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Trip from Penn, PA to Upper Darby, PA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 24m

Distance

281.3 mi

453 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
5h 11m ★
6 AM
5h 25m
8 AM
5h 52m
10 AM
5h 34m
12 PM
5h 32m
3 PM
5h 36m
5 PM
5h 50m
8 PM
5h 17m

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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Downtown Penn, PA, PA

Penn, PA

George Becker

Trip Overview

This 281.3-mile journey from Penn to Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 5 hours and 24 minutes. Primarily a highway-focused drive, you'll spend about 96% of your time on major expressways, making it an efficient trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $47, this route is budget-friendly for a day trip. The Northeast region of Pennsylvania provides the backdrop for this drive, which is largely uninterrupted, featuring a longest stretch of 259.5 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Plan for a straightforward, albeit long, day behind the wheel.

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

140.6 miles from Penn, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 259.5 mi 4h 42m
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
Penn Adamsburg Road 1.6 mi 3m
Wendel Road 0.8 mi 1m
Locust Street 0.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 259.5 mi, about 4h 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Penn, PA and Upper Darby, PA.

1

Start on North Railroad Street

179 ft · 9 sec · North Railroad Street
2

Turn right onto Harrison Avenue

326 ft · 16 sec · Harrison Avenue
3

Turn right onto Locust Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Locust Street
4

At end of road, turn right onto 11th Street

0.2 mi · 38 sec · 11th Street
5

At end of road, turn right onto Coal Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Coal Street
6

Turn left onto South Youghogheny Street

320 ft · 8 sec · South Youghogheny Street
7

Continue on Penn Adamsburg Road

1.6 mi · 3 min · Penn Adamsburg Road
8

Continue on Edna Road

496 ft · 13 sec · Edna Road
9

Take the ramp

370 ft · 10 sec
10

Merge onto US 30

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Lincoln Highway
11

Take the exit

275 ft · 10 sec
12

Turn left onto Wendel Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Wendel Road
13

Turn left onto I 76; PATP

259 mi · 4 hr 42 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit onto I 76

5.1 mi · 7 min · I 76
Exit 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
15

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 331A Toward I 476 South: Chester Use the slight right lane.
16

Merge onto I 476

6.4 mi · 8 min · Mid-County Expressway
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 59 sec
Exit 9 Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall Use the slight right lane.
18

Turn left onto PA 3

2.5 mi · 5 min · West Chester Pike
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
19

Turn slight right onto Darby Road

471 ft · 13 sec · Darby Road
Use the right lane.
20

Continue on Lansdowne Avenue

3.0 mi · 8 min · Lansdowne Avenue
Use the straight lane.
21

Turn right onto West Providence Road

0.3 mi · 39 sec · West Providence Road
22

Arrive at destination

West Providence Road

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour, 24-minute duration, an early morning departure is recommended to maximize daylight and allow ample time for the 281.3-mile drive. While the route is predominantly highway, plan for one stop to break up the longest stretch of 259.5 miles. The estimated fuel cost of $47 is manageable, but keep an eye on your gauge, especially during extended highway segments. A practical tip for this route: be aware that the Pennsylvania Turnpike can have variable traffic, particularly closer to urban areas, so factor in potential delays as you approach Upper Darby.

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 140.6 miles from Penn, PA, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 259.5 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 62 miles or 1h 12m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 140.6 miles or 2h 38m 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 16m

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 Penn, 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 Penn, PA

This is one driving day of about 281.3 miles and 5h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Penn, 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 259.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Hilltown, PA, PA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hilltown, PA

141 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.

Popular next leg

Hilltown, PA to Upper Darby, PA

142.2 mi · 3h 5m

Pacing Suggestions

Cumberland, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hancock, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 140.6 miles from Penn, 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 259.5 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Persichetti's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17245275553

Visit website

Nino's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mt Pleasant, Pennsylvania

1.1 mi

The Nest Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

1.2 mi

Persichetti's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17245275553

Visit website

Nino's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Mt Pleasant, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+17245472900

Visit website

The Nest Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $40 to $50

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5–8 pm

+17245279880

Visit website

Acapulco | Mexican Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Irwin, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17243824335

Visit website

Satellite Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12672772623

Visit website

Amsale Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12153974420

Visit website

The Village

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Mt Pleasant, Pennsylvania

Hours: 4–8:30 pm

+17245473529

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargeSmart EV Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Adamsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887174544

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Acme, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18778337829

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

The Escape Game King Of Prussia

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+16106248058

Visit website

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - King of Prussia

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+16105954359

Visit website

Wharton Esherick Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Malvern, Pennsylvania

+16106445822

Visit website

Arnold's Family Fun Center

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Oaks, Pennsylvania

Hours: 3–9 pm

+16106660600

Visit website

Heuser Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+16102651071

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 275.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Harrison Avenue

Turn right onto Harrison Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | 11th Street

At end of road, turn right onto 11th Street

Navigation decision point

8
263 mi into trip | ~4h 51m 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
268.1 mi into trip | ~4h 59m 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
275.1 mi into trip | ~5h 9m 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

$46.64 one way

$93.27 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 98 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $51.08 $102.15
premium $4.93 $54.55 $109.11
diesel $5.61 $62.11 $124.21

Estimated Tolls: $33.73

Pennsylvania Turnpike (259.5 mi) $33.73

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

$47

Tolls

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$105–$130

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 98.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 84.4 1 $29.54 $13.50
Efficient EV 70.3 0 $24.61 $11.25
EV Truck/SUV 112.5 1 $39.38 $18.00

Gas CO2

98 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (66% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Penn, PA

Late night in Penn on Tuesday

Local time

4:08 AM

EDT

Current temp

83°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 16 mph 24% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA

Destination

Upper Darby, PA

Late night in Upper Darby on Tuesday

Local time

4:08 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

62°F

Hilltown, PA

141 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

20 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 24m 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

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 261.9
Park Closure: Sun, Apr 19 - Park Entrance and Tour Roads Temporarily Closed for Rev Run
Park Closure: Admin Parking Lot Closed Fri 4/17 Until Sun 4/19 at Noon for Rev Run Setup
View on nps.gov
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

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...

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Free near mile 164.9
View on nps.gov
Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

6 mi from route ~16 min detour Free near mile 58.2
View on nps.gov
Independence National Historical Park

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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour $1 near mile 281.3
View on nps.gov
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 281.3
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

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...

12 mi from route ~31 min detour Free near mile 203.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 281.3-mile trip. With 96% of the route on highways, this is not a winding scenic byway but rather a direct path. The Pennsylvania Turnpike forms the backbone of this journey, offering a longest uninterrupted stretch of 259.5 miles. This means you'll experience extended periods of consistent speed and minimal navigation challenges. The Mid-County Expressway and I-76 are also key components, reinforcing the character of a swift, direct transit between your origin and destination.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 259.5 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Mid-County Expressway. You will hit about 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Harrison Avenue.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 281.3 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Harrison Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (11th Street): Navigation decision point; at 263 miles (I 76): 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.

On the drive from Penn, PA to Upper Darby, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Philadelphia along the way.

Philadelphia

263 mi in | ~4h 51m | via I 76

About the Cities

Arriving in Upper Darby, PA

Full guide →

Upper Darby is a city in 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 5h 24m. Total distance: 281.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 259.5 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $33.73 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.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Harrison Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (11th Street): Navigation decision point; at 263 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 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 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.

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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