Knox to Bethlehem is 267.3 miles and takes about 5h 13m via Keystone Shortway, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, traversing the Northeast region from west to east. Expect a local drive with frequent turns, making it less of a high-speed cruise and more of an engaged journey. Given the relatively short duration and the $44 fuel estimate, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, allowing you to arrive with time to spare.
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
133.6 miles from Knox, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
169.6 mi
3h 2m
William Penn Highway
21.6 mi
26m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Lehigh Valley Thruway
10.3 mi
14m
Elysburg Road
9.7 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
Gordon Nagle Trail
4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 169.6 mi, about 3h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knox, PA and Bethlehem, PA.
1
Start on Main Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
2
Continue on Knox Road
1.0 mi·2 min·Knox Road
3
Turn right onto PA 338
1.6 mi·2 min·PA 338
4
Turn left onto Canoe Ripple Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Canoe Ripple Road
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·48 sec
6
Merge onto I 80
170 mi·3 hr 2 min·Keystone Shortway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
8
Turn slight left
79 ft·2 sec
9
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
11
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi·49 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
12
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
14
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
15
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
16
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
17
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
18
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
19
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
20
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
21
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
22
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
23
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi·3 min·Centre Street
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
26
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi·26 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
10 mi·14 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI AirportUse the slight right lane.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville RoadUse the slight right lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward PA 378 South: BethlehemUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on PA 378
1.8 mi·2 min·Bethlehem Spur Route
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Exit 2Toward Eighth AvenueUse the slight right lane.
32
Turn right onto 8th Avenue
0.1 mi·22 sec·8th Avenue
33
Turn left onto West Union Boulevard
1.0 mi·2 min·West Union Boulevard
34
Turn left onto Center Street
423 ft·11 sec·Center Street
35
Turn right onto East Goepp Street
0.3 mi·49 sec·East Goepp Street
36
Turn right onto Linden Street
57 ft·1 sec·Linden Street
37
Arrive at destination
Linden Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over 5 hours and a manageable 267.3-mile distance, this route is ideal for a single-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for the frequent turns. While the longest stretch is significant, plan for a break around the halfway point, especially as you transition to more local roads. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the estimated cost is $44, local roads can sometimes be more spread out between services than major highways, so don't let it get too low.
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 133.6 miles from Knox, PA, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 169.6 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 59 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.6 miles or 2h 28m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bethlehem, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Knox, 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 Knox, PA
This is one driving day of about 267.3 miles and 5h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Knox, 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 169.6 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 173.8 and 265.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
173.8 mi into trip|~3h 11m in
Take the exit toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
9
253 mi into trip|~4h 52m in|US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
7
263.3 mi into trip|~5h 6m in
Take the exit toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville Road
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 PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville...
8
263.5 mi into trip|~5h 6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem
7
265.6 mi into trip|~5h 9m in
Take the exit toward Eighth Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 2
Toward Eighth Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.31 one way
$88.63 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$48.53
$97.07
premium
$4.93
$51.84
$103.68
diesel
$5.61
$59.02
$118.03
Estimated Tolls: $0.72
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(10.3 mi)$0.72
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
$44
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.2
0
$28.07
$12.83
Efficient EV
66.8
0
$23.39
$10.69
EV Truck/SUV
106.9
1
$37.42
$17.11
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% 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 19, 2026
Origin
Knox, PA
Late night
in Knox on Sunday
Local time
2:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bethlehem, PA
Late night
in Bethlehem on Sunday
Local time
2:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°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
13 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 13m 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.
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 212
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized as turn-heavy and local, with only a 5% highway share. You'll primarily be navigating via the Keystone Shortway, William Penn Highway, and State Route 54. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 169.6 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a period of more consistent travel before the local roads and turns become more frequent. This profile suggests a driving experience that requires constant attention rather than a passive interstate cruise.
Only 5% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 169.6 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 173.8 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 21 significant decision points across 267.3 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 173.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 253 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 263.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Knox, PA and Bethlehem, PA, road signs point toward Washingtonville and Lvi Airport.
Washingtonville
173.8 mi in|~3h 11m
Lvi Airport
253 mi in|~4h 52m|via US 22
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 13m. Total distance: 267.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 169.6 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.72 in tolls one way, starting with Lehigh Valley Thruway. 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 Bethlehem, 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 173.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 253 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 263.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bethlehem, PA before the return drive.
