Philadelphia to Williamsburg, PA is 207.9 miles and takes about 4h 31m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Northeast region of Pennsylvania to another part of the Northeast, staying within the same state. It's a highway-focused drive, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on faster roads designed for longer distances. If you're looking for a straightforward drive with minimal fuss, this route is a solid choice for a single-day journey.
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
104 miles from Philadelphia, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
124.6 mi
2h 13m
Schuylkill Expressway
16.8 mi
23m
Croghan Pike
15.7 mi
23m
US 22
14.4 mi
21m
Covedale Road
4.1 mi
9m
Timmons Road
3.9 mi
7m
Williamsburg Mountain Road
3.9 mi
9m
Spring Run Road East
3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 124.6 mi, about 2h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Philadelphia, PA and Williamsburg, 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
125 mi·2 hr 13 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward PA 997: Shippensburg, ChambersburgUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn right onto PA 997
0.9 mi·1 min·Cumberland Highway
17
Continue on PA 997
1.6 mi·2 min·Trout Run
18
Continue on PA 997
1.5 mi·2 min·Cumberland Highway
19
Turn right onto PA 641; PA 997
0.1 mi·12 sec·Newburg Road
20
Continue on PA 641
3.0 mi·5 min·Forge Hill Road
21
Continue on PA 641
3.9 mi·7 min·Timmons Road
22
At end of road, turn left onto PA 641
3.0 mi·5 min·Spring Run Road East
23
Continue on PA 641
1.7 mi·3 min·Spring Run Road
24
Continue on PA 641
2.6 mi·4 min·Neelytown Road
25
Continue on PA 641
2.9 mi·5 min·Neelyton Road
26
At end of road, turn right onto US 522
0.2 mi·19 sec·Main Street
27
Continue on US 522
4.9 mi·7 min·Croghan Pike
28
Continue on US 522
0.2 mi·15 sec·Ridgely Street
29
Continue on US 522
0.5 mi·46 sec·Ridgley Street
30
Continue on US 522
11 mi·16 min·Croghan Pike
31
At end of road, turn left onto US 22
14 mi·21 min·US 22
Use the straight lane.
32
Turn left onto SR 3039
2.1 mi·3 min·Hartslog Valley Road
Use the left lane.
33
Turn right onto SR 3014
3.9 mi·9 min·Williamsburg Mountain Road
34
Continue on Covedale Road
4.1 mi·9 min·Covedale Road
35
Continue on Locust Street
363 ft·17 sec·Locust Street
36
Turn right onto East 1st Street
0.2 mi·40 sec·East 1st Street
37
Arrive at destination
East 1st Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a 4.5-hour drive with a fuel cost around $34, you can easily complete it in one day. Consider leaving Philadelphia in the morning to take advantage of daylight and arrive in Williamsburg with plenty of time. The longest stretch without a major change is over 124 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you embark on that segment. Keep an eye on traffic reports for the Schuylkill Expressway, as it can experience congestion leaving Philadelphia.
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 104 miles from Philadelphia, PA, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 124.6 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 46 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 104 miles or 1h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Williamsburg, 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 207.9 miles and 4h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 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 124.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 104 miles from Philadelphia, 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 124.6 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 19 — 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
7
19 mi into trip|~27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.47 one way
$68.93 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg73 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$37.75
$75.50
premium
$4.93
$40.32
$80.64
diesel
$5.61
$45.90
$91.80
Estimated Tolls: $16.20
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(124.6 mi)$16.20
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
$34
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
62.4
0
$21.83
$9.98
Efficient EV
52
0
$18.19
$8.32
EV Truck/SUV
83.2
1
$29.11
$13.31
Gas CO2
73 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Philadelphia, PA
Late night
in Philadelphia on Sunday
Local time
5:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 15 mph1% chanceLive 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
Williamsburg, PA
Late night
in Williamsburg on Sunday
Local time
5:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 10 mph0% chanceLive 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
45°F
Hilltown, PA
104 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
6 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
4h 31m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 121.9
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...
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 78.9
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...
17 mi from route
~41 min detour
Free
near mile 28.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for about 76% of this journey. You'll experience stretches like the 124.6-mile segment on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which offers a consistent pace. While primarily on major highways like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Schuylkill Expressway, there are also brief transitions onto local roads like Croghan Pike. This mix means you'll get a taste of both efficient long-distance travel and slightly more varied local road conditions as you approach your destination.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 124.6 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 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 22 significant decision points across 207.9 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.
Between Philadelphia, PA and Williamsburg, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown, Harrisburg and Chambersburg.
Chester
18.4 mi in|~26m
Pottstown
18.4 mi in|~26m
Harrisburg
19 mi in|~27m
Chambersburg
144.5 mi in|~2h 43m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 31m. Total distance: 207.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 124.6 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.20 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 Williamsburg, 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.
Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Independence National Historical Park and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Williamsburg, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
