Valley Forge Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Trip from Coolspring, PA to Philadelphia, PA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 29m
Distance
284.1 mi
457 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$50
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 16m
★
6 AM
5h 30m
8 AM
5h 57m
10 AM
5h 39m
12 PM
5h 36m
3 PM
5h 40m
5 PM
5h 55m
8 PM
5h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Coolspring, PA
Maciej Cisowski
Philadelphia, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Coolspring, PA to Philadelphia, PA is 284.1 miles and takes about 5h 29m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. It's a highway-focused drive, making it a straightforward option for a single-day journey. With 96% of the drive on highways, you can expect a consistent pace. This route is best suited for travelers prioritizing efficiency and a direct path.
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
142.1 miles from Coolspring, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 47m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 236.3 mi | 4h 17m |
| I 76 | 18 mi | 26m |
| US 119 | 10.3 mi | 12m |
| Pleasant Valley Road | 7.9 mi | 13m |
| PA 31 | 6 mi | 9m |
| Connellsville Road | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Coolspring Jumonville Road | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| Vine Street Expressway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 236.3 mi, about 4h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Coolspring, PA and Philadelphia, PA.
1
Start on Stronko Lane
124 ft
·
7 sec
·
Stronko Lane
2
Turn right onto Coolspring Jumonville Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Coolspring Jumonville Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto Connellsville Road
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Connellsville Road
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
5
Continue on US 119
10 mi
·
12 min
·
US 119
6
Take the exit
244 ft
·
6 sec
7
Turn straight onto PA 982
7.9 mi
·
13 min
·
Pleasant Valley Road
8
Turn right onto PA 31
6.0 mi
·
9 min
·
PA 31
9
Turn slight left
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
10
Turn left
28 ft
·
3 sec
11
Take the ramp
493 ft
·
12 sec
Toward PATP, I 70, I 76
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
13
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
236 mi
·
4 hr 17 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto I 76
18 mi
·
26 min
·
I 76
Exit 326
Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
Use the slight right lane.
15
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 Philadelphia
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward Central Philadelphia
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
313 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Use the slight right lane.
18
Turn right onto North 15th Street
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
19
Turn slight left onto PA 611
379 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Penn Square
20
Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square
167 ft
·
2 sec
·
South Penn Square
21
Arrive at destination
South Penn Square
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 29m estimated duration, leaving Coolspring in the morning will allow ample time to reach Philadelphia before evening. The longest stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike is over 236 miles, so plan for a mid-drive stop to stretch your legs and refuel. While the fuel cost is estimated at $47, it's always wise to have a bit extra for unexpected detours. Since this is a single-day trip with a high highway share, you have flexibility, but be mindful of potential traffic as you approach Philadelphia.
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 142.1 miles from Coolspring, PA, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 236.3 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 63 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.1 miles or 2h 47m 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 26m
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 Coolspring, 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 Coolspring, PA
This is one driving day of about 284.1 miles and 5h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Coolspring, 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 236.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
142 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 142.1 miles from Coolspring, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 236.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
South Midway Service Plaza
0 mi from route
North Midway Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Blue Mountain Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Bomansville Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
North Somerset Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
South Somerset Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Sideling Hill Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Cumberland Valley Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Peter J. Camiel Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Lawn Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
TA
0.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
King of Prussia Service Plaza
0.8 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 283.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Connellsville Road
At end of road, turn right onto Connellsville Road
Navigation decision point
8
264.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 1m 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
282.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 27m 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...
6
283.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 28m in
Take the exit toward Central Philadelphia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Central Philadelphia
9
283.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 28m 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
$49.62 one way
$99.23 round trip
$4.44/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.86 | $54.33 | $108.65 |
| premium | $5.20 | $58.12 | $116.23 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $70.20 | $140.39 |
Estimated Tolls: $30.72
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(236.3 mi)
$30.72
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
$50
Tolls
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$105–$130
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.2 | 1 | $29.83 | $13.64 |
| Efficient EV | 71 | 0 | $24.86 | $11.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 113.6 | 1 | $39.77 | $18.18 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 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.
Origin
Coolspring, PA
Late night in Coolspring on Friday
Local time
3:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
NE 0 to 3 mph
0% chance
Live 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
Late night in Philadelphia on Friday
Local time
3:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Sunny
N 5 to 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 10:42PM EDT until October 19 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
63°F
State Line, PA
142 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 29m 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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
$1
near mile 284.1
Park Closure: Congress Hall Temporary Closure
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
National Memorial
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 284.1
View on nps.gov
Valley Forge National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 264.5
View on nps.gov
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 166.6
View on nps.gov
Flight 93 National Memorial
National Memorial
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their live...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 58.8
View on nps.gov
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
National Battlefield
The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-dominated experience for this 284.1-mile journey, with 96% of the drive on high-speed roads. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, also known as I-76, forms the backbone of this route for a significant stretch. You'll encounter a long, uninterrupted segment of 236.3 miles on the Turnpike, offering a steady rhythm. While primarily a highway-focused drive, you'll begin and end on other major roads like US 119 and I-76, providing a clear transition into and out of the city.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 236.3 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near Connellsville Road.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 284.1 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 0.9 miles (Connellsville Road): Navigation decision point; at 264.7 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 282.7 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,669 ft
45 ft
Total Climb
2,393 ft
Total Descent
3,399 ft
Highest Point
2,669 ft
~60.9 mi in
Elevation Range
2,625 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Coolspring, PA to Philadelphia, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Patp along the way.
Patp
28 mi in
|
~42m
About the Cities
Starting in Coolspring, PA
Full guide →Arriving in Philadelphia, PA
Full guide →Top landmarks
- • Independence Hall — historic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- • Philadelphia Museum of Art — art museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- • Philadelphia City Hall — historic building housing Philadelphia's municipal government
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 29m. Total distance: 284.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 236.3 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $30.72 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 19 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (Connellsville Road): Navigation decision point; at 264.7 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 282.7 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Valley Forge National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 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.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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