DuBois, PA to Allentown, PA is 211.3 miles and takes about 4h 8m via Keystone Shortway and William Penn Highway, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, traversing the Northeast region. Expect a drive that predominantly uses surface roads, offering a more grounded perspective of the landscape. With a recommended one-day drive, this route is suitable for those looking for a straightforward transit between these two points without extensive highway time.
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
105.6 miles from DuBois, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
122.6 mi
2h 11m
William Penn Highway
21.6 mi
26m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Elysburg Road
9.7 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
Tilghman Street
4.9 mi
8m
Gordon Nagle Trail
4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 122.6 mi, about 2h 11m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,081 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,447
Quietest
2 AM
~184 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 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 DuBois, PA and Allentown, PA.
1
Start on East Park Avenue
80 ft·4 sec·East Park Avenue
2
Turn right onto US 219
0.6 mi·50 sec·Liberty Boulevard
3
At end of road, turn right onto PA 255
1.4 mi·2 min·East DuBois Avenue
4
Continue on PA 255
1.1 mi·1 min·Bee Line Highway
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
6
Merge onto I 80
123 mi·2 hr 11 min·Keystone Shortway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
8
Turn slight left
79 ft·2 sec
9
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
11
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi·49 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
12
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
14
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
15
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
16
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
17
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
18
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
19
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
20
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
21
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
22
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
23
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi·3 min·Centre Street
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
26
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi·26 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
1.0 mi·1 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI AirportUse the slight right lane.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward CetroniaUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn straight onto Tilghman Street
4.9 mi·8 min·Tilghman Street
Use the straight lane.
30
Arrive at destination
Tilghman Street
Trip Plan
Consider leaving DuBois in the morning to make the most of the 4h 8m drive and arrive in Allentown with time to spare. Since this is a single-day trip covering 211.3 miles, you'll likely only need one planned stop. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is $38, but it's always wise to top off before leaving DuBois or at your stopping point. The longest stretch without a major road change is 122.6 miles on the Keystone Shortway, so plan your rest stop accordingly if you prefer shorter driving intervals.
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 105.6 miles from DuBois, PA, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 122.6 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 46 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.6 miles or 1h 55m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Allentown, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving DuBois, 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 DuBois, PA
This is one driving day of about 211.3 miles and 4h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from DuBois, 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 122.6 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 125.9 and 206.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
125.9 mi into trip|~2h 17m in
Take the exit toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
5
126.2 mi into trip|~2h 17m in|PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Turn right onto PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
129.5 mi into trip|~2h 22m in|PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Turn left onto PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
9
205.2 mi into trip|~3h 58m in|US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
6
206.1 mi into trip|~3h 59m in
Take the exit toward Cetronia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Cetronia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.69 one way
$67.38 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$37.29
$74.57
premium
$4.81
$40.00
$79.99
diesel
$4.80
$39.90
$79.79
Estimated Tolls: $0.07
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(1 mi)$0.07
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
$34
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.4
0
$22.19
$10.14
Efficient EV
52.8
0
$18.49
$8.45
EV Truck/SUV
84.5
1
$29.58
$13.52
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
DuBois, PA
Late night
in DuBois on Monday
Local time
4:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
W 5 to 12 mph98% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:54PM EDT until July 18 at 8:15PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:53PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Destination
Allentown, PA
Late night
in Allentown on Monday
Local time
4:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
W 5 to 10 mph65% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:54PM EDT until July 18 at 8:15PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 7:53PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
83°F
Danville, PA
106 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
7 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
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.
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 167.5
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly surface roads, with about 5% on highways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 122.6 miles on the Keystone Shortway, which is a good opportunity for consistent cruising. After leaving the highway segments, the route transitions to State Route 54 and other surface roads, meaning you'll encounter more local traffic and varied speed limits.
Only 5% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 122.6 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 125.9 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 211.3 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 125.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.2 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 129.5 miles (PA 54 / Elysburg Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,946 ft346 ft
Total Climb
2,756 ft
Total Descent
3,815 ft
Highest Point
1,946 ft
~15.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,599 ft
Notable High Points
1,780 ft at ~90.5 miles+915 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from DuBois, PA to Allentown, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Allentown is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, the county seat and largest city in Lehigh County, and the third-largest city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with a population of 125,845 as of 2020.
Top landmarks
•Albertus L. Meyers Bridge — bridge in United States of America
•Allentown Masonic Temple — masonic temple in Allentown, Pennsylvania
•Allentown National Bank — bank building in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 8m. Total distance: 211.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 122.6 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.07 in tolls one way, starting with Lehigh Valley Thruway. 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 14 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 Allentown, 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 125.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.2 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 129.5 miles (PA 54 / Elysburg Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. 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 Allentown, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
