Croydon, PA to Central City, PA is 220.9 miles and takes about 4h 9m via Keystone Shortway, Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, and Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region toward the west. You'll experience a mix of highway cruising and surface roads, making it a straightforward drive. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, it's an easy one-day excursion for most drivers.
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
110.4 miles from Croydon, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
118.8 mi
2h 10m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
74.2 mi
1h 20m
Pennsylvania Turnpike
17.1 mi
18m
Street Road
4.2 mi
7m
US 220 Alternate
1.7 mi
2m
State Road
1.6 mi
3m
Lincoln Highway
0.3 mi
<1m
Moose Run Road
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 118.8 mi, about 2h 10m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 26 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,092 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,504
Quietest
2 AM
~185 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 Croydon, PA and Central City, PA.
1
Start on State Road
1.6 mi·3 min·State Road
2
Turn right onto Street Road
4.2 mi·7 min·Street Road
Use the right lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 1 North: Trenton
4
Merge onto US 1
0.3 mi·26 sec·Lincoln Highway
Toward US 1 North: Morrisville
5
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 276, PATPUse the right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, AllentownUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 276; PATP
17 mi·18 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Toward I 476: Chester, AllentownUse the slight right lane.
Exit 95Toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 80 West: Hazleton
14
Merge onto I 80
119 mi·2 hr 10 min·Keystone Shortway
15
Take the exit onto US 220 Alternate
0.3 mi·42 sec·US 220 Alternate
Toward PA 150 , US 220 Alt. south: Milesburg, BlanchardUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220 Alternate
1.4 mi·1 min·US 220 Alternate
17
Turn slight right onto PA 150
0.2 mi·34 sec·PA 150
Toward Milesburg, Bellefonte, State CollegeUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
392 ft·19 sec
19
Turn left onto Moose Run Road
0.2 mi·26 sec·Moose Run Road
20
Arrive at destination
Moose Run Road
Trip Plan
Starting your drive from Croydon in the morning is a good idea, especially since the trip can easily be completed in one day. You'll want to factor in roughly 4 hours and 9 minutes of driving time, plus any time for your single recommended stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; the estimated cost is around $40, but it's always wise to fill up before leaving the immediate Philadelphia area. Since the drive is under 5 hours, you have the flexibility to leave a bit later if needed, but an earlier start means a more leisurely arrival in Central City.
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 110.4 miles from Croydon, PA, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.8 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 49 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 110.4 miles or 2h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Central City, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Croydon, 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 Croydon, PA
This is one driving day of about 220.9 miles and 4h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Croydon, 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 118.8 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 1.6 and 218.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.6 mi into trip|~3m in|Street Road
Turn right onto Street Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
6.2 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 276, PATP
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 276, PATP
8
6.8 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown
7
24.1 mi into trip|~31m in
Take the exit toward I 476: Chester, Allentown
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 I 476: Chester, Allentown
7
218.7 mi into trip|~4h 5m in|US 220 Alternate
Take the exit onto US 220 Alternate toward PA 150 , US 220 Alt. south: Milesburg, Blanchard
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 PA 150 , US 220 Alt. south: Milesburg, B...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.22 one way
$70.44 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$38.98
$77.96
premium
$4.81
$41.81
$83.63
diesel
$4.80
$41.71
$83.42
Estimated Tolls: $11.87
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(91.2 mi)$11.87
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
$35
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.3
0
$23.19
$10.60
Efficient EV
55.2
0
$19.33
$8.84
EV Truck/SUV
88.4
1
$30.93
$14.14
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Croydon, PA
Afternoon
in Croydon on Sunday
Local time
3:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Areas Of Smoke
SW 10 mph59% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 18 at 4:45PM EDT until July 18 at 5:15PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:44PM EDT until July 18 at 5:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Central City, PA
Afternoon
in Central City on Sunday
Local time
3:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 9 mph50% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued July 18 at 4:45PM EDT until July 18 at 5:15PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:44PM EDT until July 18 at 5:00PM 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 9m 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.
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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 30.5
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 22.8
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 22.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is about 42% highway, meaning you'll spend a significant portion on main roads. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is 118.8 miles on the Keystone Shortway. Expect to transition from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension to the Pennsylvania Turnpike before encountering more surface roads as you get closer to Central City. The frequent exits on the turnpike sections will keep you engaged, while the surface road portions offer a more relaxed pace.
42% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 118.8 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in near Street Road.
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 18 significant decision points across 220.9 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 1.6 miles (Street Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,759 ft26 ft
Total Climb
3,050 ft
Total Descent
2,313 ft
Highest Point
1,759 ft
~94.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,733 ft
Notable High Points
1,759 ft at ~94.7 miles+548 ft prominence
1,742 ft at ~189.3 miles+749 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Croydon, PA and Central City, PA, road signs point toward Allentown and Mount Pocono.
Allentown
24.1 mi in|~31m
Mount Pocono
98.7 mi in|~1h 52m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 220.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 118.8 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $11.87 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 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 Central City, 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 1.6 miles (Street Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, Independence National Historical Park and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Central City, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
