Origin
Lafayette, PA
Afternoon in Lafayette on Sunday
Local time
12:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lafayette, PA to Pittsburgh, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 27m
Distance
147.1 mi
237 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 16m
★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 52m
10 AM
3h 37m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 38m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lafayette, PA
Ann H
Pittsburgh, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Planning a 147.1-mile journey from Lafayette, PA to Pittsburgh, PA? This drive will take you approximately 3 hours and 27 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily navigate via the Allegheny Valley Expressway, North Street, and Allegheny Boulevard. With an estimated fuel cost of $24, this route offers a straightforward way to travel within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania. Expect a turn-heavy local drive, so keep your focus sharp. This trip is perfectly suited for a single day of travel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
73.6 miles from Lafayette, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Allegheny Valley Expressway | 36.9 mi | 48m |
| North Street | 21.3 mi | 29m |
| Allegheny Boulevard | 18.1 mi | 26m |
| Richardsville Road | 14.3 mi | 21m |
| Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway | 14.1 mi | 15m |
| Portland Mills Road | 10.7 mi | 15m |
| East Center Street | 5.7 mi | 8m |
| Lake City Road | 5.5 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
Allegheny Valley Expressway
— 36.9 mi, about 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lafayette, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.
1
Start on PA 59
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Mt Alton Road
2
Turn left onto US 219
14 mi
·
15 min
·
Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway
3
Continue on US 219
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Burning Well Road
4
Continue on US 219
0.7 mi
·
50 sec
·
Marvin Street
5
Turn slight right onto US 219
252 ft
·
8 sec
·
Wilcox Road
6
Continue on US 219
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Wilcox Road
7
Continue on US 219
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Market Street
8
Continue on US 219
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Johnsonburg Bypass
9
Continue on US 219
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
East Center Street
10
Continue on US 219
1.7 mi
·
4 min
·
North Broad Street
11
Turn right onto PA 948
521 ft
·
25 sec
·
Main Street
12
Turn left onto PA 949
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
South Mill Avenue
13
At end of road, turn right onto PA 949
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
South Street
14
Continue on PA 949
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
·
State Street
15
Continue on PA 949
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Portland Mills Road
16
Continue on PA 949
5.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Lake City Road
17
Continue on Richardsville Road
14 mi
·
21 min
·
Richardsville Road
18
Continue on Richards St
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Richards St
19
At end of road, turn right onto US 322; PA 28
190 ft
·
4 sec
·
E Main St
20
Continue on US 322; PA 28
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
21
Continue on South Main Street
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
22
Turn left onto PA 28
18 mi
·
26 min
·
Allegheny Boulevard
23
Continue on PA 28
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Broad Street
24
Continue on PA 28; PA 66
21 mi
·
29 min
·
North Street
25
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward PA 28 South: Pittsburgh
26
Continue on PA 28
37 mi
·
48 min
·
Allegheny Valley Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
181 ft
·
4 sec
Exit 1A
Toward I 579 South, I 279 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroeville, Fort Pitt Bridge, Airport
Use the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroeville
Use the slight left lane.
29
Merge onto I 579
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Veterans Bridge
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Keep slight left at fork
502 ft
·
14 sec
Toward PPG Arena, 6th Avenue
32
Turn straight onto Bigelow Boulevard
224 ft
·
3 sec
·
Bigelow Boulevard
33
Continue on Bigelow Square
386 ft
·
6 sec
·
Bigelow Square
Toward 6th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
34
Turn right onto Sixth Avenue
347 ft
·
11 sec
·
Sixth Avenue
35
Turn left onto Grant Street
296 ft
·
22 sec
·
Grant Street
36
Continue on Grant Street
254 ft
·
13 sec
·
Grant Street
37
Arrive at destination
Grant Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 27-minute drive, consider leaving Lafayette in the morning to arrive in Pittsburgh with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $24, flexibility is key. Pay close attention to the numerous turns, especially when transitioning from highway to local roads, as this is a defining characteristic of the route. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 36.9 miles on the Allegheny Valley Expressway, so plan any refueling before or after this segment.
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 73.6 miles from Lafayette, PA, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.9 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 32 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.6 miles or 1h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pittsburgh, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, PA
This is one driving day of about 147.1 miles and 3h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Lafayette, 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 Allegheny Valley Expressway for about 36.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 73.6 miles from Lafayette, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 165 decision points cluster between mile 33.5 and 146.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
33.5 mi into trip
|
~43m in
|
PA 949 / South Mill Avenue
Turn left onto PA 949 / South Mill Avenue
Navigation decision point
8
145.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 579 South, I 279 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroeville, Fort Pitt Bridge, Airport
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 1A
Toward I 579 South, I 279 South: Veterans Bridg...
9
145.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroeville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroevill...
7
146.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 25m in
Take the exit toward 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue
6
146.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PPG Arena, 6th Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PPG Arena, 6th Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.39 one way
$48.77 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $26.71 | $53.42 |
| premium | $4.93 | $28.53 | $57.06 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.48 | $64.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.1 | 0 | $15.45 | $7.06 |
| Efficient EV | 36.8 | 0 | $12.87 | $5.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 58.8 | 0 | $20.59 | $9.41 |
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Pittsburgh, PA
Afternoon in Pittsburgh on Sunday
Local time
12:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 10 to 14 mph
48% chance
Live 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
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
20 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
3h 27m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route presents a turn-heavy local drive, with only 25% of the journey on highways. While there's a significant stretch of 36.9 miles on the Allegheny Valley Expressway, much of the drive involves navigating local roads. You'll experience frequent turns and changes in road type as you progress from Lafayette to Pittsburgh. Be prepared for a less monotonous, more engaging driving experience that requires constant attention to your surroundings.
Only 25% 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: 36.9 mi on Allegheny Valley Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 33.5 miles in near PA 949 / South Mill Avenue.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 147.1 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 33.5 miles (PA 949 / South Mill Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 145.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 145.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Arriving in Pittsburgh, PA
Full guide →The pleasure of Pittsburgh remains a well-kept secret. Though not built up by reputation, the city's unique combination of bridges, steep hills, and broad rivers make it one of the most naturally scenic cities in the country. Cheap food and beer abound in this true sports town and the locals are amazingly friendly. A city of about 303,000 (2021) in Allegheny County, at the center of a metro area of about 2.4 million in southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River. The city's unique terrain has resulted in an unusual city design and a hodge-podge of unique neighborhood "pockets" with diverse ethnic and architectural heritage.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 27m. Total distance: 147.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 36.9 miles on Allegheny Valley 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 Pittsburgh, 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 33.5 miles (PA 949 / South Mill Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 145.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 145.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Pittsburgh, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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