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Trip from Laurys Station, 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

5h 42m

Distance

289.1 mi

465 km

Drive Score

9/10

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 29m ★
6 AM
5h 42m
8 AM
6h 9m
10 AM
5h 52m
12 PM
5h 49m
3 PM
5h 53m
5 PM
6h 7m
8 PM
5h 34m

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

Downtown Laurys Station, PA, PA

Laurys Station, PA

Essow K

city and county seat in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States

Pittsburgh, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 289.1-mile journey from Laurys Station, PA to Pittsburgh, PA will take approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes, making it a manageable, albeit long, day trip. The route is heavily focused on highways, with 79% of the drive utilizing major roads like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81. Expect a fuel cost of around $48 for this drive. Given the distance and duration, it's a solid option for a single day's travel, though you could certainly break it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace. This drive stays within the Northeast region, offering a consistent travel experience across Pennsylvania.

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

144.6 miles from Laurys Station, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 170.5 mi 3h 7m
William Penn Highway 43.1 mi 51m
I 81 36.6 mi 44m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East 13.2 mi 18m
78th Division Highway 7.6 mi 8m
PA 145 7.3 mi 12m
Lehigh Valley Thruway 6.2 mi 8m
Harrisburg Pike 1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 170.5 mi, about 3h 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Laurys Station, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.

1

Start on PA 145

7.3 mi · 12 min · PA 145
Use the straight lane.
2

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward US 22 West: Harrisburg Use the right lane.
3

Merge onto US 22

6.2 mi · 8 min · Lehigh Valley Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Merge onto I 78; US 22

43 mi · 51 min · William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
5

Continue on I 78; US 22

7.6 mi · 8 min · 78th Division Highway
6

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 49 sec
Exit 1B Toward I 81 South: Harrisburg
7

Merge onto I 81

37 mi · 44 min · I 81
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec
Exit 52 Toward US 11: New Kingstown, Middlesex Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork

201 ft · 7 sec
Toward US 11 South Use the right lane.
10

Merge onto US 11

1.0 mi · 2 min · Harrisburg Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 76, PATP
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 76; PATP

171 mi · 3 hr 7 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
14

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 2 min
Exit 57 Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville Use the slight right lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh
16

Keep slight right at fork

353 ft · 8 sec
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
17

Merge onto I 376; US 22

13 mi · 18 min · Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Use the slight left lane.
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 38 sec
Exit 71B Toward Second Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn straight onto Second Avenue

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Second Avenue
20

At end of road, turn right onto Ross Street

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Ross Street
21

Turn left onto Fifth Avenue

352 ft · 10 sec · Fifth Avenue
22

Turn right onto Grant Street

513 ft · 21 sec · Grant Street
Use the right lane.
23

Arrive at destination

Grant Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour, 42-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Pittsburgh. With only one recommended stop, plan for a refueling and stretching break during that longest stretch of 170.5 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The $48 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when convenient, but a well-timed start will enhance your experience.

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 144.6 miles from Laurys Station, PA, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 170.5 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 64 miles or 1h 20m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 144.6 miles or 2h 56m 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 37m

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 Laurys Station, 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 Laurys Station, PA

This is one driving day of about 289.1 miles and 5h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Laurys Station, 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 170.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Hancock, MD, MD

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hancock, MD

145 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

North Bel Air, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hancock, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 144.6 miles from Laurys Station, 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 170.5 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 289.1

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+14122611599

Visit website

Kiku Japanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

0.7 mi

Grand Concourse

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

0.7 mi

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10:30 am–12 pm

+14122611599

Visit website

Kiku Japanese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 12–2 pm

+14127653200

Visit website

Grand Concourse

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Expensive mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+14122611717

Visit website

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+14122632142

Visit website

J & J's Family Restaurant & Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14123811822

Cambod-Ican Kitchen Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5:30 pm–2 am

+14123816199

Visit website

KAVSAR RESTAURANT

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 4–9:30 pm

+14124888708

Visit website

La Tavola Italiana Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $30 to $50 mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14124813336

Visit website

Orbis Caffe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, PA

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+14125631220

Visit website

Autel Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 268.5

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 268.5

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargeSmart EV Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 268.5

Adamsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887174544

Visit website

Cochran Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 289.1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Tesla Destination Charger

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 247.8

Acme, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18778337829

Visit website

ChargeSmart EV Charging Station

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 289.1

Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+18887174544

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 101.7 and 275 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
101.7 mi into trip | ~2h 6m 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
102 mi into trip | ~2h 7m 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
103.5 mi into trip | ~2h 10m 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
8
274.3 mi into trip | ~5h 18m 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...
7
275 mi into trip | ~5h 21m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.93 one way

$95.86 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 101 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $52.49 $104.99
premium $4.93 $56.07 $112.13
diesel $5.61 $63.83 $127.66

Estimated Tolls: $22.60

Pennsylvania Turnpike (170.5 mi) $22.17
Lehigh Valley Thruway (6.2 mi) $0.43

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

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$96–$121

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 101.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 86.7 1 $30.36 $13.88
Efficient EV 72.3 0 $25.30 $11.56
EV Truck/SUV 115.6 1 $40.47 $18.50

Gas CO2

101 kg

EV CO2

34 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 Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Laurys Station, PA

Morning in Laurys Station on Sunday

Local time

10:31 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Pittsburgh, PA

Morning in Pittsburgh on Sunday

Local time

10:31 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 10 to 14 mph 48% chance Live forecast

54°F

Hancock, MD

145 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

18 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 42m 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

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 59.8
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
View on nps.gov
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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 109.7
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 209.4
View on nps.gov
Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

National Battlefield

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...

24 mi from route ~59 min detour Free near mile 239.3
View on nps.gov
Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Johnstown Flood National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

25 mi from route ~61 min detour Free near mile 189.4
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Primarily a highway-focused drive, this route leans heavily into the efficiency of major interstates. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81, contributing to its 79% highway share. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 170.5 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, meaning extended periods of consistent driving. While the majority is highway, the inclusion of William Penn Highway suggests some transitions that might offer a slight change of pace before rejoining faster sections.

79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 170.5 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and William Penn Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 101.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 20 significant decision points across 289.1 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 101.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 103.5 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 Laurys Station, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Middlesex, Patp and Monroeville.

Middlesex

101.7 mi in | ~2h 6m

Patp

103 mi in | ~2h 9m

Monroeville

274.3 mi in | ~5h 18m

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 5h 42m. Total distance: 289.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 170.5 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $22.60 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 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 101.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 102 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 103.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument 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 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pittsburgh, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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