McMurray, PA to Wellsboro, PA is 239 miles and takes about 5h 36m via William Penn Highway and I-99, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. The route offers a mix of highway cruising and surface road driving, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll experience varied terrain as you travel, with a significant portion on interstates before transitioning to state routes.
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
119.5 miles from McMurray, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
William Penn Highway
61.6 mi
1h 25m
I 99
57.2 mi
1h 4m
PA 287
28.3 mi
49m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
14.7 mi
20m
Admiral Peary Highway
13.7 mi
19m
Keystone Shortway
12.3 mi
13m
Route 287
10.6 mi
18m
Appalachian Thruway
10.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
William Penn Highway
— 61.6 mi, about 1h 25m
Traffic on I-99
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,364 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,684
Quietest
1 AM
~79 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 McMurray, PA and Wellsboro, 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
12 mi·13 min·Keystone Shortway
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward PA 64: Pleasant Gap, Mill Hall
22
Turn left onto PA 64
4.5 mi·7 min·Nittany Valley Drive
23
Turn right onto PA 477
345 ft·6 sec·Long Run Road
24
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·39 sec
25
Turn sharp left onto US 220
5.7 mi·6 min·Frank D O'Reilly Jr Highway
26
Continue on US 220
0.3 mi·17 sec·Appalachian Thwy
27
Continue on US 220
10 mi·11 min·Appalachian Thruway
28
Continue on US 220
1.6 mi·1 min·Susquehanna Beltway
29
Take the exit
392 ft·16 sec
30
Turn left onto PA 287
28 mi·49 min·PA 287
31
Continue on PA 287
11 mi·18 min·Route 287
32
Continue on PA 287
1.2 mi·2 min·Central Avenue
33
Turn right onto PA 660
0.1 mi·17 sec·Main Street
34
Continue on PA 660
47 ft·7 sec·Main Street
35
Arrive at destination
PA 660
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5.5-hour drive, consider leaving McMurray in the morning to arrive in Wellsboro with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can choose a convenient point along the way, perhaps after the first 2-3 hours of driving. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you transition from the interstate system; the $40 fuel estimate is a good baseline. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart a bit later if needed, but an earlier start ensures a relaxed pace.
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 119.5 miles from McMurray, PA, or about 2h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.6 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 53 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.5 miles or 2h 52m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wellsboro, 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 239 miles and 5h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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 William Penn Highway for about 61.6 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 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
$42.06 one way
$84.12 round trip
$4.47/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.89
$45.99
$91.99
premium
$5.23
$49.17
$98.35
diesel
$6.18
$58.14
$116.28
Estimated Tolls: $0.73
Appalachian Thruway
(10.4 mi)$0.73
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
$42
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.6 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
71.7
0
$25.10
$11.47
Efficient EV
59.8
0
$20.91
$9.56
EV Truck/SUV
95.6
1
$33.46
$15.30
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 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
8:30 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
Wellsboro, PA
Morning
in Wellsboro on Saturday
Local time
8:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 15 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
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
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 36m 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.
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 82.4
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...
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 74.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 47% of this drive is on highways, meaning you'll have stretches of faster travel, especially on I-99. The longest continuous segment without a major change in road type is 61.6 miles on the William Penn Highway. Expect a shift from more urban or suburban merging near McMurray to more open cruising as you head toward Wellsboro. The final part of the drive will likely involve more local roads.
47% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.6 mi on William Penn Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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 23 significant decision points across 239 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,153 ft668 ft
Total Climb
2,438 ft
Total Descent
2,138 ft
Highest Point
2,153 ft
~85.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,486 ft
Notable High Points
2,153 ft at ~85.4 miles+554 ft prominence
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 Wellsboro, PA, road signs point toward Bedford and Mill Hall.
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania is the county seat of Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Wellsboro is an old fashion, historic town that still depicts life as the way it used to be back in the 1900s. Downtown Wellsboro still has the authentic gas street lamps and the historic buildings. The town offers a variety of interesting sights to visit and fun activities to participate in. Wellsboro is definitely a place for the outdoors lover because of its location within the wilderness.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 36m. Total distance: 239 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.6 miles on William Penn Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.73 in tolls one way, starting with Appalachian Thruway. 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 7 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 Wellsboro, 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 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Wellsboro, PA before the return drive.
