Philadelphia to Lower Burrell is 301.3 miles and takes about 5h 46m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays entirely within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region towards the western part of the state. Expect a predominantly highway experience, making it a straightforward trip if you're looking for efficiency. With only one recommended stop and a drive time under six hours, it's a very manageable one-day excursion.
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
150.7 miles from Philadelphia, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
270.7 mi
4h 54m
Schuylkill Expressway
16.8 mi
23m
Logans Ferry Road
2.5 mi
3m
Orange Belt
2.2 mi
4m
Center New Texas Road
1.4 mi
3m
Saltsburg-Leechburg Road
1.1 mi
1m
Vine Street Expressway
1 mi
1m
New Texas Road
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 270.7 mi, about 4h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Philadelphia, PA and Lower Burrell, 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 ForgeUse 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/327Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, PottstownUse 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 RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·20 sec
Toward Mall BoulevardUse 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: HarrisburgUse the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 76; PATP
271 mi·4 hr 54 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi·2 min
Exit 57Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, MonroevilleUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 22 Business: MonroevilleUse the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto US 22 Business
0.1 mi·14 sec·William Penn Highway
19
Turn right onto Orange Belt
0.8 mi·1 min·Haymaker Road
Use the right lane.
20
Turn right onto Orange Belt
2.2 mi·4 min·Orange Belt
21
Turn right onto PA 380; Orange Belt
0.2 mi·23 sec·Saltsburg Road
22
Turn left onto Center New Texas Road
1.4 mi·3 min·Center New Texas Road
23
At end of road, turn left onto Orange Belt
0.1 mi·12 sec·New Texas Road
24
Continue on Orange Belt
381 ft·6 sec·Old Leechburg Road
25
Turn slight right onto Orange Belt
0.8 mi·1 min·New Texas Road
26
At end of road, turn right onto Orange Belt
0.6 mi·1 min·Leechburg Road
27
Continue on Orange Belt
1.1 mi·1 min·Saltsburg-Leechburg Road
28
Turn left onto Orange Belt
2.5 mi·3 min·Logans Ferry Road
29
Arrive at destination
PA 366; PA 56 Truck
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 46m estimated duration, leaving Philadelphia in the morning should allow you to reach Lower Burrell before evening. While the drive is only 301.3 miles, consider breaking it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace, though it's certainly doable in one day. The majority of your travel will be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so be prepared for toll collection. With a fuel cost estimated at $49, ensure your tank is full before heading out, especially since you'll be on the highway for the vast majority of the trip.
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 150.7 miles from Philadelphia, PA, or about 2h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 270.7 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 66 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150.7 miles or 2h 52m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lower Burrell, 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 301.3 miles and 5h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 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 270.7 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.4 and 291.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
290.6 mi into trip|~5h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville
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 57
Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroevil...
8
291.4 mi into trip|~5h 27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 22 Business: Monroeville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 22 Business: Monroeville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.34 one way
$100.69 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg105 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.67
$55.41
$110.82
premium
$5.01
$59.45
$118.91
diesel
$5.60
$66.42
$132.83
Estimated Tolls: $35.19
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(270.7 mi)$35.19
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
$50
Tolls
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$111–$136
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
90.4
1
$31.64
$14.46
Efficient EV
75.3
0
$26.36
$12.05
EV Truck/SUV
120.5
1
$42.18
$19.28
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 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.
Forecast as of Aug 24, 2026
Origin
Philadelphia, PA
Morning
in Philadelphia on Friday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Clear
W 0 to 5 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued August 23 at 9:46PM EDT until August 25 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Destination
Lower Burrell, PA
Morning
in Lower Burrell on Friday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Chance Rain Showers
SW 7 mph30% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued August 23 at 9:46PM EDT until August 25 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
81°F
Martinsburg, PA
151 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
7 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 46m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is 96% highway, so you'll spend most of your time on limited-access roads. The longest stretch without needing to exit is a significant 270.7 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You'll experience the density of exits common on major turnpikes for much of this drive. The final few miles will transition to surface roads like Logans Ferry Road as you approach Lower Burrell.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 270.7 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 18.4 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 23 significant decision points across 301.3 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 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; at 18.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,106 ft45 ft
Total Climb
2,255 ft
Total Descent
1,548 ft
Highest Point
2,106 ft
~236.8 mi in
Elevation Range
2,062 ft
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 Lower Burrell, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown and Harrisburg.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 46m. Total distance: 301.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 46m 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 270.7 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $35.19 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 Lower Burrell, 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 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; at 18.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lower Burrell, PA before the return drive.
