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Trip from Denver, PA to McMurray, 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 2m

Distance

255.3 mi

411 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$42

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 49m ★
6 AM
5h 2m
8 AM
5h 29m
10 AM
5h 12m
12 PM
5h 9m
3 PM
5h 13m
5 PM
5h 28m
8 PM
4h 54m

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

borough in northeastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States

Denver, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown McMurray, PA, PA

McMurray, PA

Haneul Trac

Trip Overview

This 255.3-mile drive from Denver, Pennsylvania, to McMurray, Pennsylvania, is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours. With 92% of the route on major highways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-70, it's well-suited for a single-day journey. The estimated fuel cost is around $42, making it an economical option. You'll be traversing within the Northeast region, staying within the state of Pennsylvania for the entire trip. This route offers a practical way to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss, ideal if you're looking for an efficient drive.

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

127.6 miles from Denver, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 24m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 212.1 mi 3h 51m
I 70 15.2 mi 21m
Mon/Fayette Expressway 8 mi 8m
Bebout Road 2.9 mi 6m
Monogahela Avenue 1.8 mi 2m
North Reading Road 1.7 mi 2m
Vance Deicas Highway 1.7 mi 2m
Venetia Road 1.5 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 212.1 mi, about 3h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Denver, PA and McMurray, PA.

1

Start on Main Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Main Street
2

Continue on West Church Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Church Street
3

Turn left onto PA 272

1.7 mi · 2 min · North Reading Road
4

Turn right onto Colonel Howard Boulevard

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Colonel Howard Boulevard
5

Take the ramp onto Colonel Howard Boulevard

0.3 mi · 39 sec · Colonel Howard Boulevard
6

Keep slight left at fork onto Colonel Howard Boulevard

0.6 mi · 1 min · Colonel Howard Boulevard
Toward I 76, PATP
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
8

Merge onto I 76; PATP

212 mi · 3 hr 51 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit onto I 70

0.4 mi · 54 sec · I 70
Toward I 70 West, US 119, PA Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling WV, New Stanton Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70

15 mi · 20 min · I 70
Toward I 70 West: New Stanton, Washington PA, Wheeling WV, Columbus OH
11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 20 sec
Toward PA 201, PA 837: Donora, Fayette City
12

Turn slight right onto PA 201

440 ft · 7 sec · Rostraver Road
13

Turn slight left onto Vance Deicas Highway

1.7 mi · 2 min · Vance Deicas Highway
14

Continue on Donora-Monessen Bridge

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Donora-Monessen Bridge
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 33 sec
16

Turn straight onto PA 837

1.2 mi · 2 min · McKean Avenue
17

Turn left onto PA 837

1.8 mi · 2 min · Monogahela Avenue
18

Turn left onto PA 88

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Country Club Road
19

Turn right onto Coyle Curtin Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Coyle Curtin Road
20

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
21

Merge onto PA Tpke 43

8.0 mi · 8 min · Mon/Fayette Expressway
22

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 59 sec
Exit 48 Toward West Elizabeth, Finleyville
23

Turn left onto Finleyville Elrama Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Finleyville Elrama Road
24

Continue on Washington Avenue

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Washington Avenue
25

At end of road, turn left onto PA 88

0.3 mi · 51 sec · Washington Avenue
26

Continue on Rankintown Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Rankintown Road
27

Continue on Venetia Road

1.5 mi · 3 min · Venetia Road
28

Turn right onto Bebout Road

2.9 mi · 6 min · Bebout Road
29

Enter roundabout onto Valley Brook Road

184 ft · 5 sec · Valley Brook Road
30

Continue on Valley Brook Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Valley Brook Road
31

Turn left onto East McMurray Road

458 ft · 26 sec · East McMurray Road
32

Turn left onto Thomas Road

52 ft · 2 sec · Thomas Road
33

Arrive at destination

Thomas Road

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour duration, starting your drive from Denver, PA, in the morning will allow you to reach McMurray, PA, with plenty of daylight remaining. You'll encounter one major stretch of 212.1 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before embarking on this segment. With the fuel cost estimated at $42, it's a budget-friendly trip. Since this is a single-day drive, you have the flexibility to depart when it best suits you, but be mindful of potential traffic on the major highways, especially during peak commuting hours.

