Traveling from McMurray to Jim Thorpe spans 283.7 miles, typically taking about 6 hours and 3 minutes of driving time. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, it is best suited for a single, focused day of travel rather than a multi-day journey. You should budget approximately $47 for fuel to cover the distance across Pennsylvania. While the trip is manageable in one go, the winding nature of the roads means you will want to stay alert behind the wheel. Choosing this route allows you to traverse the Northeast region efficiently, moving from the McMurray area toward the historic destination of Jim Thorpe. It is a straightforward trip if you prefer a direct transit without needing an overnight stop.
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
141.9 miles from McMurray, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
95.3 mi
1h 43m
William Penn Highway
61.6 mi
1h 25m
I 99
57.2 mi
1h 4m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
14.7 mi
20m
Admiral Peary Highway
13.7 mi
19m
Hudson Drive
5.8 mi
8m
West Broad Street
3.8 mi
4m
State Route 93
3.7 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 95.3 mi, about 1h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McMurray, PA and Jim Thorpe, PA.
1
Start on Thomas Road
52 ft·4 sec·Thomas Road
2
Turn right onto East McMurray Road
1.9 mi·4 min·East McMurray Road
3
Continue on McMurray Road
2.4 mi·5 min·McMurray Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn slight right
0.1 mi·22 sec
5
Turn straight onto US 19
3.3 mi·7 min·Washington Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Turn left onto US 19; Yellow Belt
1.8 mi·3 min·Cochran Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Turn right onto PA 121
2.3 mi·4 min·Greentree Road
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 376 East: Pittsburgh
9
Merge onto I 376; US 22; US 30
2.3 mi·3 min·Penn-Lincoln Parkway West
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 376; US 22; US 30
15 mi·20 min·Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Toward I 376 East: MonroevilleUse the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Merge onto US 22
45 mi·1 hr 5 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on US 22
14 mi·19 min·Admiral Peary Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on US 22
17 mi·19 min·William Penn Highway
14
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·45 sec·this road
Toward I 99, US 220: Altoona, Bedford
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
16
Merge onto I 99; US 220
41 mi·44 min·I 99; US 220
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
4.0 mi·4 min·I 99; US 220; US 322
Use the straight lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220
12 mi·14 min·I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
19
Turn left
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: WilliamsportUse the left lane.
20
Merge onto I 80; US 220
95 mi·1 hr 43 min·Keystone Shortway
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward PA 93: Conyngham, Nescopeck
22
Keep slight right at fork
444 ft·11 sec
23
Turn straight onto PA 93
0.6 mi·57 sec·Berwick Hazleton Highway
24
Continue on PA 93
3.7 mi·7 min·State Route 93
25
Continue on PA 93
0.6 mi·1 min·Valmont Parkway
26
Continue on PA 93
1.9 mi·2 min·Susquehanna Boulevard
27
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi·43 sec·North Broad Street
28
Continue on PA 93; PA 924
3.8 mi·4 min·West Broad Street
29
Continue on PA 93
1.0 mi·1 min·Berwick Street
30
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi·34 sec·Broad Street
31
Continue on PA 93
5.7 mi·8 min·Hudson Drive
32
Continue on State Route 93
2.8 mi·3 min·Hunter Street
33
Continue on PA 93
523 ft·13 sec·Hudson Drive
34
At end of road, turn left onto US 209
2.5 mi·3 min·East Catawissa Street
35
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi·30 sec·Lehigh Avenue
36
Turn left onto PA 903
0.6 mi·1 min·North Street
37
Turn left onto West 6th Street
135 ft·5 sec·West 6th Street
38
Arrive at destination
West 6th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 6-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to beat local traffic congestion. Since the route includes one recommended stop, plan to stretch your legs at the 95.3-mile mark on the Keystone Shortway to keep your energy up for the turn-heavy sections that follow. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the more remote, winding segments to ensure you stay within your $47 budget. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as the shorter duration allows you to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected road conditions. Staying mindful of the transition between the William Penn Highway and local roads will ensure a much smoother arrival in Jim Thorpe.
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 141.9 miles from McMurray, PA, or about 3h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.3 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 62 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.9 miles or 3h 16m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jim Thorpe, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving McMurray, 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 McMurray, PA
This is one driving day of about 283.7 miles and 6h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from McMurray, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 95.3 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 14.5 and 163.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
14.5 mi into trip|~29m in|I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Keep slight right at fork onto I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East toward I 376 East: Monroeville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 376 East: Monroeville
6
105 mi into trip|~2h 35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
6
146.8 mi into trip|~3h 21m in|I 99; US 220; US 322
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
150.8 mi into trip|~3h 26m in|I 99; US 220
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
7
163.1 mi into trip|~3h 41m in
Turn left toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.03 one way
$94.07 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg99 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$51.51
$103.03
premium
$4.93
$55.02
$110.04
diesel
$5.61
$62.64
$125.27
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.1
1
$29.79
$13.62
Efficient EV
70.9
0
$24.82
$11.35
EV Truck/SUV
113.5
1
$39.72
$18.16
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
McMurray, PA
Morning
in McMurray on Sunday
Local time
10:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Jim Thorpe, PA
Morning
in Jim Thorpe on Sunday
Local time
10:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°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
8 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 3m 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.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
National Memorial
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 78.3
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...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 78.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mix of road types, as only 28 percent of this journey involves interstate travel. You will navigate via the Keystone Shortway, the William Penn Highway, and I-99, transitioning between fast stretches and more technical, local road segments. The longest uninterrupted portion of the drive is a 95.3-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway, which provides a brief respite from the more complex maneuvering required elsewhere. As you progress, the personality of the route shifts from highway transit to a more hands-on driving experience. Be prepared for frequent turns that demand your full attention compared to a standard, monotonous interstate grind.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 95.3 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 14.5 miles in near I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East.
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 19 significant decision points across 283.7 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 14.5 miles (I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 105 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146.8 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): 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 McMurray, PA and Jim Thorpe, PA, road signs point toward Bedford and Nescopeck.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 3m. Total distance: 283.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 3m 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 95.3 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Jim Thorpe, 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 14.5 miles (I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 105 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 146.8 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 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 Jim Thorpe, PA before the return drive.
