Cochranton, PA to Reading, PA is 281.1 miles and takes about 5h 42m via Grant Street, Meadville Pike, and 13th Street, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, traversing the Northeast region from start to finish. Expect a drive primarily on surface roads, offering a more local perspective than a highway-bound trip. With a single recommended stop and a duration under six hours, this route is well-suited for a straightforward, same-day excursion.
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
140.6 miles from Cochranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
153.1 mi
2h 44m
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
Pottsville Pike
10.2 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 44 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,043 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,449
Quietest
2 AM
~187 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 Cochranton, PA and Reading, 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
4.2 mi·5 min·Centre Street
37
Continue on PA 61
0.3 mi·17 sec·South 4th Street
38
Continue on PA 61
2.3 mi·2 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Continue on PA 61
0.6 mi·43 sec·Shoemaker Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
40
Continue on PA 61
3.2 mi·3 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
41
Continue on PA 61
1.0 mi·1 min·North Centre Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
42
Continue on PA 61
4.7 mi·6 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight lane.
43
Continue on PA 61
2.8 mi·4 min·Centre Avenue
Use the straight lane.
44
Continue on PA 61
0.8 mi·1 min·North 4th Street
45
Turn left onto US 422 Business
0.2 mi·27 sec·Franklin Street
46
Turn left onto South 6th Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·South 6th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
47
Turn left onto US 422 Business Alternate
278 ft·4 sec·Penn Street
48
Arrive at destination
US 422 Business Alternate
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 42m estimated drive time, leaving Cochranton in the morning should allow you to reach Reading with plenty of daylight. Plan for at least one stop along the way to break up the 281.1 miles and stretch your legs. Since this route is primarily surface roads, keep an eye on your speed and be mindful of local traffic patterns, especially as you pass through smaller communities. The estimated fuel cost of $47 is a good baseline, but it's always wise to factor in a little extra for unforeseen detours or local purchases.
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 140.6 miles from Cochranton, PA, or about 2h 54m 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 62 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.6 miles or 2h 54m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Reading, 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 281.1 miles and 5h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 16.8 and 280.9 — 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.
5
209.9 mi into trip|~4h 10m in|PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Turn left onto PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
280.9 mi into trip|~5h 41m in|South 6th Street
Turn left onto South 6th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.47 one way
$98.94 round trip
$4.47/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.89
$54.10
$108.19
premium
$5.23
$57.84
$115.67
diesel
$6.18
$68.38
$136.77
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84.3
1
$29.52
$13.49
Efficient EV
70.3
0
$24.60
$11.24
EV Truck/SUV
112.4
1
$39.35
$17.99
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% 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 17, 2026
Origin
Cochranton, PA
Morning
in Cochranton on Saturday
Local time
6:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
36°F
Chance Rain Showers
N 12 to 15 mph36% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued October 16 at 9:09PM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued October 16 at 6:51PM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Reading, PA
Morning
in Reading on Saturday
Local time
6:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
NW 15 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued October 16 at 9:09PM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued October 16 at 6:51PM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
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
9 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 42m 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 242.3
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 covers 281.1 miles with a 0% highway share, meaning you'll be on surface roads for the entire trip. The main thoroughfares include Grant Street, Meadville Pike, and 13th Street. Without any highway stretches, anticipate navigating through towns and rural areas at lower speeds. You'll likely notice more intersections and local traffic as you make your way across the state.
Only 17% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
48 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?
4/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 16.8 miles in near US 62; US 322; PA 8 / Liberty Street.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 5h 42m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow 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
1,600 ft423 ft
Total Climb
1,054 ft
Total Descent
1,982 ft
Highest Point
1,600 ft
~60.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,177 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 Cochranton, PA to Reading, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Reading is a historic city of about 95,000 (2020 Census) in Pennsylvania, about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia, 35 miles southwest of Allentown and 55 miles east of Harrisburg. It punches above its weight in culture, and its downtown features some iconic buildings, so consider making it a stopover on your way between any of these and other area cities.
Top landmarks
•Frederick Lauer Monument — monument in City Park, Reading, Pennsylvania, United States
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.
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.
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 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Reading, PA before the return drive.
