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Trip from Bristol, PA to Great Bend, 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 25m

Distance

175 mi

282 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 13m ★
6 AM
3h 25m
8 AM
3h 50m
10 AM
3h 34m
12 PM
3h 32m
3 PM
3h 35m
5 PM
3h 49m
8 PM
3h 18m

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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borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States

Bristol, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Great Bend, PA, PA

Great Bend, PA

Nico Becker

Trip Overview

This 175-mile journey from Bristol to Great Bend, Pennsylvania, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. The route is heavily highway-focused, with 98% of the drive on major roads like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81. You can expect a fuel cost of around $29 for this trip. Given its relatively short duration and highway-centric profile, it's a straightforward drive that doesn't necessitate an overnight stop, allowing for maximum flexibility in your schedule. This efficient path through Pennsylvania's Northeast region makes for a convenient transit.

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

87.5 miles from Bristol, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 110.6 mi 2h 4m
I 81 36.5 mi 42m
Pennsylvania Turnpike 24 mi 28m
Bristol Pike 0.7 mi 1m
Jefferson Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
US 11 0.4 mi <1m
Beaver Street 0.2 mi <1m
State Route 171 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension — 110.6 mi, about 2h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bristol, PA and Great Bend, PA.

1

Start on this road

158 ft · 13 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Washington Street

506 ft · 27 sec · Washington Street
3

Turn left onto Wood Street

0.1 mi · 37 sec · Wood Street
4

Turn left onto Jefferson Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Jefferson Avenue
5

At end of road, turn right onto Beaver Street

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Beaver Street
6

Turn slight right onto US 13

0.7 mi · 1 min · Bristol Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
7

Turn left onto Pennsylvania Turnpike

0.6 mi · 1 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Toward I 95: Philadelphia, New York Use the left lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward I 95 South: Philadelphia, Harrisburg Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 95

1.2 mi · 1 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 276; PATP

22 mi · 25 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Exit 40 Toward I 276 Toll West, PATP West: Harrisburg Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Toward I 476: Chester, Allentown Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 476 North: Allentown
13

Merge onto I 476; PATP

110 mi · 2 hr 2 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Continue on I 476; PATP

0.8 mi · 1 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Exit 131 Toward I 81, US 6, US 11: Clarks Summit, Scranton
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 81, US 6 East: Binghamton, Wilkes-Barre
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 1 min
Toward Binghamton
17

Merge onto I 81

37 mi · 42 min · I 81
18

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 24 sec
Toward PA 171: Great Bend, Susquehanna
19

Turn left onto PA 171

0.2 mi · 25 sec · State Route 171
Use the straight lane.
20

Turn right onto US 11

0.4 mi · 48 sec · US 11
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Turn right onto Williams Street

76 ft · 3 sec · Williams Street
22

Arrive at destination

Williams Street

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just over three hours, this trip offers plenty of flexibility. Consider an early morning departure to avoid any potential rush hour impacts, especially around the initial sections of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You'll have one primary stop to plan for, though the 110.6-mile stretch on the Turnpike Northeast Extension suggests you could go longer if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel; budgeting around $29 should cover it, but it's always wise to top off before embarking on longer highway segments. This route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination with ample time to spare.

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 87.5 miles from Bristol, PA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.6 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 39 miles or 49m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 87.5 miles or 1h 43m 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 48m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Great Bend, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bristol, 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 Bristol, PA

This is one driving day of about 175 miles and 3h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Bristol, 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 110.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

county seat of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wilkes-Barre, PA

88 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

Lansdale, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Palmerton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 87.5 miles from Bristol, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 110.6 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 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 137.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
1.7 mi into trip | ~4m in | Pennsylvania Turnpike

Turn left onto Pennsylvania Turnpike toward I 95: Philadelphia, New York

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward I 95: Philadelphia, New York
8
2.3 mi into trip | ~6m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South: Philadelphia, Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South: Philadelphia, Harrisburg
9
3.9 mi into trip | ~9m in | I 276; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 276; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike toward I 276 Toll West, PATP West: Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 40 Toward I 276 Toll West, PATP West: Harrisburg
7
26.1 mi into trip | ~34m 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
137.2 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 81, US 6 East: Binghamton, Wilkes-Barre

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

Toward I 81, US 6 East: Binghamton, Wilkes-Barr...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.01 one way

$58.03 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $31.78 $63.55
premium $4.93 $33.94 $67.88
diesel $5.61 $38.64 $77.28

Estimated Tolls: $17.50

Pennsylvania Turnpike (134.6 mi) $17.50

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

$29

Tolls

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 52.5 0 $18.38 $8.40
Efficient EV 43.8 0 $15.31 $7.00
EV Truck/SUV 70 0 $24.50 $11.20

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 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.

Forecast as of Apr 14, 2026

Origin

Bristol, PA

Late night in Bristol on Sunday

Local time

3:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy

SW 5 to 15 mph 26% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 6:17PM EDT until April 14 at 6:30PM EDT by NWS State College PA

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 6:16PM EDT until April 14 at 6:45PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA

Destination

Great Bend, PA

Late night in Great Bend on Sunday

Local time

3:45 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°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

2 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 25m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a predominantly highway experience on this route, with a 98% highway share. You'll encounter the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81 for the majority of your travel, offering consistent speeds and minimal local traffic interruptions. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 110.6 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, meaning you can cover significant ground without needing frequent exits. While the drive is largely characterized by this highway focus, it provides a direct and efficient way to cover the 175 miles between these two Pennsylvania locations.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 110.6 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in near Pennsylvania Turnpike.

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 20 significant decision points across 175 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 1.7 miles (Pennsylvania Turnpike): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.9 miles (I 276; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Bristol, PA and Great Bend, PA, road signs point toward Allentown, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Binghamton.

Allentown

26.1 mi in | ~34m

Scranton

136.4 mi in | ~2h 38m | via I 476; PATP

Wilkes-Barre

137.2 mi in | ~2h 39m

Binghamton

137.4 mi in | ~2h 40m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 25m. Total distance: 175 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 110.6 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $17.50 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 Great Bend, 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 1.7 miles (Pennsylvania Turnpike): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.9 miles (I 276; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Great Bend, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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