Parkside, PA to Croydon, PA is 86.8 miles and takes about 2 hours 19 minutes via Route 31 South, US 46, and I-295, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, making it a straightforward connection between two points in the Northeast region. Given its relatively short duration and predominantly highway profile, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion. You'll find it's a practical option for moving between areas without significant detours or overnight stays.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.4 miles from Parkside, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Route 31 South BEGIN
26.9 mi
38m
US 46
9.6 mi
15m
I 295
9.1 mi
12m
Paradsise Valley Road
7.5 mi
13m
Keystone Shortway
6.3 mi
9m
US 202
5.8 mi
8m
Bear Tavern Road
4.2 mi
8m
NJ 31
2.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Route 31 South BEGIN
— 26.9 mi, about 38m
Traffic on I-295
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,254 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~97 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
23.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 47 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 Parkside, PA and Croydon, PA.
1
Start on Browns Hill Road
59 ft·9 sec·Browns Hill Road
2
Turn left onto PA 191
7.5 mi·13 min·Paradsise Valley Road
3
Continue on US 209 BUS; PA 447
0.2 mi·25 sec·North Courtland Street
4
Turn left onto PA 447
2.0 mi·3 min·Independence Road
5
Turn right onto US 209
0.2 mi·9 sec·Seven Bridge Road
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
7
Merge onto I 80
6.3 mi·9 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 4BToward US 46 East: Portland, ButtzvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on US 46; NJ 94
9.6 mi·15 min·US 46; NJ 94
10
Turn right onto NJ 31
27 mi·38 min·Route 31 South BEGIN
Use the straight lane.
11
Enter roundabout onto US 202; NJ 31
456 ft·8 sec·US 202; NJ 31
12
Continue on US 202; NJ 31
5.7 mi·8 min·US 202; NJ 31
13
Take the exit onto NJ 31
2.5 mi·3 min·NJ 31
Toward NJ 31 South, CR 579 South: TrentonUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn right onto CR 579
1.1 mi·1 min·Harbourton Road
15
Continue on CR 579
2.4 mi·4 min·Harbourton-Rocktown Road
16
Continue on CR 579
0.9 mi·1 min·Trenton-Harbourton Road
17
Continue on CR 579
3.2 mi·6 min·Bear Tavern Road
18
Continue on CR 579; CR 637
0.2 mi·26 sec·Jacobs Creek Road
19
Continue on CR 579
1.0 mi·2 min·Bear Tavern Road
20
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 295 North: Philadelphia
21
Merge onto I 295
9.1 mi·12 min·I 295
22
Take the exit onto Exit 3
0.3 mi·32 sec·Exit 3
Exit 3Toward PA 413, US 1 Business: Levittown, PenndelUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
174 ft·6 sec
Toward PA 413 South, US 1 Business North: LevittownUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Turn left onto US 1 Business; PA 413
0.2 mi·29 sec·East Lincoln Highway
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn slight right onto PA 413
2.4 mi·3 min·PA 413
Use the right lane.
26
Turn right onto New Falls Road
1.1 mi·2 min·New Falls Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn left onto Newportville Road
2.2 mi·4 min·Newportville Road
Use the left lane.
28
Turn right onto US 13
0.1 mi·27 sec·Bristol Pike
29
Turn left onto Cedar Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Cedar Avenue
Use the left lane.
30
Turn left onto State Road
182 ft·4 sec·State Road
31
Arrive at destination
State Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a 2 hour 19 minute drive, you can easily complete it in a single day. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour traffic in either direction. The longest stretch without a major road change is 26.9 miles on Route 31 South BEGIN, so plan your fuel and rest breaks before or after this segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, it's an economical trip, but always check your gauge before heading out. This route's flexibility means you can adjust your departure time as needed.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.4 miles from Parkside, PA, or about 1h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.9 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 19 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.4 miles or 1h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 57m
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 Parkside, 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 Parkside, PA
This is one driving day of about 86.8 miles and 2h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Parkside, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Route 31 South BEGIN for about 26.9 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 16.6 and 86.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
16.6 mi into trip|~29m in
Take the exit toward US 46 East: Portland, Buttzville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 4B
Toward US 46 East: Portland, Buttzville
7
59.3 mi into trip|~1h 31m in|NJ 31
Take the exit onto NJ 31 toward NJ 31 South, CR 579 South: Trenton
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 NJ 31 South, CR 579 South: Trenton
8
80 mi into trip|~2h 5m in|Exit 3
Take the exit onto Exit 3 toward PA 413, US 1 Business: Levittown, Penndel
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 3
Toward PA 413, US 1 Business: Levittown, Pennde...
9
80.3 mi into trip|~2h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PA 413 South, US 1 Business North: Levittown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward PA 413 South, US 1 Business North: Levit...
6
86.2 mi into trip|~2h 17m in|Cedar Avenue
Turn left onto Cedar Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.16 one way
$28.32 round trip
$4.14/gal25.4 MPG avg30 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.56
$15.57
$31.15
premium
$4.86
$16.62
$33.24
diesel
$5.40
$18.46
$36.93
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26
0
$9.11
$4.17
Efficient EV
21.7
0
$7.59
$3.47
EV Truck/SUV
34.7
0
$12.15
$5.56
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 26, 2026
Origin
Parkside, PA
Afternoon
in Parkside on Sunday
Local time
1:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Partly Sunny
NE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Croydon, PA
Afternoon
in Croydon on Sunday
Local time
1:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Mostly Cloudy
NE 10 to 15 mph8% chanceLive forecast
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
3 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
2h 19m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
$10
near mile 9
Park Closure: Old Mine Road North Construction Closure Begins April 6, 2026
Park Closure: Dingmans Falls Trail, Road, and Access Closed for Bridge Replacement
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...
16 mi from route
~41 min detour
Free
near mile 86.8
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...
29 mi from route
~72 min detour
Free
near mile 86.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 65% of the 86.8 miles on interstates and major roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 26.9 miles on Route 31 South BEGIN before transitioning to US 46 and then I-295. Expect a highway cruising experience for the majority of this trip, with fewer surface street interruptions.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 26.9 mi on Route 31 South BEGIN.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Route 31 South BEGIN and US 46. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 21 significant decision points across 86.8 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 16.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.3 miles (NJ 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80 miles (Exit 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Parkside, PA and Croydon, PA, road signs point toward Buttzville, Cr 579 South: Trenton and Penndel.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 19m. Total distance: 86.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (65%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 26.9 miles on Route 31 South BEGIN. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 3 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 Croydon, 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. There are 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 16.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.3 miles (NJ 31): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 80 miles (Exit 3): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Independence National Historical Park and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (4 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 Croydon, PA before heading back.
