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Trip from Lansdale, PA to Penn Hills, PA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 44m

Distance

303.5 mi

488 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 31m ★
6 AM
5h 44m
8 AM
6h 11m
10 AM
5h 53m
12 PM
5h 51m
3 PM
5h 55m
5 PM
6h 9m
8 PM
5h 36m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

borough in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

Lansdale, PA

Wikimedia Commons

home rule municipality of Pennsylvania

Penn Hills, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Lansdale to Penn Hills is 303.5 miles and takes about 5h 44m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, taking you from the Northeast region to its western edge. It's a straightforward trip primarily on major highways, making it a solid choice for a single-day journey. You'll spend most of your time on the turnpike, so expect consistent, albeit sometimes busy, travel.

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

151.8 miles from Lansdale, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 50m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 277.9 mi 5h 2m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 9.4 mi 10m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East 4.6 mi 6m
Verona Road 2.1 mi 5m
Forty Foot Road 1.7 mi 3m
Welsh Road 1.4 mi 2m
Beulah Road 1.2 mi 1m
Coal Hollow Road 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 277.9 mi, about 5h 2m

Traffic on I-376

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 6 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

5 PM

~3,320 veh/hr typical

Quietest

3 AM

~202 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

16.4×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

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 Lansdale, PA and Penn Hills, PA.

1

Start on South Broad Street

21 ft · 8 sec · South Broad Street
2

Turn left onto PA 63

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
3

Continue on PA 63

1.4 mi · 2 min · Welsh Road
4

Turn left onto PA 63

1.7 mi · 3 min · Forty Foot Road
5

Turn right onto PA 63

0.5 mi · 1 min · Sumneytown Pike
6

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward PATP South
7

Merge onto I 476; PATP

9.4 mi · 10 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
8

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 276 West: Harrisburg Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto I 276; PATP

278 mi · 5 hr 2 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 2 min
Exit 57 Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh
12

Keep slight right at fork

353 ft · 8 sec
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
13

Merge onto I 376; US 22

4.6 mi · 6 min · Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Use the slight left lane.
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Exit 79B Toward PA 130: Churchill Use the slight left lane.
15

Turn right onto PA 130

1.2 mi · 1 min · Beulah Road
Use the right lane.
16

Continue on PA 130

0.1 mi · 12 sec · Old Coal Hollow Road
17

Continue on PA 130

1.0 mi · 1 min · Coal Hollow Road
Use the right lane.
18

Turn right onto Verona Road

0.4 mi · 50 sec · Verona Road
Use the right lane.
19

Continue on Verona Road

1.7 mi · 4 min · Verona Road
20

Turn left onto Mount Avenue

519 ft · 24 sec · Mount Avenue
21

Turn right onto Sylvan Avenue

134 ft · 5 sec · Sylvan Avenue
22

Arrive at destination

Sylvan Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5h 44m drive, aim to depart Lansdale early in the morning to avoid potential rush hour traffic. With a projected fuel cost of around $51, ensure your tank is full before you set off. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and Pennsylvania Turnpike offer numerous service plazas for quick stops, so you likely won't need to deviate much from your route. Given the manageable duration, consider splitting the drive if you prefer a more relaxed pace, though it's easily achievable in one day.

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 151.8 miles from Lansdale, PA, or about 2h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 277.9 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 67 miles or 1h 18m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 151.8 miles or 2h 50m 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 36m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Penn Hills, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lansdale, 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 Lansdale, PA

This is one driving day of about 303.5 miles and 5h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Lansdale, 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 277.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

borough of Pennsylvania

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Martinsburg, PA

152 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

Hershey, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Martinsburg, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 151.8 miles from Lansdale, 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 277.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Acapulco | Mexican Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Irwin, Pennsylvania

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 25min to go 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17243824335

Visit website

Jimmy Wan's | Restaurant & Lounge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2 mi

Cenacolo Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

2.7 mi

Acapulco | Mexican Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Irwin, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17243824335

Visit website

Jimmy Wan's | Restaurant & Lounge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+14129680848

Visit website

Cenacolo Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 4–8 pm

+17245155983

Visit website

Eat'n Park

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+14122423700

Visit website

Persichetti's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17245275553

Visit website

Mohan's Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+14127933121

Visit website

The Nest Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $40 to $50

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5–8 pm

+17245279880

Visit website

Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30

Aspinwall, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14124083420

Visit website

The Black Cat Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Devon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 9 AM–3:30 PM

