Croydon to Waterford is 386.7 miles and takes about 7h 39m via Keystone Shortway, Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, and Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $65 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Pennsylvania, traversing from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a mix of highway driving and surface roads as you make your way across the state. With a recommended one-day drive, this route is well-suited for a direct journey.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
193.4 miles from Croydon, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
205.6 mi
3h 43m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
74.2 mi
1h 20m
Pennsylvania Turnpike
17.1 mi
18m
William Flinn Highway
12.4 mi
16m
Route 208
12.3 mi
18m
PA 36
9.5 mi
14m
PA-97
6.9 mi
8m
Titusville Road
5.7 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 205.6 mi, about 3h 43m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 60 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,059 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,505
Quietest
2 AM
~188 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Waterford, 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
206 mi·3 hr 43 min·Keystone Shortway
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward US 322: Strattanville
16
Turn right onto US 322
4.0 mi·5 min·Route 322
17
Continue on US 322
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
18
Continue on US 322
1.6 mi·2 min·Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
19
Continue on US 322
1.7 mi·2 min·East Main Street
20
Turn slight right onto US 322
4.6 mi·6 min·North 1st Avenue
21
Turn right onto PA 208
0.4 mi·35 sec·North School Street
22
Continue on PA 208
7.2 mi·10 min·Route 208
23
Continue on PA 208
5.0 mi·7 min·Route 208
24
Continue on PA 36
9.5 mi·14 min·PA 36
25
Turn left onto US 62; PA 36
0.3 mi·20 sec·Route 36 and 62
26
Turn right onto PA 36
4.5 mi·6 min·Colonel Drake Highway
27
Continue on PA 36
4.4 mi·6 min·Tionesta Road
28
Continue on PA 36
1.3 mi·1 min·East State Street
29
Continue on PA 27
2.6 mi·3 min·Titusville Road
30
Continue on PA 27
1.1 mi·2 min·Plank Road
31
Continue on PA 27
1.5 mi·4 min·East Central Avenue
32
Turn slight right onto PA 8
0.9 mi·2 min·West Spring Street
Use the right lane.
33
Continue on PA 8
3.0 mi·4 min·Hydetown Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
34
Continue on PA 8
4.6 mi·6 min·William Flinn Highway
35
Continue on PA 8
1.6 mi·2 min·Erie Street
36
Continue on PA 8
7.8 mi·10 min·William Flinn Highway
37
Continue on PA 8
3.1 mi·4 min·Titusville Road
38
Continue on US 6; PA 8
0.8 mi·2 min·South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Turn left onto PA 97
0.2 mi·23 sec·Perry Street
Use the left lane.
40
Continue on PA 97
0.5 mi·54 sec·Waterford Street
41
Continue on PA 97
6.9 mi·8 min·PA-97
42
Enter roundabout onto US 19; PA 97
62 ft·0 sec·Route 19
43
Continue on US 19; PA 97
0.2 mi·29 sec·Route 19
44
Continue on US 19; PA 97
0.4 mi·52 sec·High Street
45
Arrive at destination
US 19; PA 97
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic and ensure you have ample daylight. With only two recommended stops, you can choose to make one longer break or two shorter ones for fuel and refreshments. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 205.6-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway, as services might be less frequent in some sections. Since this is a single-day trip, flexibility is key; adjust your stops based on your energy levels and any unexpected delays.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 193.4 miles from Croydon, PA, or about 3h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 205.6 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 85 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 193.4 miles or 3h 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waterford, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Croydon, PA
This is one driving day of about 386.7 miles and 7h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Croydon, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 205.6 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 20
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
$68.05 one way
$136.11 round trip
$4.47/gal25.4 MPG avg135 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.89
$74.42
$148.83
premium
$5.23
$79.56
$159.13
diesel
$6.18
$94.07
$188.14
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
$68
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$105–$130
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 135.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
116
1
$40.60
$18.56
Efficient EV
96.7
1
$33.84
$15.47
EV Truck/SUV
154.7
1
$54.14
$24.75
Gas CO2
135 kg
EV CO2
45 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.
Forecast as of Oct 18, 2026
Origin
Croydon, PA
Late night
in Croydon on Monday
Local time
3:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Sunny
N 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Waterford, PA
Late night
in Waterford on Monday
Local time
3:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Widespread Frost then Sunny
S 2 to 7 mph0% chanceLive 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
7h 39m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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 26.7
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 13.3
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 26.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive involves 32% highway travel, meaning you'll spend a significant portion of your time on non-highway roads. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 205.6 miles on the Keystone Shortway. You'll notice a shift from more urban or suburban highway merging to more rural cruising as you progress through the state. The profile is mixed highway and surface, so be prepared for varying road conditions and speeds.
32% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 205.6 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 20 significant decision points across 386.7 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
Gently rolling terrain
1,646 ft26 ft
Total Climb
2,826 ft
Total Descent
1,646 ft
Highest Point
1,646 ft
~303.9 mi in
Elevation Range
1,620 ft
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 Waterford, PA, road signs point toward Allentown and Mount Pocono.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 39m. Total distance: 386.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 39m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 205.6 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 33 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 Waterford, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 33 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Waterford, PA before the return drive.
