McMurray, PA to South Lebanon, PA is 234.6 miles and takes about 4h 48m via Pennsylvania Turnpike and Dwight D Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Northeast region and the state of Pennsylvania for its entirety. With 83% of the drive on highways, expect a straightforward trip focused on covering distance efficiently. The single recommended stop suggests a brief pause is sufficient for this relatively short, single-day adventure. It's a practical choice for getting between these two points without much fuss.
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
117.3 miles from McMurray, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
192.2 mi
3h 30m
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
6 mi
8m
Hayden Boulevard
5.1 mi
8m
West Newton Road
4.8 mi
7m
Finleyville Elrama Road
4.6 mi
8m
Mount Pleasant Road
3.6 mi
6m
Quentin Road
3.6 mi
5m
Bebout Road
2.9 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 192.2 mi, about 3h 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McMurray, PA and South Lebanon, PA.
1
Start on Thomas Road
52 ft·4 sec·Thomas Road
2
Turn right onto East McMurray Road
304 ft·8 sec·East McMurray Road
3
Turn right onto Valley Brook Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Valley Brook Road
4
Enter roundabout onto Bebout Road
35 ft·1 sec·Bebout Road
5
Continue on Bebout Road
2.9 mi·7 min·Bebout Road
6
At end of road, turn left onto Venetia Road
1.5 mi·3 min·Venetia Road
7
Continue on Rankintown Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Rankintown Road
8
Continue on Washington Avenue
0.3 mi·54 sec·Washington Avenue
9
Continue on Washington Avenue
0.3 mi·36 sec·Washington Avenue
10
Continue on Finleyville Elrama Road
4.6 mi·8 min·Finleyville Elrama Road
11
Turn left onto PA 837
2.3 mi·4 min·PA 837
12
Take the ramp
362 ft·10 sec
13
Merge onto PA 51
5.1 mi·8 min·Hayden Boulevard
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
15
Turn left onto PA 136
320 ft·6 sec·Rainbow Run Road
16
Continue on PA 136
4.8 mi·7 min·West Newton Road
17
Continue on PA 136
3.6 mi·6 min·Mount Pleasant Road
18
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·18 sec
19
Merge onto I 70
6.0 mi·8 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
20
Take the exit onto I 70
0.5 mi·1 min·I 70
Exit 58Toward I 70 Toll East, I 76 Toll, PATP: Harrisburg, PittsburghUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
0.4 mi·1 min·I 70
Toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Harrisburg
22
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
192 mi·3 hr 30 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward PA 72: Lebanon, ManheimUse the slight right lane.
24
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·17 sec·this road
25
Keep slight left at fork
147 ft·10 sec
Toward PA 72 North: Lebanon, Hershey
26
Turn left onto PA 72
2.5 mi·3 min·Lebanon Road
27
Turn straight onto PA 72
3.6 mi·5 min·Quentin Road
Toward PA 72 North: LebanonUse the left lane.
28
Turn right onto Tuck Street
0.3 mi·45 sec·Tuck Street
29
Turn left onto Cornwall Road
0.2 mi·22 sec·Cornwall Road
30
Turn right onto Wilhelm Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Wilhelm Avenue
Use the right lane.
31
At end of road, turn left onto South Lincoln Avenue
0.3 mi·51 sec·South Lincoln Avenue
32
Turn right onto Aspen Avenue
324 ft·12 sec·Aspen Avenue
33
Turn right onto Smith Avenue
458 ft·26 sec·Smith Avenue
34
Turn left onto Horst Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Horst Avenue
35
Arrive at destination
Horst Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 4h 48m drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic, especially if you're traveling on a weekday. With only one recommended stop, you can plan for a quick break around the halfway point or closer to the end, depending on your needs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; the $38 estimated cost is based on an 83% highway profile, so maintaining speed will be key for efficiency. Since this is easily a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your timing as needed, but pay attention to the road signs as you exit the main turnpike for local navigation.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 117.3 miles from McMurray, PA, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 192.2 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 52 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.3 miles or 2h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Lebanon, 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 234.6 miles and 4h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike for about 192.2 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.4 and 226.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
18.4 mi into trip|~36m in|PA 136 / Rainbow Run Road
Turn left onto PA 136 / Rainbow Run Road
Navigation decision point
8
33 mi into trip|~58m in|I 70
Take the exit onto I 70 toward I 70 Toll East, I 76 Toll, PATP: Harrisburg, Pittsburgh
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 58
Toward I 70 Toll East, I 76 Toll, PATP: Harrisb...
6
33.5 mi into trip|~59m in|I 70
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70 toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Harrisburg
7
226.1 mi into trip|~4h 31m in
Take the exit toward PA 72: Lebanon, Manheim
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 PA 72: Lebanon, Manheim
7
226.7 mi into trip|~4h 33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PA 72 North: Lebanon, Hershey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 72 North: Lebanon, Hershey
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.29 one way
$82.57 round trip
$4.47/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.89
$45.15
$90.29
premium
$5.23
$48.27
$96.54
diesel
$6.18
$57.07
$114.14
Estimated Tolls: $24.99
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(192.2 mi)$24.99
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
$41
Tolls
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.4
0
$24.63
$11.26
Efficient EV
58.7
0
$20.53
$9.38
EV Truck/SUV
93.8
1
$32.84
$15.01
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 16, 2026
Origin
McMurray, PA
Morning
in McMurray on Saturday
Local time
8:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 12 to 21 mph92% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued October 16 at 8:16AM EDT until October 16 at 9:30AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 8:08AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
South Lebanon, PA
Morning
in South Lebanon on Saturday
Local time
8:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 9 to 20 mph95% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued October 16 at 8:16AM EDT until October 16 at 9:30AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 16 at 8:08AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
39°F
King, PA
117 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
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
4h 48m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 186.1
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 234.6
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
Free
near mile 80.9
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...
23 mi from route
~58 min detour
Free
near mile 48.5
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...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 97.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend most of this trip on the highway, with 83% of the 234.6 miles being high-speed driving. The longest continuous stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike covers 192.2 miles, indicating a long period of consistent cruising. Expect to transition from the highway to surface roads as you approach your destination, likely noticing a change in speed limits and traffic density. This setup means a significant portion of your drive will involve less frequent exits.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 192.2 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.4 miles in near PA 136 / Rainbow Run Road.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 234.6 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 18.4 miles (PA 136 / Rainbow Run Road): Navigation decision point; at 33 miles (I 70): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.5 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,186 ft403 ft
Total Climb
1,460 ft
Total Descent
1,962 ft
Highest Point
2,186 ft
~67 mi in
Elevation Range
1,782 ft
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 South Lebanon, PA, road signs point toward Patp: Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 48m. Total distance: 234.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 192.2 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $24.99 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 17 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 South Lebanon, 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 17 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 18.4 miles (PA 136 / Rainbow Run Road): Navigation decision point; at 33 miles (I 70): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.5 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Flight 93 National Memorial (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at South Lebanon, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
