Croydon, PA to Elkland, PA is 255.9 miles and takes about 5h 1m via Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, Keystone Shortway, and US 15, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region toward the northern part of the state. With a majority of the drive on highways, expect a relatively straightforward trip. Plan for about 5 hours of driving time, not including any stops you might want to make along the way.
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
127.9 miles from Croydon, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m into the drive
.
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
66 mi·1 hr 12 min·Keystone Shortway
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 210A-BToward US 15: Lewisburg, WilliamsportUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·40 sec
Exit 210BToward US 15 North: Williamsport
17
Merge onto US 15
2.6 mi·3 min·Westbranch Highway
18
Continue on US 15
12 mi·16 min·US Highway 15
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 15
1.1 mi·1 min·Montgomery Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on US 15
0.6 mi·1 min·Hastings Street
21
Continue on US 15
0.4 mi·58 sec·Market Street
Use the left lane.
22
Take the exit onto US 15
0.2 mi·31 sec·US 15
Use the left lane.
23
Merge onto I 180; US 15; US 220
1.6 mi·2 min·Susquehanna Beltway
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 15
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·US 15
Exit 29Toward US 15 North: MansfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 196Toward PA 49: Elkland, LawrencevilleUse the slight right lane.
26
Turn left onto PA 49
9.5 mi·15 min·Route 49
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on PA 49
0.4 mi·37 sec·East Main Street
28
Arrive at destination
PA 49
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and avoid potential evening traffic. Since the total driving time is manageable for a single day, you have flexibility with stops. Consider breaking up the drive around the halfway point or after the longest highway stretch. Keep an eye on fuel; while the estimated cost is $43, it’s wise to top off before leaving the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, as services can be more spread out on the Keystone Shortway. The significant highway share means you can cover ground efficiently, but be prepared for a change in scenery and pace as you transition to US 15.
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 127.9 miles from Croydon, PA, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.2 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 56 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.9 miles or 2h 26m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elkland, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
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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 255.9 miles and 5h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension for about 74.2 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.2 and 245.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
8
165.7 mi into trip|~3h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 15: Lewisburg, Williamsport
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 210A-B
Toward US 15: Lewisburg, Williamsport
8
184.7 mi into trip|~3h 36m in|US 15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 15 toward US 15 North: Mansfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 29
Toward US 15 North: Mansfield
8
245.5 mi into trip|~4h 43m in
Take the exit toward PA 49: Elkland, Lawrenceville
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 196
Toward PA 49: Elkland, Lawrenceville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.03 one way
$90.07 round trip
$4.47/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.89
$49.25
$98.49
premium
$5.23
$52.65
$105.30
diesel
$6.18
$62.25
$124.50
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
$45
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.8
0
$26.87
$12.28
Efficient EV
64
0
$22.39
$10.24
EV Truck/SUV
102.4
1
$35.83
$16.38
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Croydon, PA
Night
in Croydon on Saturday
Local time
9:37 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
N 15 mph44% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 7:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:10AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Elkland, PA
Night
in Elkland on Saturday
Local time
9:37 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Slight Chance Very Light Rain then Mostly Sunny
N 9 to 14 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 7:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:10AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
66°F
Harrisburg, PA
128 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
10 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 1m 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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 26.5
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 17.6
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 26.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 68% of the 255.9 miles on major roads. You'll experience a longest stretch of 74.2 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. Expect to transition from highway to surface roads after the Keystone Shortway portion, likely encountering more local traffic and intersections as you approach Elkland. The highway sections offer straightforward cruising, while the latter part of the drive will feel more like navigating through smaller towns.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.2 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and Keystone Shortway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.2 miles in.
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 21 significant decision points across 255.9 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 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; at 165.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,758 ft26 ft
Total Climb
2,892 ft
Total Descent
1,787 ft
Highest Point
1,758 ft
~219.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,731 ft
Notable High Points
1,758 ft at ~219.3 miles+547 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 Elkland, PA, road signs point toward Allentown, Mount Pocono and Williamsport.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 1m. Total distance: 255.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 74.2 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. 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 16 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 Elkland, 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 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: 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; at 165.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Elkland, PA before the return drive.
