Trip from Bala-Cynwyd, PA to Pittsburgh, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 39m

Distance

299 mi

481 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$50

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 26m ★

6 AM

5h 40m

8 AM

6h 6m

10 AM

5h 49m

12 PM

5h 46m

3 PM

5h 50m

5 PM

6h 5m

8 PM

5h 32m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Bala-Cynwyd, PA

Haneul Trac

city and county seat in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States

Pittsburgh, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 299-mile drive from Bala-Cynwyd, PA, to Pittsburgh, PA, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Penn-Lincoln Parkway East, and Schuylkill Expressway, this route is 99% highway, making it an efficient way to travel across Pennsylvania. With an estimated fuel cost of $50, it's a budget-friendly option for a day trip. The drive offers a consistent highway-focused experience, perfect for those who prefer to cover ground quickly. Since both locations are within the Northeast region, you'll be traversing familiar territory throughout your trip.

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

149.5 miles from Bala-Cynwyd, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike	270.7 mi	4h 54m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East	13.2 mi	18m
Schuylkill Expressway	10.6 mi	14m
Belmont Avenue	0.7 mi	1m
Conshohocken State Road	0.5 mi	1m
East Levering Mill Road	0.4 mi	1m
I 76	0.4 mi	1m
Second Avenue	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 270.7 mi, about 4h 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Bala Avenue

435 ft · 28 sec · Bala Avenue

Turn sharp left onto PA 23

0.5 mi · 1 min · Conshohocken State Road

Turn right onto East Levering Mill Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · East Levering Mill Road

Turn left onto Belmont Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Belmont Avenue

Use the straight / left lanes.

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 15 sec

Toward I 76 West Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 76

10 mi · 13 min · Schuylkill Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 10 sec

Exit 328B-A/327 Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 22 sec

Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 20 sec

Toward Mall Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 8 sec

Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg

Merge onto I 76

0.4 mi · 52 sec · Schuylkill Expressway

Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg

Keep slight left at fork onto I 76

0.4 mi · 1 min · I 76

Toward I 76 West: Harrisburg Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 76; PATP

271 mi · 4 hr 54 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 2 min

Exit 57 Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh

Keep slight right at fork

353 ft · 8 sec

Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh

Merge onto I 376; US 22

13 mi · 18 min · Penn-Lincoln Parkway East

Use the slight left lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 38 sec

Exit 71B Toward Second Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto Second Avenue

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Second Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto Ross Street

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Ross Street

Turn left onto Fifth Avenue

352 ft · 10 sec · Fifth Avenue

Turn right onto Grant Street

513 ft · 21 sec · Grant Street

Use the right lane.

Arrive at destination

Grant Street

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour and 39-minute drive, starting early in the morning is recommended to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Pittsburgh. With the longest stretch being over 270 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, plan for one significant stop to break up the journey. This single stop should be sufficient for fuel and a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can be spaced out on the Turnpike. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, you have flexibility, but a well-timed departure will make the 299 miles feel even smoother.

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 149.5 miles from Bala-Cynwyd, PA, or about 2h 49m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 270.7 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 66 miles or 1h 18m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 149.5 miles or 2h 49m 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 33m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pittsburgh, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Bala-Cynwyd, PA

This is one driving day of about 299 miles and 5h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Bala-Cynwyd, 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 270.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hancock, MD

150 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

North Bel Air, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hancock, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 149.5 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 270.7 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

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 299

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+14122611599

Visit website

Kiku Japanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

0.7 mi

Grand Concourse

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

0.7 mi

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 299

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+14122611599

Visit website

Kiku Japanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 299

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 12–2 pm

+14127653200

Visit website

Grand Concourse

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Expensive mile 299

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+14122611717

Visit website

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 299

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+14122632142

Visit website

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 277.7

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 299

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 235

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 235

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

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

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 284.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

12 mi into trip | ~18m in

Take the exit toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown

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 328B-A/327 Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, We...

12.1 mi into trip | ~18m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevar...

12.4 mi into trip | ~18m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Mall Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Mall Boulevard

284.2 mi into trip | ~5h 16m in

Take the exit toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville

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 57 Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroevil...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$49.57 one way

$99.14 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 105 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.61	$54.29	$108.58
premium	$4.93	$57.99	$115.97
diesel	$5.61	$66.02	$132.03

Estimated Tolls: $35.19

Pennsylvania Turnpike (270.7 mi) $35.19

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

$50

Tolls

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$110–$135

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 104.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	89.7	1	$31.40	$14.35
Efficient EV	74.8	0	$26.16	$11.96
EV Truck/SUV	119.6	1	$41.86	$19.14

Gas CO2

105 kg

EV CO2

35 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 18, 2026

Origin

Bala-Cynwyd, PA

Night in Bala-Cynwyd on Saturday

Local time

10:53 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Pittsburgh, PA

Night in Pittsburgh on Saturday

Local time

10:53 PM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

54°F

Hancock, MD

150 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

20 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

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 72.2

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-focused drive for nearly the entire 299 miles, with 99% of the journey on major roadways. The Pennsylvania Turnpike forms the backbone of this trip, offering a long, uninterrupted stretch of 270.7 miles. This means you'll be on fast-paced highways for the vast majority of your travel time. While primarily a highway grind, the transition into Pittsburgh will involve navigating the Penn-Lincoln Parkway East. The overall feel is one of consistent speed and efficient travel across the state.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

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

Longest single stretch: 270.7 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Penn-Lincoln Parkway East. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 20 significant decision points across 299 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 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 12 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Pittsburgh, PA

Full guide →

The pleasure of Pittsburgh remains a well-kept secret. Though not built up by reputation, the city's unique combination of bridges, steep hills, and broad rivers make it one of the most naturally scenic cities in the country. Cheap food and beer abound in this true sports town and the locals are amazingly friendly. A city of about 303,000 (2021) in Allegheny County, at the center of a metro area of about 2.4 million in southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River. The city's unique terrain has resulted in an unusual city design and a hodge-podge of unique neighborhood "pockets" with diverse ethnic and architectural heritage.

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 39m. Total distance: 299 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 270.7 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $35.19 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 Pittsburgh, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Valley Forge National Historical Park 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 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pittsburgh, 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.

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Trip from Bala-Cynwyd, PA to Pittsburgh, PA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

Kiku Japanese Restaurant

Grand Concourse

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

J & J's Family Restaurant & Catering

Cambod-Ican Kitchen Restaurant

KAVSAR RESTAURANT

La Tavola Italiana Restaurant

Orbis Caffe

Tesla Supercharger

Autel Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargeSmart EV Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Cochran Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Wharton Esherick Museum

Indian Echo Caverns

The Franklin Institute

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Schuylkill River Trail

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Bala-Cynwyd, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Same local time

20 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 39m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

Valley Forge National Historical Park

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?

About the Cities

Arriving in Pittsburgh, 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?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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