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Trip from Croydon, PA to Howard, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 10m

Distance

218.5 mi

352 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 58m ★
6 AM
4h 11m
8 AM
4h 37m
10 AM
4h 20m
12 PM
4h 17m
3 PM
4h 21m
5 PM
4h 36m
8 PM
4h 3m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Howard, PA, PA

Howard, PA

Michael Taccetta

Trip Overview

This 218.5-mile journey from Croydon, PA, to Howard, PA, is a manageable one-day drive, taking approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes. You'll primarily navigate the Keystone Shortway and sections of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a 42% highway share. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $36, making it an economical option. The drive offers a mixed experience, suitable for a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stay. This route keeps you within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, providing a consistent regional feel throughout your travel.

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

109.3 miles from Croydon, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 5m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Keystone Shortway 112.9 mi 2h 3m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 74.2 mi 1h 20m
Pennsylvania Turnpike 17.1 mi 18m
Street Road 4.2 mi 7m
Walnut Street 2.5 mi 6m
Jacksonville Road 2.4 mi 4m
State Road 1.6 mi 3m
Walt Road 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 112.9 mi, about 2h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Croydon, PA and Howard, 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, PATP Use the right lane.
6

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown Use 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, Allentown Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 476 North: Allentown
10

Merge onto I 476; PATP

74 mi · 1 hr 20 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 95 Toward 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

113 mi · 2 hr 3 min · Keystone Shortway
15

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Exit 163 Toward Jacksonville, Howard
16

Turn right onto Walt Road

0.4 mi · 40 sec · Walt Road
17

Turn right onto PA 26

2.4 mi · 4 min · Jacksonville Road
Use the right lane.
18

Turn left onto PA 26

2.5 mi · 6 min · Walnut Street
19

Arrive at destination

PA 26

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour, 10-minute trip, departing in the morning will allow you to reach Howard, PA, with ample daylight. With only one suggested stop and a longest stretch of over 100 miles, plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly. Consider a stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel. The $36 fuel cost is a reasonable estimate, but it's always wise to have a little extra. Since this is a single-day drive, you have the flexibility to depart later if needed, but an earlier start maximizes your time at your destination.

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 109.3 miles from Croydon, PA, or about 2h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.9 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 48 miles or 57m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 109.3 miles or 2h 5m 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 22m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Howard, 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 218.5 miles and 4h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 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 112.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hazleton, PA

109 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

Allentown, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hazleton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 109.3 miles from Croydon, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 98.7 — 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
6
98.7 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in

Take the exit toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 95 Toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.22 one way

$72.45 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 76 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $39.67 $79.35
premium $4.93 $42.38 $84.75
diesel $5.61 $48.24 $96.48

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

$36

Tolls

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 76.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65.6 0 $22.94 $10.49
Efficient EV 54.6 0 $19.12 $8.74
EV Truck/SUV 87.4 1 $30.59 $13.98

Gas CO2

76 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 Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Croydon, PA

Late night in Croydon on Sunday

Local time

3:30 AM

EDT

Current temp

93°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 5 to 15 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 3:08PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Destination

Howard, PA

Late night in Howard on Sunday

Local time

3:30 AM

EDT

Current temp

44°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

49 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

4h 10m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed drive on this route, blending efficient highway travel with potentially more varied road conditions. With 42% of the journey on highways, you'll experience periods of faster driving. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 112.9 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a significant period of consistent travel. The overall profile suggests a drive that isn't solely monotonous interstate cruising but also doesn't involve extensive technical or slow local roads, providing a balanced driving experience.

42% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.9 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 Effort 10/10

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 17 significant decision points across 218.5 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.

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 Howard, PA, road signs point toward Allentown and Mount Pocono.

Allentown

24.1 mi in | ~31m

Mount Pocono

98.7 mi in | ~1h 52m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 10m. Total distance: 218.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 112.9 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.

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 Howard, 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 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Howard, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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