Traveling from Erie to Collingdale covers 422.4 miles across the state of Pennsylvania. You should budget approximately 7 hours and 55 minutes of drive time for this journey. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straight interstate shot, expect a long day behind the wheel that is best completed in one full day. Plan to set aside about $70 for fuel costs to cover the distance. Since both the origin and destination are located within the Northeast, you will experience consistent regional characteristics throughout the trip. This route is ideal if you prefer avoiding major highways in favor of local roads, though it requires your full attention on the navigation.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
211.2 miles from Erie, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
257.1 mi
4h 38m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
75.1 mi
1h 21m
Raymond P Shafer Highway
66.8 mi
1h 11m
Mid-County Expressway
10.8 mi
14m
West Springfield Road
2.7 mi
6m
West 12th Street
2 mi
4m
Lawrence Road
1.5 mi
2m
Sproul Road
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 257.1 mi, about 4h 38m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 34 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,084 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,463
Quietest
2 AM
~184 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Erie, PA and Collingdale, 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
67 mi·1 hr 11 min·Raymond P Shafer Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·59 sec
Toward I 80 East: Clarion
7
Merge onto I 80
257 mi·4 hr 38 min·Keystone Shortway
8
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward PA 940, PATP, I 476: Wilkes-Barre, Allentown
Exit 9Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, BroomallUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto PA 3
0.3 mi·45 sec·West Chester Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn right onto Lawrence Road
1.5 mi·2 min·Lawrence Road
Use the right lane.
18
At end of road, turn left onto PA 320
1.2 mi·2 min·Sproul Road
Use the left lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto West Springfield Road
2.7 mi·6 min·West Springfield Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
20
Continue on North Springfield Road
1.1 mi·2 min·North Springfield Road
21
Turn right onto North Clifton Avenue
1.2 mi·3 min·North Clifton Avenue
22
Turn left onto Macdade Boulevard
116 ft·4 sec·Macdade Boulevard
23
Arrive at destination
Macdade Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour and 55-minute duration, leaving early in the morning is your best bet to reach Collingdale before nightfall. You have two planned stops integrated into the trip, so use these strategically to stretch your legs and refuel. Since you are navigating local roads exclusively, keep your GPS updated and watch for frequent turns that can easily add time to your arrival. Flexibility is your greatest advantage here; if the local traffic feels heavy, don't hesitate to extend your rest periods to keep your energy levels up. Prioritize a steady pace over speed, as the technical nature of these local roads makes consistent progress more important than aggressive driving.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 211.2 miles from Erie, PA, or about 3h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 257.1 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 93 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 211.2 miles or 3h 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Collingdale, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Erie, PA
This is one driving day of about 422.4 miles and 7h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 93 miles from Erie, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 257.1 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 414.1 — 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.
6
2.4 mi into trip|~5m in|Greengarden Boulevard
Turn right onto Greengarden Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
328 mi into trip|~5h 59m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 476 South: Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 476 South: Allentown
7
403.1 mi into trip|~7h 21m in|I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
8
414.1 mi into trip|~7h 36m in
Take the exit toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall
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 9
Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$74.70 one way
$149.40 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg148 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$81.82
$163.64
premium
$5.24
$87.21
$174.41
diesel
$5.35
$88.97
$177.94
Estimated Tolls: $9.76
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(75.1 mi)$9.76
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
$75
Tolls
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$109–$134
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 147.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $44 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
126.7
1
$44.35
$20.28
Efficient EV
105.6
1
$36.96
$16.90
EV Truck/SUV
169
2
$59.14
$27.03
Gas CO2
148 kg
EV CO2
49 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Erie, PA
Afternoon
in Erie on Wednesday
Local time
3:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Clear
SW 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Collingdale, PA
Afternoon
in Collingdale on Wednesday
Local time
3:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Partly Cloudy
W 5 mph0% chanceLive 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
5 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
7h 55m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Independence National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 422.4
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 407.9
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 422.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a very different experience than a standard interstate commute, as this route features zero highway miles. Instead, you will navigate through local thoroughfares like West 12th Street, Greengarden Boulevard, and the West Bayfront Parkway. The road's personality is defined by its turn-heavy nature, requiring you to stay alert and engaged with the route's frequent transitions. Because there are no long, uninterrupted highway stretches, your pace will be dictated by the local flow of traffic. Be prepared for a hands-on driving experience that demands constant focus rather than the mindless cruising found on major expressways.
Only 20% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 257.1 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 0.4 miles in near PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street.
Driving Effort9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 422.4 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 2.4 miles (Greengarden Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 328 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
1,820 ft99 ft
Total Climb
3,112 ft
Total Descent
3,666 ft
Highest Point
1,820 ft
~158.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,721 ft
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 Collingdale, PA, road signs point toward Patp and Allentown.
Patp
327 mi in|~5h 57m
Allentown
327 mi in|~5h 57m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Ember + Forge
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Erie, PA
Hours: Mo-Fr 07:00-19:00; Sa 08:00-19:00; Su 08...
This is a full-day commitment at nearly 8 hours and 422.4 miles, so it's doable for a weekend, but you'll spend most of your Saturday driving. Make sure to factor in your 2 planned breaks.
Family Friendly
The 9/10 complexity and mostly surface roads on this 422.4-mile trip will require significant navigation focus, so plan plenty of entertainment for the kids. The 2 natural rest stops are a good start, but consider adding more frequent stops for younger children.
Solo Traveler
This 422.4-mile drive is engaging with its mostly surface roads, but the 9/10 complexity means you'll need to stay sharp. Plan for a full day behind the wheel, breaking it up with the 2 recommended stops.
Scenic Drive
With only 20% highway driving and nearby national parks, this route offers a scenic experience, though the hilly terrain and 9/10 complexity mean it's not a casual cruise. The 7 EV DC fast chargers are a plus if you're driving electric.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 257.1 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $9.76 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 40 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 Collingdale, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 40 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (Greengarden Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 328 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Valley Forge National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.9 hours each way, a round trip means 15.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Collingdale, PA before the return drive.
