Origin
Northumberland, PA
Morning in Northumberland on Tuesday
Local time
11:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Northumberland, PA to Philadelphia, PA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 58m
Distance
141.3 mi
227 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 48m
★
6 AM
2h 59m
8 AM
3h 21m
10 AM
3h 7m
12 PM
3h 4m
3 PM
3h 8m
5 PM
3h 20m
8 PM
2h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Northumberland, PA
Clément Proust
Philadelphia, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Northumberland to Philadelphia is 141.3 miles and takes about 2h 58m via the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive connects two points within Pennsylvania's Northeast region, offering a direct path to the major urban center. It's a practical, straightforward trip, ideal for a day journey. You'll mostly stick to well-maintained highways, making for a predictable travel experience. Consider this route when you need an efficient way to get from central PA to the Philadelphia area.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
70.6 miles from Northumberland, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 37.4 mi | 40m |
| William Penn Highway | 21.6 mi | 26m |
| Schuylkill Expressway | 12.6 mi | 17m |
| State Route 54 | 11.1 mi | 13m |
| Center Avenue | 10.6 mi | 12m |
| State Street | 10 mi | 11m |
| Sunbury Road | 9.4 mi | 11m |
| Gordon Nagle Trail | 4 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
— 37.4 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Northumberland, PA and Philadelphia, PA.
1
Start on 3rd Street
73 ft
·
8 sec
·
3rd Street
2
Turn left onto King Street
0.1 mi
·
26 sec
·
King Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto 2nd Street
55 ft
·
7 sec
·
2nd Street
4
Turn left onto King Street
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
King Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 11
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
King Street
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on PA 405
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Bridge Avenue
7
Continue on PA 405
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
PA 405
8
Turn left onto PA 61
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Market Street
9
Continue on PA 61
10 mi
·
11 min
·
State Street
10
Turn left onto PA 487
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
PA 487
11
Turn right onto PA 54
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Market Street
12
Continue on PA 54
11 mi
·
13 min
·
State Route 54
13
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
Locust Gap Highway
14
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Fairgrounds Road
15
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi
·
11 min
·
Sunbury Road
16
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Sunbury Street
17
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Pottsville Minersville Highway
18
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Gordon Nagle Trail
19
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
North Sillyman Street
20
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Pottsville Street
21
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft
·
6 sec
·
Route 61 South
22
Continue on PA 61
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Centre Street
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
25
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi
·
26 min
·
William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Use the slight right lane.
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward PATP, I 476: Philadelphia, Scranton
Use the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward I 476 South: Philadelphia
Use the right lane.
29
Merge onto I 476; PATP
37 mi
·
39 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Continue on I 476; PATP
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Exit 20
31
Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the slight left lane.
32
Continue on I 476
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Mid-County Expressway
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 16
Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge
Use the slight right lane.
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 16A
Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
Use the slight left lane.
35
Merge onto I 76
13 mi
·
17 min
·
Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Vine Street Expressway
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward Central Philadelphia
Use the slight right lane.
38
Keep slight right at fork
313 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Use the slight right lane.
39
Turn right onto North 15th Street
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
40
Turn slight left onto PA 611
379 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Penn Square
41
Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square
167 ft
·
2 sec
·
South Penn Square
42
Arrive at destination
South Penn Square
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under 3 hours, this drive is easily completed in a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to arrive in Philadelphia with the day still ahead. With only one recommended stop, you can maintain a good pace. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer highway stretches, as gas stations can be spaced out. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of potential traffic congestion on the Schuylkill Expressway as you get closer to Philadelphia, particularly during peak commuting hours.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 70.6 miles from Northumberland, PA, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.4 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 31 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 70.6 miles or 1h 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 2h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Philadelphia, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Northumberland, 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 Northumberland, PA
This is one driving day of about 141.3 miles and 2h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Northumberland, 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 Northeast Extension for about 37.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 70.6 miles from Northumberland, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 255 decision points cluster between mile 83.5 and 140.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
83.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 48m in
|
US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
8
126.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
Take the exit toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge
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 16
Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Vall...
8
126.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 16A
Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
8
139.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 56m in
|
I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadel...
9
140.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.43 one way
$46.85 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $25.66 | $51.31 |
| premium | $4.93 | $27.40 | $54.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.20 | $62.39 |
Estimated Tolls: $4.96
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(37.4 mi)
$4.87
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(1.3 mi)
$0.09
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
$23
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.4 | 0 | $14.84 | $6.78 |
| Efficient EV | 35.3 | 0 | $12.36 | $5.65 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 56.5 | 0 | $19.78 | $9.04 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (65% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Philadelphia, PA
Morning in Philadelphia on Tuesday
Local time
11:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
59°F
Shenandoah, PA
71 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
2h 58m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Independence National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
$1
near mile 161.1
Park Closure: Congress Hall Temporary Closure
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
National Memorial
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 161.1
View on nps.gov
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 144.4
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 50
View on nps.gov
First State National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 144.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route presents a mixed drive, with 49% of it on highways. You'll experience stretches of faster driving, notably a 37.4-mile segment on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The journey transitions between the Turnpike and roads like the William Penn Highway and the Schuylkill Expressway, offering variety in your driving environment. Expect moments of steady highway cruising interspersed with sections that might feel more like traditional road travel as you approach your destination. The overall feel is one of efficient transit rather than a leisurely scenic tour.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37.4 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 83.5 miles in near US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 25 significant decision points across 141.3 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 83.5 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.8 miles: 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Northumberland, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Lvi Airport, Patp, Scranton and Valley Forge.
Lvi Airport
83.5 mi in
|
~1h 48m
|
via US 22
Patp
84.9 mi in
|
~1h 50m
Scranton
84.9 mi in
|
~1h 50m
Valley Forge
126.5 mi in
|
~2h 36m
About the Cities
Arriving in Philadelphia, PA
Full guide →“City of Brotherly Love” · Founded 1682
Top landmarks
- • Independence Hall — historic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- • Liberty Bell — bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA that serves as a symbol of American inde...
- • Philadelphia Museum of Art — art museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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 2h 58m. Total distance: 141.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (49%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 37.4 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.96 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.
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 Philadelphia, 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 83.5 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Valley Forge National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Philadelphia, PA before heading back.
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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