Origin
Bristol, PA
Afternoon in Bristol on Sunday
Local time
1:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bristol, PA to Williamstown, PA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 26, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 47m
Distance
129.4 mi
208 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 37m
★
6 AM
2h 48m
8 AM
3h 9m
10 AM
2h 55m
12 PM
2h 53m
3 PM
2h 56m
5 PM
3h 8m
8 PM
2h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bristol, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Williamstown, PA
Michael Taccetta
Trip Overview
This 129.4-mile drive from Bristol, PA to Williamstown, PA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $21, it's an economical journey. The route primarily utilizes major roadways, including the William Penn Highway, Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, with 57% of the drive on highways. Expect a mixed driving experience as you travel within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania. This trip is well-suited for a day excursion, allowing for ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed.
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
64.7 miles from Bristol, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| William Penn Highway | 38.5 mi | 46m |
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 36.7 mi | 39m |
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 24 mi | 28m |
| US 209 | 10 mi | 15m |
| Lancaster Avenue | 4.7 mi | 6m |
| Bethel Road | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| I 81 | 2.5 mi | 2m |
| Tremont Road | 2.3 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
William Penn Highway
— 38.5 mi, about 46m
Traffic on I-78
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,425 veh/hr typical · worst 1,921
Quietest
2 AM
~286 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 Bristol, PA and Williamstown, 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
37 mi
·
39 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
3 min
Exit 56
Toward I 78, US 22, PA 309: Allentown, Harrisburg
Use the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto US 22
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Lehigh Valley Thruway
16
Merge onto I 78; US 22
38 mi
·
46 min
·
William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 13
Toward PA 501: Bethel
Use the slight right lane.
18
Turn right onto PA 501
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Lancaster Avenue
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on PA 501
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Bethel Road
20
At end of road, turn left onto PA 895
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Rock Road
21
Continue on PA 895
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
East Wood Street
22
At end of road, turn right onto PA 443
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
South Tulpehocken Street
23
Continue on PA 125
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Tremont Road
24
Turn left onto Molleystown Road
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Molleystown Road
25
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
26
Merge onto I 81
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
I 81
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward US 209: Tremont, Tower City
28
Turn right onto US 209
10.0 mi
·
15 min
·
US 209
29
Turn right onto South Railroad Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Railroad Street
30
Turn left onto East Market Street
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
East Market Street
31
Arrive at destination
East Market Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2 hour and 47 minute duration, departing Bristol, PA in the morning allows ample time to reach Williamstown, PA without feeling pressed. With only one stop recommended, you have flexibility in how you pace your journey; consider breaking up the 38.5-mile stretch on the William Penn Highway for a stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $21 for the 129.4-mile trip. The Pennsylvania Turnpike sections will likely have more opportunities for rest stops and services compared to the William Penn Highway segments.
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 64.7 miles from Bristol, PA, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.5 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 28 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.7 miles or 1h 18m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Williamstown, 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 129.4 miles and 2h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 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 William Penn Highway for about 38.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
65 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 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 64.7 miles from Bristol, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 255 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 63.3 — 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
8
63.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 78, US 22, PA 309: Allentown, Harrisburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 56
Toward I 78, US 22, PA 309: Allentown, Harrisbu...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.11 one way
$42.22 round trip
$4.14/gal
25.4 MPG avg
45 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.56 | $23.22 | $46.43 |
| premium | $4.86 | $24.77 | $49.55 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $27.53 | $55.05 |
Estimated Tolls: $7.97
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(60.7 mi)
$7.89
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(1.1 mi)
$0.08
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
$21
Tolls
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.59 | $6.21 |
| Efficient EV | 32.4 | 0 | $11.32 | $5.18 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 51.8 | 0 | $18.12 | $8.28 |
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Destination
Williamstown, PA
Afternoon in Williamstown on Sunday
Local time
1:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
37°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
4 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
2h 47m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
The drive offers a varied experience, blending highway speeds with more local road segments, characterized as a 'mixed drive.' You'll cover 57% of the journey on highways, providing efficient travel for significant portions. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 38.5 miles along the William Penn Highway. As you progress, the character of the road will shift, moving from potentially faster highway sections to more varied terrain and traffic patterns as you approach your destination in Williamstown.
57% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.5 mi on William Penn Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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
10/10
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 25 significant decision points across 129.4 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.
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 Williamstown, PA, road signs point toward Allentown, Harrisburg and Tower City.
Allentown
26.1 mi in
|
~34m
Harrisburg
63.3 mi in
|
~1h 14m
Tower City
118.7 mi in
|
~2h 29m
About the Cities
Starting in Bristol, PA
Full guide →Founded 1681
Bristol is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This article also covers the neighboring communities of Tullytown and Levittown.
Top landmarks
- • Harriman Historic District — historic district in the United States
- • Dorrance Mansion — historic house in Pennsylvania, United States
- • Bristol Historic District — historic district in Pennsylvania, United States
Arriving in Williamstown, PA
Full guide →Founded 1869
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 2h 47m. Total distance: 129.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (57%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.5 miles on William Penn Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $7.97 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.
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 Williamstown, 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Williamstown, PA before heading back.
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 FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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