Reading, PA to Leechburg, PA is 259.6 miles and takes about 5h 3m via the Pennsylvania Turnpike and PA 66, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, making it a straightforward trip for those in the Northeast region. With over 90% of the route on highways, expect a predominantly high-speed transit experience. It's a single-day trip that is efficient for getting from point A to point B without extensive detours.
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
129.8 miles from Reading, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
212.1 mi
3h 51m
Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass
12.9 mi
13m
PA 66
10.2 mi
16m
US 222
9.8 mi
12m
PA 356
3.5 mi
5m
Penn Avenue
2.6 mi
4m
State Route 66
1.5 mi
2m
PA 56
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 212.1 mi, about 3h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Reading, PA and Leechburg, 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
212 mi·3 hr 51 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto I 70
0.4 mi·54 sec·I 70
Toward I 70 West, US 119, PA Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling WV, New StantonUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward US 119, PA Turnpike 66: Connellsville, Greensburg, Delmont
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Toward PA Turnpike 66 North: Delmont
13
Merge onto PA Tpke 66
13 mi·13 min·Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass
14
Continue on PA 66
10 mi·16 min·PA 66
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Merge onto PA 66
1.5 mi·2 min·State Route 66
16
Turn straight onto PA 356
3.5 mi·5 min·PA 356
17
Enter roundabout onto PA 356
207 ft·3 sec·La Belle Vue Road
18
Continue on PA 356
0.7 mi·1 min·La Belle Vue Road
19
Turn right onto Towne Center Drive
467 ft·11 sec·Towne Center Drive
20
At end of road, turn left onto PA 56
0.9 mi·1 min·PA 56
21
At end of road, turn right onto South Leechburg Hill Road
0.8 mi·1 min·South Leechburg Hill Road
22
Continue on State Route 4093
0.2 mi·18 sec·State Route 4093
23
Turn right onto Diamond Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Diamond Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
Diamond Avenue
Trip Plan
Given this route takes just over 5 hours, it's easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for the 212.1-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You'll find a higher concentration of services along the turnpike, so planning your fuel and rest stops before you exit onto PA 66 would be wise. Since it's a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart a bit later if needed.
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 129.8 miles from Reading, PA, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 212.1 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 57 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.8 miles or 2h 28m 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 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Leechburg, 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 259.6 miles and 5h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 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 for about 212.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 13.1 and 227.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
13.1 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward I 76, PATP, PA 272: PA Turnpike, Denver
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 76, PATP, PA 272: PA Turnpike, Denver
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
5
14.3 mi into trip|~21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 76 Toll West: Harrisburg
7
226.9 mi into trip|~4h 14m in|I 70
Take the exit onto I 70 toward I 70 West, US 119, PA Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling WV, New Stanton
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 I 70 West, US 119, PA Turnpike 66 Toll:...
6
227.3 mi into trip|~4h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 119, PA Turnpike 66: Connellsville, Greensburg, Delmont
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 119, PA Turnpike 66: Connellsville, G...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.34 one way
$90.68 round trip
$4.44/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.86
$49.64
$99.28
premium
$5.20
$53.11
$106.21
diesel
$6.28
$64.14
$128.29
Estimated Tolls: $28.47
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(212.1 mi)$27.57
Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass
(12.9 mi)$0.90
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
$45
Tolls
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$99–$124
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.9
0
$27.26
$12.46
Efficient EV
64.9
0
$22.72
$10.38
EV Truck/SUV
103.8
1
$36.34
$16.61
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 23, 2026
Origin
Reading, PA
Late night
in Reading on Saturday
Local time
12:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Sunny
NE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 23 at 2:04PM EDT until October 24 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 23 at 1:38PM EDT until October 24 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Leechburg, PA
Late night
in Leechburg on Saturday
Local time
12:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Sunny
NE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 23 at 2:04PM EDT until October 24 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 23 at 1:38PM EDT until October 24 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA
42°F
King, PA
130 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
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 3m 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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 80.6
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their live...
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 35.8
The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal...
25 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 214.8
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
Free
near mile 161.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is almost entirely on highways, with 92% of the 259.6 miles covered by high-speed roads. You'll be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for a significant stretch of 212.1 miles before transitioning. The Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass and PA 66 will likely involve more typical surface road driving as you approach your destination.
92% 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: 212.1 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.1 miles in.
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 16 significant decision points across 259.6 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 13.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.7 miles (Colonel Howard Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,431 ft253 ft
Total Climb
2,883 ft
Total Descent
2,342 ft
Highest Point
2,431 ft
~185.4 mi in
Elevation Range
2,179 ft
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 Leechburg, PA, road signs point toward Patp, Denver, Pa Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling, New Stanton and Pa Turnpike 66: Connellsville - among others.
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.
Top landmarks
•Frederick Lauer Monument — monument in City Park, Reading, Pennsylvania, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 3m. Total distance: 259.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 212.1 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $28.47 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.
Yes — we found about 16 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Leechburg, 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. There are 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.7 miles (Colonel Howard Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Flight 93 National Memorial and Appalachian National Scenic Trail (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Leechburg, PA before the return drive.
