Croydon, PA to Zion, PA is 215.5 miles and takes about 4h 8m via Keystone Shortway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, traveling through the Northeast region for its entirety. Expect a mix of highway cruising and surface roads, making it a manageable one-day drive. With a recommended single day for completion, this route offers a straightforward transit between two points in the state. Planning for this drive involves considering the fuel cost and the total travel time to ensure a smooth experience.
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
107.7 miles from Croydon, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
103.1 mi
1h 53m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
74.2 mi
1h 20m
Pennsylvania Turnpike
17.1 mi
18m
Nittany Valley Drive
11.6 mi
17m
Street Road
4.2 mi
7m
State Road
1.6 mi
3m
Zion Road
0.4 mi
<1m
Lincoln Highway
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 103.1 mi, about 1h 53m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,114 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,620
Quietest
2 AM
~192 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.8×
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 Zion, 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
103 mi·1 hr 53 min·Keystone Shortway
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward PA 64: Pleasant Gap, Mill HallUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto PA 64
12 mi·17 min·Nittany Valley Drive
17
Continue on PA 64
0.1 mi·15 sec·East College Avenue
18
Turn right onto PA 550
0.4 mi·43 sec·Zion Road
19
Arrive at destination
PA 550
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 215.5-mile drive, consider departing early in the morning to take advantage of daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With a driving time of just over 4 hours, this is easily a one-day trip, so you can be flexible with your stop schedule. The estimated fuel cost is around $35, so plan accordingly. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of the transition from highway to surface roads, particularly after the 103.1-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway, as this may require a slight adjustment in your driving style and awareness of local traffic. Ensure you have a full tank before heading out, as services can be spaced out on certain segments.
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 107.7 miles from Croydon, PA, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.1 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 47 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.7 miles or 2h 3m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Zion, 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 215.5 miles and 4h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 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 103.1 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 203 — 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
203 mi into trip|~3h 48m in
Take the exit toward PA 64: Pleasant Gap, Mill Hall
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 64: Pleasant Gap, Mill Hall
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.81 one way
$75.61 round trip
$4.46/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$41.73
$83.47
premium
$5.30
$44.95
$89.90
diesel
$6.55
$55.61
$111.21
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
$38
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.4 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.7
0
$22.63
$10.34
Efficient EV
53.9
0
$18.86
$8.62
EV Truck/SUV
86.2
1
$30.17
$13.79
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 16, 2026
Origin
Croydon, PA
Morning
in Croydon on Saturday
Local time
9:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Rain Showers Likely
S 5 to 15 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued October 16 at 8:56AM EDT until October 16 at 9:30AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 8:53AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Zion, PA
Morning
in Zion on Saturday
Local time
9:22 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 8 to 16 mph97% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued October 16 at 8:56AM EDT until October 16 at 9:30AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 8:53AM EDT by NWS State College PA
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
4 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 8m 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
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 29.7
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 22.3
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
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 22.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Forty-two percent of this route is on highways, offering stretches of faster travel. You'll experience a longest continuous highway segment of 103.1 miles on the Keystone Shortway, which is a significant portion of the drive. The remainder of the trip involves surface roads, so be prepared for a change in pace and potentially more frequent intersections or traffic signals. This profile suggests a drive that transitions from quicker highway speeds to more local road conditions.
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: 103.1 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 16 significant decision points across 215.5 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,589 ft26 ft
Total Climb
2,697 ft
Total Descent
1,708 ft
Highest Point
1,589 ft
~92.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,562 ft
Notable High Points
1,521 ft at ~184.7 miles+689 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 Zion, PA, road signs point toward Allentown, Mount Pocono and Mill Hall.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 8m. Total distance: 215.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.1 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 20 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 Zion, 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 20 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 4.1 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 Zion, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
