Franklin, PA to Croydon, PA is 342.1 miles and takes about 6h 32m via Keystone Shortway and Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $61 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route primarily stays within Pennsylvania, beginning in the Northeast region and concluding near the Southeast. Expect a mix of highway driving and surface roads as you traverse the state. Given the 6.5-hour drive time and manageable fuel cost, this trip is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
171.1 miles from Franklin, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
205.8 mi
3h 43m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
74.6 mi
1h 20m
Pennsylvania Turnpike
18 mi
19m
US Highway 322
17.2 mi
25m
Main Street
6.1 mi
9m
Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
4.3 mi
6m
Route 322
4.1 mi
5m
Street Road
4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 205.8 mi, about 3h 43m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 30 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,084 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,479
Quietest
2 AM
~185 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
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 Franklin, PA and Croydon, PA.
1
Start on 13th Street
27 ft·5 sec·13th Street
2
Turn right onto US 62; US 322; PA 8
0.8 mi·2 min·Liberty Street
3
Turn left onto US 322
0.2 mi·15 sec·8th Street
4
Continue on US 322
1.7 mi·2 min·Lakes To the Sea Highway
5
Continue on US 322
4.8 mi·7 min·US Highway 322
6
Continue on US 322
2.7 mi·4 min·Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
7
Continue on US 322
12 mi·17 min·US Highway 322
8
Continue on US 322
5.1 mi·7 min·Main Street
9
Continue on US 322
1.7 mi·2 min·West Main Street
10
Continue on US 322
1.6 mi·2 min·Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
11
Continue on US 322
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
12
Continue on US 322
4.1 mi·5 min·Route 322
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
14
Merge onto I 80
206 mi·3 hr 43 min·Keystone Shortway
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward PA 940, PATP, I 476: Wilkes-Barre, Allentown
Exit 352Toward PA 132: Street RoadUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn left onto PA 132
4.0 mi·6 min·Street Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
23
At end of road, turn left onto State Road
1.6 mi·2 min·State Road
Use the left lane.
24
Arrive at destination
State Road
Trip Plan
To maximize daylight and minimize traffic, consider departing from Franklin, PA early in the morning. The total drive time is around 6 hours and 32 minutes, so leaving by 8 AM should get you to Croydon, PA by mid-afternoon. With a fuel cost estimated at $61, it's wise to fill up before leaving Franklin. While there's one recommended stop, you have flexibility given this is a single-day trip; however, be mindful of the 205.8-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway before encountering more frequent services on the turnpike sections.
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 171.1 miles from Franklin, PA, or about 3h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 205.8 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 75 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 171.1 miles or 3h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Croydon, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Franklin, 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 Franklin, PA
This is one driving day of about 342.1 miles and 6h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Franklin, 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 205.8 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 242.1 and 340.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
242.1 mi into trip|~4h 38m in
Take the exit toward PA 940, PATP, I 476: Wilkes-Barre, Allentown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 940, PATP, I 476: Wilkes-Barre, Allen...
6
243 mi into trip|~4h 40m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 476 South: Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 476 South: Allentown
6
317.9 mi into trip|~6h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 276 East: New Jersey
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 276 East: New Jersey
7
336.2 mi into trip|~6h 21m in
Take the exit toward PA 132: Street Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 352
Toward PA 132: Street Road
7
340.6 mi into trip|~6h 29m in|State Road
At end of road, turn left onto State Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.55 one way
$109.09 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg120 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$60.37
$120.73
premium
$4.81
$64.76
$129.51
diesel
$4.80
$64.59
$129.19
Estimated Tolls: $12.03
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(92.6 mi)$12.03
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
$55
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 119.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
102.6
1
$35.92
$16.42
Efficient EV
85.5
0
$29.93
$13.68
EV Truck/SUV
136.8
1
$47.89
$21.89
Gas CO2
120 kg
EV CO2
40 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
Franklin, PA
Morning
in Franklin on Sunday
Local time
11:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Smoke
NW 2 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Croydon, PA
Morning
in Croydon on Sunday
Local time
11:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Smoke
N 5 mph0% chanceLive 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
3 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 32m 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.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 318.5
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
$1
near mile 318.5
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...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 318.5
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...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
Free
near mile 318.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 33% of this 342.1-mile drive will be on highways. You'll encounter your longest continuous stretch on the Keystone Shortway, covering 205.8 miles. Following this, you'll transition to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and then the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Be prepared for frequent exits and merges as you navigate these major arteries, especially as you approach more populated areas closer to Croydon.
33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 205.8 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 242.1 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
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 342.1 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 242.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 317.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,814 ft26 ft
Total Climb
2,290 ft
Total Descent
3,274 ft
Highest Point
1,814 ft
~71.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,787 ft
Notable High Points
1,720 ft at ~236.9 miles+667 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Franklin, PA and Croydon, PA, road signs point toward Patp and Allentown.
Patp
242.1 mi in|~4h 38m
Allentown
242.1 mi in|~4h 38m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Franklin is a city in Venango County, in the Erie Region of Pennsylvania. Franklin, Titusville and Oil City, make up the Oil Region. Although the town remains rather quiet, the oil boom has left the city with many historic buildings. The architectural features range from Victorian to Gothic Revival; it is said that all of the architectural styles used in the state from 1830 to 1930 can be observed in Franklin. The Appalachian Mountains and forests that surround the area also make it a popular destination for hikers and bikers looking to get out of the cities to experience nature.
Top landmarks
•Franklin Historic District — historic district in Franklin, Pennsylvania
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 32m. Total distance: 342.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 32m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 205.8 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $12.03 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 32 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 Croydon, 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 32 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 242.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 317.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, Independence National Historical Park and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Croydon, PA before the return drive.
