Traveling from Philadelphia to Stroudsburg covers 96.6 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 9 minutes. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate sprint, you should plan for a single day of travel. You can expect to spend approximately $16 on fuel for the journey. Since both cities are located within Pennsylvania's Northeast region, you will remain in familiar territory throughout the trip. This route is ideal for those who prefer navigating local roads over monotonous highway driving. It works perfectly as a straightforward day trip, offering enough flexibility to arrive, explore, and return without needing an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.3 miles from Philadelphia, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 4m into the drive
.
Exit 44Toward PA 663: Pottstown, QuakertownUse the straight / right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
227 ft·7 sec
Toward PA 663 North: QuakertownUse 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 71Toward PA 33 North: StroudsburgUse 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
5.7 mi·7 min·US 209
Toward US 209 North: StroudsburgUse the straight / right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 307Toward PA 611: Park AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn left onto PA 611
0.2 mi·40 sec·Park Avenue
27
Continue on PA 611
0.2 mi·44 sec·South 7th Street
28
Arrive at destination
3 ft·0 sec·Courthouse Square
Trip Plan
Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, you should aim to depart during daylight hours to maintain better visibility on local roads. Since the drive is roughly 2 hours and 9 minutes long, you have the flexibility to make the trip in one go without the need for structured rest stops. Budgeting $16 for fuel is a safe bet for the 96.6-mile distance, though it is wise to fill up before leaving urban Philadelphia to avoid navigating unfamiliar stations. Pay close attention to your GPS while moving through the various local streets, as the lack of highway signage means you will be relying on city navigation throughout. Staying alert for directional changes is the best way to manage this specific, non-highway route effectively.
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 48.3 miles from Philadelphia, PA, or about 1h 4m 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 21 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.3 miles or 1h 4m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stroudsburg, 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 96.6 miles and 2h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Philadelphia, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
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.
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 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
$16.02 one way
$32.03 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg34 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$17.54
$35.08
premium
$4.93
$18.73
$37.47
diesel
$5.61
$21.33
$42.66
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
$16
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
29
0
$10.14
$4.64
Efficient EV
24.2
0
$8.45
$3.86
EV Truck/SUV
38.6
0
$13.52
$6.18
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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 13, 2026
Origin
Philadelphia, PA
Morning
in Philadelphia on Sunday
Local time
6:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Partly Sunny
SW 10 to 15 mph12% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 7:41AM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 5:13AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Stroudsburg, PA
Morning
in Stroudsburg on Sunday
Local time
6:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers
S 0 to 15 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 7:41AM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 5:13AM EDT by NWS State College PA
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
4 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 9m 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.
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...
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...
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...
7 mi from route
~19 min detour
Free
near mile 16.6
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,...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
$10
near mile 96.6
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...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 13.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a hands-on experience behind the wheel, as this 96.6-mile path is defined by its turn-heavy local nature. You will navigate via East Penn Square, John F, and North 16th Street, which means the highway share for this trip is 0 percent. Because the route avoids major interstates, you will face a series of technical turns that require your full attention throughout the duration. There is no single longest stretch of uninterrupted highway, so you should prepare for a consistent, engaging drive that keeps you alert. The road’s personality is deliberate and local, prioritizing backroads over the high-speed transit found on typical turnpikes.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 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 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 96.6 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
959 ft45 ft
Total Climb
1,149 ft
Total Descent
765 ft
Highest Point
959 ft
~82.8 mi in
Elevation Range
914 ft
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 Stroudsburg, 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 2h 9m. Total distance: 96.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). 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.
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 Stroudsburg, 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. 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 — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Valley Forge National Historical Park (5 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 Stroudsburg, PA before heading back.
