This 268.6-mile journey from Reading, PA to Youngsville, PA is a solid one-day drive, estimated to take around 5 hours and 46 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $45, it’s an economical trip. You'll primarily be on the Keystone Shortway and US 219, with a smaller portion on Pottsville Pike. The route is characterized as turn-heavy and local, suggesting a more engaging driving experience than a simple interstate cruise. Given its duration and profile, it’s well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
134.3 miles from Reading, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
112.9 mi
2h 1m
Pottsville Pike
14.4 mi
18m
US 219
12.3 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
Montmorenci Road
8.8 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 112.9 mi, about 2h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Reading, PA and Youngsville, 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
3.0 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
29
Merge onto I 80
113 mi·2 hr 1 min·Keystone Shortway
30
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·32 sec
32
Turn straight onto PA 153
7.5 mi·13 min·State Park Road
33
Continue on PA 153
5.0 mi·8 min·Hoovertown Road
34
Continue on PA 153
3.7 mi·6 min·Penfield Road
35
At end of road, turn right onto US 219
12 mi·18 min·US 219
36
Turn right onto PA 948
1.0 mi·2 min·Montmorenci Avenue
37
Continue on PA 948
8.8 mi·13 min·Montmorenci Road
38
Continue on PA 948
5.4 mi·7 min·Highland Road
39
At end of road, turn left onto PA 66
2.7 mi·3 min·Kane-Russell City Road
40
Take the exit onto PA 948
8.6 mi·12 min·PA 948
41
Continue on PA 666
2.3 mi·4 min·PA 666
42
At end of road, turn left onto US 6
1.2 mi·2 min·West Main Street
43
Continue on US 6
4.5 mi·6 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
44
Continue on US 6
1.4 mi·2 min·South Main Street
45
Continue on US 6
2.9 mi·4 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
46
Continue on US 6
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
47
Continue on US 6
1.8 mi·3 min·Crescent Park
Use the straight lane.
48
Continue on US 6
8.6 mi·12 min·Warren Bypass
Use the straight lane.
49
Continue on US 6
0.7 mi·1 min·Youngsville Bypass
50
Turn right onto Railroad Street
0.1 mi·35 sec·Railroad Street
Use the right lane.
51
At end of road, turn left onto East Main Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·East Main Street
52
Arrive at destination
East Main Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 268.6-mile drive, consider an early morning departure from Reading, PA, to maximize daylight and allow ample time for any brief stops. With a total duration of about 5 hours and 46 minutes and only one recommended stop, you have flexibility. The fuel cost is estimated at $45, so ensure your tank is full before you leave. A practical tip for this route is to be prepared for the 'turn-heavy local drive' nature; keep your navigation active and be mindful of speed limit changes as you transition between road types, especially on the Keystone Shortway and US 219.
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 134.3 miles from Reading, PA, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.9 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 59 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.3 miles or 2h 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Youngsville, 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 268.6 miles and 5h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 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 Keystone Shortway for about 112.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 134.3 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 Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.9 miles.
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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 33.8 and 268.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
33.8 mi into trip|~43m in|US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street
Turn left onto US 209 / Mauch Chunk 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
188.8 mi into trip|~3h 38m in
Take the exit toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
6
268.3 mi into trip|~5h 46m in|Railroad Street
Turn right onto Railroad Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
268.5 mi into trip|~5h 46m in|East Main Street
At end of road, turn left onto East Main Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.53 one way
$89.06 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$48.77
$97.54
premium
$4.93
$52.09
$104.18
diesel
$5.61
$59.30
$118.61
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
$45
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.6
0
$28.20
$12.89
Efficient EV
67.2
0
$23.50
$10.74
EV Truck/SUV
107.4
1
$37.60
$17.19
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
31 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Reading, PA
Late night
in Reading on Sunday
Local time
12:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Sunny
SE 5 to 10 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Youngsville, PA
Late night
in Youngsville on Sunday
Local time
12:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°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
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 46m 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.
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 37
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?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for much of this 268.6-mile route, as indicated by its profile. While only 14% of the drive is on highways, you'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 112.9 miles on the Keystone Shortway. This suggests a mix of more winding local roads and some faster highway segments. The character of the drive will likely evolve, transitioning from more urban or suburban outskirts to potentially more rural or woodland scenery as you cover the 5 hours and 46 minutes. It's a route that requires your attention, offering a hands-on driving experience.
Only 14% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
52 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.9 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 33.8 miles in near US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street.
Driving Effort6/10
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 268.6 miles you will encounter 18 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 33.8 miles (US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street): Navigation decision point; at 72 miles (PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 188.8 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 Youngsville, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Penfield along the way.
Penfield
188.8 mi in|~3h 38m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 46m. Total distance: 268.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 112.9 miles on Keystone Shortway. 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.
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 Youngsville, 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 33.8 miles (US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street): Navigation decision point; at 72 miles (PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 188.8 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Youngsville, PA before the return drive.
