This 292.2-mile journey from Monroeville, PA to Upper Darby, PA is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes. The route is heavily focused on highway driving, with 97% of the trip utilizing major interstates, making it a straightforward interstate cruise. With a fuel cost estimated at $48, this drive is an efficient way to cover ground between two points within Pennsylvania. You'll spend most of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-76, experiencing a consistent highway environment. This trip is best suited for those who prefer to reach their destination efficiently without extensive stops.
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
146.1 miles from Monroeville, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
270.5 mi
4h 54m
Mid-County Expressway
6.4 mi
8m
I 76
5.1 mi
7m
Lansdowne Avenue
3 mi
8m
West Chester Pike
2.5 mi
5m
Monroeville Boulevard
2.1 mi
4m
Northern Pike
0.4 mi
<1m
Rosecrest Drive
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 270.5 mi, about 4h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monroeville, PA and Upper Darby, PA.
1
Start on Rosecrest Drive
0.1 mi·22 sec·Rosecrest Drive
2
At end of road, turn right onto Rosecrest Drive
0.2 mi·29 sec·Rosecrest Drive
3
Turn right onto Monroeville Boulevard
2.1 mi·4 min·Monroeville Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Continue on Northern Pike
0.4 mi·48 sec·Northern Pike
5
Turn sharp left onto PA 48; Orange Belt
0.1 mi·10 sec·Mosside Boulevard
6
Turn right onto Daugherty Drive
183 ft·12 sec·Daugherty Drive
7
Turn right
421 ft·36 sec
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward I 76 East: HarrisburgUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 76; PATP
271 mi·4 hr 54 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto I 76
5.1 mi·7 min·I 76
Exit 326Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
12
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 331AToward I 476 South: ChesterUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 476
6.4 mi·8 min·Mid-County Expressway
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·59 sec
Exit 9Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, BroomallUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn left onto PA 3
2.5 mi·5 min·West Chester Pike
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
16
Turn slight right onto Darby Road
471 ft·13 sec·Darby Road
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on Lansdowne Avenue
3.0 mi·8 min·Lansdowne Avenue
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn right onto West Providence Road
0.3 mi·39 sec·West Providence Road
19
Arrive at destination
West Providence Road
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 35-minute duration, this route is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to allow for any unforeseen delays and to maximize daylight hours. You'll encounter one recommended stop, which is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. The bulk of your drive, 290.5 miles, will be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so be prepared for consistent highway speeds. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, as this is a long stretch of continuous driving, and factor in the estimated $48 fuel cost for your budgeting.
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 146.1 miles from Monroeville, PA, or about 2h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 270.5 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 64 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.1 miles or 2h 43m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Upper Darby, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Monroeville, 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 Monroeville, PA
This is one driving day of about 292.2 miles and 5h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Monroeville, 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 270.5 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 286 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|Rosecrest Drive
At end of road, turn right onto Rosecrest Drive
Navigation decision point
8
3.2 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
8
273.9 mi into trip|~5h 2m in|I 76
Take the exit onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
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 326
Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
7
279 mi into trip|~5h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 476 South: Chester
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 331A
Toward I 476 South: Chester
8
286 mi into trip|~5h 20m in
Take the exit toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall
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 9
Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.59 one way
$93.18 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$51.56
$103.12
premium
$4.81
$55.31
$110.62
diesel
$4.80
$55.17
$110.35
Estimated Tolls: $35.17
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(270.5 mi)$35.17
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
$47
Tolls
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$107–$132
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.7
1
$30.68
$14.03
Efficient EV
73.1
0
$25.57
$11.69
EV Truck/SUV
116.9
1
$40.91
$18.70
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Monroeville, PA
Late night
in Monroeville on Monday
Local time
5:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Smoke
SE 2 to 6 mph53% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 3:59PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Upper Darby, PA
Late night
in Upper Darby on Monday
Local time
5:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Smoke
SW 0 to 5 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 3:59PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
85°F
State Line, PA
146 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
5h 35m 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.
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...
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 171.3
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...
7 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 70.5
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 292.2
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 211.6
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 drive for the majority of this 292.2-mile trip, as 97% of the route is on major interstates. You'll primarily be navigating Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-76 for extended periods. The longest uninterrupted stretch clocks in at 290.5 miles, meaning you can settle in for a long haul without frequent exits. This profile suggests a consistent driving experience, largely free from the complexities of local roads or frequent traffic light changes. It's a route built for covering distance efficiently.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 270.5 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Mid-County Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Rosecrest Drive.
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 15 significant decision points across 292.2 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 0.1 miles (Rosecrest Drive): Navigation decision point; at 3.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 273.9 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,367 ft56 ft
Total Climb
1,998 ft
Total Descent
3,147 ft
Highest Point
2,367 ft
~62.6 mi in
Elevation Range
2,310 ft
Notable High Points
2,367 ft at ~62.6 miles+582 ft prominence
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 Monroeville, PA to Upper Darby, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Philadelphia along the way.
Monroeville is a city in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 12 miles east of Pittsburgh. It is a suburb of Pittsburgh, situated at the intersection of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and the Parkway East (I-376) which runs to Downtown Pittsburgh.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 35m. Total distance: 292.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 270.5 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $35.17 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 20 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 Upper Darby, 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Rosecrest Drive): Navigation decision point; at 3.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 273.9 miles (I 76): 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, 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 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 Upper Darby, PA before the return drive.
