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Trip from California, PA to Upper Darby, 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 9m

Distance

155.7 mi

251 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 58m ★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m

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 Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States

California, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 155.7-mile drive from California, Pennsylvania, to Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 3 hours and 9 minutes. With a fuel cost projected at $26, it's an economical journey. You'll primarily navigate using the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, the Keystone Shortway, and the Mid-County Expressway, offering a good mix of travel. This route is entirely within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, making it a straightforward transit within the state. It's an ideal route for completing in a single push, allowing you to reach your destination without needing 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

77.8 miles from California, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 75.1 mi 1h 21m
Keystone Shortway 52.2 mi 58m
Mid-County Expressway 10.8 mi 14m
Continental Boulevard 7.7 mi 11m
Lansdowne Avenue 3 mi 8m
West Chester Pike 2.5 mi 5m
Strick Road 2 mi 5m
West Providence Road 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension — 75.1 mi, about 1h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between California, PA and Upper Darby, PA.

1

Start on Strick Road

2.0 mi · 5 min · Strick Road
2

Turn right onto PA 54

2.7 mi · 4 min · Continental Boulevard
3

Continue on PA 54

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Water Street
4

Continue on PA 54

4.9 mi · 7 min · Continental Boulevard
5

Turn left

0.2 mi · 30 sec
6

Merge onto I 80

52 mi · 58 min · Keystone Shortway
7

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward PA 940, PATP, I 476: Wilkes-Barre, Allentown
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 31 sec
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 476 South: Allentown
10

Merge onto I 476; PATP

75 mi · 1 hr 20 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on I 476; PATP

0.3 mi · 23 sec · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Exit 20
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the slight left lane.
13

Continue on I 476

11 mi · 14 min · Mid-County Expressway
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 59 sec
Exit 9 Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall Use the slight right lane.
15

Turn left onto PA 3

2.5 mi · 5 min · West Chester Pike
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
16

Turn slight right onto Darby Road

471 ft · 13 sec · Darby Road
Use the right lane.
17

Continue on Lansdowne Avenue

3.0 mi · 8 min · Lansdowne Avenue
Use the straight lane.
18

Turn right onto West Providence Road

0.3 mi · 39 sec · West Providence Road
19

Arrive at destination

West Providence Road

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration, leaving in the morning is a practical approach to reach Upper Darby with daylight to spare. You'll have one recommended stop, and with a total distance of 155.7 miles, you can easily manage this without feeling rushed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before embarking on the 75.1-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, as services might be less frequent during that segment. The $26 fuel cost is a reasonable budget to plan around for this trip.

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 77.8 miles from California, PA, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.1 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 34 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 77.8 miles or 1h 33m 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 27m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving California, 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 California, PA

This is one driving day of about 155.7 miles and 3h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from California, 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 75.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough in Pennsylvania, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Palmerton, PA

78 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

Mifflinville, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Palmerton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 77.8 miles from California, 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 75.1 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

Satellite Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 155.7

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12672772623

Visit website

Satellite Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 155.7

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12672772623

Visit website

Amsale Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 155.7

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12153974420

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 22.2

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 44.5

Drums, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 77.8

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 22.2

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 44.5

Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 66.7

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Applegreen Electric Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 66.7

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

+18885577099

Visit website

SWTCH Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 44.5

Drums, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447982438

Visit website

Elmwood Park Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 133.4

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16102773825

Visit website

The Escape Game King Of Prussia

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 144.5

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+16106248058

Visit website

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - King of Prussia

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 144.5

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+16105954359

Visit website

Fischer's Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 133.4

Harleysville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+12153687602

Visit website

Lake Lenape Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 122.3

Sellersville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12152575065

The Sellersville Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 122.3

Sellersville, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+12152575253

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 62.4 and 149.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
62.4 mi into trip | ~1h 15m in

Take the exit toward PA 940, PATP, I 476: Wilkes-Barre, Allentown

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

Toward PA 940, PATP, I 476: Wilkes-Barre, Allen...
6
63.3 mi into trip | ~1h 17m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 476 South: Allentown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 476 South: Allentown
5
63.5 mi into trip | ~1h 18m in | I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension

Merge onto I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
138.4 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension

Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane.
8
149.5 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in

Take the exit toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall

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 9 Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.81 one way

$51.63 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $28.27 $56.54
premium $4.93 $30.20 $60.39
diesel $5.61 $34.38 $68.75

Estimated Tolls: $9.76

Pennsylvania Turnpike (75.1 mi) $9.76

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

$26

Tolls

$10

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 54.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 46.7 0 $16.35 $7.47
Efficient EV 38.9 0 $13.62 $6.23
EV Truck/SUV 62.3 0 $21.80 $9.96

Gas CO2

54 kg

EV CO2

18 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 15, 2026

Origin

California, PA

Morning in California on Sunday

Local time

8:12 AM

EDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Upper Darby, PA

Morning in Upper Darby on Sunday

Local time

8:12 AM

EDT

Current temp

76°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

32 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

3h 9m 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.

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...

6 mi from route ~16 min detour Free near mile 144.9
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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour $1 near mile 155.7
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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 155.7
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...

16 mi from route ~40 min detour Free near mile 150.3
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed drive on this route, with 55% of your journey taking place on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 75.1 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. This means you'll experience periods of consistent, faster-paced travel interspersed with other types of roads. The drive will likely evolve, offering a varied on-the-road experience as you transition between these main thoroughfares.

55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.1 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

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 62.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 155.7 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 62.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 63.5 miles (I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,805 ft 56 ft

Total Climb

1,550 ft

Total Descent

2,167 ft

Highest Point

1,805 ft

~66.7 mi in

Elevation Range

1,748 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between California, PA and Upper Darby, PA, road signs point toward Patp and Allentown.

Patp

62.4 mi in | ~1h 15m

Allentown

62.4 mi in | ~1h 15m

About the Cities

Starting in California, PA

Full guide →

One of the most diverse states in the Union, California has a culture ranging from the easygoing surf spots on the beaches of Southern California to the glamor of Hollywood, and the counterculture and thriving businesses of the Bay Area. The state, which is on the west coast of the U.S., also varies greatly in natural beauty, from redwood forests on the North Coast to the ski resorts of the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains and the harsh desert of Death Valley. The largest state in the U.S. by population and the third largest by area, California boasts world-famous attractions and sights: Disneyland, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Napa Valley wine country, and the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney.

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 3h 9m. Total distance: 155.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 75.1 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $9.76 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 Upper Darby, 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 62.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 63.5 miles (I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Upper Darby, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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