Cochranton, PA to Allentown, PA is 291.6 miles and takes about 5h 55m via Keystone Shortway, William Penn Highway, and US Highway 322, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, covering mostly surface roads. You'll find this route offers a straightforward way to get across the state, suitable for a single day of driving. Plan for a consistent pace as you navigate through familiar Pennsylvania landscapes.
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
145.8 miles from Cochranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
153.1 mi
2h 44m
William Penn Highway
21.6 mi
26m
US Highway 322
17.2 mi
25m
US 322
14.5 mi
20m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Elysburg Road
9.7 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 153.1 mi, about 2h 44m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 22 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,072 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,424
Quietest
2 AM
~183 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Cochranton, PA and Allentown, PA.
1
Start on PA 173
0.6 mi·1 min·Adams Street
2
Turn right onto US 322
14 mi·20 min·US 322
3
Continue on US 322
1.2 mi·2 min·Grant Street
4
Turn right onto US 322
0.3 mi·47 sec·Meadville Pike
5
Continue on US 322
0.2 mi·48 sec·13th Street
6
Turn left onto US 62; US 322; PA 8
0.8 mi·2 min·Liberty Street
Use the left lane.
7
Turn left onto US 322
0.2 mi·15 sec·8th Street
8
Continue on US 322
1.7 mi·2 min·Lakes To the Sea Highway
9
Continue on US 322
4.8 mi·7 min·US Highway 322
10
Continue on US 322
2.7 mi·4 min·Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
11
Continue on US 322
12 mi·17 min·US Highway 322
12
Continue on US 322
5.1 mi·7 min·Main Street
13
Continue on US 322
1.7 mi·2 min·West Main Street
14
Continue on US 322
1.6 mi·2 min·Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
15
Continue on US 322
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
16
Continue on US 322
4.1 mi·5 min·Route 322
17
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
18
Merge onto I 80
153 mi·2 hr 44 min·Keystone Shortway
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
20
Turn slight left
79 ft·2 sec
21
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
23
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi·49 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
24
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
26
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
27
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
28
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
29
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
30
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
31
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
32
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
33
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
34
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
35
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi·3 min·Centre Street
37
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
38
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi·26 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
39
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.
40
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward CetroniaUse the slight right lane.
41
Turn straight onto Tilghman Street
4.9 mi·8 min·Tilghman Street
Use the straight lane.
42
Arrive at destination
Tilghman Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 55m estimated drive time, leaving in the morning will allow you to complete this trip in one day. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, flexibility is key. You can decide on your break timing based on your own needs, perhaps stopping around the halfway point. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially as you transition off the highway sections; the estimated fuel cost is $49. Consider that the 153.1-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway is the longest continuous segment without significant highway transitions.
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 145.8 miles from Cochranton, PA, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153.1 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 64 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.8 miles or 2h 59m 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 44m
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 Cochranton, 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 Cochranton, PA
This is one driving day of about 291.6 miles and 5h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Cochranton, 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 153.1 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 16.8 and 286.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
16.8 mi into trip|~25m in|US 62; US 322; PA 8 / Liberty Street
Turn left onto US 62; US 322; PA 8 / Liberty Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
206.3 mi into trip|~4h 4m 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
206.5 mi into trip|~4h 5m in|PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Turn right onto PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
285.5 mi into trip|~5h 45m 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
286.4 mi into trip|~5h 47m 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
$46.50 one way
$92.99 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$51.45
$102.91
premium
$4.81
$55.20
$110.39
diesel
$4.80
$55.06
$110.12
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
$47
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.5
1
$30.62
$14.00
Efficient EV
72.9
0
$25.52
$11.66
EV Truck/SUV
116.6
1
$40.82
$18.66
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Cochranton, PA
Afternoon
in Cochranton on Sunday
Local time
3:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Patchy Smoke
N 6 to 9 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 10:02PM EDT until July 19 at 7:00AM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:46PM EDT until July 19 at 8:45AM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Destination
Allentown, PA
Afternoon
in Allentown on Sunday
Local time
3:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Patchy Fog
W 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 10:02PM EDT until July 19 at 7:00AM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 9:46PM EDT until July 19 at 8:45AM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh 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
12 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
5h 55m 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
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 251.4
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily on surface roads, with only 16% of the route on highways. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 153.1 miles on the Keystone Shortway before transitioning to other roads. Expect to notice a higher density of intersections and potential slowdowns as you move from highway sections to more local routes. The majority of your driving will be at lower speeds typical of state highways and US routes.
Only 16% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 153.1 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 16.8 miles in near US 62; US 322; PA 8 / Liberty Street.
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 291.6 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 16.8 miles (US 62; US 322; PA 8 / Liberty Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 206.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 206.5 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,567 ft346 ft
Total Climb
1,899 ft
Total Descent
2,623 ft
Highest Point
1,567 ft
~166.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,221 ft
Notable High Points
1,207 ft at ~229.1 miles+658 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 Cochranton, 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 5h 55m. Total distance: 291.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 153.1 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 21 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 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 16.8 miles (US 62; US 322; PA 8 / Liberty Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 206.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 206.5 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Allentown, PA before the return drive.
