Origin
Erie, PA
Morning in Erie on Tuesday
Local time
6:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Erie, PA to Sunrise Lake, 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
7h 17m
Distance
363.5 mi
585 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 7m
★
6 AM
7h 18m
8 AM
7h 39m
10 AM
7h 25m
12 PM
7h 23m
3 PM
7h 26m
5 PM
7h 38m
8 PM
7h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Erie, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Sunrise Lake, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Erie, PA to Sunrise Lake, PA is 363.5 miles and takes about 7h 17m via Southern Tier Expressway, I 81, and I 84, with a fuel budget near $60 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Northeast region, primarily traversing Pennsylvania. It's a highway-focused journey, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. Plan for about 95% of this route to be on major highways, so expect consistent speeds and limited opportunities for scenic detours. The estimated fuel cost suggests it's an economical choice for a longer day trip.
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
181.8 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Tier Expressway | 249.5 mi | 4h 50m |
| I 81 | 53.4 mi | 1h 3m |
| I 84 | 34.1 mi | 39m |
| Hopkins-Bowser Highway | 7 mi | 8m |
| PA-739 | 6.2 mi | 11m |
| Bayfront Connector | 4.4 mi | 7m |
| AMVETS Memorial Highway | 4.1 mi | 4m |
| East 8th Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Southern Tier Expressway
— 249.5 mi, about 4h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Erie, PA and Sunrise Lake, PA.
1
Start on State Street
0.1 mi
·
35 sec
·
State Street
2
Turn left onto East 8th Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East 8th Street
3
Turn right onto East Bayfront Parkway
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
East Bayfront Parkway
4
Continue on PA 290
4.4 mi
·
7 min
·
Bayfront Connector
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on PA 290; PA 430
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Station Road
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
7
Merge onto I 90
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
AMVETS Memorial Highway
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 37
Toward I 86 East: Jamestown
9
Continue on I 86
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Hopkins-Bowser Highway
10
Continue on I 86; NY 17
249 mi
·
4 hr 50 min
·
Southern Tier Expressway
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
US 6
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, Milford
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 84
30 mi
·
35 min
·
I 84
Toward I 84 East: Milford
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward PA 739: Lords Valley , Dingmans Ferry
16
Turn right onto PA 739
6.2 mi
·
11 min
·
PA-739
17
Turn left onto Sunrise Drive
0.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Sunrise Drive
18
Arrive at destination
Sunrise Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 17m duration and 363.5-mile distance, starting your drive early in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. With only two planned stops, consider making your first break around the halfway point, perhaps after the initial 249.5-mile stretch on the Southern Tier Expressway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially on the longer highway segments, and plan your refueling accordingly to avoid any disruptions. The estimated fuel cost of $60 should be factored into your budget for this straightforward, single-day trip.
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 181.8 miles from Erie, PA, or about 3h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 249.5 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 80 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.8 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sunrise Lake, 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 363.5 miles and 7h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 249.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
182 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 181.8 miles from Erie, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Southern Tier Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 249.5 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 125 decision points cluster between mile 11.3 and 356.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
11.3 mi into trip
|
~19m in
Take the exit toward I 86 East: Jamestown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 37
Toward I 86 East: Jamestown
7
268.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 18m in
|
I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
321.6 mi into trip
|
~6h 22m in
|
US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
5
326.1 mi into trip
|
~6h 27m in
|
I 84
Keep slight left at fork onto I 84 toward I 84 East: Milford
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 84 East: Milford
5
356.4 mi into trip
|
~7h 2m in
Take the exit toward PA 739: Lords Valley , Dingmans Ferry
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 739: Lords Valley , Dingmans Ferry
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.26 one way
$120.53 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
127 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $66.00 | $132.00 |
| premium | $4.93 | $70.50 | $140.99 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $80.26 | $160.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$60
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$85–$110
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 109.1 | 1 | $38.17 | $17.45 |
| Efficient EV | 90.9 | 1 | $31.81 | $14.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 145.4 | 1 | $50.89 | $23.26 |
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
43 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Sunrise Lake, PA
Morning in Sunrise Lake on Tuesday
Local time
6:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°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
1 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 17m 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.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
$10
near mile 363.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 95% of your travel occurring on major interstates. You'll begin on the Southern Tier Expressway, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch at 249.5 miles. Following this, you'll transition to I-81 and then I-84, maintaining a consistent, high-speed environment for most of the 7-hour journey. Expect this to be a drive where you cover ground efficiently, with fewer winding roads and more direct, high-speed travel.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 249.5 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 363.5 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 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 268.3 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 321.6 miles (US 6): 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 Sunrise Lake, PA, road signs point toward Mt Pocono and Milford.
Mt Pocono
321.6 mi in
|
~6h 22m
|
via US 6
Milford
322.4 mi in
|
~6h 23m
|
via I 84; I 380
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 7h 17m. Total distance: 363.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 17m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 249.5 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. 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 Sunrise Lake, 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 11.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 268.3 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 321.6 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Sunrise Lake, 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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