from route
~11 min detour
Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm
+12153687602
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 225.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Lexington Avenue
Turn left onto Lexington Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
36.4 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East, I 70 East: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 76 East, I 70 East: Harrisburg
7
224.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 7m in
Take the exit toward I 476 South: Chester
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 333
Toward I 476 South: Chester
8
225.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 476 South: Plymouth Road, Chester, Norristown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 476 South: Plymouth Road, Chester, Nor...
8
225.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Plymouth Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Plymouth Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.31 one way
$74.62 round trip
$4.05/gal
25.4 MPG avg
82 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $41.29 | $82.58 |
| premium | $4.81 | $44.29 | $88.59 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $44.18 | $88.37 |
Estimated Tolls: $24.42
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(187.9 mi)
$24.42
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
$37
Tolls
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.2 | 0 | $24.57 | $11.23 |
| Efficient EV | 58.5 | 0 | $20.48 | $9.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 93.6 | 1 | $32.76 | $14.98 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Origin
Altoona, PA
Afternoon in Altoona on Sunday
Local time
3:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 8 to 12 mph
76% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:08PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:52AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
North Wales, PA
Afternoon in North Wales on Sunday
Local time
3:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Areas Of Smoke
SW 10 to 15 mph
92% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:08PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:52AM EDT by NWS State College PA
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
2 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
4h 26m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, a...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 217.9
View on nps.gov
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument
National Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 113
View on nps.gov
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 161.4
View on nps.gov
Independence National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of I...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
$1
near mile 226
View on nps.gov
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
National Memorial
Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 226
View on nps.gov
First State National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 209.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a technical and engaging experience, as this route features a 0% highway share. Instead of the monotonous pace of an interstate, you will navigate a series of local roads that demand constant focus. The personality of this drive is decidedly turn-heavy, requiring you to stay sharp through every intersection and transition. Because you are avoiding major thoroughfares, the road character remains consistent rather than transitioning between high-speed lanes and slow zones. Prepare for a hands-on driving experience where the lack of long, straight stretches keeps the pace steady but demanding.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 187.9 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 99. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Lexington Avenue.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 234 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 0.2 miles (Lexington Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 36.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,257 ft
127 ft
Total Climb
548 ft
Total Descent
1,347 ft
Highest Point
1,257 ft
~16.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,129 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Altoona, PA and North Wales, PA, road signs point toward Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Patp: Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh
35.1 mi in
|
~40m
Harrisburg
35.1 mi in
|
~40m
Patp: Pittsburgh
36.2 mi in
|
~42m
About the Cities
Starting in Altoona, PA
Full guide →Founded 1849
Altoona is a city in central Pennsylvania. Altoona was founded as a railroad town by the Pennsylvania Railroad as the site of their Altoona Works shops, and its history as a railroad town still shows in the town today despite the decline of the railroad and its eventual absorption into Penn Central, Conrail, and now Norfolk Southern.
Top landmarks
- • Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament — church in Pennsylvania, United States
- • Mishler Theatre — theater and movie theater in Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States
- • Downtown Altoona Historic District — historic district in Altoona, Pennsylvania
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 26m. Total distance: 234 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 187.9 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $24.42 in tolls one way, starting with Pennsylvania 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 18 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 North Wales, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (Lexington Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 36.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 224.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Appalachian National Scenic Trail (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at North Wales, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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