Origin
Clifton Heights, PA
Morning in Clifton Heights on Sunday
Local time
8:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clifton Heights, 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 30m
Distance
230.3 mi
371 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 18m
★
6 AM
4h 31m
8 AM
4h 58m
10 AM
4h 40m
12 PM
4h 38m
3 PM
4h 42m
5 PM
4h 56m
8 PM
4h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clifton Heights, PA
Michael Taccetta
Trip Overview
Clifton Heights, PA to Altoona, PA is 230.3 miles and takes about 4h 30m via Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region of the state towards its central part. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip that's ideal for a single-day journey. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical option when you need to get from point A to point B efficiently. Plan for a relatively quick travel day with minimal fuss.
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
115.2 miles from Clifton Heights, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 174.6 mi | 3h 9m |
| I 99 | 32.7 mi | 35m |
| Darby Paoli Road | 3.7 mi | 6m |
| Springfield Road | 3.5 mi | 8m |
| East Lancaster Avenue | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| Sproul Road | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| Newtown Street Road | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| West Chester Pike | 1.5 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 174.6 mi, about 3h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clifton Heights, PA and Altoona, PA.
1
Start on this road
168 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto South Springfield Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Springfield Road
3
Continue on Springfield Road
2.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Springfield Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Turn straight onto PA 320
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Sproul Road
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn straight onto Springfield Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Springfield Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Turn left onto PA 3
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
West Chester Pike
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Turn right onto PA 252
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Newtown Street Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on PA 252
3.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Darby Paoli Road
9
Turn left onto Darby Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Darby Road
10
At end of road, turn left onto US 30
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
East Lancaster Avenue
11
Turn right onto PA 29
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Morehall Road
12
Continue on PA 29
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
North Morehall Road
13
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward PATP Toll, I 76 Toll: Valley Forge, Harrisburg
Use the right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
Use the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto I 76; PATP
175 mi
·
3 hr 9 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward Altoona, Johnstown
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn left onto US 220 BUS
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Business 220
18
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
20
Merge onto I 99; US 220
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 99; US 220
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward 17th Street
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward Altoona
23
Turn straight onto 17th Street
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
17th Street
24
Turn right onto PA 764
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
6th Avenue
25
Turn left onto 7th Street
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
7th Street
26
Arrive at destination
7th Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach your destination without feeling rushed. You'll want to factor in one stop, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the majority of the drive is on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, keep an eye on toll road signage and be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak hours. Your estimated fuel cost is about $38, so ensure your tank is full before you depart.
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 115.2 miles from Clifton Heights, PA, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 174.6 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 51 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.2 miles or 2h 22m 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 42m
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 Clifton Heights, 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 Clifton Heights, PA
This is one driving day of about 230.3 miles and 4h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Clifton Heights, 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 174.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
115 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 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 115.2 miles from Clifton Heights, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 174.6 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 195 decision points cluster between mile 18 and 194.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
18 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Take the ramp toward PATP Toll, I 76 Toll: Valley Forge, Harrisburg
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward PATP Toll, I 76 Toll: Valley Forge, Harr...
7
18.4 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
7
193.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 48m 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
6
194.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 49m in
Take the ramp toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
7
194.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 49m 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
$38.18 one way
$76.36 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
81 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $41.82 | $83.63 |
| premium | $4.93 | $44.66 | $89.33 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $50.85 | $101.69 |
Estimated Tolls: $22.69
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(174.6 mi)
$22.69
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
$38
Tolls
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69.1 | 0 | $24.18 | $11.05 |
| Efficient EV | 57.6 | 0 | $20.15 | $9.21 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 92.1 | 1 | $32.24 | $14.74 |
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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.
Destination
Altoona, PA
Morning in Altoona on Sunday
Local time
8:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Middlesex, PA
115 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
22 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 30m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument
National Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 111.2
View on nps.gov
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
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 15.9
View on nps.gov
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
$1
View on nps.gov
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 71.5
View on nps.gov
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 7.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 90% of the route utilizing major interstates like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99. You'll experience a predominantly high-speed travel environment for the majority of the 230.3 miles. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 174.6 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering a chance to maintain steady progress. Expect a consistent driving experience with minimal deviations onto smaller roads, making it a predictable journey for those prioritizing efficiency.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 174.6 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 18 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 19 significant decision points across 230.3 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 18 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 193.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Clifton Heights, PA and Altoona, PA, road signs point toward Patp Toll, Harrisburg and Johnstown.
Patp Toll
18 mi in
|
~36m
Harrisburg
18 mi in
|
~36m
Johnstown
193.6 mi in
|
~3h 48m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 30m. Total distance: 230.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 174.6 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.69 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 18 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 193.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Valley Forge National Historical Park and Independence National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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