Bethlehem, PA to DuBois, PA is 217.6 miles and takes about 4h 21m via Keystone Shortway, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. The drive primarily uses surface roads, offering a more grounded experience than a pure highway sprint. With only one recommended stop and a single day suggested for completion, it’s a manageable route for a quick transit or a leisurely exploration of the state.
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
108.8 miles from Bethlehem, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
155 mi
2h 47m
Macarthur Road
7.4 mi
10m
Lehigh Drive
7 mi
9m
Hudson Drive
5.8 mi
8m
MacArthur Road
4.5 mi
7m
East Broad Street
3.8 mi
4m
State Route 93
3.7 mi
7m
Lehigh Valley Thruway
3.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 155 mi, about 2h 47m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 44 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,116 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,517
Quietest
2 AM
~188 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 Bethlehem, PA and DuBois, PA.
1
Start on Linden Street
367 ft·13 sec·Linden Street
2
Turn right onto East Union Boulevard
0.8 mi·1 min·East Union Boulevard
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
4
Merge onto PA 378
2.3 mi·3 min·Bethlehem Spur Route
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward US 22 West: AllentownUse the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto US 22
3.2 mi·4 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Toward PA 145Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
241 ft·9 sec
Toward PA 145 NorthUse the right lane.
9
Merge onto PA 145
4.5 mi·7 min·MacArthur Road
Use the right lane.
10
Continue on PA 145
7.4 mi·10 min·Macarthur Road
11
Continue on PA 145
1.0 mi·1 min·South Best Avenue
12
Continue on PA 145
0.4 mi·33 sec·North Best Avenue
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on PA 145
1.4 mi·1 min·Riverview Drive
14
At end of road, turn left onto PA 248
7.0 mi·9 min·Lehigh Drive
15
Turn left onto US 209
0.5 mi·1 min·Bridge Street
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on US 209
0.1 mi·7 sec·Bankway Street
17
Continue on US 209
0.6 mi·55 sec·Sargent Stanley Hoffman Boulevard
Toward US 209 SouthUse the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 209
0.9 mi·1 min·North 1st Street
19
Continue on US 209
1.9 mi·2 min·Mauch Chunk Street
20
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi·39 sec·Susquehanna Street
21
Turn right onto US 209
123 ft·1 sec·Lehigh Avenue
22
Continue on US 209
0.5 mi·32 sec·Lehigh Street
23
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi·22 sec·Lehigh Avenue
24
Continue on US 209
2.5 mi·3 min·East Catawissa Street
25
Turn right onto PA 93
523 ft·7 sec·Hudson Drive
26
Continue on State Route 93
2.8 mi·3 min·Hunter Street
27
Continue on PA 93
5.7 mi·8 min·Hudson Drive
28
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi·34 sec·Broad Street
29
Continue on PA 93
1.0 mi·1 min·Berwick Street
30
Continue on PA 93
3.8 mi·4 min·East Broad Street
31
Continue on PA 93; PA 924
0.5 mi·39 sec·North Broad Street
32
Turn straight onto PA 93
2.3 mi·3 min·Susquehanna Boulevard
33
Continue on PA 93
0.2 mi·31 sec·Valmont Parkway
34
Continue on PA 93
3.7 mi·7 min·State Route 93
35
Continue on PA 93
0.8 mi·1 min·Berwick Hazleton Highway
36
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
37
Merge onto I 80
155 mi·2 hr 47 min·Keystone Shortway
38
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward PA 255: DuBois, Penfield
39
Turn left onto PA 255
0.1 mi·15 sec·Bee Line Highway
40
Turn left
53 ft·6 sec
41
Turn right
57 ft·6 sec
42
Turn right
52 ft·5 sec
43
Turn right onto PA 255
1.5 mi·2 min·Bee Line Highway
44
Continue on PA 255
1.4 mi·2 min·East DuBois Avenue
45
Turn left onto US 219
0.6 mi·52 sec·Liberty Boulevard
46
Turn left onto East Park Avenue
80 ft·1 sec·East Park Avenue
47
Arrive at destination
East Park Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 21m duration, leaving Bethlehem in the morning should allow ample time to reach DuBois well before evening. Plan for one stop to break up the drive, as the longest continuous stretch on the Keystone Shortway is 155 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $39, and it's always wise to top off before embarking on longer sections of surface roads where gas stations might be less frequent. This route is easily achievable in one day, giving you flexibility if you encounter unexpected delays or decide to linger longer at your stop.
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 108.8 miles from Bethlehem, PA, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 155 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 48 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.8 miles or 2h 21m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near DuBois, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, PA
This is one driving day of about 217.6 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Bethlehem, 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 155 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.4 and 29.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
3.4 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 22 West: Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 22 West: Allentown
6
7.5 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward PA 145
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward PA 145
8
7.7 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PA 145 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward PA 145 North
5
7.7 mi into trip|~12m in|PA 145 / MacArthur Road
Merge onto PA 145 / MacArthur Road
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
29.5 mi into trip|~43m in|US 209 / Bridge Street
Turn left onto US 209 / Bridge Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.70 one way
$69.39 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$38.40
$76.79
premium
$4.81
$41.19
$82.38
diesel
$4.80
$41.09
$82.17
Estimated Tolls: $0.23
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(3.2 mi)$0.23
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
$35
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.3
0
$22.85
$10.44
Efficient EV
54.4
0
$19.04
$8.70
EV Truck/SUV
87
1
$30.46
$13.93
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Bethlehem, PA
Late night
in Bethlehem on Monday
Local time
4:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Patchy Smoke
SW 10 mph91% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:53PM EDT until July 18 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:50PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
DuBois, PA
Late night
in DuBois on Monday
Local time
4:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
W 5 to 13 mph90% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 5:53PM EDT until July 18 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:50PM EDT by NWS State College PA
83°F
Danville, PA
109 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
22 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
4h 21m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly surface roads, with highways making up only a small portion. You'll spend most of your time on local routes like Macarthur Road and Lehigh Drive, transitioning to the Keystone Shortway for a 155-mile stretch. Expect more frequent intersections and varying speed limits as you navigate through towns and rural areas. The significant mileage on non-highway roads means you'll likely encounter more local traffic and fewer exits compared to an interstate drive.
Only 2% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
47 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 155 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 3.4 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 217.6 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 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Bethlehem is one of three cities, along with Allentown and Easton, that are the urban population centers of the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania.
In the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem borders Nazareth to its northwest, Allentown to its west, Hellertown to its southeast, and Easton to its east. The city is about 70 miles (110 km) north of Philadelphia, the sixth-largest city in the United States, and about 80 miles (130 km) west of New York City, the nation's largest city.
Top landmarks
•Bethlehem Waterworks — pump-powered public water supply
•Historic Moravian Bethlehem Historic District — complex of the oldest surviving buildings in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
•Cathedral Church of the Nativity — church in Pennsylvania, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 21m. Total distance: 217.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 155 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.23 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.
Yes — we found about 20 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 DuBois, 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at DuBois, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
