Origin
Bellwood, PA
Late night in Bellwood on Sunday
Local time
12:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bellwood, PA to Allentown, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 52m
Distance
194.4 mi
313 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 40m
★
6 AM
3h 53m
8 AM
4h 18m
10 AM
4h 2m
12 PM
3h 59m
3 PM
4h 3m
5 PM
4h 17m
8 PM
3h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bellwood, PA
Thu Huynh
Allentown, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Bellwood to Allentown is 194.4 miles and takes about 3h 52m via Keystone Shortway, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a route that involves a good amount of turning and navigating local roads, rather than a straightforward interstate cruise. With a drive time under four hours and a manageable fuel cost, this trip is well-suited for a single-day journey, offering a practical way to traverse the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
97.2 miles from Bellwood, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone Shortway | 63.4 mi | 1h 8m |
| I 99 | 44.1 mi | 49m |
| William Penn Highway | 21.6 mi | 26m |
| State Route 54 | 11.1 mi | 13m |
| Center Avenue | 10.6 mi | 12m |
| Elysburg Road | 9.7 mi | 11m |
| Sunbury Road | 9.4 mi | 11m |
| Tilghman Street | 4.9 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 63.4 mi, about 1h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bellwood, PA and Allentown, PA.
1
Start on this road
306 ft
·
17 sec
·
this road
2
Continue on East Walnut Street
345 ft
·
20 sec
·
East Walnut Street
3
Turn left onto East 5th Street
0.1 mi
·
36 sec
·
East 5th Street
4
Turn left onto PA 865
454 ft
·
9 sec
·
East Logan Street
5
Continue on PA 865
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Bellwood Road
6
Continue on PA 865
0.4 mi
·
44 sec
·
Skelp Mountain Road
7
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward PA 865 North: Bellwood
8
Merge onto I 99; US 220
28 mi
·
29 min
·
I 99; US 220
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
I 99; US 220; US 322
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220
12 mi
·
14 min
·
I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
11
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Use the left lane.
12
Merge onto I 80; US 220
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
Keystone Shortway
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
14
Turn slight left
79 ft
·
2 sec
15
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Factory Street
17
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
18
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on PA 54
11 mi
·
13 min
·
State Route 54
20
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
Locust Gap Highway
21
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Fairgrounds Road
22
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi
·
11 min
·
Sunbury Road
23
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Sunbury Street
24
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Pottsville Minersville Highway
25
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Gordon Nagle Trail
26
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
North Sillyman Street
27
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Pottsville Street
28
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft
·
6 sec
·
Route 61 South
29
Continue on PA 61
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Centre Street
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
32
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi
·
26 min
·
William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
33
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Use the slight right lane.
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward Cetronia
Use the slight right lane.
35
Turn straight onto Tilghman Street
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Tilghman Street
Use the straight lane.
36
Arrive at destination
Tilghman Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 52-minute duration, starting your drive in Bellwood in the morning will allow ample time to reach Allentown with daylight to spare. The $32 fuel estimate is a good baseline, but it's always wise to fill up before leaving Bellwood, especially since the longest stretch without services could be around 63.4 miles on the Keystone Shortway. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye out for changes in road type as you transition between highway sections and local drives.
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 97.2 miles from Bellwood, PA, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.4 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 43 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.2 miles or 1h 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 3h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Allentown, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bellwood, 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 Bellwood, PA
This is one driving day of about 194.4 miles and 3h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Bellwood, 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 63.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
97 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 97.2 miles from Bellwood, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 63.4 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 29.2 and 189.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
29.2 mi into trip
|
~33m in
|
I 99; US 220; US 322
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
33.2 mi into trip
|
~38m in
|
I 99; US 220
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
7
45.5 mi into trip
|
~52m in
Turn left toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
9
188.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 42m in
|
US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
6
189.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 44m in
Take the exit toward Cetronia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Cetronia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.23 one way
$64.46 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
68 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $35.30 | $70.60 |
| premium | $4.93 | $37.70 | $75.40 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.92 | $85.84 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.07
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(1 mi)
$0.07
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
$32
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.3 | 0 | $20.41 | $9.33 |
| Efficient EV | 48.6 | 0 | $17.01 | $7.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 77.8 | 0 | $27.22 | $12.44 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Allentown, PA
Late night in Allentown on Sunday
Local time
12:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live 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
28 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
3h 52m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 147.5
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
National Memorial
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
30 mi from route
~74 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?
This drive is characterized by its turn-heavy local segments, making up about 72% of the journey. While 28% of the route utilizes highways like I-99 and the William Penn Highway, the overall profile suggests a less monotonous experience than a pure interstate trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 63.4 miles along the Keystone Shortway, providing a period of more consistent travel before you transition back to more varied local roads. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that requires attention to navigation.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.4 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 29.2 miles in near I 99; US 220; US 322.
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 19 significant decision points across 194.4 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 29.2 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.2 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
On the drive from Bellwood, PA to Allentown, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Washingtonville
109.1 mi in
|
~2h 1m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 52m. Total distance: 194.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.4 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.07 in tolls one way, starting with Lehigh Valley Thruway. 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 Allentown, 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 29.2 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.2 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Johnstown Flood National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Allentown, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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