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Trip from Erie, PA to Rutherford, PA

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

Drive Time

6h

Distance

303 mi

488 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$50

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 48m ★
6 AM
6h 1m
8 AM
6h 27m
10 AM
6h 10m
12 PM
6h 7m
3 PM
6h 11m
5 PM
6h 25m
8 PM
5h 53m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Erie, PA, PA

Erie, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Rutherford, PA, PA

Rutherford, PA

Haneul Trac

Trip Overview

This 303-mile drive from Erie, PA, to Rutherford, PA, will take you approximately 6 hours to complete. Primarily utilizing the Keystone Shortway, General Potter Highway, and Raymond P Shafer Highway, about 5% of this journey involves highway driving. With a fuel cost estimated at $50, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. The drive offers a turn-heavy local feel, so plan for a journey that requires your attention. Covering a distance of 303 miles, it's a substantial trek across Pennsylvania, making it ideal for those who enjoy a full day on the road.

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

151.5 miles from Erie, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Keystone Shortway 103.3 mi 1h 50m
General Potter Highway 75.6 mi 1h 35m
Raymond P Shafer Highway 66.8 mi 1h 11m
28th Division Highway 8.6 mi 9m
Philipsburg Bigler Highway 7.1 mi 8m
Mount Nittany Expressway 6.2 mi 8m
Port Matilda Highway 5.9 mi 8m
US 322 4.8 mi 7m
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 103.3 mi, about 1h 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Erie, PA and Rutherford, 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

103 mi · 1 hr 50 min · Keystone Shortway
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward PA 970 to US 322: Woodland, Shawville
9

Merge onto PA 970

1.4 mi · 1 min · Shawville Highway
Use the straight lane.
10

Turn left onto US 322

2.8 mi · 3 min · Woodland Bigler Highway
11

Continue on US 322

7.1 mi · 8 min · Philipsburg Bigler Highway
12

Continue on US 322

0.3 mi · 23 sec · North Front Street
13

Continue on US 322; PA 53

0.1 mi · 15 sec · North Centre Street
14

Turn left onto US 322

1.1 mi · 2 min · Railroad Street
15

Continue on US 322

5.9 mi · 8 min · Port Matilda Highway
16

Turn slight right onto US 322

2.2 mi · 3 min · Upper Flat Rock Road
17

Continue on US 322

1.8 mi · 2 min · Flat Rock Road
18

Continue on US 322

8.6 mi · 9 min · 28th Division Highway
Toward US 322 East: State College
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322

4.0 mi · 4 min · I 99; US 220; US 322
Use the straight lane.
20

Keep slight right at fork onto US 322

6.2 mi · 8 min · Mount Nittany Expressway
Exit 73 Toward US 322 East: Penn State University, State College
21

Continue on US 322; PA 144 Truck

2.6 mi · 4 min · Boal Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22

Continue on US 322; PA 144 Truck

76 mi · 1 hr 35 min · General Potter Highway
23

Take the exit onto US 322

0.2 mi · 20 sec · US 322
Toward I 81 North, US 322 East, I 81 South: Hershey, Hazleton, Carlisle Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Keep slight left at fork onto US 322

0.9 mi · 1 min · US 322
Toward I 81 North, US 322 East: Hershey, Hazleton
25

Merge onto I 81; US 322

1.8 mi · 2 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
26

Keep slight right at fork onto US 322

3.5 mi · 4 min · US 322
Exit 70 Toward I 83 South, US 322 East: Hershey, York Use the slight right lane.
27

Take the exit onto US 322

0.3 mi · 29 sec · US 322
Exit 47 Toward US 322 East: Hershey, Eisenhower Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
28

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward Derry Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Keep slight left at fork

