Traveling from Erie to Hilltown covers 299.9 miles across Pennsylvania, making for a manageable journey that typically takes 5 hours and 56 minutes. You will primarily navigate via the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the Raymond P. Shafer Highway, and the Lincoln Highway. Because the total duration is just under six hours, this trek is well-suited for a single day of driving if you start early. Budget approximately $50 for fuel to complete the trip comfortably. Since both the origin and destination sit within the Northeast, you can expect a consistent regional feel as you transition across the state. Whether you are traveling for business or a visit, this route offers a straightforward path that avoids the need for an overnight stay.
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
149.9 miles from Erie, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
133.2 mi
2h 25m
Raymond P Shafer Highway
104 mi
1h 51m
Lincoln Highway
20.7 mi
29m
Lincoln Way West
17.2 mi
25m
Lincoln Way East
10.1 mi
16m
Chambersburg Road
6.1 mi
8m
West 12th Street
2 mi
4m
I 70
1.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 133.2 mi, about 2h 25m
Traffic on I-79
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,438 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,767
Quietest
2 AM
~71 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.3×
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 Hilltown, 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 78-77Toward Cranberry, Pennsylvania TurnpikeUse the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward Youngstown Ohio, HarrisburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Exit 77Toward I 76, PATP: Youngstown Ohio, HarrisburgUse 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
133 mi·2 hr 25 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
11
Take the exit onto I 70
1.9 mi·3 min·I 70
Toward US 30: Breezewood, Baltimore, Washington DCUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·47 sec
Toward US 30 East: Chambersburg, GettysburgUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto US 30
21 mi·29 min·Lincoln Highway
14
Continue on US 30
17 mi·25 min·Lincoln Way West
15
Continue on US 30
0.7 mi·1 min·West Loudon Street
Use the right lane.
16
Continue on US 30
0.7 mi·1 min·West Queen Street
17
Merge onto US 30
10 mi·16 min·Lincoln Way East
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 30
6.1 mi·8 min·Chambersburg Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Take the exit
184 ft·5 sec
20
Turn slight right onto High Street
361 ft·13 sec·High Street
21
Turn right onto Hilltown Road
0.2 mi·43 sec·Hilltown Road
22
Arrive at destination
Hilltown Road
Trip Plan
To keep your trip efficient, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh during the nearly six-hour duration. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid potential traffic fluctuations along these major Pennsylvania arteries. Since the route is roughly 300 miles, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your pace based on how you feel throughout the day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you traverse the 133.2-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as this will be your longest period without a detour. By anticipating your needs before hitting the longer highway segments, you can ensure a smooth arrival in Hilltown without any unnecessary stress.
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 149.9 miles from Erie, PA, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 133.2 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 66 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.9 miles or 2h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hilltown, 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 299.9 miles and 5h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 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 133.2 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 106.7 and 244 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
242.1 mi into trip|~4h 28m in|I 70
Take the exit onto I 70 toward US 30: Breezewood, Baltimore, Washington DC
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 US 30: Breezewood, Baltimore, Washington...
8
244 mi into trip|~4h 31m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 30 East: Chambersburg, Gettysburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 30 East: Chambersburg, Gettysburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.82 one way
$95.64 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg105 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$52.92
$105.84
premium
$4.81
$56.77
$113.54
diesel
$4.80
$56.63
$113.25
Estimated Tolls: $17.32
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(133.2 mi)$17.32
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
$48
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$90–$115
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
90
1
$31.49
$14.40
Efficient EV
75
0
$26.24
$12.00
EV Truck/SUV
120
1
$41.99
$19.19
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Erie, PA
Late night
in Erie on Sunday
Local time
4:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Areas Of Smoke
NW 3 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 3:59PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Hilltown, PA
Late night
in Hilltown on Sunday
Local time
4:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Smoke
W 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 3:59PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
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
2 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
5h 56m 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
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 196.5
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument
National Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 299.9
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
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 165.5
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...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 217.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience that blends high-speed transit with more traditional road travel. With a 45% highway share, you will spend a significant portion of the trip on larger thoroughfares, including a 133.2-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This represents your longest uninterrupted segment, allowing you to settle into a steady rhythm behind the wheel. As you transition between the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the Raymond P. Shafer Highway, and the Lincoln Highway, the character of the road shifts from fast-paced interstate driving to a more varied pace. Navigating these different road types keeps the drive engaging, ensuring you aren't stuck in a monotonous interstate grind for the entire six-hour duration.
45% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 133.2 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 106.7 miles in.
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 14 significant decision points across 299.9 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 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; at 108.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,226 ft573 ft
Total Climb
2,676 ft
Total Descent
2,550 ft
Highest Point
2,226 ft
~192.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,653 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 Hilltown, PA, road signs point toward Cranberry, Pennsylvania Turnpike, Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg, Patp: Youngstown Ohio and Baltimore - 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
Baltimore
242.1 mi in|~4h 28m|via I 70
Washington
242.1 mi in|~4h 28m|via I 70
Gettysburg
244 mi in|~4h 31m
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...
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 56m. Total distance: 299.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 133.2 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $17.32 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 19 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 Hilltown, 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: 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; at 108.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Flight 93 National Memorial, Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Fort Necessity National Battlefield (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hilltown, PA before the return drive.
