Trip from Arnold, PA to Upper Darby, PA

Pin this trip

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 52m

Distance

303.9 mi

489 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$54

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 39m ★

6 AM

5h 52m

8 AM

6h 18m

10 AM

6h 1m

12 PM

5h 59m

3 PM

6h 3m

5 PM

6h 17m

8 PM

5h 44m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Arnold, PA

Simeon Mirkov

Upper Darby, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 303.9-mile journey from Arnold, PA to Upper Darby, PA is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in a single day, with an estimated driving time of 5 hours and 52 minutes. The route is primarily on major interstates, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-76, making it efficient for covering ground. With a highway share of 96%, you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $50, and with only one recommended stop, it’s designed for minimal interruption. This drive is ideal if you're looking to get from point A to point B quickly within the Northeast region.

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

152 miles from Arnold, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike	279.5 mi	5h 4m
Mid-County Expressway	6.4 mi	8m
I 76	5.1 mi	7m
Lansdowne Avenue	3 mi	8m
West Chester Pike	2.5 mi	5m
Pittsburgh Street	2.2 mi	6m
Freeport Road	1.9 mi	3m
Constitution Boulevard	1 mi	2m

Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 279.5 mi, about 5h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Arnold, PA and Upper Darby, PA.

Start on Constitution Boulevard

1.0 mi · 2 min · Constitution Boulevard

Turn right onto 9th Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · 9th Street

Continue on New Kensington Bridge

0.3 mi · 36 sec · New Kensington Bridge

At end of road, turn left onto Freeport Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Freeport Road

Continue on Pittsburgh Street

2.2 mi · 6 min · Pittsburgh Street

Continue on Freeport Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Freeport Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Toward PATP

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 76; PATP

280 mi · 5 hr 4 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto I 76

5.1 mi · 7 min · I 76

Exit 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 331A Toward I 476 South: Chester Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 476

6.4 mi · 8 min · Mid-County Expressway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 59 sec

Exit 9 Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall Use the slight right lane.

Turn left onto PA 3

2.5 mi · 5 min · West Chester Pike

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Turn slight right onto Darby Road

471 ft · 13 sec · Darby Road

Use the right lane.

Continue on Lansdowne Avenue

3.0 mi · 8 min · Lansdowne Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto West Providence Road

0.3 mi · 39 sec · West Providence Road

Arrive at destination

West Providence Road

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour, 52-minute duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. To maximize daylight and minimize traffic, consider an early morning start. The longest stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike spans nearly 280 miles, so plan for a fuel and rest stop before you begin this significant portion, or be prepared to utilize services along the turnpike. With a fuel cost estimate of $50, budget accordingly. Remember that a highway-focused drive means most services will be found at exits, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach your longest stretch.

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 152 miles from Arnold, PA, or about 2h 53m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 279.5 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 67 miles or 1h 20m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 152 miles or 2h 53m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 39m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Upper Darby, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Arnold, 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 Arnold, PA

This is one driving day of about 303.9 miles and 5h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Arnold, 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 279.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

State Line, PA

152 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

Berlin, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

King, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 152 miles from Arnold, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 279.5 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.

Best meal stop · first break window

Nino's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mt Pleasant, Pennsylvania

Near the start, short detour

First break · 50min in 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: Closed

+17245472900

Visit website

Jillian’s Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New Kensington, Pennsylvania

1.6 mi

Spice Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

1.7 mi

Nino's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Mt Pleasant, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+17245472900

Visit website

Jillian’s Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $100 or ab

New Kensington, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14124801170

Visit website

Spice Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 2–11 pm

+17176913131

Visit website

Acapulco | Mexican Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Irwin, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17243824335

Visit website

Satellite Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12672772623

Visit website

Amsale Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12153974420

Visit website

China Garden Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Irwin, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+17248634483

Visit website

Persichetti's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17245275553

Visit website

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Acme, Pennsylvania

0.8 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

1.1 mi from route

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+16102651071

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 6 and 297.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6 mi into trip | ~14m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 East: Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg

