Clymer, PA to Allentown, PA is 239.6 miles and takes about 4h 41m via Keystone Shortway and William Penn Highway, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This one-day trip stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a drive that's mostly on surface roads, so it won't feel like a typical interstate cruise. Budgeting about 4.75 hours of driving time, plus any stops, makes this a manageable drive for a single day. It's a straightforward route that can get you from point A to point B efficiently.
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
119.8 miles from Clymer, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
103.7 mi
1h 51m
William Penn Highway
21.6 mi
26m
Franklin Street
19.1 mi
21m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Mahaffey Grampian Highway
9.8 mi
11m
Elysburg Road
9.7 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 103.7 mi, about 1h 51m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,050 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,469
Quietest
2 AM
~189 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Clymer, PA and Allentown, PA.
1
Start on 6th Street
31 ft·5 sec·6th Street
2
Turn right onto PA 286; PA 403
19 mi·21 min·Franklin Street
3
Continue on US 219
4.2 mi·4 min·Burnside McGee Highway
4
Continue on US 219
515 ft·6 sec·Burnside - McGees Highway
5
Continue on US 219; PA 36
1.9 mi·2 min·Colonel Drake Highway
6
Continue on US 219; PA 36
0.5 mi·36 sec·West Main Street
7
Continue on US 219
9.8 mi·11 min·Mahaffey Grampian Highway
8
Continue on US 219
0.7 mi·47 sec·1st Street
9
Continue on PA 879
4.7 mi·5 min·Curwensville Grampian Road
10
Continue on PA 879
2.6 mi·2 min·Curwensville Grampian Highway
11
Continue on PA 879
0.4 mi·24 sec·Curwensville Grampain Highway
12
Continue on PA 879
2.0 mi·2 min·Clearfield Curwensville Highway
13
Turn right onto PA 879
4.2 mi·6 min·Clearfield Shawville Highway
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
15
Merge onto I 80
104 mi·1 hr 51 min·Keystone Shortway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
17
Turn slight left
79 ft·2 sec
18
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
20
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi·49 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
21
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
23
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
24
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
25
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
26
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
27
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
28
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
29
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
30
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
31
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
32
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi·3 min·Centre Street
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
35
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi·26 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
36
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
1.0 mi·1 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI AirportUse the slight right lane.
37
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward CetroniaUse the slight right lane.
38
Turn straight onto Tilghman Street
4.9 mi·8 min·Tilghman Street
Use the straight lane.
39
Arrive at destination
Tilghman Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 239.6-mile drive, consider leaving Clymer, PA, in the morning to give yourself ample daylight. With a total estimated drive time of around 4 hours and 41 minutes, you can complete this trip in one day. You'll want to factor in at least one stop for fuel and a break, especially since the longest continuous stretch on a highway is just over 100 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated fuel cost is $40, and it's always wise to top off before heading into longer stretches of surface roads where services might be less frequent.
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 119.8 miles from Clymer, PA, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.7 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 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.8 miles or 2h 13m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Allentown, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clymer, 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 Clymer, PA
This is one driving day of about 239.6 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Clymer, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 103.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 154.3 and 234.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
154.3 mi into trip|~2h 50m in
Take the exit toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
5
154.6 mi into trip|~2h 51m in|PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Turn right onto PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
157.9 mi into trip|~2h 56m in|PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Turn left onto PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
9
233.5 mi into trip|~4h 32m in|US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
6
234.5 mi into trip|~4h 33m in
Take the exit toward Cetronia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Cetronia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.85 one way
$83.69 round trip
$4.44/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.86
$45.82
$91.63
premium
$5.20
$49.01
$98.03
diesel
$6.28
$59.20
$118.40
Estimated Tolls: $0.07
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(1 mi)$0.07
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
$42
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.9
0
$25.16
$11.50
Efficient EV
59.9
0
$20.97
$9.58
EV Truck/SUV
95.8
1
$33.54
$15.33
Gas CO2
84 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 Oct 23, 2026
Origin
Clymer, PA
Morning
in Clymer on Sunday
Local time
7:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Sunny
NE 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 23 at 2:04PM EDT until October 24 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 23 at 1:38PM EDT until October 24 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Allentown, PA
Morning
in Allentown on Sunday
Local time
7:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Sunny
NE 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 23 at 2:04PM EDT until October 24 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 23 at 1:38PM EDT until October 24 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 41m 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.
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...
21 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 198.3
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features a highway share of 5%, meaning you'll spend most of your time on surface roads. The longest stretch on a highway, the Keystone Shortway, covers 103.7 miles. After that, you'll transition to surface roads like William Penn Highway and Franklin Street. Given the high percentage of surface roads, anticipate frequent intersections and lower average speeds compared to a full interstate experience.
Only 5% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.7 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 154.3 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 239.6 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 154.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.6 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 157.9 miles (PA 54 / Elysburg Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,733 ft346 ft
Total Climb
2,206 ft
Total Descent
3,109 ft
Highest Point
1,733 ft
~119.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,386 ft
Notable High Points
1,733 ft at ~119.8 miles+645 ft prominence
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 Clymer, PA to Allentown, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Allentown is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, the county seat and largest city in Lehigh County, and the third-largest city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with a population of 125,845 as of 2020.
Top landmarks
•Albertus L. Meyers Bridge — bridge in United States of America
•Allentown Masonic Temple — masonic temple in Allentown, Pennsylvania
•Allentown National Bank — bank building in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 239.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.7 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.07 in tolls one way, starting with Lehigh Valley Thruway. 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.
Yes — we found about 13 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Allentown, 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. There are 13 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 154.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.6 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 157.9 miles (PA 54 / Elysburg Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Johnstown Flood National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Allentown, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
