Skip to main content

Trip from Lenox, PA to Philadelphia, PA

Pin this trip

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 53m

Distance

147.4 mi

237 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 43m ★
6 AM
2h 54m
8 AM
3h 16m
10 AM
3h 2m
12 PM
2h 59m
3 PM
3h 3m
5 PM
3h 15m
8 PM
2h 47m

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

Downtown Lenox, PA, PA

Lenox, PA

Haneul Trac

largest city in Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 147.4-mile drive from Lenox, PA, to Philadelphia, PA, is a straightforward highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend around 2 hours and 53 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated at $24. The route primarily utilizes the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I-81, making it a fast-paced trip through the Northeast region of Pennsylvania. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. You'll spend virtually all your time on major highways, so plan for a consistent driving experience.

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

73.7 miles from Lenox, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 111.3 mi 2h 5m
I 81 17.3 mi 20m
Schuylkill Expressway 12.6 mi 17m
Mid-County Expressway 3.4 mi 4m
Vine Street Expressway 0.8 mi 1m
North 15th Street 0.4 mi <1m
State Route 106 0.2 mi <1m
South Penn Square 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension — 111.3 mi, about 2h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lenox, PA and Philadelphia, PA.

1

Start on PA 92

250 ft · 10 sec · State Route 92
2

Turn left onto PA 106

0.2 mi · 17 sec · State Route 106
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec
4

Merge onto I 81

17 mi · 20 min · I 81
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward US 6 West, US 11, PATP South, I 476 South: Clarks Summit Use the slight right lane.
6

Keep slight right at fork

515 ft · 12 sec
Toward PATP, I 476: Allentown
7

Continue on I 476; PATP

111 mi · 2 hr 4 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on I 476; PATP

0.3 mi · 23 sec · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Exit 20
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the slight left lane.
10

Continue on I 476

3.4 mi · 4 min · Mid-County Expressway
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 16 Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 16A Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia Use the slight left lane.
13

Merge onto I 76

13 mi · 17 min · Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30

0.8 mi · 1 min · Vine Street Expressway
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
16

Keep slight right at fork

313 ft · 11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
17

Turn right onto North 15th Street

0.4 mi · 48 sec · North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
18

Turn slight left onto PA 611

379 ft · 8 sec · South Penn Square
19

Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square

167 ft · 2 sec · South Penn Square
20

Arrive at destination

South Penn Square

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 2-hour and 53-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic as you approach Philadelphia. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of approximately $24, this trip offers flexibility. The longest stretch without a break is over 111 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, so ensure you're comfortable with that before setting off. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially if you plan to drive outside of major service areas on the turnpike. This is a direct route, so focus on maintaining a steady pace and enjoying the efficient journey.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 73.7 miles from Lenox, PA, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.3 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 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 73.7 miles or 1h 24m 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 17m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lenox, 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 Lenox, PA

This is one driving day of about 147.4 miles and 2h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Lenox, 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 Northeast Extension for about 111.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough in Pennsylvania, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Palmerton, PA

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.

Popular next leg

Palmerton, PA to Philadelphia, PA

82.6 mi · 1h 40m

Pacing Suggestions

Moosic, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Palmerton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 73.7 miles from Lenox, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.3 miles.

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 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 17.7 and 146.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
17.7 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the exit toward US 6 West, US 11, PATP South, I 476 South: Clarks Summit

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 US 6 West, US 11, PATP South, I 476 Sout...
8
132.7 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in

Take the exit toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge

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 16 Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Vall...
8
133 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East: Philadelphia

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 16A Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
8
146 mi into trip | ~2h 51m in | I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadel...
9
146.9 mi into trip | ~2h 52m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.44 one way

$48.87 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $26.76 $53.53
premium $4.93 $28.59 $57.17
diesel $5.61 $32.54 $65.09

Estimated Tolls: $14.47

Pennsylvania Turnpike (111.3 mi) $14.47

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

$24

Tolls

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.6 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 44.2 0 $15.48 $7.08
Efficient EV 36.9 0 $12.90 $5.90
EV Truck/SUV 59 0 $20.64 $9.43

Gas CO2

52 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Lenox, PA

Late night in Lenox on Tuesday

Local time

4:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Philadelphia, PA

Late night in Philadelphia on Tuesday

Local time

4:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

3 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

2h 53m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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.

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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 near mile 147.4
Park Closure: Congress Hall Temporary Closure
View on nps.gov
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

National Memorial

Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 147.4
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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 132.2
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...

21 mi from route ~53 min detour Free near mile 132.2
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 99% of the journey taking place on major interstates and turnpikes. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, including an uninterrupted stretch of 111.3 miles. The Schuylkill Expressway will be your final approach into Philadelphia. This route offers a consistent, high-speed driving experience with minimal deviations onto local roads, allowing for efficient travel between your starting and ending points.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.3 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 14 significant decision points across 147.4 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 17.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133 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 Lenox, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Patp South, Patp and Valley Forge.

Patp South

17.7 mi in | ~21m

Patp

17.9 mi in | ~21m

Valley Forge

132.7 mi in | ~2h 31m

About the Cities

Arriving in Philadelphia, PA

Full guide →

“City of Brotherly Love” · Founded 1682

Top landmarks

  • Independence Hall — historic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Liberty Bell — bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA that serves as a symbol of American inde...
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art — art museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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 2h 53m. Total distance: 147.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.3 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $14.47 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.

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 Philadelphia, 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 17.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Valley Forge National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Philadelphia, PA before heading back.

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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Lenox, PA or browse trips ending in Philadelphia, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.