This 387.6-mile drive from Marple, PA to Erie, PA is a solid day trip option, taking approximately 7 hours and 41 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Keystone Shortway and I-79, this journey is largely highway-focused, making up 62% of the total route. With a projected fuel cost of $64 and a recommendation for 2 stops, it's a manageable trip for a single day. You'll be staying within the Northeast region for this entire drive through Pennsylvania. It's a straightforward route designed for efficient travel.
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
193.8 miles from Marple, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 4m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
102.7 mi
1h 50m
Pennsylvania Turnpike
72.1 mi
1h 17m
I 79
65.8 mi
1h 10m
US 322
54.4 mi
1h 7m
US 22
24.5 mi
32m
Mount Nittany Expressway
17.5 mi
21m
Port Matilda Highway
10.1 mi
14m
Philipsburg Bigler Highway
7.1 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 102.7 mi, about 1h 50m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,034 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,382
Quietest
2 AM
~182 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 78 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 Marple, PA and Erie, PA.
1
Start on Hearth Road
448 ft·21 sec·Hearth Road
2
At end of road, turn right onto Pennview Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·Pennview Avenue
3
Turn left onto Media Line Road
81 ft·6 sec·Media Line Road
4
Turn right onto Valley View Lane
0.3 mi·1 min·Valley View Lane
5
Turn left onto PA 3
0.9 mi·1 min·West Chester Pike
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
6
Turn right onto PA 252
1.6 mi·2 min·Newtown Street Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on PA 252
3.7 mi·6 min·Darby Paoli Road
8
Turn left onto Darby Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Darby Road
9
At end of road, turn left onto US 30
2.1 mi·4 min·East Lancaster Avenue
10
Turn right onto PA 29
0.7 mi·1 min·South Morehall Road
11
Continue on PA 29
1.3 mi·2 min·North Morehall Road
12
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward PATP Toll, I 76 Toll: Valley Forge, HarrisburgUse the right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 76 Toll West: HarrisburgUse the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 76; PATP
72 mi·1 hr 17 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Exit 247Toward I 283, PA 283: Harrisburg, HersheyUse the slight right lane.
16
Continue on I 283
2.5 mi·3 min·I 283
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 283
0.2 mi·30 sec·I 283
Exit 3B-CToward I 83 North, US 322
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 3BToward I 83 North, US 322 West: Hazleton, State College
19
Continue on I 83
3.7 mi·5 min·I 83
20
Continue on US 322
2.4 mi·3 min·US 322
Exit 51AToward I 81 South, US 322 West: Carlisle, State College
21
Take the exit onto US 322
0.3 mi·27 sec·US 322
Exit 67A; 67BToward US 22 East, PA 230 East, US 22 West, US 322 West: Harrisburg, Lewistown, State College
22
Keep slight right at fork onto US 322
52 mi·1 hr 3 min·US 322
Exit 67BToward US 22 West, US 322 West: Lewistown, State CollegeUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 22; US 322
24 mi·32 min·US 22; US 322
Toward US 22 West, US 322 West: Mount Union, State College
24
Continue on US 322; PA 144 Truck
2.6 mi·4 min·Boal Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on US 322; PA 144 Truck
18 mi·21 min·Mount Nittany Expressway
26
Keep slight right at fork onto US 322
1.0 mi·1 min·28th Division Highway
Exit 62Toward US 322 West: Philipsburg
27
Continue on US 322
10 mi·14 min·Port Matilda Highway
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on US 322
1.0 mi·2 min·Railroad Street
29
Turn right onto US 322; PA 53
0.1 mi·10 sec·North Centre Street
30
Continue on US 322; PA 53
0.3 mi·25 sec·North Front Street
31
Continue on US 322
7.1 mi·8 min·Philipsburg Bigler Highway
32
Continue on US 322
2.8 mi·3 min·Woodland Bigler Highway
33
Turn right onto PA 970
1.6 mi·2 min·Shawville Highway
Use the straight lane.
