Colerain, PA to Reading, PA is 164 miles and takes about 3h 36m via Pennsylvania Turnpike and William Penn Highway, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Northeast region, specifically within Pennsylvania, making it a straightforward trip between two points in the same state. Given its relatively short duration and focus on major roadways, it's a practical option for a quick relocation or a visit to Reading. You'll find the journey manageable, with most of the driving on well-maintained highways, so you can expect a consistent pace for the majority of the trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
82 miles from Colerain, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
84.8 mi
1h 30m
William Penn Highway
21.4 mi
31m
Croghan Pike
15.7 mi
23m
US 222
7.4 mi
9m
US 222 BUS
4.9 mi
8m
Spring Run Road
4.8 mi
8m
Timmons Road
3.9 mi
6m
Forge Hill Road
3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 84.8 mi, about 1h 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colerain, PA and Reading, PA.
1
Start on PA 45
2.1 mi·3 min·Spruce Creek Road
2
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 45
2.4 mi·4 min·PA 45
3
At end of road, turn left onto PA 453
0.7 mi·1 min·Birmingham Pike
4
Turn left onto US 22
21 mi·31 min·William Penn Highway
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
5
Turn right onto US 522
11 mi·16 min·Croghan Pike
6
Continue on US 522
0.5 mi·46 sec·South Ridgley Street
7
Continue on US 522
0.2 mi·15 sec·Ridgely Street
8
Continue on US 522
4.9 mi·7 min·Croghan Pike
9
Continue on US 522
0.2 mi·24 sec·Main Street
10
Turn left onto PA 641
2.9 mi·5 min·Neelyton Road
11
Continue on PA 641
2.6 mi·4 min·Neelytown Road
12
Continue on PA 641
4.8 mi·8 min·Spring Run Road
13
Turn right onto PA 641
3.9 mi·6 min·Timmons Road
14
Continue on PA 641
3.0 mi·5 min·Forge Hill Road
15
Continue on PA 641; PA 997
0.1 mi·17 sec·Newburg Road
16
Turn left onto PA 997
1.5 mi·2 min·Cumberland Highway
17
Continue on PA 997
1.6 mi·2 min·Trout Run
18
Continue on PA 997
0.9 mi·1 min·Cumberland Highway
19
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
21
Merge onto I 76; PATP
85 mi·1 hr 30 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·35 sec
Toward US 222: Reading, EphrataUse the slight right lane.
23
Continue on Colonel Howard Boulevard
0.6 mi·1 min·Colonel Howard Boulevard
24
Keep slight left at fork onto Colonel Howard Boulevard
0.1 mi·15 sec·Colonel Howard Boulevard
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward US 222 North: Reading
26
Merge onto US 222
3.3 mi·3 min·US 222
27
Continue on US 222
4.1 mi·5 min·US 222
28
Take the exit onto US 222 BUS
4.9 mi·8 min·US 222 BUS
Toward US 222 Business: Lancaster Avenue, ShillingtonUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn left onto US 222 BUS
0.4 mi·47 sec·South 5th Street
Use the left lane.
30
Turn right onto US 422 Business
0.1 mi·16 sec·Franklin Street
31
Turn left onto South 6th Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·South 6th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
32
Turn left onto US 422 Business Alternate
278 ft·4 sec·Penn Street
33
Arrive at destination
US 422 Business Alternate
Trip Plan
For this 164-mile journey, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic delays, especially on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. With a driving time of just under 3.5 hours and only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. The estimated fuel cost is around $27, so ensure your tank is full before departing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a clear exit point is 84.8 miles on the turnpike; plan your fuel stops accordingly before embarking on this segment.
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 82 miles from Colerain, PA, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.8 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 36 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 82 miles or 2h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 57m
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 Colerain, 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 Colerain, PA
This is one driving day of about 164 miles and 3h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Colerain, 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 84.8 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 64.8 and 163.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
64.8 mi into trip|~1h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
7
149.9 mi into trip|~3h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 222: Reading, Ephrata
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 US 222: Reading, Ephrata
6
150.8 mi into trip|~3h 16m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 222 North: Reading
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 222 North: Reading
7
158.4 mi into trip|~3h 26m in|US 222 BUS
Take the exit onto US 222 BUS toward US 222 Business: Lancaster Avenue, Shillington
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 US 222 Business: Lancaster Avenue, Shill...
6
163.9 mi into trip|~3h 36m in|South 6th Street
Turn left onto South 6th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.19 one way
$54.38 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg57 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$29.78
$59.56
premium
$4.93
$31.81
$63.61
diesel
$5.61
$36.21
$72.42
Estimated Tolls: $11.02
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(84.8 mi)$11.02
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
$27
Tolls
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 57.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
21 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Giant - Tesla Supercharger
Harrisburg, PA
Tesla
12 DCFC
Dunkn' Middletown
Middletown, PA
NAYAX_ENERGY
12 DCFC
McKinney Station Ice Cream and Farm Market - Tesla Supercharger
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
49.2
0
$17.22
$7.87
Efficient EV
41
0
$14.35
$6.56
EV Truck/SUV
65.6
0
$22.96
$10.50
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Colerain, PA
Morning
in Colerain on Sunday
Local time
7:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Reading, PA
Morning
in Reading on Sunday
Local time
7:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
3h 36m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 130.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 61% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, including a continuous stretch of 84.8 miles. While the majority of the drive is on the turnpike, the inclusion of roads like William Penn Highway and Croghan Pike suggests a transition to more local or arterial roads as you approach your destination. Expect a mix of faster highway travel and potentially some more varied road conditions as you get closer to Reading.
61% 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: 84.8 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and William Penn Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 64.8 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 164 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 64.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 149.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
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 Colerain, PA to Reading, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Ephrata along the way.
Ephrata
149.9 mi in|~3h 14m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 36m. Total distance: 164 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.8 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $11.02 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 Reading, 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 64.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 149.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Reading, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
