Centre County Rest Area Eastbound
0 mi from route
Trip from Bradford, PA to Allentown, PA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 34m
Distance
273.1 mi
440 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 21m
★
6 AM
5h 34m
8 AM
6h 1m
10 AM
5h 44m
12 PM
5h 41m
3 PM
5h 45m
5 PM
6h 0m
8 PM
5h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bradford, PA
Max W
Allentown, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 273.1-mile journey from Bradford, PA to Allentown, PA will take you approximately 5 hours and 34 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Keystone Shortway, William Penn Highway, and Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway, this drive is best suited for a single day. With an estimated fuel cost of $45, it's an economical option for a road trip. The drive offers a turn-heavy local feel, making it a more engaging experience than a typical interstate cruise. Both your origin and destination are within Pennsylvania, so you'll be exploring the Northeast region throughout your trip.
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
136.6 miles from Bradford, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone Shortway | 112.7 mi | 2h 1m |
| William Penn Highway | 21.6 mi | 26m |
| Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway | 18.7 mi | 21m |
| State Route 54 | 11.1 mi | 13m |
| Million Dollar Highway | 10.9 mi | 16m |
| Center Avenue | 10.6 mi | 12m |
| Elysburg Road | 9.7 mi | 11m |
| Sunbury Road | 9.4 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 112.7 mi, about 2h 1m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,081 veh/hr typical · worst 1,447
Quietest
2 AM
~184 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 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 Bradford, PA and Allentown, PA.
1
Start on US 219
0.9 mi
·
56 sec
·
US 219
2
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward PA 46 South
3
Turn left onto PA 46
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
North Kendall Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
5
Merge onto US 219; PA 346
8.2 mi
·
9 min
·
US 219; PA 346
6
Continue on US 219; PA 770 Truck
19 mi
·
21 min
·
Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway
7
Continue on US 219
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Burning Well Road
8
Continue on US 219
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
·
Marvin Street
9
Turn slight right onto US 219
252 ft
·
8 sec
·
Wilcox Road
10
Continue on US 219
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Wilcox Road
11
Continue on US 219
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Market Street
12
Continue on US 219
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Johnsonburg Bypass
13
Continue on US 219
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
East Center Street
14
Take the exit
122 ft
·
4 sec
15
Continue on Powers Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Powers Avenue
16
Continue on PA 255
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Johnsonburg-Saint Marys Road
17
Continue on PA 255
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Johnsonburg Road
18
Continue on PA 255
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Maurus Street
19
At end of road, turn right onto PA 255
502 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Michael Street
20
Continue on PA 255
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
North Saint Marys Street
21
Continue on PA 255
11 mi
·
16 min
·
Million Dollar Highway
22
Continue on PA 255
7.9 mi
·
12 min
·
Bennetts Valley Highway
23
Turn left onto PA 153
8.1 mi
·
14 min
·
State Park Road
24
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
25
Merge onto I 80
113 mi
·
2 hr 1 min
·
Keystone Shortway
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
27
Turn slight left
79 ft
·
2 sec
28
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Factory Street
30
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
31
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
32
Continue on PA 54
11 mi
·
13 min
·
State Route 54
33
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
Locust Gap Highway
34
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Fairgrounds Road
35
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi
·
11 min
·
Sunbury Road
36
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Sunbury Street
37
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Pottsville Minersville Highway
38
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Gordon Nagle Trail
39
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
North Sillyman Street
40
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Pottsville Street
41
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft
·
6 sec
·
Route 61 South
42
Continue on PA 61
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
43
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Centre Street
44
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
45
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi
·
26 min
·
William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
46
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Use the slight right lane.
47
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward Cetronia
Use the slight right lane.
48
Turn straight onto Tilghman Street
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Tilghman Street
Use the straight lane.
49
Arrive at destination
Tilghman Street
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour, 34-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to make the most of your day. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $45, and plan your refill strategically. The 112.7-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway could be a good point to assess your progress and decide if you need a break. Given the turn-heavy nature, staying alert is key, especially as you approach your destination in Allentown.
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 136.6 miles from Bradford, PA, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.7 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 60 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.6 miles or 2h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Allentown, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bradford, 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 Bradford, PA
This is one driving day of about 273.1 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Bradford, 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 112.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
137 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 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 136.6 miles from Bradford, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Montour County Rest Area Eastbound
0 mi from route
Centre County Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Clinton County Rest Area Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Clinton County Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Sapp Brothers Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Montour County Rest Area Westbound
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Allentown Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 205 decision points cluster between mile 187.8 and 268 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
187.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 43m in
Take the exit toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
5
188 mi into trip
|
~3h 44m in
|
PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Turn right onto PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
191.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 48m in
|
PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Turn left onto PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
9
267 mi into trip
|
~5h 24m in
|
US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
6
268 mi into trip
|
~5h 26m in
Take the exit toward Cetronia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Cetronia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.55 one way
$87.09 round trip
$4.05/gal
25.4 MPG avg
96 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $48.19 | $96.38 |
| premium | $4.81 | $51.70 | $103.39 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $51.57 | $103.13 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.07
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(1 mi)
$0.07
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
$44
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 81.9 | 1 | $28.68 | $13.11 |
| Efficient EV | 68.3 | 0 | $23.90 | $10.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 109.2 | 1 | $38.23 | $17.48 |
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Bradford, PA
Late night in Bradford on Monday
Local time
5:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Smoke
S 1 to 5 mph
39% chance
Live forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 9:35PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 9:22PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Allentown, PA
Late night in Allentown on Monday
Local time
5:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Smoke
0 mph
5% chance
Live forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 9:35PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 9:22PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
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
3 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
5h 34m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 226
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, with only a 7% highway share. While there are some highway stretches, the majority of your time will be spent on more winding local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 112.7 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a significant portion of consistent driving. This road profile suggests a dynamic driving experience that requires your attention, rather than a simple point-to-point interstate cruise.
Only 7% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.7 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 187.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 273.1 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 187.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 188 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 191.4 miles (PA 54 / Elysburg Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,974 ft
346 ft
Total Climb
1,913 ft
Total Descent
3,018 ft
Highest Point
1,974 ft
~19.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,627 ft
Notable High Points
1,974 ft at ~19.5 miles
+522 ft prominence
1,484 ft at ~156.1 miles
+557 ft prominence
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.
On the drive from Bradford, PA to Allentown, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Washingtonville
187.8 mi in
|
~3h 43m
About the Cities
Starting in Bradford, PA
Full guide →Founded 1823
Bradford is a city in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Top landmarks
- • Bradford Downtown Historic District — historic district in Pennsylvania, United States
Arriving in Allentown, PA
Full guide →Founded 1762
Allentown is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, the county seat and largest city in Lehigh County, and the third-largest city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with a population of 125,845 as of 2020.
Top landmarks
- • Albertus L. Meyers Bridge — bridge in United States of America
- • Allentown Masonic Temple — masonic temple in Allentown, Pennsylvania
- • Allentown National Bank — bank building in Allentown, Pennsylvania
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 34m. Total distance: 273.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 112.7 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.07 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 13 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 Allentown, 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 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 187.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 188 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 191.4 miles (PA 54 / Elysburg Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Allentown, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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