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Trip from Chalfont, PA to Altoona, PA

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

Drive Time

4h 35m

Distance

243.1 mi

391 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$40

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 22m ★
6 AM
4h 35m
8 AM
5h 2m
10 AM
4h 45m
12 PM
4h 42m
3 PM
4h 46m
5 PM
5h 1m
8 PM
4h 27m

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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municipality in Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Chalfont, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 243.1-mile drive from Chalfont, PA, to Altoona, PA, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 35 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99, with a brief section on the Fort Washington Expressway, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip. Expect a fuel cost of around $40 for this journey. Given its efficient highway nature and manageable duration, it's an ideal candidate for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time and pace.

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

121.5 miles from Chalfont, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 193.2 mi 3h 29m
I 99 32.7 mi 35m
Fort Washington Expressway 4.9 mi 6m
Bethlehem Pike 3.5 mi 6m
West Butler Avenue 1.8 mi 3m
Doylestown Road 1.5 mi 2m
17th Street 1.4 mi 2m
6th Avenue 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 193.2 mi, about 3h 29m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chalfont, PA and Altoona, PA.

1

Start on Park Avenue

153 ft · 8 sec · Park Avenue
2

Turn left onto PA 152

0.2 mi · 39 sec · North Main Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto PA 152; US 202 Business

1.8 mi · 3 min · West Butler Avenue
4

Continue on US 202 Business

1.5 mi · 2 min · Doylestown Road
5

Turn left onto PA 309; US 202 Business

3.5 mi · 6 min · Bethlehem Pike
Use the slight left lane.
6

Continue on PA 309

4.9 mi · 6 min · Fort Washington Expressway
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Toward PATP, I 276: Pennsylvania Turnpike, Toll Road, Fort Washington, Oreland Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward PATP, I 276: PA Turnpike, Toll Road Use the slight left lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 276 West: Harrisburg Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto I 276; PATP

193 mi · 3 hr 29 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward Altoona, Johnstown Use the slight right lane.
12

Turn left onto US 220 BUS

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Business 220
13

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
15

Merge onto I 99; US 220

33 mi · 35 min · I 99; US 220
16

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward 17th Street
17

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward Altoona
18

Turn straight onto 17th Street

1.4 mi · 2 min · 17th Street
19

Turn right onto PA 764

0.7 mi · 1 min · 6th Avenue
20

Turn left onto 7th Street

0.2 mi · 18 sec · 7th Street
21

Arrive at destination

7th Street

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour, 35-minute drive, leaving early in the morning is a great way to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to break up the 243.1 miles as needed, perhaps at one of the service plazas along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before you get onto the longer stretches, as the longest continuous segment is over 190 miles. The $40 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting, and since this is a single-day trip, you can easily adjust your departure time based on your schedule.

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 121.5 miles from Chalfont, PA, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 193.2 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 53 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 121.5 miles or 2h 20m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 44m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Chalfont, 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 Chalfont, PA

This is one driving day of about 243.1 miles and 4h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Chalfont, 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 for about 193.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Middlesex, PA, PA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middlesex, PA

122 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

Elkton, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hilltown, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 121.5 miles from Chalfont, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 193.2 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 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.9 and 207.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
11.9 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the exit toward PATP, I 276: Pennsylvania Turnpike, Toll Road, Fort Washington, Oreland

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 PATP, I 276: Pennsylvania Turnpike, Toll...
8
12.1 mi into trip | ~20m in

Keep slight left at fork toward PATP, I 276: PA Turnpike, Toll Road

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward PATP, I 276: PA Turnpike, Toll Road
7
12.9 mi into trip | ~22m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 276 West: Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 276 West: Harrisburg
7
206.4 mi into trip | ~3h 52m in

Take the exit toward Altoona, Johnstown

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 Altoona, Johnstown
7
207.2 mi into trip | ~3h 54m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona

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

Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.30 one way

$80.61 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $44.14 $88.28
premium $4.93 $47.15 $94.29
diesel $5.61 $53.67 $107.35

Estimated Tolls: $25.12

Pennsylvania Turnpike (193.2 mi) $25.12

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

$40

Tolls

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$90–$115

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 85.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 72.9 0 $25.53 $11.67
Efficient EV 60.8 0 $21.27 $9.72
EV Truck/SUV 97.2 1 $34.03 $15.56

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 16, 2026

Origin

Chalfont, PA

Night in Chalfont on Saturday

Local time

10:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

89°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 5 to 15 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA

Destination

Altoona, PA

Night in Altoona on Saturday

Local time

10:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

84°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 13 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA

48°F

Middlesex, PA

122 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

5 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

4h 35m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 95% of the drive taking place on major interstates like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers an impressive 193.2 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering a consistent pace. This highway-centric profile means you'll encounter efficient travel with minimal slowdowns, making for a predictable and smooth drive. The transition between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99 is seamless, maintaining the highway feel throughout the 4-hour-plus journey.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 193.2 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 99. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.9 miles in.

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 16 significant decision points across 243.1 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 11.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,360 ft 174 ft

Total Climb

1,652 ft

Total Descent

771 ft

Highest Point

1,360 ft

~225.7 mi in

Elevation Range

1,186 ft

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 Chalfont, PA to Altoona, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Johnstown along the way.

Johnstown

206.4 mi in | ~3h 52m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 35m. Total distance: 243.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 193.2 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $25.12 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 Altoona, 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 11.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Altoona, 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, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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