This 389-mile journey from Lawrence Park, PA, to Bethlehem, PA, is estimated to take about 6 hours and 16 minutes of driving time. With a fuel cost estimated at $64, this route is best tackled in a single day, especially since it's recommended for one day of travel. The drive primarily utilizes local roads like East Lake Road, Franklin Avenue, and East 12th Street, with no highway driving involved. This makes for a more involved, turn-heavy experience through the Northeast region of Pennsylvania. Consider this a more engaging drive than a straight shot on the interstate.
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
185.8 miles from Lawrence Park, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
204.4 mi
3h 39m
Raymond P Shafer Highway
66.8 mi
1h 11m
William Penn Highway
21.6 mi
26m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Lehigh Valley Thruway
10.3 mi
14m
Elysburg Road
9.7 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 204.4 mi, about 3h 39m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 26 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,074 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,411
Quietest
2 AM
~183 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Lawrence Park, PA and Bethlehem, PA.
1
Start on Lawrence Parkway
341 ft·16 sec·Lawrence Parkway
2
Turn left onto PA 5
0.8 mi·1 min·East Lake Road
3
Turn left onto PA 5
0.5 mi·1 min·Franklin Avenue
4
Turn right onto PA 5
4.8 mi·10 min·East 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Turn right onto Greengarden Boulevard
0.1 mi·23 sec·Greengarden Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Turn left onto West Bayfront Parkway
0.2 mi·20 sec·West Bayfront Parkway
7
Continue on I 79
67 mi·1 hr 11 min·Raymond P Shafer Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·59 sec
Toward I 80 East: Clarion
9
Merge onto I 80
204 mi·3 hr 39 min·Keystone Shortway
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
11
Turn slight left
79 ft·2 sec
12
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
14
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi·49 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
15
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
17
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
18
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
19
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
20
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
21
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
22
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
23
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
24
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
25
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
26
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi·3 min·Centre Street
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
29
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi·26 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
10 mi·14 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI AirportUse the slight right lane.
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville RoadUse the slight right lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward PA 378 South: BethlehemUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Continue on PA 378
1.8 mi·2 min·Bethlehem Spur Route
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Exit 2Toward Eighth AvenueUse the slight right lane.
35
Turn right onto 8th Avenue
0.1 mi·22 sec·8th Avenue
36
Turn left onto West Union Boulevard
1.0 mi·2 min·West Union Boulevard
37
Turn left onto Center Street
423 ft·11 sec·Center Street
38
Turn right onto East Goepp Street
0.3 mi·49 sec·East Goepp Street
39
Turn right onto Linden Street
57 ft·1 sec·Linden Street
40
Arrive at destination
Linden Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour 16-minute drive time and the turn-heavy nature of this route, starting early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic delays. While the route is manageable in one day, plan for your single recommended stop to break up the drive and stretch your legs. The estimated fuel cost is $64, so ensure your tank is full before departing Lawrence Park. Since there's a 0% highway share, pay close attention to navigation, especially through built-up areas, as you'll be on local roads for the entire 389 miles.
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 185.8 miles from Lawrence Park, PA, or about 3h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 204.4 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 82 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 185.8 miles or 3h 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bethlehem, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lawrence Park, 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 Lawrence Park, PA
This is one driving day of about 371.6 miles and 7h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from Lawrence Park, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 204.4 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.4 and 369.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.4 mi into trip|~3m in|PA 5 / East 12th Street
Turn right onto PA 5 / East 12th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
357.3 mi into trip|~6h 47m in|US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
7
367.6 mi into trip|~7h 1m in
Take the exit toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville Road
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 PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville...
8
367.8 mi into trip|~7h 1m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem
7
369.8 mi into trip|~7h 4m in
Take the exit toward Eighth Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 2
Toward Eighth Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$65.72 one way
$131.44 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg130 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$71.98
$143.96
premium
$5.24
$76.72
$153.44
diesel
$5.35
$78.27
$156.54
Estimated Tolls: $0.72
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(10.3 mi)$0.72
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
$66
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 130 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
111.5
1
$39.02
$17.84
Efficient EV
92.9
1
$32.52
$14.86
EV Truck/SUV
148.6
1
$52.02
$23.78
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
43 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 May 26, 2026
Origin
Lawrence Park, PA
Afternoon
in Lawrence Park on Wednesday
Local time
4:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Partly Sunny
W 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued May 26 at 1:13PM EDT until May 27 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued May 26 at 1:06PM EDT until May 27 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Destination
Bethlehem, PA
Afternoon
in Bethlehem on Wednesday
Local time
4:13 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Partly Sunny
SW 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued May 26 at 1:13PM EDT until May 27 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued May 26 at 1:06PM EDT until May 27 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh 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
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 8m 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.
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 320.3
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 389-mile trip, as indicated by the 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating a series of local roads, including East Lake Road, Franklin Avenue, and East 12th Street, for the full 6 hours and 16 minutes. Without extended highway stretches, the pace will be more deliberate, with frequent turns and changes in scenery as you move through various communities. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but given the road profile, anticipate a continuous engagement with local traffic patterns and road conditions.
Only 3% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 204.4 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 1.4 miles in near PA 5 / East 12th Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 371.6 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 1.4 miles (PA 5 / East 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 357.3 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 367.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,788 ft356 ft
Total Climb
2,706 ft
Total Descent
2,995 ft
Highest Point
1,788 ft
~159.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,432 ft
Notable High Points
1,533 ft at ~238.9 miles+834 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Lawrence Park, PA to Bethlehem, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Washingtonville
278.1 mi in|~5h 6m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Bethlehem is one of three cities, along with Allentown and Easton, that are the urban population centers of the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania.
In the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem borders Nazareth to its northwest, Allentown to its west, Hellertown to its southeast, and Easton to its east. The city is about 70 miles (110 km) north of Philadelphia, the sixth-largest city in the United States, and about 80 miles (130 km) west of New York City, the nation's largest city.
Top landmarks
•Bethlehem Waterworks — pump-powered public water supply
•Historic Moravian Bethlehem Historic District — complex of the oldest surviving buildings in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
•Cathedral Church of the Nativity — church in Pennsylvania, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 8m. Total distance: 371.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 8m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 204.4 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.72 in tolls one way, starting with Lehigh Valley Thruway. 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 30 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 Bethlehem, 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. There are 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles (PA 5 / East 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 357.3 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 367.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bethlehem, PA before the return drive.
