Kimmel, PA to Philadelphia, PA is 245.2 miles and takes about 4 hours 45 minutes via the Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive across Pennsylvania, staying within the Northeast region and entirely within the state. With a recommended one-day trip, you'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a convenient option for getting from point A to point B efficiently. Consider this route if you're looking for a no-frills journey with minimal navigation challenges.
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
122.6 miles from Kimmel, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
216.5 mi
3h 56m
I 76
18 mi
26m
New Centerville Road
5.3 mi
9m
Cross Road
1.5 mi
5m
Vine Street Expressway
0.8 mi
1m
South Center Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Tayman Avenue
0.5 mi
<1m
West Patriot Street
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 216.5 mi, about 3h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kimmel, PA and Philadelphia, PA.
1
Start on SR 3029
0.3 mi·43 sec·Copper Kettle Highway
2
Turn left onto Cross Road
1.5 mi·5 min·Cross Road
3
Turn left onto PA 281
5.3 mi·9 min·New Centerville Road
4
Continue on PA 281
0.5 mi·58 sec·Tayman Avenue
5
Continue on PA 31; PA 281
0.5 mi·55 sec·West Patriot Street
6
Turn left onto South Center Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·South Center Avenue
7
Turn left onto Ramada Road
0.3 mi·31 sec·Ramada Road
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward I 76 East, I 70 East: Harrisburg
9
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
217 mi·3 hr 56 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto I 76
18 mi·26 min·I 76
Exit 326Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30
0.8 mi·1 min·Vine Street Expressway
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central PhiladelphiaUse the slight left / straight lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward Central PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
313 ft·11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn right onto North 15th Street
0.4 mi·48 sec·North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
15
Turn slight left onto PA 611
379 ft·8 sec·South Penn Square
16
Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square
167 ft·2 sec·South Penn Square
17
Arrive at destination
South Penn Square
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 45 minute duration, it's best to depart Kimmel, PA in the morning to allow ample time for any unforeseen delays. Since this is a one-day trip and you'll be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for most of it, plan for one stop around the halfway point for fuel and a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as there are longer stretches between services on the Turnpike, and the total fuel cost is estimated at $41. Enjoy the efficiency of this direct drive; you'll be in Philadelphia with plenty of time to spare.
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 122.6 miles from Kimmel, PA, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 216.5 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 54 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.6 miles or 2h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Philadelphia, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kimmel, 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 Kimmel, PA
This is one driving day of about 245.2 miles and 4h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Kimmel, 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 216.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 122.6 miles from Kimmel, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 216.5 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.1 and 244.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
9.1 mi into trip|~19m in|I 70; I 76; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
225.7 mi into trip|~4h 16m in|I 76
Take the exit onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
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 326
Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
8
243.7 mi into trip|~4h 42m in|I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadel...
6
244.5 mi into trip|~4h 43m in
Take the exit toward Central Philadelphia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Central Philadelphia
9
244.7 mi into trip|~4h 43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.65 one way
$81.30 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$44.52
$89.04
premium
$4.93
$47.55
$95.11
diesel
$5.61
$54.14
$108.27
Estimated Tolls: $28.15
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(216.5 mi)$28.15
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
$41
Tolls
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$94–$119
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.6
0
$25.75
$11.77
Efficient EV
61.3
0
$21.46
$9.81
EV Truck/SUV
98.1
1
$34.33
$15.69
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 16, 2026
Origin
Kimmel, PA
Morning
in Kimmel on Sunday
Local time
8:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 10 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Philadelphia, PA
Morning
in Philadelphia on Sunday
Local time
8:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 15 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA
48°F
Middlesex, PA
123 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
12 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
4h 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.
Independence National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 245.2
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 126.8
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 219.8
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
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 16.9
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 169.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 96% of the journey taking place on major roadways. You'll be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 216.5 miles. Expect consistent highway speeds and limited opportunities for scenic detours as you primarily navigate this major interstate corridor. The road character remains largely the same throughout, offering a predictable driving experience with minimal changes in terrain or road type until you approach your destination.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 216.5 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.1 miles in near I 70; I 76; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Driving Effort7/10
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 245.2 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 9.1 miles (I 70; I 76; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 225.7 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243.7 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 45m. Total distance: 245.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 216.5 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $28.15 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 Philadelphia, 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 9.1 miles (I 70; I 76; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 225.7 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243.7 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Philadelphia, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
