If you are planning a trip from Lewisburg to Reading, you can expect a manageable 86.9-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 57 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as it does not require an overnight stay to complete comfortably. You will navigate primarily via State Route 54, Center Avenue, and Pottsville Pike throughout the trip. Budgeting approximately $14 for fuel should cover your needs for this Northeast Pennsylvania transit. Whether you are heading south for business or leisure, this drive offers a straightforward connection between these two Pennsylvania hubs without unnecessary complexity.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.4 miles from Lewisburg, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Pottsville Pike
10.2 mi
12m
State Street
10 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
PA 405
8.8 mi
15m
Centre Street
4.2 mi
5m
Gordon Nagle Trail
4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
State Route 54
— 11.1 mi, about 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lewisburg, PA and Reading, PA.
1
Start on PA 45
0.5 mi·43 sec·Market Street
2
Turn right onto PA 405
7.5 mi·13 min·PA 405
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 11; PA 405
0.2 mi·33 sec·Water Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto PA 405
0.1 mi·13 sec·King Street
Use the right lane.
5
Continue on PA 405
0.7 mi·1 min·Bridge Avenue
6
Continue on PA 405
1.3 mi·2 min·PA 405
7
Turn left onto PA 61
1.4 mi·1 min·Market Street
8
Continue on PA 61
10 mi·11 min·State Street
9
Turn left onto PA 487
2.3 mi·3 min·PA 487
10
Turn right onto PA 54
1.5 mi·1 min·South Market Street
11
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
12
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
13
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
14
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
15
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
16
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
17
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
18
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
19
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
20
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
21
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on PA 61
4.2 mi·5 min·Centre Street
23
Continue on PA 61
0.3 mi·17 sec·South 4th Street
24
Continue on PA 61
2.3 mi·2 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on PA 61
0.6 mi·43 sec·Shoemaker Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Continue on PA 61
3.2 mi·3 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Continue on PA 61
1.0 mi·1 min·North Centre Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on PA 61
4.7 mi·6 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on PA 61
2.8 mi·4 min·Centre Avenue
Use the straight lane.
30
Continue on PA 61
0.8 mi·1 min·North 4th Street
31
Turn left onto US 422 Business
0.2 mi·27 sec·Franklin Street
32
Turn left onto South 6th Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·South 6th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
33
Turn left onto US 422 Business Alternate
278 ft·4 sec·Penn Street
34
Arrive at destination
US 422 Business Alternate
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience without worrying about a rigid, multi-day itinerary. Because the route is technical and turn-heavy, try to plan your drive during daylight hours to maintain better visibility on the local stretches. You won't need to stress about long-distance planning or multiple rest stops, as the duration is under two hours. Keep your fuel budget of $14 in mind and consider topping off your tank before you leave Lewisburg to avoid any mid-trip stops. Staying alert on the local segments is the best way to ensure a smooth arrival in Reading.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.4 miles from Lewisburg, PA, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 11.1 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 19 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.4 miles or 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Reading, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lewisburg, PA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lewisburg, PA
This is one driving day of about 86.9 miles and 1h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Lewisburg, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on State Route 54 for about 11.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 43.4 miles from Lewisburg, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Gibraltar Park
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, ~12 min detour
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
mile 86.9
Birdsboro, Pennsylvania
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 86.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0.5 mi into trip|~0m in|PA 405
Turn right onto PA 405
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
7.9 mi into trip|~14m in|US 11; PA 405 / Water Street
At end of road, turn left onto US 11; PA 405 / Water Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
8.1 mi into trip|~14m in|PA 405 / King Street
Turn right onto PA 405 / King Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
4
10.2 mi into trip|~18m in|PA 61 / Market Street
Turn left onto PA 61 / Market Street
Navigation decision point
6
86.7 mi into trip|~1h 57m in|South 6th Street
Turn left onto South 6th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.41 one way
$28.81 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg30 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$15.78
$31.56
premium
$4.93
$16.85
$33.71
diesel
$5.61
$19.19
$38.37
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.1
0
$9.12
$4.17
Efficient EV
21.7
0
$7.60
$3.48
EV Truck/SUV
34.8
0
$12.17
$5.56
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 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 12, 2026
Origin
Lewisburg, PA
Morning
in Lewisburg on Sunday
Local time
10:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Partly Sunny
S 12 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 4:55AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Reading, PA
Morning
in Reading on Sunday
Local time
10:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Mostly Sunny
SE 5 to 15 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 4:55AM EDT by NWS State College 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 57m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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 53.9
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 rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as only 26% of this route consists of highway travel. You will encounter frequent transitions as the road winds through the landscape, demanding your full attention behind the wheel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will navigate is an 11.1-mile segment on State Route 54, which offers a brief reprieve from the more technical sections. Because the route relies heavily on local roads, the pace remains steady and engaging. This isn't a high-speed highway dash, so prepare for a more hands-on driving experience that keeps you focused on the road ahead.
Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 11.1 mi on State Route 54.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near PA 405.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 86.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (PA 405): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles (US 11; PA 405 / Water Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.1 miles (PA 405 / King Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 57m. Total distance: 86.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (26%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 11.1 miles on State Route 54. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (PA 405): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles (US 11; PA 405 / Water Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.1 miles (PA 405 / King Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. 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 Reading, PA before heading back.
