Origin
Philadelphia, PA
Night in Philadelphia on Saturday
Local time
9:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Philadelphia, PA to Darlington, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 25m
Distance
342.5 mi
551 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$57
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 13m
★
6 AM
6h 26m
8 AM
6h 50m
10 AM
6h 34m
12 PM
6h 32m
3 PM
6h 35m
5 PM
6h 49m
8 PM
6h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Philadelphia, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Darlington, PA
Haneul Trac
Trip Overview
Philadelphia, PA to Darlington, PA is 342.5 miles and takes about 6h 25m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $57 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays entirely within Pennsylvania, making it a straightforward journey across the state. The drive is primarily highway-focused, meaning you'll cover a significant distance efficiently. With a recommended one-day drive, it's a good option if you need to get from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast without extensive planning. Consider this trip if you prioritize speed and directness over a leisurely, scenic exploration.
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
171.3 miles from Philadelphia, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 14m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 314.4 mi | 5h 41m |
| Schuylkill Expressway | 16.8 mi | 23m |
| Fairlane Boulevard | 4.4 mi | 7m |
| Elmwood Boulevard | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Big Beaver Boulevard | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Vine Street Expressway | 1 mi | 1m |
| North 16th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| I 76 | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 314.4 mi, about 5h 41m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Philadelphia, PA and Darlington, PA.
1
Start on South Penn Square
397 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Penn Square
2
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 611
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
East Penn Square
Use the straight lane.
3
Continue on John F. Kennedy Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn right onto North 16th Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
North 16th Street
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 676 West, US 30 West: International Airport, Valley Forge
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto I 676; US 30
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Vine Street Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 76; US 30
16 mi
·
22 min
·
Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
Exit 328B-A/327
Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
Toward Mall Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
12
Merge onto I 76
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
Schuylkill Expressway
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 76
Toward I 76 West: Harrisburg
Use the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 76; PATP
314 mi
·
5 hr 41 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 13
Toward PA 18: Ellwood City, Beaver Falls
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn right onto PA 18
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Big Beaver Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
17
Turn left onto PA 351
4.4 mi
·
7 min
·
Fairlane Boulevard
Use the left lane.
18
At end of road, turn left onto PA 168
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Centennial Avenue
19
Continue on PA 168
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Elmwood Boulevard
20
Continue on PA 168
415 ft
·
8 sec
·
2nd Street
21
Arrive at destination
PA 168
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 25m estimated duration, leaving Philadelphia in the morning is advisable to ensure you arrive in Darlington with ample daylight. While the drive is manageable in one day, breaking it up is possible if you prefer a more relaxed pace, though the data suggests a single day is intended. Fuel costs are estimated at $57, so plan accordingly. Be aware that the Pennsylvania Turnpike is the dominant road for over 300 miles; ensure your vehicle is in good condition for this sustained highway travel. The single recommended stop suggests a brief pause rather than extensive sightseeing.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 171.3 miles from Philadelphia, PA, or about 3h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 314.4 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 75 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 171.3 miles or 3h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Darlington, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA
This is one driving day of about 342.5 miles and 6h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Philadelphia, 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 314.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
171 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 75 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 171.3 miles from Philadelphia, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 314.4 miles.
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 175 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 334.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
PA 611 / East Penn Square
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 611 / East Penn Square
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
18.4 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Take the exit toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown
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 328B-A/327
Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, We...
9
18.5 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevar...
8
18.8 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Mall Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Mall Boulevard
8
334.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 11m in
Take the exit toward PA 18: Ellwood City, Beaver Falls
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 13
Toward PA 18: Ellwood City, Beaver Falls
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.78 one way
$113.56 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
120 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $62.19 | $124.38 |
| premium | $4.93 | $66.42 | $132.85 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $75.62 | $151.24 |
Estimated Tolls: $40.87
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(314.4 mi)
$40.87
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
$57
Tolls
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$123–$148
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 119.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 102.8 | 1 | $35.96 | $16.44 |
| Efficient EV | 85.6 | 0 | $29.97 | $13.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 137 | 1 | $47.95 | $21.92 |
Gas CO2
120 kg
EV CO2
40 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.
Destination
Darlington, PA
Night in Darlington on Saturday
Local time
9:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
54°F
Hancock, MD
171 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
32 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
6h 25m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with a 97% highway share, indicating a predominantly high-speed driving experience. You'll spend most of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 314.4 miles. Expect a consistent, direct journey with minimal deviations onto local roads. The Schuylkill Expressway and Fairlane Boulevard are initial segments that transition you onto the main turnpike. The character of the drive remains largely consistent as a fast-paced, long-haul highway cruise.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 314.4 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Schuylkill 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 PA 611 / East Penn Square.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 342.5 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 (PA 611 / East Penn Square): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Philadelphia, PA and Darlington, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown and Harrisburg.
Chester
18.4 mi in
|
~26m
Pottstown
18.4 mi in
|
~26m
Harrisburg
19 mi in
|
~27m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 25m. Total distance: 342.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 25m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 314.4 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $40.87 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 Darlington, 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 0.1 miles (PA 611 / East Penn Square): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Darlington, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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