6.2 mi into trip | ~14m in | I 76; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike

Merge onto I 76; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

285.7 mi into trip | ~5h 18m in | I 76

Take the exit onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia

290.8 mi into trip | ~5h 26m in

Take the exit toward I 476 South: Chester

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 331A Toward I 476 South: Chester

297.7 mi into trip | ~5h 36m in

Take the exit toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 9 Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$53.52 one way

$107.04 round trip

$4.47/gal 25.4 MPG avg 106 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.93	$59.00	$117.99
premium	$5.32	$63.64	$127.28
diesel	$6.60	$78.94	$157.88

Estimated Tolls: $36.34

Pennsylvania Turnpike (279.5 mi) $36.34

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

$54

Tolls

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$115–$140

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 106.3 kg one way.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	91.2	1	$31.91	$14.59
Efficient EV	76	0	$26.59	$12.16
EV Truck/SUV	121.6	1	$42.55	$19.45

Gas CO2

106 kg

EV CO2

36 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 Oct 18, 2026

Origin

Arnold, PA

Evening in Arnold on Sunday

Local time

7:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Widespread Frost then Sunny

0 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Freeze Warning

Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Freeze Warning

Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Destination

Upper Darby, PA

Evening in Upper Darby on Sunday

Local time

7:32 PM

EDT

Current temp

38°F

Clear

N 5 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Freeze Warning

Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Freeze Warning

Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

45°F

State Line, PA

152 mi in

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

24 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

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 ~33 min detour Free near mile 230.6

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 highway-centric experience for the vast majority of this trip, with 96% of the drive taking place on major interstates. The bulk of your travel will be along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, where you'll encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch of 279.5 miles. This means continuous, fast-paced driving with limited deviations onto local roads. The Mid-County Expressway and I-76 also contribute to the high-speed nature of this route. While primarily focused on efficiency, the character remains that of a classic American interstate drive, designed for covering distance.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 279.5 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Mid-County Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6 miles in.

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 12 significant decision points across 303.9 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 6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.2 miles (I 76; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 285.7 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

2,143 ft 56 ft

Total Climb

1,598 ft

Total Descent

2,336 ft

Highest Point

2,143 ft

~65.1 mi in

Elevation Range

2,086 ft

Notable High Points

2,143 ft at ~65.1 miles +544 ft prominence

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Arnold, PA to Upper Darby, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Philadelphia along the way.

Philadelphia

285.7 mi in | ~5h 18m | via I 76

About the Cities

Arriving in Upper Darby, PA

Full guide →

Founded 1653

Upper Darby is a city in 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 5h 52m. Total distance: 303.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 279.5 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $36.34 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 21 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 Upper Darby, 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 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Independence National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Upper Darby, PA before the return drive.

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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Arnold, PA or browse trips ending in Upper Darby, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.

Trip from Arnold, PA to Upper Darby, PA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Nino's Restaurant

Nino's Restaurant

Jillian’s Restaurant

Spice Restaurant & Bar

Acapulco | Mexican Restaurant & Bar

Satellite Cafe

Amsale Cafe

China Garden Restaurant

Persichetti's Restaurant

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

ChargeSmart EV Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

Valley Forge Service Plaza

Oakmont Plum Service Plaza

South Midway Service Plaza

North Midway Service Plaza

Blue Mountain Service Plaza

Bomansville Service Plaza

Love's Travel Stop

New Stanton Service Plaza

North Somerset Service Plaza

South Somerset Service Plaza

Sideling Hill Service Plaza

Cumberland Valley Service Plaza

Peter J. Camiel Service Plaza

Lawn Service Plaza

Petro Stopping Centers

Service Plaza

TA

Flying J Travel Center

Flying J Travel Center

King of Prussia Service Plaza

Love's Travel Stop

Wharton Esherick Museum

Arnold's Family Fun Center

The Escape Game King Of Prussia

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - King of Prussia

Heuser Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Arnold, PA

Upper Darby, PA

Same local time

24 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 52m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

Independence National Historical Park

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in Upper Darby, PA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?