92 ft · 8 sec
Use the left / slight right lanes.
30

Turn left onto Derry Street

2.6 mi · 5 min · Derry Street
31

Turn left onto North 69th Street

0.2 mi · 53 sec · North 69th Street
32

Turn right onto Somerset Street

173 ft · 13 sec · Somerset Street
33

Turn left onto Rudy Alley

364 ft · 26 sec · Rudy Alley
34

Arrive at destination

Rudy Alley

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour duration, departing in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. The $50 fuel budget should cover your needs, but it's always wise to top off before leaving Erie. While this route is designed for a single day, you'll encounter one recommended stop, so plan accordingly. The longest stretch without a break is 103.3 miles on the Keystone Shortway, so be prepared for that segment. Keep an eye on your navigation as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests frequent adjustments.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 151.5 miles from Erie, PA, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.3 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 67 miles or 1h 15m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 151.5 miles or 2h 46m 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 46m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rutherford, 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 303 miles and 6h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 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 Keystone Shortway for about 103.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough of Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Clearfield, PA

152 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 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bethlehem, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 151.5 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 Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 103.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Farm Table Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 173.1

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18142054405

Visit website

Farm Table Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 173.1

Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18142054405

Visit website

Valenza Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.3

Meadville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18147241222

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 129.9

Brookville, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 151.5

DuBois, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 129.9

Brookville, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 173.1

Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 151.5

Falls Creek, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Bicentennial Tower

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Erie, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+18144347376

Visit website

Indian Echo Caverns

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 303

Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17175668131

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 208.9 and 299.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
208.9 mi into trip | ~3h 55m in | US 322 / Mount Nittany Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 322 / Mount Nittany Expressway toward US 322 East: Penn State University, State College

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 73 Toward US 322 East: Penn State University, Stat...
7
293.3 mi into trip | ~5h 43m in | US 322

Take the exit onto US 322 toward I 81 North, US 322 East, I 81 South: Hershey, Hazleton, Carlisle

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 81 North, US 322 East, I 81 South: Her...
9
296.2 mi into trip | ~5h 47m in | US 322

Keep slight right at fork onto US 322 toward I 83 South, US 322 East: Hershey, York

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 70 Toward I 83 South, US 322 East: Hershey, York
8
299.7 mi into trip | ~5h 52m in | US 322

Take the exit onto US 322 toward US 322 East: Hershey, Eisenhower Boulevard

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 47 Toward US 322 East: Hershey, Eisenhower Bouleva...
8
299.9 mi into trip | ~5h 53m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Derry Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Derry Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$50.23 one way

$100.47 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 106 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $55.02 $110.03
premium $4.93 $58.76 $117.53
diesel $5.61 $66.90 $133.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$50

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$75–$100

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 106 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 90.9 1 $31.81 $14.54
Efficient EV 75.8 0 $26.51 $12.12
EV Truck/SUV 121.2 1 $42.42 $19.39

Gas CO2

106 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Erie, PA

Late night in Erie on Sunday

Local time

3:30 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Mostly Clear

S 12 to 16 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Rutherford, PA

Late night in Rutherford on Sunday

Local time

3:30 AM

EDT

Current temp

57°F

Mostly Clear

E 3 mph 0% chance Live forecast

71°F

Clearfield, PA

152 mi in

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

9 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

6h 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.

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

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...

16 mi from route ~40 min detour Free near mile 282.1
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

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 ~50 min detour Free near mile 303
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this 303-mile route, with only about 5% of the journey on highways. While the Keystone Shortway offers the longest uninterrupted stretch at 103.3 miles, much of your time will be spent navigating local roads like the General Potter Highway and Raymond P Shafer Highway. This means you'll experience a more intimate connection with the landscape, with frequent changes in direction and speed. The character of the drive evolves as you move, shifting from potentially faster sections to more winding, slower-paced segments as you approach your destination.

Only 5% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.3 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 208.9 miles in near US 322 / Mount Nittany Expressway.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 22 significant decision points across 303 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 208.9 miles (US 322 / Mount Nittany Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 293.3 miles (US 322): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 296.2 miles (US 322): 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 Rutherford, PA, road signs point toward Shawville and State College.

Shawville

173.3 mi in | ~3h 10m

State College

208.9 mi in | ~3h 55m | via US 322

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 6h. Total distance: 303 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 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 103.3 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Rutherford, 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 208.9 miles (US 322 / Mount Nittany Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 293.3 miles (US 322): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 296.2 miles (US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Rutherford, PA before the return drive.

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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