This 353.5-mile journey from Lackawaxen, PA, to Erie, PA, is a substantial drive that can be accomplished in about 7 hours and 19 minutes. It's primarily a highway-focused route, with 93% of the drive on major expressways, making it a practical option for a single-day trip. You'll navigate using the Southern Tier Expressway and I-86, also known as NY-17 in parts. With an estimated fuel cost of $59 and only two recommended stops, this route prioritizes efficiency. Both your starting and ending points are in the Northeast region, so you'll be covering ground within a familiar geographical area.
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
176.7 miles from Lackawaxen, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 44m into the drive
.
Step-by-step road directions between Lackawaxen, PA and Erie, PA.
1
Start on this road
195 ft·5 sec·this road
2
Continue on Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct
0.1 mi·41 sec·Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct
3
Turn left onto NY 97
6.9 mi·10 min·State Route 97
4
Continue on NY 97
3.6 mi·5 min·State Highway 97
5
Keep slight right at fork onto NY 97
34 mi·50 min·State Highway 97
6
Continue on NY 97
2.5 mi·3 min·Stockport Road
7
At end of road, turn left onto NY 97
0.2 mi·18 sec·East Front Street
8
Turn right onto NY 97
274 ft·10 sec·Read Street
9
Turn left onto NY 97
0.8 mi·1 min·East Main Street
10
Turn right onto CR 67
0.1 mi·12 sec·Sands Creek Road
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward NY 17 West: Binghamton
12
Merge onto NY 17
40 mi·48 min·NY 17
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17
100 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 86; NY 17
Toward I 86: Corning
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 86; NY 17
61 mi·1 hr 10 min·Southern Tier Expressway
Toward I 86 West, NY 17 West: Erie
15
Turn left onto State Highway 16
5.7 mi·8 min·State Highway 16
16
Continue on NY 16
0.3 mi·34 sec·North Union Street
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
19
Merge onto I 86; NY 17
79 mi·1 hr 32 min·Southern Tier Expressway
20
Continue on I 86
6.8 mi·7 min·Hopkins-Bowser Highway
21
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi·1 min
Toward I-90: Erie
22
Merge onto I 90
3.4 mi·4 min·AMVETS Memorial Highway
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·53 sec
Exit 32Toward PA 290, PA 430: Wesleyville, Bayfront Connector
24
Turn right onto PA 290; PA 430
0.9 mi·1 min·Station Road
25
Continue on PA 290
4.4 mi·7 min·Bayfront Connector
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on East Bayfront Parkway
0.2 mi·25 sec·East Bayfront Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn left onto East 10th Street
1.1 mi·2 min·East 10th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn right onto State Street
0.3 mi·59 sec·State Street
29
Arrive at destination
State Street
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour and 19-minute duration, this trip is feasible in one day, but an early start is recommended to maximize daylight. Plan for your two stops strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you need to refuel, keeping the $59 fuel cost in mind. The longest stretch without a major exit is 139.5 miles on the Southern Tier Expressway, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before embarking on that segment. This route is predominantly highway, so be aware of speed limits and potential traffic, especially near larger towns.
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 176.7 miles from Lackawaxen, PA, or about 3h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 139.5 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 78 miles or 1h 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 176.7 miles or 3h 44m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Erie, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lackawaxen, 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 Lackawaxen, PA
This is one driving day of about 353.5 miles and 7h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Lackawaxen, 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 139.5 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 48.2 and 346.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
48.2 mi into trip|~1h 12m in
Take the ramp toward NY 17 West: Binghamton
Navigation decision point
Toward NY 17 West: Binghamton
5
88.5 mi into trip|~2h 1m in|I 86; NY 17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 86; NY 17 toward I 86: Corning
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 86: Corning
6
188.6 mi into trip|~3h 58m in|I 86; NY 17 / Southern Tier Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 86; NY 17 / Southern Tier Expressway toward I 86 West, NY 17 West: Erie
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 86 West, NY 17 West: Erie
5
341.8 mi into trip|~6h 59m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I-90: Erie
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I-90: Erie
6
346.3 mi into trip|~7h 4m in
Take the exit toward PA 290, PA 430: Wesleyville, Bayfront Connector
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 32
Toward PA 290, PA 430: Wesleyville, Bayfront Co...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$58.61 one way
$117.21 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg124 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$64.19
$128.37
premium
$4.93
$68.56
$137.11
diesel
$5.61
$78.05
$156.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 123.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
106.1
1
$37.12
$16.97
Efficient EV
88.4
1
$30.93
$14.14
EV Truck/SUV
141.4
1
$49.49
$22.62
Gas CO2
124 kg
EV CO2
41 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Lackawaxen, PA
Morning
in Lackawaxen on Sunday
Local time
9:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Erie, PA
Morning
in Erie on Sunday
Local time
9:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
41°F
Barton, NY
177 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
16 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
7h 19m 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,...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 353.5-mile trip, as 93% of the route utilizes expressways. The Southern Tier Expressway and I-86 will be your main companions, providing a relatively straightforward driving experience. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 139.5 miles, so plan your breaks accordingly. While largely a high-speed affair, the character of the road is consistent, allowing for steady progress toward your destination.
93% 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: 139.5 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 86. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 48.2 miles in.
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 19 significant decision points across 353.5 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 48.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 88.5 miles (I 86; NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 188.6 miles (I 86; NY 17 / Southern Tier Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 19m. Total distance: 353.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 19m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 139.5 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 Erie, 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 48.2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 88.5 miles (I 86; NY 17): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 188.6 miles (I 86; NY 17 / Southern Tier Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 14.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Erie, PA before the return drive.
