This 124.1-mile journey from Bigler, PA, to Pittsburgh, PA, is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip, estimated to take around 2 hours and 43 minutes. You'll be navigating primarily on local roads, indicated by the 0% highway share, making it a more intimate drive through the Northeast region. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, this route offers an affordable way to get from point A to point B. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests you'll be making frequent adjustments, so keep your focus sharp for the entire duration. It's a straightforward drive that doesn't require an overnight stop.
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
62 miles from Bigler, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
William Penn Highway
29.6 mi
45m
Dowler Highway
20.1 mi
23m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
13.5 mi
18m
Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway
10.3 mi
12m
Mahaffey Grampian Highway
9.8 mi
11m
Route 286 Highway East
6.7 mi
7m
PA 286 Truck
5.2 mi
6m
Curwensville Grampian Road
4.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
William Penn Highway
— 29.6 mi, about 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bigler, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.
1
Start on Walker Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Walker Road
2
Turn left onto US 322
2.6 mi·2 min·Woodland Bigler Highway
3
Continue on US 322
3.6 mi·5 min·Clearfield Woodland Highway
4
Continue on US 322
1.0 mi·1 min·Daisy Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
6
Merge onto PA 879
2.8 mi·4 min·Clearfield Shawville Highway
7
Turn left onto PA 879
2.0 mi·2 min·Clearfield Curwensville Highway
8
Continue on PA 879
0.4 mi·24 sec·Curwensville Grampain Highway
9
Continue on PA 879
2.6 mi·2 min·Curwensville Grampian Highway
10
Continue on PA 879
4.7 mi·5 min·Curwensville Grampian Road
11
Continue on PA 879
0.7 mi·47 sec·1st Street
12
Continue on US 219
9.8 mi·11 min·Mahaffey Grampian Highway
13
Continue on US 219
0.6 mi·39 sec·West Main Street
14
Continue on US 219; PA 36
1.9 mi·2 min·Colonel Drake Highway
15
Continue on US 219
515 ft·6 sec·Burnside - McGees Highway
16
Continue on US 219
4.2 mi·4 min·Burnside McGee Highway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto PA 286
20 mi·23 min·Dowler Highway
18
Continue on PA 286
6.7 mi·7 min·Route 286 Highway East
19
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 286 Truck
1.0 mi·1 min·PA 286 Truck
Toward Punxsutawney, Blairsville
20
Keep slight right at fork onto PA 286 Truck
4.1 mi·4 min·PA 286 Truck
Toward US 119 South: Blairsville
21
Continue on US 119; PA 56; US 422 Business
10 mi·12 min·Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Take the exit onto US 119
0.4 mi·40 sec·US 119
Toward US 22 West, US 119 South: Blairsville, Pittsburgh
23
Merge onto US 22; US 119
30 mi·45 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 376; US 22
13 mi·18 min·Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: PittsburghUse the slight left lane.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·38 sec
Exit 71BToward Second AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn straight onto Second Avenue
0.3 mi·41 sec·Second Avenue
27
At end of road, turn right onto Ross Street
0.2 mi·32 sec·Ross Street
28
Turn left onto Fifth Avenue
352 ft·10 sec·Fifth Avenue
29
Turn right onto Grant Street
513 ft·21 sec·Grant Street
Use the right lane.
30
Arrive at destination
Grant Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2 hour and 43-minute duration and 124.1-mile distance, this drive is perfect for a single day. You can easily depart Bigler, PA, in the morning and arrive in Pittsburgh, PA, by midday. Since it's a 'turn-heavy local drive,' factor in a little extra time beyond the estimate to account for traffic lights and turns, especially as you approach Pittsburgh. The $21 fuel cost is minimal, but it's always wise to ensure you have a full tank before leaving Bigler, as opportunities for refueling might be less frequent on these local roads. Enjoy the flexibility this shorter, more direct route provides.
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 62 miles from Bigler, PA, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.6 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 27 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62 miles or 1h 14m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pittsburgh, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bigler, 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 Bigler, PA
This is one driving day of about 124.1 miles and 2h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Bigler, 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 William Penn Highway for about 29.6 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 64.3 and 124 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
64.3 mi into trip|~1h 17m in|PA 286 Truck
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 286 Truck toward Punxsutawney, Blairsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Punxsutawney, Blairsville
8
109.8 mi into trip|~2h 22m in|I 376; US 22 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Keep slight right at fork onto I 376; US 22 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
7
123.2 mi into trip|~2h 40m in
Take the exit toward Second Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 71B
Toward Second Avenue
6
123.7 mi into trip|~2h 42m in|Ross Street
At end of road, turn right onto Ross Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
7
124 mi into trip|~2h 42m in|Grant Street
Turn right onto Grant Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.57 one way
$41.15 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg43 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$22.53
$45.07
premium
$4.93
$24.07
$48.14
diesel
$5.61
$27.40
$54.80
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 43.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
37.2
0
$13.03
$5.96
Efficient EV
31
0
$10.86
$4.96
EV Truck/SUV
49.6
0
$17.37
$7.94
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (65% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Bigler, PA
Afternoon
in Bigler on Sunday
Local time
1:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Pittsburgh, PA
Afternoon
in Pittsburgh on Sunday
Local time
1:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
46°F
Rayne, PA
62 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
28 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 43m 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.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
National Memorial
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a driving experience characterized by frequent turns rather than long stretches of open road. With a 0% highway share, this route is entirely composed of local roads, meaning your pace will be dictated by the curves and intersections rather than high-speed cruising. There isn't a 'longest stretch' noted, reinforcing the idea of a dynamic drive with constant engagement. The Woodland Bigler Highway and Clearfield Woodland Highway will likely guide you, but prepare for a more involved navigation experience. This drive is less about covering ground quickly and more about the journey through local Pennsylvania landscapes.
Only 21% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29.6 mi on William Penn Highway.
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 64.3 miles in near PA 286 Truck.
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 13 significant decision points across 124.1 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 64.3 miles (PA 286 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles (I 376; US 22 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Between Bigler, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Punxsutawney and Blairsville.
The pleasure of Pittsburgh remains a well-kept secret. Though not built up by reputation, the city's unique combination of bridges, steep hills, and broad rivers make it one of the most naturally scenic cities in the country. Cheap food and beer abound in this true sports town and the locals are amazingly friendly. A city of about 303,000 (2021) in Allegheny County, at the center of a metro area of about 2.4 million in southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River. The city's unique terrain has resulted in an unusual city design and a hodge-podge of unique neighborhood "pockets" with diverse ethnic and architectural heritage.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 43m. Total distance: 124.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 29.6 miles on William Penn Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Pittsburgh, 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 64.3 miles (PA 286 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.8 miles (I 376; US 22 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Johnstown Flood National Memorial. 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 Pittsburgh, PA before heading back.
