Origin
Shenandoah, PA
Afternoon in Shenandoah on Sunday
Local time
1:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Shenandoah, PA to Pittsburgh, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 9m
Distance
263.7 mi
424 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 56m
★
6 AM
5h 10m
8 AM
5h 37m
10 AM
5h 19m
12 PM
5h 16m
3 PM
5h 20m
5 PM
5h 35m
8 PM
5h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Shenandoah, PA
Jack Pace
Pittsburgh, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 263.7-mile drive from Shenandoah, PA to Pittsburgh, PA is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 9 minutes. The route primarily utilizes the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81, making up 97% of the drive. With a fuel cost estimated at $44, this trip offers a budget-friendly way to travel across Pennsylvania. Since both the origin and destination are within the Northeast region, you'll experience a consistent regional feel throughout your travels. It’s an efficient option if you're looking for a direct route without many 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
131.9 miles from Shenandoah, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 37m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 170.5 mi | 3h 7m |
| I 81 | 71.7 mi | 1h 24m |
| Penn-Lincoln Parkway East | 13.2 mi | 18m |
| Gold Star Highway | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| North Lehigh Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
| Harrisburg Pike | 1 mi | 2m |
| Second Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| South Main Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 170.5 mi, about 3h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shenandoah, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.
1
Start on this road
99 ft
·
12 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
31 ft
·
4 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto South Market Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
South Market Street
4
Turn right onto East Cherry Street
202 ft
·
14 sec
·
East Cherry Street
5
Turn left onto PA 924
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
South Main Street
6
Continue on PA 924
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Gold Star Highway
7
Continue on PA 924
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North Lehigh Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
9
Merge onto I 81
72 mi
·
1 hr 24 min
·
I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
Exit 52
Toward US 11: New Kingstown, Middlesex
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
201 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 11 South
Use the right lane.
12
Merge onto US 11
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Harrisburg Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 76, PATP
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh
Use the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 76; PATP
171 mi
·
3 hr 7 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
16
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
2 min
Exit 57
Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh
18
Keep slight right at fork
353 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
19
Merge onto I 376; US 22
13 mi
·
18 min
·
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Use the slight left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 71B
Toward Second Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn straight onto Second Avenue
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Second Avenue
22
At end of road, turn right onto Ross Street
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Ross Street
23
Turn left onto Fifth Avenue
352 ft
·
10 sec
·
Fifth Avenue
24
Turn right onto Grant Street
513 ft
·
21 sec
·
Grant Street
Use the right lane.
25
Arrive at destination
Grant Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, this route is perfectly suited for a one-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving early to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. The longest stretch without a major change in road is 170.5 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly. While there's only one recommended stop, you might want to break up the drive with a quick stretch or snack. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as major services can sometimes be spaced out on long highway segments.
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 131.9 miles from Shenandoah, PA, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 170.5 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 58 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.9 miles or 2h 37m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pittsburgh, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Shenandoah, 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 Shenandoah, PA
This is one driving day of about 263.7 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Shenandoah, 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 170.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
132 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 58 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 131.9 miles from Shenandoah, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 170.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 76.4 and 249.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
76.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 33m in
Take the exit toward US 11: New Kingstown, Middlesex
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 52
Toward US 11: New Kingstown, Middlesex
8
76.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 11 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 11 South
7
78.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh
8
248.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 46m in
Take the exit toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville
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 57
Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroevil...
7
249.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 49m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.72 one way
$87.44 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
92 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $47.88 | $95.76 |
| premium | $4.93 | $51.14 | $102.28 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $58.22 | $116.44 |
Estimated Tolls: $22.17
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(170.5 mi)
$22.17
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
$44
Tolls
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.1 | 0 | $27.69 | $12.66 |
| Efficient EV | 65.9 | 0 | $23.07 | $10.55 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 105.5 | 1 | $36.92 | $16.88 |
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Pittsburgh, PA
Afternoon in Pittsburgh on Sunday
Local time
1:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 14 mph
32% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 4:55PM EDT until April 14 at 5:30PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 14 at 2:51PM EDT until April 14 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
54°F
Hancock, MD
132 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
34 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 9m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this trip, with 97% of the route being on major interstates like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 170.5 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering sustained periods of cruising. While largely a highway-focused drive, this means you'll encounter consistent speeds and straightforward navigation for most of the journey. The Penn-Lincoln Parkway East will be your final approach into Pittsburgh, marking a transition as you near the city.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 170.5 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 76.4 miles in.
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 19 significant decision points across 263.7 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 76.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 76.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 78.1 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Shenandoah, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Middlesex, Patp and Monroeville.
Middlesex
76.4 mi in
|
~1h 33m
Patp
77.6 mi in
|
~1h 37m
Monroeville
248.9 mi in
|
~4h 46m
About the Cities
Arriving in Pittsburgh, PA
Full guide →The pleasure of Pittsburgh remains a well-kept secret. Though not built up by reputation, the city's unique combination of bridges, steep hills, and broad rivers make it one of the most naturally scenic cities in the country. Cheap food and beer abound in this true sports town and the locals are amazingly friendly. A city of about 303,000 (2021) in Allegheny County, at the center of a metro area of about 2.4 million in southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River. The city's unique terrain has resulted in an unusual city design and a hodge-podge of unique neighborhood "pockets" with diverse ethnic and architectural heritage.
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 5h 9m. Total distance: 263.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 170.5 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $22.17 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 Pittsburgh, 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 76.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 76.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 78.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pittsburgh, PA before the return drive.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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