Erie to Lima is 396.4 miles and takes about 7h 41m via Keystone Shortway, Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $66 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a drive that involves a good amount of turning and navigating local roads, rather than a straight, uninterrupted highway cruise. With a recommended one-day travel time, this route is best suited for those who enjoy a more hands-on driving experience and are comfortable with frequent adjustments.
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
198.2 miles from Erie, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
204.4 mi
3h 39m
Raymond P Shafer Highway
66.8 mi
1h 11m
Pennsylvania Turnpike
13.1 mi
14m
Morgantown Expressway
11.4 mi
12m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Pottsville Pike
10.2 mi
12m
Elysburg Road
9.7 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 204.4 mi, about 3h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Erie, PA and Lima, 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
204 mi·3 hr 39 min·Keystone Shortway
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
9
Turn slight left
79 ft·2 sec
10
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
12
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi·49 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
13
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
15
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
16
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
17
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
18
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
19
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
20
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
21
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
22
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
23
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
24
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on PA 61
4.2 mi·5 min·Centre Street
26
Continue on PA 61
0.3 mi·17 sec·South 4th Street
27
Continue on PA 61
2.3 mi·2 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on PA 61
0.6 mi·43 sec·Shoemaker Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
29
Continue on PA 61
3.2 mi·3 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on PA 61
1.0 mi·1 min·North Centre Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
31
Continue on PA 61
4.7 mi·6 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on PA 61
2.8 mi·4 min·Centre Avenue
Use the straight lane.
33
Continue on PA 61
1.2 mi·2 min·North 4th Street
34
Keep slight right at fork onto US 222 BUS
273 ft·4 sec·South 4th Street
35
Continue on US 222 Business
0.3 mi·29 sec·Bingaman Street
36
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 422 East: Pottstown, Morgantown
37
Merge onto US 422
2.0 mi·2 min·West Shore Bypass
38
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 176 South: MorgantownUse the slight right lane.
39
Continue on I 176
11 mi·12 min·Morgantown Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·51 sec
Toward I 76 Toll East: PhiladelphiaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Merge onto I 76; PATP
13 mi·14 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
42
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 312Toward PA 100: Downingtown, Pottstown, West ChesterUse the slight right lane.
43
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward PA 100 South: DowningtownUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
44
Merge onto PA 100
7.1 mi·11 min·Pottstown Pike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Merge onto US 202
1.6 mi·2 min·US 202
46
Take the exit
0.1 mi·23 sec
Toward PA 3: Newtown SquareUse the right lane.
47
Turn right onto PA 3
3.4 mi·6 min·West Chester Pike
Use the straight lane.
48
Turn right onto PA 352
1.2 mi·2 min·South Chester Road
Use the right lane.
49
Continue on PA 352
4.9 mi·7 min·Middletown Road
50
Turn slight right
142 ft·5 sec
51
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour duration and the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, starting early in the morning is highly recommended to maximize daylight and minimize driving fatigue. Plan for your two scheduled stops to be spaced out, perhaps around the halfway point or whenever you feel the need to stretch and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning between main roads, as gas stations might be less frequent on some of the local stretches. The Pennsylvania Turnpike portion offers more straightforward driving, so consider leveraging that segment when you want a brief respite from frequent turns.
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 198.2 miles from Erie, PA, or about 3h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 204.4 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 87 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 198.2 miles or 3h 37m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lima, 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 396.4 miles and 7h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 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 204.4 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 377.5 — 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.
7
363.5 mi into trip|~6h 53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 Toll East: Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 76 Toll East: Philadelphia
8
377 mi into trip|~7h 8m in
Take the exit toward PA 100: Downingtown, Pottstown, West Chester
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 312
Toward PA 100: Downingtown, Pottstown, West Che...
7
377.5 mi into trip|~7h 9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PA 100 South: Downingtown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward PA 100 South: Downingtown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$65.72 one way
$131.44 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg139 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$71.98
$143.95
premium
$4.93
$76.88
$153.75
diesel
$5.61
$87.52
$175.04
Estimated Tolls: $1.71
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(13.1 mi)$1.71
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
$66
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 138.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
118.9
1
$41.62
$19.03
Efficient EV
99.1
1
$34.68
$15.86
EV Truck/SUV
158.6
1
$55.50
$25.37
Gas CO2
139 kg
EV CO2
46 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Erie, PA
Night
in Erie on Saturday
Local time
9:09 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Lima, PA
Night
in Lima on Saturday
Local time
9:09 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°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
14 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
7h 41m 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.
First State National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 396.4
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 382.7
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
$1
near mile 396.4
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 396.4
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 314.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' with only 9% of the route on highways. You'll spend most of your time on roads like the Keystone Shortway and the Raymond P. Shafer Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 204.4 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a significant period of consistent travel before you need to navigate more turns. The profile suggests a journey that requires constant attention and engagement with the road, rather than a passive interstate experience.
Only 9% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
51 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 204.4 mi on Keystone Shortway.
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 Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 396.4 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 363.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Lima, PA, road signs point toward Washingtonville and Morgantown.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 41m. Total distance: 396.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 41m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 204.4 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.71 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 Lima, 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. 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 2.4 miles (Greengarden Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 363.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — First State National Historical Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park and Independence National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lima, PA before the return drive.
