Clymer, PA to Philadelphia, PA is 273.9 miles and takes about 5h 25m via Pennsylvania Turnpike/I-76, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route takes you across Pennsylvania, beginning in the Northeast region and ending in the Northeast region. With 86% highway driving, expect a relatively direct trip connecting these two points within the state. Given the 5.5-hour estimated drive time, this trip is well-suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
137 miles from Clymer, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
181 mi
3h 16m
I 99
27.2 mi
29m
I 76
18 mi
26m
William Penn Highway
16.4 mi
19m
PA 553
6.8 mi
12m
Ridge Road
4.7 mi
8m
1st Street
4.6 mi
8m
Plank Road
3.7 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 181 mi, about 3h 16m
Traffic on I-99
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,099 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,386
Quietest
1 AM
~71 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Philadelphia, PA.
1
Start on 6th Street
31 ft·5 sec·6th Street
2
Turn right onto PA 286; PA 403
0.4 mi·27 sec·Franklin Street
3
Turn right onto PA 403
0.1 mi·19 sec·2nd Street
4
Turn left onto PA 403
472 ft·11 sec·Hancock Street
5
Turn right onto PA 403
4.6 mi·8 min·1st Street
6
Turn left onto PA 403; PA 553
2.2 mi·3 min·PA 403; PA 553
7
Continue on PA 553
6.8 mi·12 min·PA 553
8
Keep slight right at fork onto PA 553
4.7 mi·8 min·Ridge Road
9
Turn right onto US 219
1.8 mi·2 min·Plank Road
10
Continue on US 219
1.9 mi·2 min·Plank Road
11
Continue on North Center Street
3.1 mi·4 min·North Center Street
12
Turn left onto East High Street
0.3 mi·52 sec·East High Street
13
Turn slight right onto Rowena Drive
0.6 mi·1 min·Rowena Drive
14
Merge onto Admiral Peary Highway
0.2 mi·28 sec·Admiral Peary Highway
Toward US 22 East: Hollidaysburg
15
Turn left
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 22 East: HollidaysburgUse the left lane.
16
Merge onto US 22
16 mi·19 min·William Penn Highway
17
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·45 sec·this road
Toward I 99, US 220: Altoona, Bedford
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·43 sec
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Bedford
19
Merge onto I 99; US 220
27 mi·29 min·I 99; US 220
20
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
21
Keep slight right at fork
284 ft·8 sec
Toward US 220 Business South: Bedford
22
Turn slight right onto US 220 BUS
0.2 mi·26 sec·Business 220
23
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward I 70, I 76, PATP: Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 76 East, I 70 East: Harrisburg
25
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
181 mi·3 hr 16 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit onto I 76
18 mi·26 min·I 76
Exit 326Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30
0.8 mi·1 min·Vine Street Expressway
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central PhiladelphiaUse the slight left / straight lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward Central PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork
313 ft·11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
30
Turn right onto North 15th Street
0.4 mi·48 sec·North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
31
Turn slight left onto PA 611
379 ft·8 sec·South Penn Square
32
Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square
167 ft·2 sec·South Penn Square
33
Arrive at destination
South Penn Square
Trip Plan
For this roughly 5.5-hour drive, consider departing early in the morning to make the most of daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. The route is primarily highway, so plan your fuel stops strategically, as services might be more spaced out on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. With only one recommended stop and a manageable duration, you have flexibility; however, breaking it up around the 181-mile mark on the Turnpike could offer a good mid-point rest. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch, to ensure you don't need to detour for gas.
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 137 miles from Clymer, PA, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 181 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 60 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137 miles or 2h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Philadelphia, 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 273.9 miles and 5h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike for about 181 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 26.8 and 273.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
26.8 mi into trip|~45m in
Turn left toward US 22 East: Hollidaysburg
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 22 East: Hollidaysburg
6
44 mi into trip|~1h 6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Bedford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Bedford
8
254.4 mi into trip|~4h 56m in|I 76
Take the exit onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
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 326
Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
8
272.5 mi into trip|~5h 22m in|I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadel...
9
273.4 mi into trip|~5h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.84 one way
$95.67 round trip
$4.44/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.86
$52.38
$104.75
premium
$5.20
$56.03
$112.06
diesel
$6.28
$67.68
$135.35
Estimated Tolls: $23.54
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(181 mi)$23.54
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
$48
Tolls
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$96–$121
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.2
1
$28.76
$13.15
Efficient EV
68.5
0
$23.97
$10.96
EV Truck/SUV
109.6
1
$38.35
$17.53
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 19, 2026
Origin
Clymer, PA
Morning
in Clymer on Sunday
Local time
6:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
NE 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 10:42PM EDT until October 19 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Philadelphia, PA
Morning
in Philadelphia on Sunday
Local time
6:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
N 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 10:42PM EDT until October 19 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
47°F
State Line, PA
137 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 25m 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.
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...
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 273.9
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 151.1
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...
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 28.3
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
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 198.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 86% of the 273.9 miles on major roads like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-76. You'll experience a substantial stretch of 181 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, likely meaning fewer exits and more consistent cruising. Expect the transition to more local roads to occur after this long highway segment as you approach your destination.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 181 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 26.8 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 273.9 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 26.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 44 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 254.4 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,084 ft45 ft
Total Climb
1,553 ft
Total Descent
2,758 ft
Highest Point
2,084 ft
~19.6 mi in
Elevation Range
2,039 ft
Notable High Points
1,615 ft at ~97.8 miles+509 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clymer, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Bedford, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Patp: Pittsburgh.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 25m. Total distance: 273.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 181 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $23.54 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.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Philadelphia, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 26.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 44 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 254.4 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Philadelphia, PA before the return drive.
