Fairview, PA to Penn Hills, PA is 293.8 miles and takes about 5h 45m via Pennsylvania Turnpike and PA 100, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, primarily traversing Pennsylvania. It's a solid option if you're looking for a direct, mostly highway route that can be completed comfortably in a single day. The estimated fuel cost is quite reasonable for the distance covered, making it an economical choice for a quick transit between these two points.
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
146.9 miles from Fairview, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
256.4 mi
4h 39m
PA 100
7.5 mi
11m
North Middletown Road
5.8 mi
9m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
4.6 mi
6m
West Chester Pike
3.2 mi
5m
South New Middletown Road
2.9 mi
5m
Verona Road
2.1 mi
5m
Edgmont Avenue
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 256.4 mi, about 4h 39m
Traffic on I-376
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 6 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~3,320 veh/hr typical
Quietest
3 AM
~202 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.4×
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 Fairview, PA and Penn Hills, PA.
1
Start on Essex Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Essex Avenue
2
At end of road, turn left onto Fairview Road
0.4 mi·50 sec·Fairview Road
3
Turn left onto Macdade Boulevard
0.7 mi·1 min·Macdade Boulevard
4
Continue on MacDade Boulevard
0.3 mi·24 sec·MacDade Boulevard
5
Continue on East 22nd Street
0.6 mi·1 min·East 22nd Street
6
Turn right onto PA 352
2.0 mi·3 min·Edgmont Avenue
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on PA 352
2.9 mi·5 min·South New Middletown Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on PA 352
5.8 mi·9 min·North Middletown Road
9
Continue on PA 352
1.2 mi·2 min·South Chester Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
10
Turn left onto PA 3; PA 352
3.2 mi·5 min·West Chester Pike
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·44 sec
Toward US 322 West, US 202 North: King of Prussia, DowningtownUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto US 202; US 322
1.2 mi·1 min·West Chester Bypass
13
Take the exit onto PA 100
7.5 mi·11 min·PA 100
Toward PA 100 North: ExtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward PATP
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 76 West: Harrisburg
16
Merge onto I 76; PATP
256 mi·4 hr 39 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.6 mi·2 min
Exit 57Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, MonroevilleUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh
19
Keep slight right at fork
353 ft·8 sec
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
20
Merge onto I 376; US 22
4.6 mi·6 min·Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Use the slight left lane.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Exit 79BToward PA 130: ChurchillUse the slight left lane.
22
Turn right onto PA 130
1.2 mi·1 min·Beulah Road
Use the right lane.
23
Continue on PA 130
0.1 mi·12 sec·Old Coal Hollow Road
24
Continue on PA 130
1.0 mi·1 min·Coal Hollow Road
Use the right lane.
25
Turn right onto Verona Road
0.4 mi·50 sec·Verona Road
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on Verona Road
1.7 mi·4 min·Verona Road
27
Turn left onto Mount Avenue
519 ft·24 sec·Mount Avenue
28
Turn right onto Sylvan Avenue
134 ft·5 sec·Sylvan Avenue
29
Arrive at destination
Sylvan Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this drive is under 6 hours, you have the flexibility to leave whenever works best for you, but an early morning departure will ensure you arrive with plenty of daylight. The majority of your travel will be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so be prepared for consistent highway speeds and potentially dense exit traffic as you approach your destination. It's wise to plan for one stop to break up the 256.4-mile stretch on the Turnpike and to refuel if needed, as the estimated $48 fuel cost is based on the total distance. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition off the main turnpike.
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 146.9 miles from Fairview, PA, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 256.4 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 65 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.9 miles or 2h 57m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Penn Hills, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairview, 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 Fairview, PA
This is one driving day of about 293.8 miles and 5h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Fairview, 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 256.4 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 17.2 and 288.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
17.2 mi into trip|~31m in
Take the exit toward US 322 West, US 202 North: King of Prussia, Downingtown
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 322 West, US 202 North: King of Pruss...
6
18.6 mi into trip|~33m in|PA 100
Take the exit onto PA 100 toward PA 100 North: Exton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward PA 100 North: Exton
8
283.3 mi into trip|~5h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville
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 57
Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroevil...
7
284 mi into trip|~5h 29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
7
288.7 mi into trip|~5h 35m in
Take the exit toward PA 130: Churchill
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 79B
Toward PA 130: Churchill
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.85 one way
$93.69 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg103 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$51.84
$103.69
premium
$4.81
$55.61
$111.23
diesel
$4.80
$55.47
$110.95
Estimated Tolls: $33.34
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(256.4 mi)$33.34
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
$47
Tolls
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$105–$130
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.8 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
88.1
1
$30.85
$14.10
Efficient EV
73.5
0
$25.71
$11.75
EV Truck/SUV
117.5
1
$41.13
$18.80
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 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
Fairview, PA
Late night
in Fairview on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Smoke
SW 0 to 5 mph3% 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
Penn Hills, PA
Late night
in Penn Hills on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Smoke
SE 1 to 5 mph52% 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
83°F
State Line, PA
147 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
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
5h 45m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 111.4
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 222.9
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
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 10.1
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 20.3
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 91% of this 293.8-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike is 256.4 miles, meaning you'll be on high-speed, limited-access roads for the vast majority of your travel. After this long highway segment, you'll transition to surface roads like PA 100 and North Middletown Road for the final portion of your trip.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 256.4 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and PA 100. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.2 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 18 significant decision points across 293.8 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 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.6 miles (PA 100): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 283.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,150 ft65 ft
Total Climb
2,665 ft
Total Descent
1,792 ft
Highest Point
2,150 ft
~230.9 mi in
Elevation Range
2,085 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fairview, PA and Penn Hills, PA, road signs point toward Downingtown and Patp.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 45m. Total distance: 293.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 256.4 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $33.34 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 Penn Hills, 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 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.6 miles (PA 100): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 283.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Flight 93 National Memorial and First State National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Penn Hills, PA before the return drive.
