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Trip from Reading, PA to Hudson, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 54m

Distance

87.9 mi

141 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 47m ★
6 AM
1h 55m
8 AM
2h 12m
10 AM
2h 1m
12 PM
1h 59m
3 PM
2h 2m
5 PM
2h 11m
8 PM
1h 50m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Hudson, PA, PA

Hudson, PA

Garrison Gao

Trip Overview

Reading, PA to Hudson, PA is 87.9 miles and takes about 1h 54m via I 81, Pottsville Pike, and Centre Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $15 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Northeast region, specifically within Pennsylvania, making it a straightforward journey. It's a highway-focused trip, so expect efficient travel times. With a duration under two hours and a low fuel cost, this route is ideal for a quick day trip or an easy leg of a larger journey. Consider this for when you need to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

44 miles from Reading, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 40.7 mi 47m
Pottsville Pike 14.4 mi 18m
Centre Turnpike 10.6 mi 12m
Joseph H. Long Boulevard 4.8 mi 5m
Route 61 South 3 mi 3m
Centre Avenue 3 mi 4m
Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard 2.2 mi 4m
South Claude A. Lord Boulevard 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 40.7 mi, about 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Reading, PA and Hudson, 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

1.5 mi · 2 min · South Claude A. Lord Boulevard
15

Continue on PA 61

1.0 mi · 1 min · Pottsville Saint Clair Highway
16

Continue on PA 61

4.8 mi · 5 min · Joseph H. Long Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 81 North: Hazleton
18

Merge onto I 81

41 mi · 47 min · I 81
19

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward PA 309 south, PA 309 Business: Mountain Top, Wilkes-Barre
20

Continue on PA 309

0.1 mi · 12 sec · PA 309
21

Turn straight onto PA 309 BUS

2.2 mi · 4 min · Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard
22

Continue on PA 309 BUS

0.6 mi · 1 min · Spring Street
23

Continue on PA 309 BUS

464 ft · 11 sec · Scott Street
24

Continue on PA 309 BUS

0.5 mi · 1 min · Scott Street
25

Continue on Scott Street

0.7 mi · 2 min · Scott Street
26

Turn left onto Laird Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Laird Street
27

Continue on Mayock Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · Mayock Street
28

Continue on South Oak Street

0.1 mi · 31 sec · South Oak Street
29

Turn right onto Stark Street

94 ft · 4 sec · Stark Street
30

Arrive at destination

Stark Street

Trip Plan

Given the short duration of about 1 hour and 54 minutes, this trip offers a lot of flexibility. You can easily depart in the morning and be at your destination by lunchtime, or even leave in the afternoon. The fuel cost is estimated at a low $15, so you won't need to worry about frequent refueling stops. The longest stretch without a planned stop is 40.7 miles on I 81, so plan a quick break before or after that segment if needed. Since it's a single-day trip, you can be spontaneous with your departure time.

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 44 miles from Reading, PA, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 40.7 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 19 miles or 25m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 44 miles or 55m 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 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hudson, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Reading, PA

This is one driving day of about 87.9 miles and 1h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Reading, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 40.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in central Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Pottsville, PA

44 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Bloomsburg, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Shenandoah, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 44 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.

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 62.8

Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

EV Connect Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 87.9

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 87.9

Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

InCharge Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 87.9

Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 87.9

Kingston, Pennsylvania

+18668167584

Visit website

SWTCH Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 69.1

Drums, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18447982438

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 69.1

Mountain Top, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.7 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 87.9

Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 87.9 — 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

4
41 mi into trip | ~52m in

Take the exit toward I 81 North: Hazleton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 81 North: Hazleton
5
82 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in

Take the exit toward PA 309 south, PA 309 Business: Mountain Top, Wilkes-Barre

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward PA 309 south, PA 309 Business: Mountain...
4
86.9 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in | Laird Street

Turn left onto Laird Street

Navigation decision point

4
87.9 mi into trip | ~1h 54m in | Stark Street

Turn right onto Stark Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.57 one way

$29.15 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 31 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $15.96 $31.92
premium $4.93 $17.05 $34.09
diesel $5.61 $19.41 $38.81

Estimated Tolls: $0.74

Centre Turnpike (10.6 mi) $0.74

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

$15

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26.4 0 $9.23 $4.22
Efficient EV 22 0 $7.69 $3.52
EV Truck/SUV 35.2 0 $12.31 $5.63

Gas CO2

31 kg

EV CO2

10 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 16, 2026

Origin

Reading, PA

Late night in Reading on Sunday

Local time

2:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

89°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 5 to 15 mph 3% chance Live 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

Hudson, PA

Late night in Hudson on Sunday

Local time

2:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°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

22 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

1h 54m 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.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

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 30.3
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 62% of the journey utilizing major roadways like I 81. You'll experience stretches of faster-paced driving, including one segment of 40.7 miles on I 81 where you can maintain steady speed. While much of the trip is on the interstate, you will also navigate portions of Pottsville Pike and Centre Turnpike, which may offer a slightly different driving experience. Expect a relatively direct and efficient travel path for the majority of the 87.9 miles.

62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 40.7 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Pottsville Pike. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 222 BUS / North 5th Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 54m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

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 41 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 82 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

On the drive from Reading, PA to Hudson, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Wilkes-Barre along the way.

Wilkes-Barre

82 mi in | ~1h 40m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 54m. Total distance: 87.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (62%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 40.7 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.74 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.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 222 BUS / North 5th Street): Navigation decision point; at 41 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 82 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — 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 Hudson, PA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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