Skip to main content

Trip from Erie, PA to Centerville, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 38m

Distance

245.8 mi

396 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 25m ★
6 AM
4h 38m
8 AM
5h 5m
10 AM
4h 47m
12 PM
4h 45m
3 PM
4h 49m
5 PM
5h 4m
8 PM
4h 30m

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

Downtown Erie, PA, PA

Erie, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Centerville, PA, PA

Centerville, PA

Michael Taccetta

Trip Overview

Erie to Centerville is 245.8 miles and takes about 4h 38m via Pennsylvania Turnpike and US 220, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Pennsylvania, traversing the Northeast region. Expect a mixed drive, offering a blend of highway speeds and potentially more local road conditions as you approach your destination. With a recommended one-day duration, it's a manageable journey for those looking to cover ground efficiently.

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

122.9 miles from Erie, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 117.4 mi 2h 8m
Raymond P Shafer Highway 104 mi 1h 51m
US 220 17.9 mi 22m
West 12th Street 2 mi 4m
State Street 0.4 mi 1m
Business 220 0.3 mi <1m
West Bayfront Parkway 0.2 mi <1m
Greengarden Boulevard 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 117.4 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Erie, PA and Centerville, PA.

1

Start on State Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · State Street
2

Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290

2.0 mi · 4 min · West 12th Street
Use the straight lane.
3

Turn right onto Greengarden Boulevard

0.1 mi · 23 sec · Greengarden Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
4

Turn left onto West Bayfront Parkway

0.2 mi · 20 sec · West Bayfront Parkway
5

Continue on I 79

104 mi · 1 hr 51 min · Raymond P Shafer Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 78-77 Toward Cranberry, Pennsylvania Turnpike Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Exit 77 Toward I 76, PATP: Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
10

Merge onto I 76; PATP

117 mi · 2 hr 8 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
11

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward Bedford, Altoona Use the slight right lane.
12

Turn left onto US 220 BUS

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Business 220
13

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 220 South: Cumberland
15

Merge onto US 220

18 mi · 22 min · US 220
16

Turn right onto Nave Road

440 ft · 19 sec · Nave Road
17

Arrive at destination

Nave Road

Trip Plan

This 245.8-mile drive is easily achievable in a single day, making it flexible for your schedule. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for the roughly 4.5-hour journey. The longest stretch without a major road change is 117.4 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so plan your fuel stops accordingly before embarking on that segment. Consider splitting the drive with a brief stop around the halfway point, perhaps after exiting the turnpike, to refresh before continuing on US 220.

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 122.9 miles from Erie, PA, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.4 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 54 miles or 1h 1m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 122.9 miles or 2h 18m 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 44m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Erie, 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 Erie, PA

This is one driving day of about 245.8 miles and 4h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Erie, 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 117.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

home rule municipality of Pennsylvania

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Penn Hills, PA

123 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

Farrell, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Penn Hills, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 122.9 miles from Erie, 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 117.4 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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 226.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street

Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
106.7 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in

Take the exit toward Cranberry, Pennsylvania Turnpike

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 78-77 Toward Cranberry, Pennsylvania Turnpike
8
107.3 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg
9
108.1 mi into trip | ~2h 1m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 76, PATP: Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 77 Toward I 76, PATP: Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg
7
226.2 mi into trip | ~4h 11m in

Take the exit toward Bedford, Altoona

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 Bedford, Altoona

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.75 one way

$81.50 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 86 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $44.63 $89.26
premium $4.93 $47.67 $95.34
diesel $5.61 $54.27 $108.54

Estimated Tolls: $15.26

Pennsylvania Turnpike (117.4 mi) $15.26

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

$41

Tolls

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$81–$106

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 86 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 73.7 0 $25.81 $11.80
Efficient EV 61.5 0 $21.51 $9.83
EV Truck/SUV 98.3 1 $34.41 $15.73

Gas CO2

86 kg

EV CO2

29 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

Erie, PA

Morning in Erie on Sunday

Local time

6:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Centerville, PA

Morning in Centerville on Sunday

Local time

6:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

11 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 38m 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.

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 203.4
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...

24 mi from route ~59 min detour Free near mile 169.5
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...

25 mi from route ~62 min detour Free near mile 220.3
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This route offers a mixed drive experience, with 55% of it on highways. You'll spend a significant portion on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, including a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 117.4 miles. As you transition to roads like Raymond P Shafer Highway and US 220, the driving character will likely change, moving from high-speed turnpike travel to potentially more varied conditions. Be prepared for this shift in road type and speed as you progress towards Centerville.

55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.4 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

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 0.4 miles in near PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 245.8 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 0.4 miles (PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 106.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Erie, PA and Centerville, PA, road signs point toward Cranberry, Pennsylvania Turnpike, Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg, Patp: Youngstown Ohio and Bedford - among others.

Cranberry

106.7 mi in | ~1h 58m

Pennsylvania Turnpike

106.7 mi in | ~1h 58m

Youngstown Ohio

107.3 mi in | ~1h 59m

Harrisburg

107.3 mi in | ~1h 59m

Patp: Youngstown Ohio

108.1 mi in | ~2h 1m

Bedford

226.2 mi in | ~4h 11m

Altoona

226.2 mi in | ~4h 11m

About the Cities

Starting in Erie, PA

Full guide →

Erie is a city of about 100,000 in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It is Pennsylvania's only lake port on the Great Lakes (Lake Erie).

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 38m. Total distance: 245.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 117.4 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $15.26 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 Centerville, 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 0.4 miles (PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 106.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Flight 93 National Memorial, Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Johnstown Flood National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Centerville, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Erie, PA or browse trips ending in Centerville, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.