Reading, PA to Fayetteville, PA is 110.3 miles and takes about 2h 18m via Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 81, with a fuel budget near $18 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive focuses heavily on highway travel, making it an efficient way to cover ground between these two points in Pennsylvania. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, so expect a straightforward journey. With a recommended one-day trip and a short duration, this route is ideal for a quick transit or a day trip without feeling rushed. The fuel cost is estimated at $18, keeping your budget predictable.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
55.1 miles from Reading, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
60 mi
1h 4m
I 81
25.4 mi
29m
US 222
9.8 mi
12m
Black Gap Road
3.2 mi
5m
Penn Avenue
2.6 mi
4m
Harrisburg Pike
1.9 mi
4m
Coldspring Road
1.4 mi
3m
Colonel Howard Boulevard
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 60 mi, about 1h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Reading, PA and Fayetteville, PA.
1
Start on US 422 Business Alternate
0.4 mi·40 sec·Penn Street
2
Continue on US 422 Business Alternate
2.6 mi·4 min·Penn Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
4
Merge onto US 222
9.8 mi·12 min·US 222
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·52 sec
Toward I 76, PATP, PA 272: PA Turnpike, Denver
6
Turn left onto Colonel Howard Boulevard
0.3 mi·39 sec·Colonel Howard Boulevard
7
Keep slight left at fork onto Colonel Howard Boulevard
0.6 mi·1 min·Colonel Howard Boulevard
Toward I 76, PATP
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
9
Merge onto I 76; PATP
60 mi·1 hr 4 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 226Toward I 81, US 11: Carlisle, ChambersburgUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
513 ft·17 sec
Toward US 11 South: CarlisleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn straight onto US 11
1.9 mi·4 min·Harrisburg Pike
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 11
0.8 mi·1 min·North Hanover Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn right onto West North Street
0.3 mi·41 sec·West North Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Turn left onto North West Street
0.7 mi·1 min·North West Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Turn slight right onto Walnut Bottom Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Walnut Bottom Road
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
18
Merge onto I 81
25 mi·29 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward Scotland
20
Turn left onto PA 997
3.2 mi·5 min·Black Gap Road
21
Turn right onto Coldspring Road
0.2 mi·30 sec·Coldspring Road
22
Keep slight left at fork onto Coldspring Road
1.2 mi·2 min·Coldspring Road
23
Turn left onto East Main Street
17 ft·0 sec·East Main Street
24
Arrive at destination
East Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2 hour and 18 minute duration, this route is easily manageable in a single day, and you can plan to leave at your convenience. You won't need to force long stops, but consider a brief break around the 60-mile mark on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for fuel or a stretch. The estimated fuel cost of $18 for the 110.3-mile trip is quite reasonable, so ensure your tank is sufficiently full before departing Reading, PA. Since it's a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart later in the day if needed.
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 55.1 miles from Reading, PA, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60 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 24 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55.1 miles or 1h 6m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fayetteville, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Reading, 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 Reading, PA
This is one driving day of about 110.3 miles and 2h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Reading, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Pennsylvania Turnpike for about 60 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 55.1 miles from Reading, 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 60 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 13.7 and 78.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
13.7 mi into trip|~20m in|Colonel Howard Boulevard
Keep slight left at fork onto Colonel Howard Boulevard toward I 76, PATP
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 76, PATP
8
74.8 mi into trip|~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward I 81, US 11: Carlisle, Chambersburg
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 226
Toward I 81, US 11: Carlisle, Chambersburg
7
75.3 mi into trip|~1h 28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 11 South: Carlisle
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 11 South: Carlisle
6
78.1 mi into trip|~1h 34m in|West North Street
Turn right onto West North Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
78.4 mi into trip|~1h 35m in|North West Street
Turn left onto North West Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.29 one way
$36.57 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg39 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$20.03
$40.06
premium
$4.93
$21.39
$42.78
diesel
$5.61
$24.35
$48.71
Estimated Tolls: $7.79
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(60 mi)$7.79
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
$18
Tolls
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
33.1
0
$11.58
$5.29
Efficient EV
27.6
0
$9.65
$4.41
EV Truck/SUV
44.1
0
$15.44
$7.06
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 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
Reading, PA
Late night
in Reading on Sunday
Local time
12:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 15 mph3% 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
Fayetteville, PA
Late night
in Fayetteville on Sunday
Local time
12:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
35 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 18m 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.
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...
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
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 34.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 86% of the route utilizing major roadways like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 81. You'll experience a significant stretch of 60 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering a consistent, high-speed experience. The profile suggests a predominantly interstate journey, meaning you'll encounter minimal traffic lights and winding local roads. Expect a steady pace for most of the 2 hour and 18 minute drive, with the highway environment dominating the character of the trip.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.7 miles in near Colonel Howard Boulevard.
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 17 significant decision points across 110.3 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 13.7 miles (Colonel Howard Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Reading, PA and Fayetteville, PA, road signs point toward Patp, Denver and Chambersburg.
Patp
13.1 mi in|~18m
Denver
13.1 mi in|~18m
Chambersburg
74.8 mi in|~1h 27m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 18m. Total distance: 110.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 60 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $7.79 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 Fayetteville, 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 13.7 miles (Colonel Howard Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 74.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Appalachian National Scenic Trail. 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 Fayetteville, PA before heading back.
