Lansford, PA to McMurray, PA is 285.6 miles and takes about 5h 52m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 81, and I 70, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that keeps you moving across Pennsylvania. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it an efficient option for getting between these two points. With a drive time under 6 hours, it's a solid choice for a single-day journey. Consider this route if you prioritize speed and directness over exploring smaller towns.
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
142.8 miles from Lansford, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
151.8 mi
2h 47m
I 81
79.1 mi
1h 33m
I 70
15.2 mi
21m
Mon/Fayette Expressway
8 mi
8m
Barnesville Drive
3.2 mi
5m
Bebout Road
2.9 mi
6m
East Water Street
2.3 mi
3m
Pine Creek Drive
2.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 151.8 mi, about 2h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lansford, PA and McMurray, PA.
1
Start on PA 902
75 ft·9 sec·Spring Garden Street
2
Turn left onto US 209
1.0 mi·2 min·East Patterson Street
3
Continue on US 209
2.3 mi·3 min·East Water Street
4
Continue on US 209
2.0 mi·4 min·East Broad Street
5
Turn right onto Pine Street
2.0 mi·3 min·Pine Street
6
Turn left onto PA 54
1.3 mi·2 min·Mahanoy Avenue
7
Continue on PA 54
2.1 mi·3 min·Pine Creek Drive
8
Continue on PA 54
0.6 mi·1 min·Barnesville Drive
9
Continue on PA 54
2.6 mi·4 min·Barnesville Drive
10
Continue on PA 54
0.6 mi·1 min·Vulcan Hill Road
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
12
Merge onto I 81
79 mi·1 hr 33 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·48 sec
Exit 52Toward US 11: New Kingstown, MiddlesexUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
201 ft·7 sec
Toward US 11 SouthUse the right lane.
15
Merge onto US 11
1.0 mi·2 min·Harrisburg Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 76, PATP
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·37 sec
Toward I 76 West: PittsburghUse the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto I 76; PATP
152 mi·2 hr 47 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
19
Take the exit onto I 70
0.4 mi·54 sec·I 70
Toward I 70 West, US 119, PA Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling WV, New StantonUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70
15 mi·20 min·I 70
Toward I 70 West: New Stanton, Washington PA, Wheeling WV, Columbus OH
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi·20 sec
Toward PA 201, PA 837: Donora, Fayette City
22
Turn slight right onto PA 201
440 ft·7 sec·Rostraver Road
23
Turn slight left onto Vance Deicas Highway
1.7 mi·2 min·Vance Deicas Highway
24
Continue on Donora-Monessen Bridge
0.4 mi·34 sec·Donora-Monessen Bridge
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·33 sec
26
Turn straight onto PA 837
1.2 mi·2 min·McKean Avenue
27
Turn left onto PA 837
1.8 mi·2 min·Monogahela Avenue
28
Turn left onto PA 88
0.5 mi·48 sec·Country Club Road
29
Turn right onto Coyle Curtin Road
0.9 mi·1 min·Coyle Curtin Road
30
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
31
Merge onto PA Tpke 43
8.0 mi·8 min·Mon/Fayette Expressway
32
Take the exit
0.4 mi·59 sec
Exit 48Toward West Elizabeth, Finleyville
33
Turn left onto Finleyville Elrama Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Finleyville Elrama Road
34
Continue on Washington Avenue
0.3 mi·41 sec·Washington Avenue
35
At end of road, turn left onto PA 88
0.3 mi·51 sec·Washington Avenue
36
Continue on Rankintown Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Rankintown Road
37
Continue on Venetia Road
1.5 mi·3 min·Venetia Road
38
Turn right onto Bebout Road
2.9 mi·6 min·Bebout Road
39
Enter roundabout onto Valley Brook Road
184 ft·5 sec·Valley Brook Road
40
Continue on Valley Brook Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Valley Brook Road
41
Turn left onto East McMurray Road
458 ft·26 sec·East McMurray Road
42
Turn left onto Thomas Road
52 ft·2 sec·Thomas Road
43
Arrive at destination
Thomas Road
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 52m drive time, starting your trip in the morning is advisable to ensure you arrive with ample daylight. The longest stretch without a major break is 151.8 miles, so plan for a fuel and rest stop before you begin that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $47, keep an eye on gas prices as you travel. While there's only one recommended stop, you can certainly add more if you feel the need for a break. The relatively short duration means you have flexibility in your timing, but sticking to the main roads will help you stay on track.
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 142.8 miles from Lansford, PA, or about 2h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 151.8 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 63 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.8 miles or 2h 57m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McMurray, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lansford, 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 Lansford, PA
This is one driving day of about 285.6 miles and 5h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Lansford, 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 151.8 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 93.8 and 248 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
93.8 mi into trip|~2h in
Take the exit toward US 11: New Kingstown, Middlesex
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 52
Toward US 11: New Kingstown, Middlesex
8
94 mi into trip|~2h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 11 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 11 South
7
95.5 mi into trip|~2h 5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh
7
247.5 mi into trip|~4h 53m in|I 70
Take the exit onto I 70 toward I 70 West, US 119, PA Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling WV, New Stanton
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 I 70 West, US 119, PA Turnpike 66 Toll:...
6
248 mi into trip|~4h 53m in|I 70
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 toward I 70 West: New Stanton, Washington PA, Wheeling WV, Columbus OH
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 70 West: New Stanton, Washington PA, W...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.35 one way
$94.70 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$51.86
$103.72
premium
$4.93
$55.39
$110.78
diesel
$5.61
$63.06
$126.11
Estimated Tolls: $20.29
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(151.8 mi)$19.73
Mon/Fayette Expressway
(8 mi)$0.56
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
$47
Tolls
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$93–$118
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.7
1
$29.99
$13.71
Efficient EV
71.4
0
$24.99
$11.42
EV Truck/SUV
114.2
1
$39.98
$18.28
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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 15, 2026
Origin
Lansford, PA
Late night
in Lansford on Sunday
Local time
5:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
McMurray, PA
Late night
in McMurray on Sunday
Local time
5:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
54°F
Hancock, MD
143 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
7 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 52m 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
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...
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...
7 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 59.6
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 208.5
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 188.7
The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
Free
near mile 238.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 89% of the route consisting of major interstates. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including a significant 151.8-mile segment on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Expect a driving experience characterized by smooth pavement and predictable conditions for much of the journey. While the bulk of the miles are on high-speed roads, there will be transitions between these main arteries as you navigate your way across the state. This route is designed for efficient travel, minimizing slower local roads.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
43 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 151.8 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 93.8 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 285.6 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 93.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 95.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lansford, PA and McMurray, PA, road signs point toward Middlesex, Patp, Pa Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling, New Stanton and Washington - among others.
Middlesex
93.8 mi in|~2h
Patp
95 mi in|~2h 4m
Pa Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg
247.5 mi in|~4h 53m|via I 70
Wheeling
247.5 mi in|~4h 53m|via I 70
New Stanton
247.5 mi in|~4h 53m|via I 70
Washington
248 mi in|~4h 53m|via I 70
Columbus
248 mi in|~4h 53m|via I 70
Fayette City
262.7 mi in|~5h 14m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 52m. Total distance: 285.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 151.8 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $20.29 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 McMurray, 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 93.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 95.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Flight 93 National Memorial (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at McMurray, PA before the return drive.
