Valley Forge Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Trip from Masontown, PA to Bristol, PA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 1m
Distance
310.9 mi
500 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$50
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 49m
★
6 AM
6h 2m
8 AM
6h 27m
10 AM
6h 11m
12 PM
6h 8m
3 PM
6h 12m
5 PM
6h 26m
8 PM
5h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Masontown, PA
Jack Pace
Bristol, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 310.9-mile drive from Masontown, PA to Bristol, PA is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 6 hours and 1 minute. With a fuel cost estimated at $52, it's an economical option for a single-day road trip. The route primarily utilizes the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making it a predominantly high-speed experience. Given the duration and highway share, this trip is well-suited for a one-day adventure, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You'll be traveling within the Northeast region for the entirety of this journey.
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
155.5 miles from Masontown, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 267.6 mi | 4h 53m |
| US 40 | 13.1 mi | 15m |
| McClellandtown Road | 8.8 mi | 15m |
| Pleasant Valley Road | 7.9 mi | 13m |
| PA 31 | 6 mi | 9m |
| US 119 | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| North Main Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Bristol Pike | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 267.6 mi, about 4h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Masontown, PA and Bristol, PA.
1
Start on West Church Avenue
22 ft
·
7 sec
·
West Church Avenue
2
Turn left onto PA 166
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
4
Merge onto PA 21; PA 166
8.8 mi
·
15 min
·
McClellandtown Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Use the right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 119 North, US 40 West: Connellsville
7
Merge onto US 40; US 119
13 mi
·
15 min
·
US 40; US 119
8
Continue on US 119; PA 711 Truck
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
US 119; PA 711 Truck
9
Take the exit
244 ft
·
6 sec
10
Turn straight onto PA 982
7.9 mi
·
13 min
·
Pleasant Valley Road
11
Turn right onto PA 31
6.0 mi
·
9 min
·
PA 31
12
Turn slight left
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
13
Turn left
28 ft
·
3 sec
14
Take the ramp
493 ft
·
12 sec
Toward PATP, I 70, I 76
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
16
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
267 mi
·
4 hr 52 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Exit 42
Toward US 13: Levittown, Bristol
18
Continue on Pennsylvania Turnpike
360 ft
·
8 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
19
Keep slight right at fork
357 ft
·
8 sec
Toward US 13 South: Bristol
Use the right lane.
20
Merge onto US 13
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Bristol Pike
Use the left lane.
21
Turn slight left onto Beaver Street
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
Beaver Street
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto Jefferson Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Jefferson Avenue
23
Turn right onto Pond Street
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Pond Street
24
Turn left
91 ft
·
12 sec
25
Arrive at destination
1 ft
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour drive, consider departing in the early morning to avoid potential peak traffic, especially as you approach Bristol. With only one designated stop in the data, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. The longest stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike is 267.6 miles, so plan for a fuel and rest break before or after this extended segment. Given the route's efficiency, you can easily tackle this in a single day, but staying flexible with your timing will be key. A specific tip: be aware of toll plazas along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as they are a key feature of this highway-heavy route.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 155.5 miles from Masontown, PA, or about 3h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 267.6 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 68 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.5 miles or 3h 7m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bristol, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Masontown, 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 Masontown, PA
This is one driving day of about 310.9 miles and 6h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Masontown, 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 267.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
155 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 155.5 miles from Masontown, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 267.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
South Midway Service Plaza
0 mi from route
North Midway Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Blue Mountain Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Bomansville Service Plaza
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
North Somerset Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
South Somerset Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Sideling Hill Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Cumberland Valley Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Peter J. Camiel Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Lawn Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
King of Prussia Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
TA
0.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 309.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.8 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
PA 21; PA 166 / McClellandtown Road
Merge onto PA 21; PA 166 / McClellandtown Road
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
9.7 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
9.9 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 119 North, US 40 West: Connellsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 119 North, US 40 West: Connellsville
6
308.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 55m in
Take the exit toward US 13: Levittown, Bristol
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward US 13: Levittown, Bristol
8
309.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 13 South: Bristol
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 13 South: Bristol
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.57 one way
$99.15 round trip
$4.05/gal
25.4 MPG avg
109 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $54.86 | $109.72 |
| premium | $4.81 | $58.85 | $117.70 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $58.70 | $117.41 |
Estimated Tolls: $34.78
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(267.6 mi)
$34.78
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
$50
Tolls
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$109–$134
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 93.3 | 1 | $32.64 | $14.92 |
| Efficient EV | 77.7 | 0 | $27.20 | $12.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 124.4 | 1 | $43.53 | $19.90 |
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 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.
Origin
Masontown, PA
Late night in Masontown on Monday
Local time
5:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Smoke
N 3 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Bristol, PA
Late night in Bristol on Monday
Local time
5:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Areas Of Smoke
NW 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
82°F
Martinsburg, PA
155 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
2 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
6h 1m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 278.7
Park Closure: Sun, Apr 19 - Park Entrance and Tour Roads Temporarily Closed for Rev Run
Park Closure: Admin Parking Lot Closed Fri 4/17 Until Sun 4/19 at Noon for Rev Run Setup
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 171.5
View on nps.gov
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...
7 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 75
View on nps.gov
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 10.7
View on nps.gov
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 214.4
View on nps.gov
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
$1
near mile 289.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for this trip, with 93% of the route on high-speed roads. The majority of your time will be spent on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, featuring a substantial longest stretch of 267.6 miles. This means you'll experience a consistent pace for a significant portion of the journey. While primarily highway, the initial and final segments will involve local roads like US 40 and McClellandtown Road, offering a brief change of pace before merging onto the main thoroughfare and upon exiting.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 267.6 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and US 40. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in near PA 21; PA 166 / McClellandtown Road.
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 18 significant decision points across 310.9 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 0.8 miles (PA 21; PA 166 / McClellandtown Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,475 ft
23 ft
Total Climb
1,815 ft
Total Descent
2,832 ft
Highest Point
2,475 ft
~66.6 mi in
Elevation Range
2,452 ft
Notable High Points
2,475 ft at ~66.6 miles
+729 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Masontown, PA to Bristol, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Patp along the way.
Patp
40.5 mi in
|
~1h 1m
About the Cities
Starting in Masontown, PA
Full guide →Founded 1798
Arriving in Bristol, PA
Full guide →Founded 1681
Bristol is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This article also covers the neighboring communities of Tullytown and Levittown.
Top landmarks
- • Harriman Historic District — historic district in the United States
- • Dorrance Mansion — historic house in Pennsylvania, United States
- • Bristol Historic District — historic district in Pennsylvania, United States
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 6h 1m. Total distance: 310.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 1m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 267.6 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $34.78 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 19 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 Bristol, 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. There are 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (PA 21; PA 166 / McClellandtown Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Flight 93 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 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bristol, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, 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
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Bristol, PA
More from Masontown, PA
More trips to Bristol, PA
Explore more options from Masontown, PA or browse trips ending in Bristol, PA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.