Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Bala-Cynwyd, PA to Erie, PA

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

Drive Time

7h 39m

Distance

414 mi

666 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$69

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
7h 30m ★
6 AM
7h 40m
8 AM
7h 59m
10 AM
7h 46m
12 PM
7h 44m
3 PM
7h 47m
5 PM
7h 58m
8 PM
7h 34m

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
Downtown Bala-Cynwyd, PA, PA

Bala-Cynwyd, PA

Haneul Trac

Downtown Erie, PA, PA

Erie, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 414-mile journey from Bala-Cynwyd, PA, to Erie, PA, is a solid day trip, clocking in at about 7 hours and 39 minutes of driving time. You'll navigate primarily via the Keystone Shortway, Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, and I-79, with a highway share of 36%. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $69. Given the duration, it's manageable in one go, but planning for two stops will make it more comfortable. This drive takes you across Pennsylvania, offering a good sense of the state's diverse landscapes as you travel from the Northeast region to its northwestern edge.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

207 miles from Bala-Cynwyd, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 51m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Keystone Shortway 256.6 mi 4h 37m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 75 mi 1h 21m
I 79 65.8 mi 1h 10m
Schuylkill Expressway 5.9 mi 8m
Mid-County Expressway 3.4 mi 4m
West 12th Street 2.3 mi 4m
Belmont Avenue 0.7 mi 1m
Conshohocken State Road 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 256.6 mi, about 4h 37m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bala-Cynwyd, PA and Erie, PA.

1

Start on Bala Avenue

435 ft · 28 sec · Bala Avenue
2

Turn sharp left onto PA 23

0.5 mi · 1 min · Conshohocken State Road
3

Turn right onto East Levering Mill Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · East Levering Mill Road
4

Turn left onto Belmont Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Belmont Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
5

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Toward I 76 West Use the left lane.
6

Merge onto I 76

5.9 mi · 8 min · Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 331B Toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 476

3.3 mi · 4 min · Mid-County Expressway
9

Turn slight left onto I 476

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Mid-County Expressway
10

Continue on I 476; PATP

75 mi · 1 hr 21 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 95 Toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 80 West: Hazleton
14

Merge onto I 80

257 mi · 4 hr 37 min · Keystone Shortway
15

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 79 North: Erie
16

Merge onto I 79

66 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 79
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 49 sec
Exit 183A Toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street
18

Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290

2.3 mi · 4 min · West 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
19

Turn left onto State Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · State Street
Use the left lane.
20

Arrive at destination

State Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 7-hour, 39-minute drive to Erie, consider an early morning departure from Bala-Cynwyd to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With two recommended stops, you can break up the 414 miles effectively. Pay attention to the longest stretch of 256.6 miles on the Keystone Shortway, planning your fuel and rest stops before or after this segment. The estimated fuel cost of $69 is a helpful budget point, but be aware that actual prices can fluctuate.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 207 miles from Bala-Cynwyd, PA, or about 3h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 256.6 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 91 miles or 1h 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 207 miles or 3h 51m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 31m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bala-Cynwyd, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Bala-Cynwyd, PA

This is one driving day of about 414 miles and 7h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 91 miles from Bala-Cynwyd, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 256.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Allegany County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cuba, NY

207 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

Ithaca, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 91 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cuba, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 207 miles from Bala-Cynwyd, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 256.6 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Artesano Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12673318457

Visit website

Artesano Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12673318457

Visit website

The Factory Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 384.5

Saegertown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 6 am–1:30 pm

+18147633517

Visit website

Amsale Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12153974420

Visit website

Satellite Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12672772623

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 266.2

Falls Creek, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 266.2

DuBois, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 118.3

Nescopeck, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Bicentennial Tower

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 414

Erie, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+18144347376

Visit website

Lake Lenape Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 29.6

Sellersville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12152575065

The Franklin Institute

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+12154481200

Visit website

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+12152991000

Visit website

Schuylkill River Trail

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12152226030

Visit website

The Sellersville Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 29.6

Sellersville, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+12152575253

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 411 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
1 mi into trip | ~2m in | Belmont Avenue

Turn left onto Belmont Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.
7
1.7 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward I 76 West

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 76 West
7
7.7 mi into trip | ~12m in

Take the exit toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 331B Toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting
6
86.7 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in

Take the exit toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono

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

Exit 95 Toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono
6
411 mi into trip | ~7h 32m in

Take the exit toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street

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

Exit 183A Toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$68.64 one way

$137.27 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 145 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $75.17 $150.34
premium $4.93 $80.29 $160.58
diesel $5.61 $91.41 $182.81

Estimated Tolls: $9.75

Pennsylvania Turnpike (75 mi) $9.75

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

$69

Tolls

$10

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$103–$128

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 144.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 124.2 1 $43.47 $19.87
Efficient EV 103.5 1 $36.22 $16.56
EV Truck/SUV 165.6 2 $57.96 $26.50

Gas CO2

145 kg

EV CO2

48 kg (67% 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 Apr 14, 2026

Origin

Bala-Cynwyd, PA

Night in Bala-Cynwyd on Saturday

Local time

9:13 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Erie, PA

Night in Erie on Saturday

Local time

9:13 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 13 to 16 mph 40% chance Live forecast

57°F

Cuba, NY

207 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

12 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

7h 39m 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.

Independence National Historical Park

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...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour $1
Park Closure: Congress Hall Temporary Closure
View on nps.gov
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

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...

6 mi from route ~16 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Valley Forge National Historical Park

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...

9 mi from route ~22 min detour Free near mile 14.3
View on nps.gov
First State National Historical Park

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...

21 mi from route ~53 min detour Free
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 mixed drive on this 414-mile route, with 36% of it being highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 256.6 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a good opportunity for steady progress. While there are significant highway portions, the overall profile suggests a blend of faster travel and potentially more varied road conditions as you transition between major routes. This drive isn't a monotonous interstate grind; rather, it offers a dynamic experience behind the wheel.

36% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 256.6 mi on Keystone Shortway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near Belmont Avenue.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 414 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 1 miles (Belmont Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Bala-Cynwyd, PA to Erie, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Mount Pocono along the way.

Mount Pocono

86.7 mi in | ~1h 39m

About the Cities

Arriving in Erie, PA

Full guide →

Erie is a city of about 100,000 in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It is Pennsylvania's only lake port on the Great Lakes (Lake Erie).

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 7h 39m. Total distance: 414 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 39m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 256.6 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $9.75 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.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Erie, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (Belmont Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Valley Forge National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Erie, 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, EIA for fuel prices, 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

Continue From Erie, PA

Manchester, VT 430.9 mi · 8h 54m Baldwin, PA 425.1 mi · 7h 54m Pennsport, PA 424.4 mi · 7h 54m Moore, PA 424.2 mi · 7h 54m

More from Bala-Cynwyd, PA

Pittsburgh, PA 299 mi · 5h 39m

More trips to Erie, PA

Langhorne Manor, PA 423.6 mi Ridley Park, PA 423.4 mi Fairview, PA 422.4 mi Trevose, PA 421.2 mi Philadelphia, PA 420.4 mi Drexel Hill, PA 417.8 mi
Escape planner: Bala-Cynwyd, PA Scenic drives in PA

Explore more options from Bala-Cynwyd, PA or browse trips ending in Erie, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.