Origin
Philadelphia, PA
Morning in Philadelphia on Sunday
Local time
6:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Philadelphia, PA to Gold Key Lake, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 13m
Distance
131 mi
211 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 2m
★
6 AM
3h 14m
8 AM
3h 37m
10 AM
3h 22m
12 PM
3h 20m
3 PM
3h 23m
5 PM
3h 36m
8 PM
3h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Philadelphia, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Gold Key Lake, PA
Nikolett Emmert
Trip Overview
Philadelphia, PA to Gold Key Lake, PA is 131 miles and takes about 3h 13m via Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. It's a straightforward drive that's mostly highway, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. You'll encounter a highway-focused profile, so expect a good portion of your journey to be on faster-paced roads. Given the relatively short duration and manageable fuel cost, this route is well-suited for a quick getaway.
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
65.5 miles from Philadelphia, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 24.3 mi | 26m |
| PA-33 | 24 mi | 29m |
| Schuylkill Expressway | 12.1 mi | 17m |
| Federal Road | 11.8 mi | 21m |
| US 209 | 11.5 mi | 18m |
| I 78 | 10.2 mi | 11m |
| PA 309 | 7.5 mi | 12m |
| PA-739 | 7.4 mi | 14m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
— 24.3 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Philadelphia, PA and Gold Key Lake, 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
12 mi
·
17 min
·
Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 331B
Toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting
Use the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 476
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Mid-County Expressway
10
Turn slight left onto I 476
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Mid-County Expressway
11
Continue on I 476; PATP
24 mi
·
26 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 44
Toward PA 663: Pottstown, Quakertown
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
227 ft
·
7 sec
Toward PA 663 North: Quakertown
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn left onto PA 663
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
John Fries Highway
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left onto Portzer Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Portzer Road
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on Portzer Road
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
Portzer Road
17
At end of road, turn right onto West Pumping Station Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West Pumping Station Road
18
Turn left onto PA 309
7.5 mi
·
12 min
·
PA 309
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 78 East: Bethlehem
20
Merge onto I 78
10 mi
·
11 min
·
I 78
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 71
Toward PA 33 North: Stroudsburg
Use the slight right lane.
22
Continue on PA 33
0.4 mi
·
25 sec
·
Gene Hartzell Memorial Bridge
23
Continue on PA 33
24 mi
·
29 min
·
PA-33
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 209
7.9 mi
·
11 min
·
US 209
Toward US 209 North: Stroudsburg
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Take the exit onto US 209
3.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 209
Toward US 209 north , PA 447 north: Marshalls Creek
26
Enter roundabout onto US 209
98 ft
·
3 sec
·
Marshalls Creek Bypass
27
Continue on US 209
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Marshalls Creek Bypass
28
Continue on US 209
7.1 mi
·
13 min
·
Milford Road
29
Continue on US 209
12 mi
·
21 min
·
Federal Road
30
Turn left onto PA 739
7.4 mi
·
14 min
·
PA-739
31
Turn right onto Log Tavern Road
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Log Tavern Road
32
Turn left onto Gold Key Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Gold Key Road
33
Arrive at destination
Gold Key Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a 1-day trip covering 131 miles and taking just over 3 hours, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Philadelphia in the morning should get you to Gold Key Lake with plenty of daylight. The longest stretch without a likely exit is about 24.3 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, it's a budget-friendly drive, but it's always wise to check current gas prices. Plan for one stop if needed, perhaps for a quick stretch or to grab a snack, but the short duration means you likely won't need extensive breaks.
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 65.5 miles from Philadelphia, PA, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 24.3 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 29 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65.5 miles or 1h 28m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gold Key Lake, 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 131 miles and 3h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 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 Northeast Extension for about 24.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
66 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 65.5 miles from Philadelphia, 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 245 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 65.1 — 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.
7
14.1 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 331B
Toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting
8
42.5 mi into trip
|
~52m in
Take the exit toward PA 663: Pottstown, Quakertown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 44
Toward PA 663: Pottstown, Quakertown
7
42.9 mi into trip
|
~54m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PA 663 North: Quakertown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward PA 663 North: Quakertown
7
65.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward PA 33 North: Stroudsburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 71
Toward PA 33 North: Stroudsburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.72 one way
$43.44 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
46 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $23.79 | $47.57 |
| premium | $4.93 | $25.41 | $50.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.92 | $57.85 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.16
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(24.3 mi)
$3.16
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
$22
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39.3 | 0 | $13.75 | $6.29 |
| Efficient EV | 32.8 | 0 | $11.46 | $5.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 52.4 | 0 | $18.34 | $8.38 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Destination
Gold Key Lake, PA
Morning in Gold Key Lake on Sunday
Local time
6:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
66°F
Bangor, PA
66 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
9 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
3h 13m 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.
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,...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
$10
near mile 112.9
View on nps.gov
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
View on nps.gov
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
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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 13.6
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
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 13.6
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive leans heavily into its highway profile, with 77% of the journey on major roadways. You'll spend a significant amount of time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, including a continuous stretch of 24.3 miles. The Schuylkill Expressway and PA-33 also contribute to the predominantly fast-paced nature of this trip. Expect a consistent driving experience focused on covering distance efficiently, rather than winding scenic byways. The character remains largely highway-centric from start to finish, offering a predictable journey.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 24.3 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and PA-33. 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
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 24 significant decision points across 131 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 14.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 42.5 miles: 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.
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 Philadelphia, PA to Gold Key Lake, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Quakertown along the way.
Quakertown
42.5 mi in
|
~52m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 13m. Total distance: 131 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 24.3 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.16 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 Gold Key Lake, 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 14.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 42.5 miles: 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 (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Gold Key Lake, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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