Origin
Erie, PA
Morning in Erie on Tuesday
Local time
6:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Erie, PA to Dunbar, PA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 22m
Distance
177 mi
285 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 11m
★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 31m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 33m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Erie, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Dunbar, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Erie to Dunbar is 177 miles and takes about 3 hours 22 minutes via Raymond P Shafer Highway and Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, taking you from the Northeast region to the same region. Expect a trip with a higher proportion of turns, suggesting a more involved local driving experience rather than a pure highway cruise. With just one recommended stop and a duration under four hours, this route is easily manageable as a single-day excursion, perfect for a quick transition between these two points in the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
88.5 miles from Erie, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Raymond P Shafer Highway | 104 mi | 1h 51m |
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 46.5 mi | 49m |
| Memorial Boulevard | 7.9 mi | 9m |
| Amos K Hutchinson Bypass | 7.9 mi | 9m |
| West 12th Street | 2 mi | 4m |
| University Drive | 1.7 mi | 1m |
| Woodvale Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Blackstone Road | 0.6 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Raymond P Shafer Highway
— 104 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Erie, PA and Dunbar, 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
47 mi
·
49 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 75
Toward I 70 West: Greensburg, Wheeling WV, New Stanton
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 119, PA Turnpike 66: Connellsville, Greensburg, Delmont
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 119 South: Connellsville
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto US 119
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Amos K Hutchinson Bypass
15
Continue on US 119
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Memorial Boulevard
16
Turn straight onto US 119
0.6 mi
·
39 sec
·
Blackstone Road
17
Merge onto US 119
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
Morrell Avenue
18
Turn slight right onto US 119
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
University Drive
19
Turn left onto Dunbar Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Dunbar Road
20
Continue on Woodvale Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Woodvale Street
21
Turn sharp left onto Connellsville Street
0.2 mi
·
47 sec
·
Connellsville Street
22
Continue on Connellsville Street
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Connellsville Street
23
Turn left
44 ft
·
3 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 22-minute estimated drive time, leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight to reach Dunbar without feeling rushed. With only one stop suggested and a relatively short distance, you have the flexibility to stop whenever you feel the need for a break or to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move away from major highway stretches; planning a fuel stop around the 104-mile mark on the Raymond P Shafer Highway might be a good strategy. The $29 fuel cost is a helpful estimate for budgeting your trip.
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 88.5 miles from Erie, PA, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104 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 39 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.5 miles or 1h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dunbar, 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 177 miles and 3h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 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 Raymond P Shafer Highway for about 104 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
89 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 88.5 miles from Erie, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Raymond P Shafer Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 104 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 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 155.4 — 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
8
155.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
Take the exit toward I 70 West: 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.
Exit 75
Toward I 70 West: Greensburg, Wheeling WV, New...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.34 one way
$58.69 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
62 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $32.14 | $64.28 |
| premium | $4.93 | $34.33 | $68.65 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.08 | $78.16 |
Estimated Tolls: $6.05
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(46.5 mi)
$6.05
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
$29
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.1 | 0 | $18.59 | $8.50 |
| Efficient EV | 44.3 | 0 | $15.49 | $7.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 70.8 | 0 | $24.78 | $11.33 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Destination
Dunbar, PA
Morning in Dunbar on Tuesday
Local time
6:20 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
3h 22m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
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...
11 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 177
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This journey offers a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll encounter more frequent changes in direction than on a typical interstate. While 26% of the route utilizes highways, the majority involves navigating local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 104 miles, primarily on the Raymond P Shafer Highway, before transitioning to other routes including the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Memorial Boulevard. Be prepared for a driving experience that requires more active navigation and attention to road changes.
Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104 mi on Raymond P Shafer Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 Effort
10/10
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 16 significant decision points across 177 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.
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 Dunbar, PA, road signs point toward Cranberry, Pennsylvania Turnpike, Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg, Patp: Youngstown Ohio and Wheeling - 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
Wheeling
155.4 mi in
|
~2h 53m
New Stanton
155.4 mi in
|
~2h 53m
Pa Turnpike 66: Connellsville
155.9 mi in
|
~2h 54m
Greensburg
155.9 mi in
|
~2h 54m
Delmont
155.9 mi in
|
~2h 54m
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 3h 22m. Total distance: 177 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104 miles on Raymond P Shafer Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.05 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 Dunbar, 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 — Fort Necessity National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Dunbar, 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.
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