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Trip from Bristol, PA to Waterford, PA

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

Drive Time

7h 42m

Distance

388.8 mi

626 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$64

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
7h 33m ★
6 AM
7h 43m
8 AM
8h 2m
10 AM
7h 49m
12 PM
7h 47m
3 PM
7h 50m
5 PM
8h 1m
8 PM
7h 37m

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 Waterford, PA, PA

Waterford, PA

Jack Pace

Trip Overview

Bristol, PA to Waterford, PA is 388.8 miles and takes about 7 hours 42 minutes via the Keystone Shortway, Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, and Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $64 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you from the Northeast region of Pennsylvania to its own Northeast, covering a significant portion of the state. Given its roughly 7.5-hour duration and mixed driving profile, it's a feasible one-day trip for most drivers, though you'll want to get an early start. The route offers a practical way to traverse Pennsylvania, connecting two points without extensive detours.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

194.4 miles from Bristol, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 38m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Keystone Shortway 205.6 mi 3h 43m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 74.2 mi 1h 20m
Pennsylvania Turnpike 24 mi 28m
William Flinn Highway 12.4 mi 16m
Route 208 12.3 mi 18m
PA 36 9.5 mi 14m
PA-97 6.9 mi 8m
Titusville Road 5.7 mi 7m
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 205.6 mi, about 3h 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bristol, PA and Waterford, 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

74 mi · 1 hr 20 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 95 Toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
16

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 80 West: Hazleton
17

Merge onto I 80

206 mi · 3 hr 43 min · Keystone Shortway
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward US 322: Strattanville
19

Turn right onto US 322

4.0 mi · 5 min · Route 322
20

Continue on US 322

1.0 mi · 1 min · Main Street
21

Continue on US 322

1.6 mi · 2 min · Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
22

Continue on US 322

1.7 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
23

Turn slight right onto US 322

4.6 mi · 6 min · North 1st Avenue
24

Turn right onto PA 208

0.4 mi · 35 sec · North School Street
25

Continue on PA 208

7.2 mi · 10 min · Route 208
26

Continue on PA 208

5.0 mi · 7 min · Route 208
27

Continue on PA 36

9.5 mi · 14 min · PA 36
28

Turn left onto US 62; PA 36

0.3 mi · 20 sec · Route 36 and 62
29

Turn right onto PA 36

4.5 mi · 6 min · Colonel Drake Highway
30

Continue on PA 36

4.4 mi · 6 min · Tionesta Road
31

Continue on PA 36

1.3 mi · 1 min · East State Street
32

Continue on PA 27

2.6 mi · 3 min · Titusville Road
33

Continue on PA 27

1.1 mi · 2 min · Plank Road
34

Continue on PA 27

1.5 mi · 4 min · East Central Avenue
35

Turn slight right onto PA 8

0.9 mi · 2 min · West Spring Street
Use the right lane.
36

Continue on PA 8

3.0 mi · 4 min · Hydetown Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
37

Continue on PA 8

4.6 mi · 6 min · William Flinn Highway
38

Continue on PA 8

1.6 mi · 2 min · Erie Street
39

Continue on PA 8

7.8 mi · 10 min · William Flinn Highway
40

Continue on PA 8

3.1 mi · 4 min · Titusville Road
41

Continue on US 6; PA 8

0.8 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
42

Turn left onto PA 97

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Perry Street
Use the left lane.
43

Continue on PA 97

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Waterford Street
44

Continue on PA 97

6.9 mi · 8 min · PA-97
45

Enter roundabout onto US 19; PA 97

62 ft · 0 sec · Route 19
46

Continue on US 19; PA 97

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Route 19
47

Continue on US 19; PA 97

0.4 mi · 52 sec · High Street
48

Arrive at destination

US 19; PA 97

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7-hour, 42-minute drive, consider departing Bristol, PA early in the morning to ensure you have ample daylight. With two recommended stops, you can break up the 388.8-mile journey to stay refreshed. The longest uninterrupted stretch is over 200 miles on the Keystone Shortway, so plan a fuel or rest break before you hit that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel as the total cost is estimated at $64, and it's always wise to top off when you see convenient stations, especially when transitioning between the Turnpike and the Shortway.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 194.4 miles from Bristol, PA, or about 3h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 205.6 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 86 miles or 1h 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 194.4 miles or 3h 38m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 13m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waterford, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Bristol, PA

This is one driving day of about 388.8 miles and 7h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 86 miles from Bristol, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 205.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in Allegany County, New York, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wellsville, NY

194 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

Vestal, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 86 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Corning, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 194.4 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 Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 205.6 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.

Top Restaurant

Fratelli's Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Burlington, New Jersey

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16095262746

Visit website

Fratelli's Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Burlington, New Jersey

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16095262746

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 83.3

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 277.7

DuBois, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 138.9

Nescopeck, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 277.7

Falls Creek, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 138.9

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

SWTCH Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 111.1

Drums, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447982438

Visit website

Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 361

Titusville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+18146761733

Visit website

Elmwood Park Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 27.8

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16102773825

Visit website

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 27.8

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12152475777

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 23

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 100.8 — 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
100.8 mi into trip | ~1h 55m in

Take the exit toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 95 Toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$64.46 one way

$128.92 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 136 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $70.60 $141.19
premium $4.93 $75.40 $150.81
diesel $5.61 $85.84 $171.68

Estimated Tolls: $12.77

Pennsylvania Turnpike (98.2 mi) $12.77

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

$64

Tolls

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$102–$127

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 136 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 116.6 1 $40.82 $18.66
Efficient EV 97.2 1 $34.02 $15.55
EV Truck/SUV 155.5 1 $54.43 $24.88

Gas CO2

136 kg

EV CO2

45 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Bristol, PA

Night in Bristol on Saturday

Local time

9:10 PM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy

NE 5 mph 20% chance Live forecast

Destination

Waterford, PA

Night in Waterford on Saturday

Local time

9:10 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Mostly Clear

E 1 to 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

57°F

Wellsville, NY

194 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

3 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

7h 42m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, a...

9 mi from route ~22 min detour Free near mile 26.8
View on nps.gov
Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park

National Historical Park

The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of I...

14 mi from route ~34 min detour $1 near mile 26.8
View on nps.gov
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

National Memorial

Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the...

14 mi from route ~35 min detour Free near mile 26.8
View on nps.gov
First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...

25 mi from route ~62 min detour Free near mile 26.8
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive presents a mixed experience, with 34% of the journey on highways. You'll spend a good portion of your time on the Keystone Shortway, which provides a continuous stretch of 205.6 miles. Expect a blend of faster-paced highway driving and sections that might feel more like a traditional road trip as you navigate different segments of the Pennsylvania Turnpike system. The character of the drive will shift, offering variety rather than a monotonous interstate experience.

34% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 205.6 mi on Keystone Shortway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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 23 significant decision points across 388.8 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 Waterford, PA, road signs point toward Allentown and Mount Pocono.

Allentown

26.1 mi in | ~34m

Mount Pocono

100.8 mi in | ~1h 55m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 42m. Total distance: 388.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 42m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 205.6 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $12.77 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 Waterford, 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 2 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.

Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, Independence National Historical Park and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Waterford, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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