Origin
Croydon, PA
Morning in Croydon on Sunday
Local time
11:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Croydon, PA to Waterford, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 13m
Distance
259.3 mi
417 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 0m
★
6 AM
5h 13m
8 AM
5h 40m
10 AM
5h 23m
12 PM
5h 20m
3 PM
5h 24m
5 PM
5h 39m
8 PM
5h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Waterford, PA
Jack Pace
Trip Overview
Croydon, PA to Waterford, PA is 259.3 miles and takes about 5h 13m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, Lincoln Highway, and Street Road, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Northeast region, primarily traversing Pennsylvania. It's a highway-focused journey, making it a straightforward option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. With a recommended single day for completion, this route is ideal for a quick transition between points in the state without requiring an overnight stop.
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
129.6 miles from Croydon, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 206.1 mi | 3h 43m |
| Lincoln Highway | 38.7 mi | 57m |
| Street Road | 4.2 mi | 7m |
| Waterford Laughlintown Road | 3 mi | 7m |
| Pitt Street | 2 mi | 4m |
| State Road | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Weber Lane | 1 mi | 3m |
| Beechwood Road | 0.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 206.1 mi, about 3h 43m
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, 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
206 mi
·
3 hr 43 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward Altoona, Johnstown
Use the slight right lane.
9
Turn slight right
166 ft
·
5 sec
Toward Bedford
10
Turn straight onto US 220 BUS
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Business 220
11
Turn right onto Weber Lane
1.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Weber Lane
12
Turn left onto Country Ridge Road
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
·
Country Ridge Road
13
Turn right onto US 30
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Lincoln Highway
14
Continue on US 30
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Pitt Street
15
Continue on US 30
25 mi
·
36 min
·
Lincoln Highway
16
Continue on US 30
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Pitt Street
17
Continue on US 30
7.1 mi
·
12 min
·
Lincoln Highway
18
Turn right onto Beechwood Road
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Beechwood Road
19
Turn left onto Hemlock Road
165 ft
·
9 sec
·
Hemlock Road
20
Turn right onto Walnut Road
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Walnut Road
21
Continue on State Road
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
State Road
22
Continue on Waterford Laughlintown Road
3.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Waterford Laughlintown Road
23
At end of road, turn right onto PA 271
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
Menoher Highway
24
Arrive at destination
PA 271
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 13m estimated duration, consider an early morning departure from Croydon to maximize daylight. The single recommended day for this trip means you can be flexible with your timing. While there's only one recommended stop, you'll want to plan for rest breaks during the 206.1-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as services can be spaced out. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer stretches of the turnpike, to ensure you have enough to reach the next service area or exit.
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 129.6 miles from Croydon, PA, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 206.1 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 57 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.6 miles or 2h 25m 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 55m
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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Croydon, PA
This is one driving day of about 259.3 miles and 5h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 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 for about 206.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
130 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 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 129.6 miles from Croydon, 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 206.1 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 213.1 — 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.
5
5.9 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
US 1 / Lincoln Highway
Merge onto US 1 / Lincoln Highway toward US 1 North: Morrisville
Merge point - match speed before joining
Toward US 1 North: Morrisville
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
213.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 55m in
Take the exit toward Altoona, Johnstown
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 Altoona, Johnstown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.99 one way
$85.98 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
91 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $47.08 | $94.16 |
| premium | $4.93 | $50.29 | $100.58 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $57.25 | $114.50 |
Estimated Tolls: $26.80
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(206.1 mi)
$26.80
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
$43
Tolls
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$95–$120
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 77.8 | 0 | $27.23 | $12.45 |
| Efficient EV | 64.8 | 0 | $22.69 | $10.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 103.7 | 1 | $36.30 | $16.60 |
Gas CO2
91 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.
Destination
Waterford, PA
Morning in Waterford on Sunday
Local time
11:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
45°F
Hilltown, PA
130 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
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 13m 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 highway-focused drive for about 80% of this trip, primarily on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted stretch of 206.1 miles on this turnpike, offering a consistent pace. The route begins on local roads like Street Road before merging onto the turnpike, and then transitions to Lincoln Highway as you approach your destination. This mix means you'll have periods of steady highway travel punctuated by changes in road type as you get closer to Waterford.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 206.1 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Lincoln Highway. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in near Street Road.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 259.3 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles (Street Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.9 miles (US 1 / Lincoln Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
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 Altoona, Johnstown and Bedford.
Altoona
213.1 mi in
|
~3h 55m
Johnstown
213.1 mi in
|
~3h 55m
Bedford
213.4 mi in
|
~3h 56m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 13m. Total distance: 259.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 206.1 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $26.80 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.
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 5.9 miles (US 1 / Lincoln Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining; at 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 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.
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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