Reading, PA to Hollenback, PA is 133.5 miles and takes about 3h 9m via Pottsville Pike and Locust Gap Highway, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, connecting two points in Pennsylvania. The drive is characterized by frequent turns and a profile best described as a turn-heavy local drive, meaning you'll be navigating more local roads than high-speed highways. With a highway share of only 35%, expect a more engaged driving experience. Given its manageable length and single recommended day, it's a straightforward journey for a day trip.
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
66.7 miles from Reading, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pottsville Pike
14.4 mi
18m
Locust Gap Highway
11.5 mi
13m
Centre Turnpike
10.6 mi
12m
South Market Street
9.7 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
State Route 42
8.7 mi
12m
Route 220 Highway
8.3 mi
9m
PA 642
8.1 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
Pottsville Pike
— 14.4 mi, about 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Reading, PA and Hollenback, PA.
1
Start on US 422 Business Alternate
279 ft·8 sec·Penn Street
2
Turn right onto US 222 BUS
0.5 mi·55 sec·North 5th Street
3
Turn slight left onto PA 61
3.0 mi·4 min·Centre Avenue
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on PA 61
4.7 mi·6 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on PA 61
1.0 mi·1 min·South Centre Avenue
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on PA 61
3.2 mi·3 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on PA 61
0.6 mi·43 sec·Shoemaker Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on PA 61
2.3 mi·2 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Continue on PA 61
0.3 mi·19 sec·South 4th Street
10
Continue on PA 61
4.2 mi·5 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Centre Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on PA 61
3.0 mi·3 min·Route 61 South
13
Continue on PA 61
0.3 mi·18 sec·Pottsville Boulevard
14
Continue on PA 61
0.2 mi·20 sec·South Claude A. Lord Boulevard
15
Turn left onto US 209
0.1 mi·10 sec·Mauch Chunk Street
16
At end of road, turn right onto US 209
0.4 mi·38 sec·South Centre Street
17
Turn left onto US 209
2.3 mi·4 min·West Market Street
18
Continue on US 209; PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
Use the straight lane.
19
At end of road, turn left onto PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·East Sunbury Street
20
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
21
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
22
Continue on PA 901
0.3 mi·43 sec·Locust Gap Highway
23
Continue on PA 54; PA 901
11 mi·13 min·Locust Gap Highway
24
Continue on PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·South Market Street
25
Turn right onto PA 54
0.3 mi·45 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on PA 54
1.7 mi·2 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn right onto PA 642
8.1 mi·14 min·PA 642
29
Turn right onto PA 254
1.8 mi·3 min·Jerseytown Road
30
Continue on PA 254
1.7 mi·3 min·Rohrsburg Road
31
Turn left onto PA 42
0.6 mi·56 sec·North State Street
32
Continue on PA 42
0.9 mi·1 min·State Route 42
33
Continue on PA 42
7.8 mi·11 min·State Route 42
34
Turn straight onto PA 42
321 ft·10 sec·PA 42
35
Continue on PA 118; PA 42
0.3 mi·29 sec·PA 118; PA 42
36
Continue on PA 42
7.4 mi·11 min·PA 42
37
Turn right onto US 220; PA 42
8.3 mi·9 min·Route 220 Highway
38
Continue on US 220; PA 42 Truck
0.2 mi·10 sec·Appalachian Thruway
39
Continue on US 220; PA 42 Truck
0.5 mi·31 sec·Appalacian Thruway
40
Continue on US 220; PA 42 Truck
4.2 mi·4 min·Cliff Avenue
41
Continue on US 220
0.5 mi·35 sec·Appalachian Thruway
42
Continue on US 220
4.9 mi·5 min·Appalacian Thruway
43
Continue on PA 87; US 220
0.7 mi·49 sec·German Street
44
Turn right onto PA 87
173 ft·3 sec·East Main Street
45
Continue on PA 87
0.3 mi·32 sec·Mill Street
46
Turn left onto PA 87
2.5 mi·4 min·Carpenter Street
47
Turn left onto SR 1015
0.8 mi·3 min·Ambrosius Road
48
Continue on Wilmot Road
3.7 mi·8 min·Wilmot Road
49
Continue on Dushore-Helenback Road
0.9 mi·2 min·Dushore-Helenback Road
50
Continue on Tubach Pond Road
0.2 mi·31 sec·Tubach Pond Road
51
Continue on Hallenbeck Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Hallenbeck Road
52
Continue on Ambrosius Road
1.9 mi·4 min·Ambrosius Road
53
At end of road, turn right onto PA 187
138 ft·2 sec·PA 187
54
Arrive at destination
PA 187
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 3 hours and a fuel cost estimate of $22, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to allow for any unexpected delays or to take advantage of the flexibility a shorter drive offers. The route includes one recommended stop, so plan for a brief break around that point. Given the turn-heavy nature, be mindful of speed limits when transitioning between road types and keep an eye on your navigation, especially as you travel the 14.4 miles on Pottsville Pike.
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 66.7 miles from Reading, PA, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.4 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 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.7 miles or 1h 25m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hollenback, 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 133.5 miles and 3h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Reading, 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 Pottsville Pike for about 14.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 66.7 miles from Reading, 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.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Gibraltar Park
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, ~12 min detour
4.7 mi from route
~12 min detour
Birdsboro, Pennsylvania
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 133.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|US 222 BUS / North 5th Street
Turn right onto US 222 BUS / North 5th Street
Navigation decision point
5
33.8 mi into trip|~43m in|US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street
Turn left onto US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street
Navigation decision point
4
33.9 mi into trip|~43m in|US 209 / South Centre Street
At end of road, turn right onto US 209 / South Centre Street
Navigation decision point
5
72 mi into trip|~1h 31m in|PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
Turn right onto PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
133.5 mi into trip|~3h 9m in|PA 187
At end of road, turn right onto PA 187
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.13 one way
$44.27 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg47 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$24.24
$48.48
premium
$4.93
$25.89
$51.78
diesel
$5.61
$29.48
$58.95
Estimated Tolls: $1.12
Centre Turnpike
(10.6 mi)$0.74
Appalacian Thruway
(4.9 mi)$0.34
Appalachian Thruway
(0.5 mi)$0.04
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
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
40.1
0
$14.02
$6.41
Efficient EV
33.4
0
$11.68
$5.34
EV Truck/SUV
53.4
0
$18.69
$8.54
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (66% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Reading, PA
Late night
in Reading on Sunday
Local time
3:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hollenback, PA
Late night
in Hollenback on Sunday
Local time
3:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°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
14 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 9m 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.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 36.8
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route offers a decidedly local feel, with only 35% of the drive on highways. You'll spend a good portion of your time navigating through communities and on roads that require more attention, as indicated by the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. The longest stretch without a significant change in direction or road type is 14.4 miles along Pottsville Pike. While there are segments on Centre Turnpike, the overall character is one of varied road conditions and frequent adjustments, rather than a steady interstate cruise.
Only 35% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
54 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 14.4 mi on Pottsville Pike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 222 BUS / North 5th Street.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 133.5 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 222 BUS / North 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 33.8 miles (US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street): Navigation decision point; at 33.9 miles (US 209 / South Centre Street): Navigation decision point.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 9m. Total distance: 133.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (35%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 14.4 miles on Pottsville Pike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.12 in tolls one way, starting with Centre 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 222 BUS / North 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 33.8 miles (US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street): Navigation decision point; at 33.9 miles (US 209 / South Centre Street): Navigation decision point.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. 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 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Hollenback, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