+16106881930

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargeSmart EV Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Adamsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887174544

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Jones Mills, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

North Somerset Service Plaza

0 mi from route

South Somerset Service Plaza

0 mi from route

South Midway Service Plaza

0 mi from route

North Midway Service Plaza

0 mi from route

Blue Mountain Service Plaza

0 mi from route

Lawn Service Plaza

0 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

King of Prussia Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Valley Forge Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

New Stanton Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Sideling Hill Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Peter J. Camiel Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Petro Stopping Centers

0.2 mi from route

Bomansville Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Cumberland Valley Service Plaza

0.4 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.4 mi from route

TA

0.6 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.6 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.6 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

1.1 mi from route

Oakmont Plum Service Plaza

1.9 mi from route

The Escape Game King Of Prussia

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+16106248058

Visit website

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - King of Prussia

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.2 mi from route

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+16105954359

Visit website

Heuser Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+16102651071

Visit website

Amazing Escape Room Montgomeryville

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 12–11 pm

+12672228186

Visit website

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+14128269680

Visit website

Fischer's Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Harleysville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+12153687602

Visit website

Arnold's Family Fun Center

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Oaks, Pennsylvania

Hours: 3–9 pm

+16106660600

Visit website

Elmwood Park Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16102773825

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 14.6 and 298.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
14.6 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the exit toward I 276 West: Harrisburg

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 276 West: Harrisburg
8
293 mi into trip | ~5h 24m in

Take the exit toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville

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 57 Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroevil...
6
293.6 mi into trip | ~5h 27m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West:...
7
293.7 mi into trip | ~5h 27m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
7
298.4 mi into trip | ~5h 33m in

Take the exit toward PA 130: Churchill

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 79B Toward PA 130: Churchill

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.39 one way

$96.79 round trip

$4.05/gal 25.4 MPG avg 106 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.48 $53.55 $107.11
premium $4.81 $57.45 $114.90
diesel $4.80 $57.31 $114.61

Estimated Tolls: $37.36

Pennsylvania Turnpike (287.4 mi) $37.36

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

$48

Tolls

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$111–$136

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 106.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 91.1 1 $31.87 $14.57
Efficient EV 75.9 0 $26.56 $12.14
EV Truck/SUV 121.4 1 $42.49 $19.42

Gas CO2

106 kg

EV CO2

36 kg (66% 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

Lansdale, PA

Morning in Lansdale on Sunday

Local time

10:55 AM

EDT

Current temp

86°F

Areas Of Smoke

NW 5 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Beach Hazards Statement

Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 3:59PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Destination

Penn Hills, PA

Morning in Penn Hills on Sunday

Local time

10:55 AM

EDT

Current temp

88°F

Smoke

N 2 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Beach Hazards Statement

Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 3:59PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

82°F

Martinsburg, PA

152 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

2 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

5h 44m 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.

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

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 ~5 min detour Free near mile 125.6
View on nps.gov
Valley Forge National Historical Park

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...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 20.9
View on nps.gov
Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial

National Memorial

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 230.3
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

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...

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free near mile 83.7
View on nps.gov
First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

16 mi from route ~41 min detour Free near mile 31.4
View on nps.gov
Independence National Historical Park

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...

16 mi from route ~40 min detour $1 near mile 20.9
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

You'll be on highways for 96% of this 303.5-mile trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch of highway driving is a significant 277.9 miles, mostly on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Expect to transition from highway cruising to surface roads for the final portion of your drive as you approach Penn Hills. The dense network of exits on the turnpike means you'll have frequent opportunities for services.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 277.9 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

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 303.5 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 14.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 293 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 293.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

2,145 ft 158 ft

Total Climb

2,294 ft

Total Descent

1,715 ft

Highest Point

2,145 ft

~238.5 mi in

Elevation Range

1,987 ft

About the Cities

Starting in Lansdale, PA

Full guide →

Founded 1872

Lansdale is a town of 16,000 people in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. This article also covers the nearby communities of North Wales, Souderton, Kulpsville, Harleysville, Doylestown, and Montgomeryville.

Arriving in Penn Hills, PA

Full guide →

Founded 1850

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 5h 44m. Total distance: 303.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 44m 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 277.9 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $37.36 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 21 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 Penn Hills, 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 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 14.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 293 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 293.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Valley Forge National Historical Park and Flight 93 National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Penn Hills, PA before the return drive.

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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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