Origin
Bensalem, PA
Morning in Bensalem on Sunday
Local time
6:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bensalem, PA to Lewisburg, 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 9m
Distance
165.8 mi
267 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 58m
★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bensalem, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Lewisburg, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 165.8-mile drive from Bensalem, PA, to Lewisburg, PA, will take you approximately 3 hours and 9 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and the Keystone Shortway, this route offers a solid highway experience, with 58% of the journey on interstates. With an estimated fuel cost of $27, it's an economical choice for a single-day trip, making it easy to tackle without needing an overnight stop. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied but generally efficient travel experience, perfect for getting you to your destination without much fuss.
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
82.9 miles from Bensalem, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 74.2 mi | 1h 20m |
| Keystone Shortway | 60.9 mi | 1h 7m |
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 17.1 mi | 18m |
| PA 147 | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Broadway Road | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| PA 45 | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Street Road | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Lincoln Highway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
— 74.2 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bensalem, PA and Lewisburg, 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, PATP
Use the right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown
Use 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, Allentown
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 476 North: Allentown
11
Merge onto I 476; PATP
74 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 95
Toward 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
61 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
Keystone Shortway
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward PA 254: Limestoneville
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn left onto PA 254
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Broadway Road
18
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Use the left lane.
19
Merge onto PA 147
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
PA 147
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward PA 45: Montandon, Lewisburg
Use the slight right lane.
21
Turn right onto PA 45
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
PA 45
22
Arrive at destination
PA 45
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 9-minute duration, this drive is easily manageable as a single-day trip from Bensalem to Lewisburg. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace, especially since you'll encounter only one recommended stop. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 74.2 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, so plan your fuel and restroom breaks accordingly before embarking on this segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is practical, though the drive is short enough that significant refueling concerns are unlikely.
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 82.9 miles from Bensalem, PA, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.2 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 36 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 82.9 miles or 1h 33m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lewisburg, 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 165.8 miles and 3h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension for about 74.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
83 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 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 82.9 miles from Bensalem, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 74.2 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 205 decision points cluster between mile 2.4 and 163.4 — 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
7
163.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 5m in
Take the exit toward PA 45: Montandon, Lewisburg
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 PA 45: Montandon, Lewisburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.49 one way
$54.98 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
58 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $30.11 | $60.21 |
| premium | $4.93 | $32.15 | $64.31 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $36.61 | $73.21 |
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
$27
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 49.7 | 0 | $17.41 | $7.96 |
| Efficient EV | 41.5 | 0 | $14.51 | $6.63 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 66.3 | 0 | $23.21 | $10.61 |
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Destination
Lewisburg, PA
Morning in Lewisburg on Sunday
Local time
6:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°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
19 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 9m 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.
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 22.9
View on nps.gov
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
$1
near mile 17.2
View on nps.gov
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 17.2
View on nps.gov
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...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 22.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
The drive features a mixed character, with 58% of its 165.8 miles on highways, indicating a good balance of speed and more varied road types. You'll experience a significant stretch of 74.2 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, offering a consistent pace for a good portion of the journey. While much of the route is designed for efficient travel, expect some changes in road type as you transition between the major arteries, offering a dynamic driving experience rather than a monotonous one. This combination ensures you cover ground effectively while still encountering some variety.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.2 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 2.4 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 165.8 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.
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.
Between Bensalem, PA and Lewisburg, PA, road signs point toward Allentown and Mount Pocono.
Allentown
20.3 mi in
|
~24m
Mount Pocono
94.9 mi in
|
~1h 46m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 9m. Total distance: 165.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 74.2 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. 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.
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 Lewisburg, 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 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Lewisburg, 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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