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 127.6 miles from Denver, PA, or about 2h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 212.1 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 56 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 127.6 miles or 2h 24m 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 53m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McMurray, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Denver, 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 Denver, PA

This is one driving day of about 255.3 miles and 5h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Denver, 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 212.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Hancock, MD, MD

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hancock, MD

128 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

Harrisburg, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hancock, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 127.6 miles from Denver, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 212.1 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Bean Curd

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

McMurray, Pennsylvania

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 255.3

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+17249416688

Visit website

Spice Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

2.7 mi

Grande Italian Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

McMurray, Pennsylvania

2.8 mi

Bean Curd

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 255.3

McMurray, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+17249416688

Visit website

Spice Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 54.7

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 2–11 pm

+17176913131

Visit website

Grande Italian Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 255.3

McMurray, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17249419822

Visit website

The Back Porch Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $40 to $50 mile 237

Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 4–8 pm

+17244834500

Visit website

Little Bamboo | Chinese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 237

Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+17249296899

Visit website

Cassidy Family Restaurants LP

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 255.3

Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 255.3

Upper St Clair, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+14123474790

Visit website

Oasis Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 255.3

Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 3–8 pm

+14125645007

Clubby's Coffee Shop

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 237

Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+17242433187

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 182.3

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Sheetz, Inc. Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 218.8

New Stanton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.2 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 218.8

New Stanton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 182.3

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 200.6

Jones Mills, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 237

Donora, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 182.3

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 182.3

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Indian Echo Caverns

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 36.5

Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17175668131

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 4 and 247.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
4 mi into trip | ~7m in | Colonel Howard Boulevard

Keep slight left at fork onto Colonel Howard Boulevard toward I 76, PATP

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 76, PATP
5
4.6 mi into trip | ~9m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
7
217.2 mi into trip | ~4h 2m in | I 70

Take the exit onto I 70 toward I 70 West, US 119, PA Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling WV, New Stanton

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 70 West, US 119, PA Turnpike 66 Toll:...
6
217.7 mi into trip | ~4h 3m in | I 70

Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 toward I 70 West: New Stanton, Washington PA, Wheeling WV, Columbus OH

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 70 West: New Stanton, Washington PA, W...
6
247.7 mi into trip | ~4h 44m in

Take the exit toward West Elizabeth, Finleyville

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

Exit 48 Toward West Elizabeth, Finleyville

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.33 one way

$84.65 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 89 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $46.36 $92.71
premium $4.93 $49.51 $99.02
diesel $5.61 $56.37 $112.73

Estimated Tolls: $28.13

Pennsylvania Turnpike (212.1 mi) $27.57
Mon/Fayette Expressway (8 mi) $0.56

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

$42

Tolls

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$95–$120

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 89.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 76.6 0 $26.81 $12.25
Efficient EV 63.8 0 $22.34 $10.21
EV Truck/SUV 102.1 1 $35.74 $16.34

Gas CO2

89 kg

EV CO2

30 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 15, 2026

Origin

Denver, PA

Morning in Denver on Sunday

Local time

10:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

McMurray, PA

Morning in McMurray on Sunday

Local time

10:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

54°F

Hancock, MD

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

12 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 2m 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.

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

National Monument

More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 70.4
View on nps.gov
Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial

National Memorial

On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their live...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 176
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free near mile 26.4
View on nps.gov
Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

National Battlefield

The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal...

23 mi from route ~58 min detour Free near mile 202.5
View on nps.gov
Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Johnstown Flood National Memorial

National Memorial

The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...

24 mi from route ~60 min detour Free near mile 149.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway experience on this 255.3-mile journey, with 92% of your travel on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 212.1 miles along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering a consistent pace. You'll utilize the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-70, and the Mon/Fayette Expressway, all of which contribute to a highway-centric profile. This means you'll be covering ground quickly, with fewer opportunities for spontaneous stops off the main thoroughfare. The road character remains largely consistent throughout, emphasizing efficient travel.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 212.1 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 70. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4 miles in near Colonel Howard Boulevard.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 255.3 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 4 miles (Colonel Howard Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 217.2 miles (I 70): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

2,108 ft 414 ft

Total Climb

2,347 ft

Total Descent

1,758 ft

Highest Point

2,108 ft

~182.3 mi in

Elevation Range

1,694 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Denver, PA and McMurray, PA, road signs point toward Pa Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling, New Stanton, Washington, Columbus and Fayette City.

Pa Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg

217.2 mi in | ~4h 2m | via I 70

Wheeling

217.2 mi in | ~4h 2m | via I 70

New Stanton

217.2 mi in | ~4h 2m | via I 70

Washington

217.7 mi in | ~4h 3m | via I 70

Columbus

217.7 mi in | ~4h 3m | via I 70

Fayette City

232.4 mi in | ~4h 23m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 2m. Total distance: 255.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 212.1 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $28.13 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 McMurray, 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 4 miles (Colonel Howard Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 217.2 miles (I 70): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Flight 93 National Memorial and Appalachian National Scenic Trail (5 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 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at McMurray, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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