Spice Restaurant & Bar
Around the midpoint, short detour
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Hours: 2–11 pm
+17176913131
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 34m
Distance
228.9 mi
368 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Elim, PA
Haneul Trac
Haverford, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Elim, PA to Haverford, PA is 228.9 miles and takes about 4h 34m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, specifically crossing Pennsylvania. It's a highway-focused drive, ideal if you want to cover ground efficiently. Given the relatively short duration and modest fuel cost, this is a straightforward same-day journey. Consider this route when you need a direct and uncomplicated way to get from point A to point B within the state.
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
114.4 miles from Elim, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 181 mi | 3h 16m |
| Quaker Valley Road | 14.2 mi | 20m |
| Clear Shade Drive | 10.5 mi | 14m |
| West Montgomery Avenue | 4.3 mi | 9m |
| I 76 | 3.9 mi | 6m |
| Scalp Avenue | 3.8 mi | 6m |
| I 99 | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Franklin Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between Elim, PA and Haverford, PA.
Start on Alberta Avenue
Turn right onto Goucher Street
Turn left onto Franklin Street
Turn right onto Osborne Street
Turn right onto PA 403
Turn left onto PA 756
Turn left onto Oakland Avenue
Turn left onto Penrod Street
Turn right onto Bedford Street
Continue on Scalp Avenue
Enter roundabout onto Scalp Avenue
Continue on Scalp Avenue
Continue on PA 56
Continue on PA 56
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 99; US 220
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn slight right onto US 220 BUS
Take the ramp
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
Take the exit onto I 76
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto PA 320
Continue on PA 320
Turn left onto Woodside Road
Turn left onto Winsor Lane
Turn left
Arrive at destination
With a duration of under 5 hours, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and take advantage of potentially lighter traffic on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. While the drive is efficient, remember the longest stretch without a significant road change is 181 miles; plan a brief stop for fuel or a stretch break before you feel the need. The estimated fuel cost of $38 is a helpful budget point, but always check current prices. Given its highway focus, keep an eye on traffic reports for the Pennsylvania Turnpike, especially closer to the Philadelphia area.
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.
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 50 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.4 miles or 2h 22m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Haverford, PA than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Elim, 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 Elim, PA
This is one driving day of about 228.9 miles and 4h 34m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
114 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.
A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 114.4 miles from Elim, 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 181 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · around the midpoint
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 2–11 pm
+17176913131
Around the midpoint, short detour
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Hours: 2–11 pm
+17176913131
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+12673318457
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Malvern, Pennsylvania
+16106445822
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17175668131
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.9 and 223.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Enter roundabout onto Scalp Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East, I 70 East: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward PA 320: Gulph Mills
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork toward PA 320 South: Villanova
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$36.50 one way
$73.00 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $40.39 | $80.78 |
| premium | $4.81 | $43.33 | $86.66 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $43.22 | $86.44 |
Estimated Tolls: $23.54
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
$37
Tolls
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.7 | 0 | $24.03 | $10.99 |
| Efficient EV | 57.2 | 0 | $20.03 | $9.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 91.6 | 1 | $32.05 | $14.65 |
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Elim on Sunday
Local time
6:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Tornado Watch
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 1:55PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:48PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Morning in Haverford on Sunday
Local time
6:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Areas Of Smoke
Tornado Watch
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 1:55PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:48PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Expect an 82% highway share on this route, meaning you'll be on major roads for the majority of your travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 181 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering a consistent cruising experience. You'll primarily navigate the Pennsylvania Turnpike, with brief transitions onto Quaker Valley Road and Clear Shade Drive. This profile suggests a drive dominated by high-speed travel, with minimal complexity from winding local roads. It’s a route designed for making good time.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Quaker Valley Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.9 miles in near Scalp Avenue.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 228.9 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 5.9 miles (Scalp Avenue): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 38.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 219.6 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Gently rolling terrain
Total Climb
1,163 ft
Total Descent
2,496 ft
Highest Point
2,485 ft
~16.3 mi in
Elevation Range
2,165 ft
Notable High Points
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Elim, PA and Haverford, PA, road signs point toward Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Patp: Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh
Harrisburg
Patp: Pittsburgh
Haverford Township is a region of Delaware County in Southeastern Pennsylvania. It is a western suburb of Philadelphia. About 50,000 people live in Haverford Township. It was founded by the Welsh Quakers in 1681 and purchased by William Penn.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 34m. Total distance: 228.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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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