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Trip from Bethlehem, PA to Lake City, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 2m

Distance

242.1 mi

390 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$40

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 49m ★
6 AM
5h 3m
8 AM
5h 30m
10 AM
5h 12m
12 PM
5h 10m
3 PM
5h 14m
5 PM
5h 28m
8 PM
4h 55m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Lehigh and Northampton counties, Pennsylvania, USA

Bethlehem, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Lake City, PA, PA

Lake City, PA

Robert So

Trip Overview

This Pennsylvania drive from Bethlehem to Lake City covers 242.1 miles and is estimated to take around 5 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. With a fuel cost estimated at $40, it's an accessible one-day trip, perfect for a single day of exploration. The route primarily utilizes the Keystone Shortway, Game School Road, and Macarthur Road, offering a blend of highway and local road experiences. Given its manageable distance and duration, this trip is well-suited for a solo day or a relaxed start to a longer adventure, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.

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

121.1 miles from Bethlehem, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Keystone Shortway 159.1 mi 2h 51m
Game School Road 7.4 mi 17m
Macarthur Road 7.4 mi 10m
Rich Highway 7.2 mi 9m
Lehigh Drive 7 mi 9m
Hudson Drive 5.8 mi 8m
MacArthur Road 4.5 mi 7m
PA 949 4.2 mi 6m
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 159.1 mi, about 2h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bethlehem, PA and Lake City, 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: Allentown Use 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 145 Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork

241 ft · 9 sec
Toward PA 145 North Use 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 South Use 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

159 mi · 2 hr 51 min · Keystone Shortway
38

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward US 219: DuBois, Brockway
39

Keep slight right at fork

427 ft · 10 sec
Toward US 219: DuBois, Brockway
40

Merge onto US 219

7.2 mi · 9 min · Rich Highway
41

Continue on US 219

0.1 mi · 22 sec · Clark Street
42

Turn left onto PA 28

1.0 mi · 2 min · Main Street
43

Continue on PA 28

1.8 mi · 3 min · State Route 28 North
44

Turn right onto Game School Road

7.4 mi · 17 min · Game School Road
45

At end of road, turn right onto Richardsville Road

2.0 mi · 2 min · Richardsville Road
46

Continue on PA 949

4.2 mi · 6 min · PA 949
47

Turn right onto Swedetown Road

68 ft · 2 sec · Swedetown Road
48

Arrive at destination

Swedetown Road

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Bethlehem to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey; a single break around the halfway point should suffice. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you transition onto more local roads where stations might be less frequent. A practical tip for this route: be prepared for the numerous turns as you approach Lake City, as indicated by the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, ensuring you have your navigation ready.

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 121.1 miles from Bethlehem, PA, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 159.1 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 53 miles or 1h 16m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 121.1 miles or 2h 34m 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 58m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lake City, 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 242.1 miles and 5h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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 159.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

borough in Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Catawissa, PA

121 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

Hazleton, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bellefonte, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 121.1 miles from Bethlehem, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 159.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Farm Table Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 190.2

Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18142054405

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 51.9

Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

InCharge Energy Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 51.9

Hazle Township, Pennsylvania

+18333994638

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 86.5

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 69.2

Nescopeck, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 34.6

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 190.2

Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 51.9

Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Lehigh Millennium Folk Arch and Art Enclave

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 3.4 and 218.3 — 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
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.
6
218.3 mi into trip | ~4h 20m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 219: DuBois, Brockway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 219: DuBois, Brockway

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.14 one way

$80.27 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $43.96 $87.92
premium $4.93 $46.95 $93.90
diesel $5.61 $53.45 $106.91

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

$40

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 84.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 72.6 0 $25.42 $11.62
Efficient EV 60.5 0 $21.18 $9.68
EV Truck/SUV 96.8 1 $33.89 $15.49

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

28 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Bethlehem, PA

Morning in Bethlehem on Sunday

Local time

9:42 AM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lake City, PA

Morning in Lake City on Sunday

Local time

9:42 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

11 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

5h 2m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for much of this 242.1-mile journey. While the Keystone Shortway accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch at 159.1 miles, the overall highway share is about 40%, indicating a significant portion will be on secondary roads. This mix means you'll experience varied driving conditions, transitioning between faster highway speeds and more intricate local road navigation. The character of the drive shifts, requiring your attention as you move from more open stretches to areas with more frequent turns and intersections.

Only 4% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 159.1 mi on Keystone Shortway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 Effort 9/10

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 21 significant decision points across 242.1 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.

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 Bethlehem, PA to Lake City, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Brockway along the way.

Brockway

217.7 mi in | ~4h 19m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 2m. Total distance: 242.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 159.1 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.

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 Lake City, 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 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lake City, PA before the return drive.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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