Bensalem, PA to Hermitage, PA is 372.3 miles and takes about 6h 51m via Keystone Shortway, Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, and Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $62 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region towards the western part of the state. Expect a drive that primarily utilizes surface roads, offering a more grounded perspective of the towns and landscapes you pass through. It's a manageable single-day excursion if you're looking for a straightforward drive with minimal fuss.
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
186.1 miles from Bensalem, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
271.9 mi
4h 54m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
74.2 mi
1h 20m
Pennsylvania Turnpike
17.1 mi
18m
South Hermitage Road
3.1 mi
6m
Street Road
1.9 mi
3m
Lincoln Highway
0.3 mi
<1m
Beaver Valley Expressway
0.2 mi
<1m
New Castle Road
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 271.9 mi, about 4h 54m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 38 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,080 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,454
Quietest
2 AM
~183 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bensalem, PA and Hermitage, 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
0.3 mi·26 sec·Lincoln Highway
Toward US 1 North: Morrisville
6
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 276, PATPUse the right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, AllentownUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 276; PATP
17 mi·18 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward I 476: Chester, AllentownUse the slight right lane.
Exit 95Toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 80 West: Hazleton
15
Merge onto I 80
272 mi·4 hr 54 min·Keystone Shortway
16
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 4BToward PA 760 North: Sharon-Hermitage
17
Merge onto PA 760
0.2 mi·15 sec·Beaver Valley Expressway
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward PA 18 North: Hermitage
19
Merge onto PA 18
341 ft·7 sec·New Castle Road
20
Continue on PA 18
3.1 mi·6 min·South Hermitage Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn right onto US 62 Business
231 ft·5 sec·East State Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Arrive at destination
US 62 Business
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 51m estimated duration, leaving Bensalem in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. While this route is designed for a single day, the 372.3 miles are manageable. You'll have one main stretch of 271.9 miles on the Keystone Shortway, which could be a good point to plan a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, with an estimated cost of $62, and consider topping off before embarking on the longer highway portions. It's a good idea to check your tire pressure before you leave, as the substantial surface road mileage can be harder on tires.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 186.1 miles from Bensalem, PA, or about 3h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 271.9 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 82 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 186.1 miles or 3h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hermitage, 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 372.3 miles and 6h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 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 Keystone Shortway for about 271.9 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 2.4 and 372.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.4 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the exit toward I 276, PATP
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 276, PATP
8
3 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown
7
20.3 mi into trip|~24m in
Take the exit toward I 476: Chester, Allentown
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 I 476: Chester, Allentown
6
94.9 mi into trip|~1h 46m 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
372.2 mi into trip|~6h 51m in|US 62 Business / East State Street
Turn right onto US 62 Business / East State Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$59.36 one way
$118.73 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg130 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$65.69
$131.39
premium
$4.81
$70.47
$140.95
diesel
$4.80
$70.30
$140.59
Estimated Tolls: $11.87
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(91.2 mi)$11.87
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
$59
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$96–$121
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 130.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
111.7
1
$39.09
$17.87
Efficient EV
93.1
1
$32.58
$14.89
EV Truck/SUV
148.9
1
$52.12
$23.83
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
44 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Bensalem, PA
Late night
in Bensalem on Sunday
Local time
5:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Smoke
NW 0 to 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Hermitage, PA
Late night
in Hermitage on Sunday
Local time
5:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Smoke
NE 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive 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
10 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
6h 51m 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.
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
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 25.7
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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 12.8
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...
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
Free
near mile 25.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route has a 25% highway share, meaning a significant portion will be on surface roads. You'll experience 271.9 miles on the Keystone Shortway, which is a substantial stretch. After the highway segments, anticipate navigating through more developed areas with frequent exits and local traffic. The transition from limited-access highways to surface roads will be noticeable as you approach your destination.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 271.9 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 2.4 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 372.3 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 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,756 ft104 ft
Total Climb
3,333 ft
Total Descent
2,360 ft
Highest Point
1,756 ft
~265.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,651 ft
Notable High Points
1,737 ft at ~186.1 miles+896 ft prominence
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 Hermitage, PA, road signs point toward Allentown and Mount Pocono.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 51m. Total distance: 372.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 51m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 271.9 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $11.87 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 35 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 Hermitage, 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 35 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hermitage, PA before the return drive.
