Trip from New Kensington, PA to Croydon, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 55m

Distance

316.5 mi

509 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 42m ★

6 AM

5h 55m

8 AM

6h 21m

10 AM

6h 4m

12 PM

6h 2m

3 PM

6h 6m

5 PM

6h 20m

8 PM

5h 47m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States

New Kensington, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from New Kensington, PA to Croydon, PA covers 316.5 miles and takes about 5h 55m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Pennsylvania Turnpike, Street Road, Pittsburgh Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 305.1 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. At current regular gas prices, budget about $52.47 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

158.3 miles from New Kensington, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 59m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike	305.1 mi	5h 31m
Street Road	4 mi	6m
Pittsburgh Street	2.2 mi	6m
Freeport Road	1.9 mi	3m
State Road	1.6 mi	2m
New Kensington Bridge	0.3 mi	<1m
Constitution Boulevard	0.3 mi	<1m
9th Street	0.2 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 305.1 mi, about 5h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between New Kensington, PA and Croydon, PA.

Start on Locust Street

25 ft · 6 sec · Locust Street

Turn left onto Constitution Boulevard

0.3 mi · 44 sec · Constitution Boulevard

Turn right onto 9th Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · 9th Street

Continue on New Kensington Bridge

0.3 mi · 36 sec · New Kensington Bridge

At end of road, turn left onto Freeport Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Freeport Road

Continue on Pittsburgh Street

2.2 mi · 6 min · Pittsburgh Street

Continue on Freeport Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Freeport Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Toward PATP

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 76; PATP

305 mi · 5 hr 31 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 54 sec

Exit 352 Toward PA 132: Street Road Use the slight right lane.

Turn left onto PA 132

4.0 mi · 6 min · Street Road

Use the straight / left lanes.

At end of road, turn left onto State Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · State Road

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

State Road

Trip Plan

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 158.3 miles from New Kensington, PA, or about 2h 59m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 305.1 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 70 miles or 1h 23m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 158.3 miles or 2h 59m 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 49m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Croydon, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving New Kensington, 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 New Kensington, PA

This is one driving day of about 316.5 miles and 5h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from New Kensington, 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 305.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hancock, MD

158 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

Johnstown, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 70 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hancock, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 158.3 miles from New Kensington, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 305.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Jillian’s Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

New Kensington, Pennsylvania

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $100 or ab

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14124801170

Visit website

Tasty Zaytoon Lebanese Market and Restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Exton, Pennsylvania

1.7 mi

Acapulco | Mexican Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Irwin, Pennsylvania

1.6 mi

Jillian’s Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $100 or ab

New Kensington, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14124801170

Visit website

Tasty Zaytoon Lebanese Market and Restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 271.3

Exton, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14848733198

Visit website

Acapulco | Mexican Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 22.6

Irwin, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17243824335

Visit website

Cenacolo Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 22.6

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 4–8 pm

+17245155983

Visit website

China Garden Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 22.6

Irwin, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+17248634483

Visit website

Nino's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 45.2

Mt Pleasant, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+17245472900

Visit website

Persichetti's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 22.6

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17245275553

Visit website

The Nest Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $40 to $50 mile 22.6

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5–8 pm

+17245279880

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 67.8

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 67.8

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 67.8

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 67.8

0.6 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

1.1 mi from route

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 293.9

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+12152475777

Visit website

Elmwood Park Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 293.9

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16102773825

Visit website

Ambler Arboretum of Temple University

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 293.9

Ambler, Pennsylvania

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+12674688000

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 315 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Constitution Boulevard

Turn left onto Constitution Boulevard

Navigation decision point

0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in | 9th Street

Turn right onto 9th Street

Navigation decision point

5.3 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 East: Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg

310.6 mi into trip | ~5h 44m in

Take the exit toward PA 132: Street Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 352 Toward PA 132: Street Road

315 mi into trip | ~5h 52m in | State Road

At end of road, turn left onto State Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$52.47 one way

$104.94 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 111 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.61	$57.47	$114.94
premium	$4.93	$61.38	$122.76
diesel	$5.61	$69.88	$139.76

Estimated Tolls: $39.67

Pennsylvania Turnpike (305.1 mi) $39.67

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

$52

Tolls

$40

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$117–$142

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 110.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	95	1	$33.23	$15.19
Efficient EV	79.1	0	$27.69	$12.66
EV Truck/SUV	126.6	1	$44.31	$20.26

Gas CO2

111 kg

EV CO2

37 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 19, 2026

Origin

New Kensington, PA

Afternoon in New Kensington on Sunday

Local time

1:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Croydon, PA

Afternoon in Croydon on Sunday

Local time

1:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

54°F

Hancock, MD

158 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

26 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 55m 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...

316.5 mi in 5h 55m, mostly highway — 305.1 mi of that is on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 305.1 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Street Road. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Constitution Boulevard.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 55m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Constitution Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (9th Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in New Kensington, PA

Full guide →

Founded 1891

Arriving in Croydon, PA

Full guide →

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 5h 55m. Total distance: 316.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 305.1 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $39.67 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 21 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.

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 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

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 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Croydon, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Croydon, PA to New Kensington, PA

Plan the drive back the other way.

317.5 mi 5h 58m

Explore more options from New Kensington, PA or browse trips ending in Croydon, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.

Trip from New Kensington, PA to Croydon, PA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Jillian’s Restaurant

Jillian’s Restaurant

Tasty Zaytoon Lebanese Market and Restaurant

Acapulco | Mexican Restaurant & Bar

Cenacolo Restaurant

China Garden Restaurant

Nino's Restaurant

Persichetti's Restaurant

The Nest Restaurant

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

ChargeSmart EV Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

Valley Forge Service Plaza

Oakmont Plum Service Plaza

South Midway Service Plaza

North Midway Service Plaza

Blue Mountain Service Plaza

Bomansville Service Plaza

Love's Travel Stop

New Stanton Service Plaza

North Somerset Service Plaza

South Somerset Service Plaza

Sideling Hill Service Plaza

Cumberland Valley Service Plaza

Peter J. Camiel Service Plaza

Lawn Service Plaza

Petro Stopping Centers

King of Prussia Service Plaza

Service Plaza

TA

Flying J Travel Center

Flying J Travel Center

Love's Travel Stop

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

Elmwood Park Zoo

Ambler Arboretum of Temple University

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

New Kensington, PA

Croydon, PA

Same local time

26 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 55m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

Flight 93 National Memorial

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Independence National Historical Park

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Starting in New Kensington, PA

Arriving in Croydon, PA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?