Bensalem, PA to Delaware, PA is 94.9 miles and takes about 2h 32m via NJ 31 and US 46, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, entirely within Pennsylvania, making it a straightforward local excursion. With a 59% highway share, you'll experience a mix of faster travel and surface road cruising. This route is best suited for a single-day trip, allowing ample time for the drive and any brief stops you might want to make.
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
47.5 miles from Bensalem, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NJ 31
35 mi
51m
US 46
9.8 mi
15m
Milford Road
7.1 mi
13m
Federal Road
7 mi
13m
Delaware Expressway
5.5 mi
7m
Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
5.2 mi
7m
Christopher Columbus Highway
4.6 mi
6m
Bear Tavern Road
4.4 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
NJ 31
— 35 mi, about 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bensalem, PA and Delaware, PA.
1
Start on this road
135 ft·16 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto Knights Road
261 ft·7 sec·Knights Road
3
Turn left onto PA 132
1.9 mi·3 min·Street Road
Use the left lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 1 North: Trenton
5
Merge onto US 1
1.5 mi·2 min·Lincoln Highway
Toward US 1 North: MorrisvilleUse the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 1
5.2 mi·7 min·Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 295 East: PrincetonUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 295
5.5 mi·7 min·Delaware Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 295
1.6 mi·2 min·Scudder Falls Bridge
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Exit 75Toward CR 579: West Trenton, Trenton-Mercer Airport Passenger Terminal, HarbourtounUse the slight right lane.
11
At end of road, turn left onto CR 579
1.2 mi·2 min·Bear Tavern Road
12
Continue on CR 579; CR 637
0.2 mi·26 sec·Jacobs Creek Road
13
Continue on CR 579
3.2 mi·6 min·Bear Tavern Road
14
Continue on CR 579
0.9 mi·1 min·Trenton-Harbourton Road
15
Continue on CR 579
2.4 mi·4 min·Harbourton-Rocktown Road
16
Continue on CR 579
1.1 mi·1 min·Harbourton Road
17
At end of road, turn left onto NJ 31; CR 579
2.2 mi·2 min·NJ 31; CR 579
18
Take the exit onto NJ 31
5.6 mi·8 min·NJ 31
Toward NJ 31 North, US 202 North: FlemingtonUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto NJ 31
427 ft·5 sec·NJ 31
20
Enter roundabout onto NJ 31
0.1 mi·7 sec·NJ 31
21
Continue on NJ 31
27 mi·39 min·NJ 31
Use the straight lane.
22
At end of road, turn left onto US 46
9.8 mi·15 min·US 46
23
Take the exit
241 ft·5 sec
Toward I 80 West: Delaware Water Gap, Stroudsburg Pennsylvania
24
Continue on ramp to I-80 Westbound (to Delaware Water Gap)
0.4 mi·49 sec·ramp to I-80 Westbound (to Delaware Water Gap)
25
Merge onto I 80
4.6 mi·6 min·Christopher Columbus Highway
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
1.5 mi·2 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 309Toward US 209 North, PA 447 North: Marshalls CreekUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on US 209
3.0 mi·6 min·Seven Bridge Road
29
Enter roundabout onto US 209
98 ft·3 sec·Marshalls Creek Bypass
30
Continue on US 209
0.8 mi·1 min·Marshalls Creek Bypass
31
Continue on US 209
7.1 mi·13 min·Milford Road
32
Continue on US 209
7.0 mi·13 min·Federal Road
33
Arrive at destination
US 209
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 32m duration, leaving Bensalem, PA in the morning should provide plenty of daylight to reach Delaware, PA. The total fuel cost is estimated at $16, so fill up before you depart. There's only one stop recommended, but with this being a relatively short drive, you have flexibility if you decide to pull over more often. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between NJ 31 and US 46, as this is where the driving conditions change the most.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 47.5 miles from Bensalem, PA, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 35 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 21 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 47.5 miles or 1h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Delaware, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bensalem, 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 Bensalem, PA
This is one driving day of about 94.9 miles and 2h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Bensalem, 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 NJ 31 for about 35 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 76.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2.1 mi into trip|~3m in|US 1 / Lincoln Highway
Merge onto US 1 / Lincoln Highway toward US 1 North: Morrisville
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 1 North: Morrisville
6
8.8 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward I 295 East: Princeton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 295 East: Princeton
8
16.2 mi into trip|~23m in
Take the exit toward CR 579: West Trenton, Trenton-Mercer Airport Passenger Terminal, Harbourtoun
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 75
Toward CR 579: West Trenton, Trenton-Mercer Air...
7
27.6 mi into trip|~44m in|NJ 31
Take the exit onto NJ 31 toward NJ 31 North, US 202 North: Flemington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJ 31 North, US 202 North: Flemington
8
76.8 mi into trip|~1h 58m in
Take the exit toward US 209 North, PA 447 North: Marshalls Creek
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 309
Toward US 209 North, PA 447 North: Marshalls Cr...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.73 one way
$31.47 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg33 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$17.23
$34.46
premium
$4.93
$18.40
$36.81
diesel
$5.61
$20.95
$41.91
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
28.5
0
$9.96
$4.56
Efficient EV
23.7
0
$8.30
$3.80
EV Truck/SUV
38
0
$13.29
$6.07
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Bensalem, PA
Late night
in Bensalem on Tuesday
Local time
4:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Delaware, PA
Late night
in Delaware on Tuesday
Local time
4:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
Chester, NJ
47 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
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
2h 32m 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.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
$10
near mile 91.7
Park Closure: Old Mine Road North Construction Closure Begins April 6, 2026
Park Closure: Dingmans Falls Trail, Road, and Access Closed for Bridge Replacement
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...
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...
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...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 3.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive involves 59% highway travel, with the longest continuous stretch on NJ 31 covering 35 miles. You'll find yourself merging and exiting frequently in highway sections, which can feel quite busy. As you transition to surface roads, expect a more varied pace and potentially more local traffic. The profile of this route is mixed highway and surface, meaning you'll experience distinct changes in driving conditions.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 35 mi on NJ 31.
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 2.1 miles in near US 1 / Lincoln Highway.
Driving Effort9/10
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 94.9 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 2.1 miles (US 1 / Lincoln Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Between Bensalem, PA and Delaware, PA, road signs point toward Cr 579: West Trenton, Trenton-Mercer Airport Passenger Terminal, Harbourtoun and Stroudsburg Pennsylvania.
Delaware has beautiful beaches and parks. The more popular beaches are in: Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach. Most parks in Delaware's very extensive and well maintained park system are free or low-cost. The First State National Historical Park a group of historical sites that cover the early colonial history of Delaware and the role Delaware played in the establishment of the United States, leading up to it being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
It is one of the smallest states in the United States. It has beautiful beaches, and activities vary from business-friendly Wilmington to the rural southern parts of the state.
Top landmarks
•Delaware Art Museum — art museum located on the Kentmere Parkway in Wilmington, Delaware, USA
•Chesapeake and Delaware Canal — canal in Delaware, United States of America
•Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library — museum in Wilmington, Delaware
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 94.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (59%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 35 miles on NJ 31. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 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 Delaware, 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 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles (US 1 / Lincoln Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Independence National Historical Park and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Delaware, PA before heading back.