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
35
Merge onto I 80
103 mi·1 hr 50 min·Keystone Shortway
36
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 79 North: Erie
37
Merge onto I 79
66 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 79
38
Take the exit
0.3 mi·49 sec
Exit 183AToward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street
39
Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290
2.3 mi·4 min·West 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
40
Turn left onto State Street
0.4 mi·1 min·State Street
Use the left lane.
41
Arrive at destination
State Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour, 41-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Marple, PA, to take advantage of lighter traffic. With 2 recommended stops, plan for a break around the halfway point or during your 102.7-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway to stretch your legs. The fuel cost is estimated at $64, so ensure your tank is full before you leave. Given the highway-focused nature, keeping an eye on your speed and the posted limits will be key to a smooth journey to Erie, PA.
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 193.8 miles from Marple, PA, or about 4h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.7 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 85 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 193.8 miles or 4h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Erie, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Marple, 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 Marple, PA
This is one driving day of about 387.6 miles and 7h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Marple, 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 102.7 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 11.8 and 94.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
11.8 mi into trip|~24m in
Take the ramp toward PATP Toll, I 76 Toll: Valley Forge, Harrisburg
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward PATP Toll, I 76 Toll: Valley Forge, Harr...
7
12.1 mi into trip|~24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
8
84.9 mi into trip|~1h 43m in
Take the exit toward I 283, PA 283: Harrisburg, Hershey
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 247
Toward I 283, PA 283: Harrisburg, Hershey
8
87.9 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 83 North, US 322 West: Hazleton, State College
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 3B
Toward I 83 North, US 322 West: Hazleton, State...
9
94.6 mi into trip|~1h 58m in|US 322
Keep slight right at fork onto US 322 toward US 22 West, US 322 West: Lewistown, State College
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 67B
Toward US 22 West, US 322 West: Lewistown, Stat...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$68.21 one way
$136.42 round trip
$4.47/gal25.4 MPG avg136 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.89
$74.59
$149.18
premium
$5.23
$79.75
$159.50
diesel
$6.18
$94.29
$188.58
Estimated Tolls: $9.38
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(72.1 mi)$9.38
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
$68
Tolls
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$103–$128
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 135.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
EV Charging Along Route
1 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: sparse
Tesla Supercharger
Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
116.3
1
$40.70
$18.60
Efficient EV
96.9
1
$33.92
$15.50
EV Truck/SUV
155
1
$54.26
$24.81
Gas CO2
136 kg
EV CO2
45 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Marple, PA
Morning
in Marple on Monday
Local time
11:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
36°F
Clear
N 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 10:42PM EDT until October 19 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Erie, PA
Morning
in Erie on Monday
Local time
11:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Clear
S 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 10:42PM EDT until October 19 at 9:00AM 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
11 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
7h 41m 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.
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 13.4
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...
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...
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 66.8
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...
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...
16 mi from route
~41 min detour
Free
near mile 106.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 387.6-mile journey, with 62% of the route on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 102.7 miles along the Keystone Shortway, offering a good period of consistent driving. While the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-79 provide fast-paced travel, the overall profile suggests a drive that balances efficiency with occasional changes in scenery as you transition between these main arteries. This isn't a winding backroad adventure, but rather a direct path across the state.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102.7 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Keystone Shortway and Pennsylvania Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.8 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 27 significant decision points across 387.6 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 11.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.9 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
1,684 ft382 ft
Total Climb
1,697 ft
Total Descent
1,451 ft
Highest Point
1,684 ft
~249.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,302 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Marple, PA and Erie, PA, road signs point toward Hershey, State College and Lewistown.
Marple is in Delaware County, Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Delco). Marple is about 11 miles from center city Philadelphia and has a population of more than 23,000.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 41m. Total distance: 387.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 41m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 102.7 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $9.38 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.
Yes — we found about 25 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 Erie, 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 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 84.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, Independence National Historical Park and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Erie, PA before the return drive.
