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Trip from Reading, PA to Lackawaxen, PA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 4m

Distance

126.2 mi

203 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 53m ★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 13m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 57m

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 Lackawaxen, PA, PA

Lackawaxen, PA

Haneul Trac

Trip Overview

Embarking on a journey from Reading, PA, to Lackawaxen, PA, covers 126.2 miles and is estimated to take around 3 hours and 4 minutes of driving time. This trip is well-suited for a single day, with a projected fuel cost of approximately $21. The route primarily utilizes the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I-84, with a portion on the Keystone Shortway, making for a mixed driving experience. You'll be traveling within the Northeast region throughout this drive, keeping the scenery consistent. This is a straightforward trip that doesn't require extensive planning, allowing for flexibility.

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

63.1 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
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 29.4 mi 32m
I 84 13.3 mi 15m
Keystone Shortway 9 mi 10m
US 222 8.7 mi 11m
PA 903 7.1 mi 10m
I 380 6.7 mi 7m
Allentown Pike 6 mi 10m
Well Road 5.5 mi 10m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension — 29.4 mi, about 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Reading, PA and Lackawaxen, PA.

1

Start on US 422 Business Alternate

279 ft · 8 sec · Penn Street
2

Turn right onto US 222 BUS

5.0 mi · 8 min · North 5th Street
Use the straight lane.
3

Continue on US 222 BUS

2.5 mi · 3 min · Allentown Pike
4

Merge onto US 222

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Kutztown Road
5

Continue on US 222

1.1 mi · 2 min · Allentown Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Enter roundabout onto US 222

160 ft · 6 sec · Allentown Pike
7

Continue on US 222

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Allentown Pike
8

Enter roundabout onto US 222

123 ft · 5 sec · Allentown Pike
9

Continue on US 222

1.6 mi · 2 min · Allentown Pike
10

Continue on US 222

1.1 mi · 1 min · Kutztown Road
11

Continue on US 222

0.4 mi · 40 sec · Allentown Pike
12

Enter roundabout onto US 222

138 ft · 1 sec · Kutztown Road
13

Continue on US 222

1.5 mi · 2 min · Kutztown Road
14

Keep slight left at fork onto US 222

8.7 mi · 11 min · US 222
15

Enter roundabout onto Schantz Road

266 ft · 3 sec · Schantz Road
16

Continue on Schantz Road

3.5 mi · 6 min · Schantz Road
17

Turn left onto PA 100

0.4 mi · 45 sec · PA 100
Use the straight / slight right / right lanes.
18

Continue on PA 100

170 ft · 3 sec · PA 100
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
20

Merge onto I 78; US 22

1.2 mi · 1 min · William Penn Highway
21

Keep slight right at fork onto US 22

1.3 mi · 1 min · Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51 Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport Use the slight right lane.
22

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward PATP, I 476: Philadelphia, Scranton Use the slight right lane.
23

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward I 476 North: Scranton Use the left lane.
24

Merge onto I 476; PATP

29 mi · 32 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
25

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 87 Toward PA 903: Jim Thorpe, Lake Harmony Use the slight right lane.
26

Keep slight right at fork

237 ft · 7 sec
Toward PA 903 North: Lake Harmony Use the right lane.
27

Turn slight right onto PA 903

7.1 mi · 10 min · PA 903
28

At end of road, turn left onto PA 115

1.8 mi · 2 min · PA 115
29

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec
30

Merge onto I 80

9.0 mi · 10 min · Keystone Shortway
31

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 293 Toward I 380 North, PA 940 Truck East: Scranton
32

Continue on I 380

6.7 mi · 7 min · I 380
33

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward 423: Tobyhanna
34

Turn right onto PA 423

0.5 mi · 1 min · Prospect Street
35

At end of road, turn left onto PA 423

452 ft · 10 sec · Main Street
36

Turn right onto PA 423

5.5 mi · 10 min · Church Street
37

Continue on PA 423

1.5 mi · 2 min · Carlton Road
38

Turn straight onto PA 191

2.9 mi · 5 min · South Sterling Road
39

Continue on PA 191; PA 507

4.0 mi · 9 min · Main Street
40

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
41

Merge onto I 84

13 mi · 15 min · I 84
42

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Toward PA 739: Lords Valley , Dingmans Ferry
43

Turn left onto PA 739

0.9 mi · 1 min · PA-739
44

Turn right onto PA 434

5.5 mi · 10 min · Well Road
45

Turn straight onto PA 590

4.6 mi · 9 min · PA 590
46

Turn slight right

163 ft · 6 sec
47

Continue on Scenic Drive

0.2 mi · 46 sec · Scenic Drive
48

Turn right

131 ft · 3 sec
49

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Aim for an early start to make the most of your time, especially if you plan to stop. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $21, this trip is budget-friendly. Pay attention to road signs as you transition between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, I-84, and other connecting roads. A practical tip for this route is to ensure you have your toll pass ready for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, as this is where you'll experience the longest uninterrupted driving segment.

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 63.1 miles from Reading, PA, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.4 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 28 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.1 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 Lackawaxen, 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 126.2 miles and 3h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension for about 29.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough and county seat of Carbon County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jim Thorpe, PA

63 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

Macungie, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jim Thorpe, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.1 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Tesla Supercharger

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Mt Pocono, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Long Pond, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Blakeslee, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Applegreen Electric Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

+18885577099

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Applegreen Electric Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

+18885577099

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 29

5 decision points cluster between mile 28.2 and 60.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
28.2 mi into trip | ~43m in | US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 51 Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
7
29.5 mi into trip | ~45m in

Take the exit toward PATP, I 476: Philadelphia, Scranton

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward PATP, I 476: Philadelphia, Scranton
7
30 mi into trip | ~46m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 476 North: Scranton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 476 North: Scranton
8
59.8 mi into trip | ~1h 20m in

Take the exit toward PA 903: Jim Thorpe, Lake Harmony

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 87 Toward PA 903: Jim Thorpe, Lake Harmony
7
60.1 mi into trip | ~1h 21m in

Keep slight right at fork toward PA 903 North: Lake Harmony

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward PA 903 North: Lake Harmony

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.92 one way

$41.84 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $22.91 $45.83
premium $4.93 $24.47 $48.95
diesel $5.61 $27.86 $55.73

Estimated Tolls: $3.91

Pennsylvania Turnpike (29.4 mi) $3.82
Lehigh Valley Thruway (1.3 mi) $0.09

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

$21

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 37.9 0 $13.25 $6.06
Efficient EV 31.6 0 $11.04 $5.05
EV Truck/SUV 50.5 0 $17.67 $8.08

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 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 16, 2026

Origin

Reading, PA

Late night in Reading on Tuesday

Local time

5:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

89°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 5 to 15 mph 3% chance Live forecast

Destination

Lackawaxen, PA

Late night in Lackawaxen on Tuesday

Local time

5:01 AM

EDT

Current temp

41°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

48 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 4m 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.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

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,...

17 mi from route ~43 min detour $10 near mile 113.1
Park Closure: Old Mine Road North Construction Closure Begins April 6, 2026
Park Closure: Dingmans Falls Trail, Road, and Access Closed for Bridge Replacement
View on nps.gov
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...

27 mi from route ~67 min detour Free near mile 4.4
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive offers a varied experience, with 58% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches of faster-paced driving, including a significant 29.4-mile segment on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The profile is described as a 'Mixed drive,' suggesting a blend of efficient highway travel and potentially some more varied road conditions as you approach your destination. Expect to transition between different types of roadways as you navigate the 126.2 miles.

58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
49 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29.4 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 28.2 miles in near US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 29 significant decision points across 126.2 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 28.2 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30 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 Lackawaxen, PA, road signs point toward Lvi Airport, Patp, Scranton, Lake Harmony, 423: Tobyhanna and Dingmans Ferry.

Lvi Airport

28.2 mi in | ~43m | via US 22

Patp

29.5 mi in | ~45m

Scranton

29.5 mi in | ~45m

Lake Harmony

59.8 mi in | ~1h 20m

423: Tobyhanna

86.1 mi in | ~1h 55m

Dingmans Ferry

114.6 mi in | ~2h 40m

About the Cities

Starting in Reading, PA

Full guide →

Reading is a historic city of about 95,000 (2020 Census) in Pennsylvania, about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia, 35 miles southwest of Allentown and 55 miles east of Harrisburg. It punches above its weight in culture, and its downtown features some iconic buildings, so consider making it a stopover on your way between any of these and other area cities.

Arriving in Lackawaxen, PA

Full guide →

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 4m. Total distance: 126.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 29.4 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $3.91 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 Lackawaxen, 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 28.2 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Lackawaxen, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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