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Trip from South Williamsport, PA to Bethlehem, 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

2h 42m

Distance

124 mi

199 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 32m ★
6 AM
2h 43m
8 AM
3h 4m
10 AM
2h 50m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 51m
5 PM
3h 3m
8 PM
2h 36m

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 South Williamsport, PA, PA

South Williamsport, PA

Phil Evenden

city in Lehigh and Northampton counties, Pennsylvania, USA

Bethlehem, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Planning a trip from South Williamsport, PA, to Bethlehem, PA? This 124-mile drive typically takes about 2 hours and 42 minutes, making it a very manageable one-day excursion. You'll primarily navigate using the William Penn Highway, Keystone Shortway, and US Highway 15. With a projected fuel cost of around $21, this route offers an economical way to travel within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania. The journey is characterized by frequent turns, suggesting a more engaging local drive rather than a straight, high-speed interstate cruise. It's a straightforward trip that doesn't require an overnight stay, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.

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

62 miles from South Williamsport, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
William Penn Highway 21.6 mi 26m
Keystone Shortway 13 mi 13m
US Highway 15 11.7 mi 16m
State Route 54 11.1 mi 13m
Center Avenue 10.6 mi 12m
Lehigh Valley Thruway 10.3 mi 14m
Elysburg Road 9.7 mi 11m
Sunbury Road 9.4 mi 11m
Longest stretch: William Penn Highway — 21.6 mi, about 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Williamsport, PA and Bethlehem, PA.

1

Start on PA 654

0.3 mi · 36 sec · West Southern Avenue
2

Turn right onto US 15

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Market Street
3

Turn slight left onto US 15

1.3 mi · 2 min · Montgomery Pike
4

Continue on US 15

12 mi · 16 min · US Highway 15
Use the straight lane.
5

Continue on US 15

2.9 mi · 3 min · Westbranch Highway
6

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 58 sec
Toward I 80 East: Bloomsburg Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 58 sec
8

Merge onto I 80

13 mi · 13 min · Keystone Shortway
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
10

Turn slight left

79 ft · 2 sec
11

Turn right onto PA 54

2.9 mi · 3 min · Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Continue on PA 54

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Factory Street
13

Continue on PA 54

0.3 mi · 49 sec · Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
14

Turn left onto PA 54

9.7 mi · 11 min · Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
15

Continue on PA 54

11 mi · 13 min · State Route 54
16

Continue on PA 901

0.4 mi · 41 sec · Locust Gap Highway
17

Continue on PA 901

2.2 mi · 2 min · Fairgrounds Road
18

Continue on PA 901

9.4 mi · 11 min · Sunbury Road
19

Continue on PA 901

0.8 mi · 1 min · Sunbury Street
20

Turn right onto PA 901

1.8 mi · 2 min · Pottsville Minersville Highway
21

Turn right onto PA 901

4.0 mi · 6 min · Gordon Nagle Trail
22

Continue on PA 901

0.2 mi · 33 sec · North Sillyman Street
23

Turn left onto PA 183

0.7 mi · 2 min · Pottsville Street
24

Turn right onto PA 61

493 ft · 6 sec · Route 61 South
25

Continue on PA 61

11 mi · 12 min · Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
26

Continue on PA 61

2.7 mi · 3 min · Centre Street
27

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
28

Merge onto I 78; US 22

22 mi · 26 min · William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
29

Keep slight right at fork onto US 22

10 mi · 14 min · Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51 Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport Use the slight right lane.
30

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville Road Use the slight right lane.
31

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32

Continue on PA 378

1.8 mi · 2 min · Bethlehem Spur Route
33

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec
Exit 2 Toward Eighth Avenue Use the slight right lane.
34

Turn right onto 8th Avenue

0.1 mi · 22 sec · 8th Avenue
35

Turn left onto West Union Boulevard

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Union Boulevard
36

Turn left onto Center Street

423 ft · 11 sec · Center Street
37

Turn right onto East Goepp Street

0.3 mi · 49 sec · East Goepp Street
38

Turn right onto Linden Street

57 ft · 1 sec · Linden Street
39

Arrive at destination

Linden Street

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 42-minute drive, leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Bethlehem without feeling rushed. Since it's a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best. Plan for one stop to break up the 124 miles, perhaps midway through the longest stretch on William Penn Highway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as a good portion of this drive is not on major highways, and the estimated fuel cost is $21. This route is best suited for those who enjoy a more interactive driving experience with frequent turns rather than a monotonous interstate journey.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 62 miles from South Williamsport, PA, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.6 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 27 miles or 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 62 miles or 1h 18m 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 11m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bethlehem, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving South Williamsport, 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 South Williamsport, PA

This is one driving day of about 124 miles and 2h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from South Williamsport, 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 William Penn Highway for about 21.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

township in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East Franklin, PA

62 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.

Popular next leg

East Franklin, PA to Bethlehem, PA

68 mi · 1h 32m

Pacing Suggestions

California, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

East Franklin, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 62 miles from South Williamsport, 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.

Lehigh Millennium Folk Arch and Art Enclave

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 16.7 and 122.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
16.7 mi into trip | ~24m in

Take the exit toward I 80 East: Bloomsburg

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 80 East: Bloomsburg
9
109.7 mi into trip | ~2h 21m 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
120 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in

Take the exit toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville Road

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 PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville...
8
120.2 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in

Keep slight right at fork toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem
7
122.2 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in

Take the exit toward Eighth Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 2 Toward Eighth Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.56 one way

$41.12 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $22.52 $45.03
premium $4.93 $24.05 $48.10
diesel $5.61 $27.38 $54.76

Estimated Tolls: $0.72

Lehigh Valley Thruway (10.3 mi) $0.72

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

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 43.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 37.2 0 $13.02 $5.95
Efficient EV 31 0 $10.85 $4.96
EV Truck/SUV 49.6 0 $17.36 $7.94

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (65% 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 20, 2026

Origin

South Williamsport, PA

Morning in South Williamsport on Tuesday

Local time

7:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bethlehem, PA

Morning in Bethlehem on Tuesday

Local time

7:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

58°F

East Franklin, PA

62 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 42m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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 72.7
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 offers a 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll experience a dynamic road that requires active navigation. With only 18% of the journey on highways, expect a significant portion to be on local roads with more frequent intersections and changes in speed. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 21.6 miles on the William Penn Highway, providing a segment where you can settle into a rhythm before encountering more turns. This driving experience is less about high-speed travel and more about engaging with the landscape as you transition through various communities.

Only 18% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 21.6 mi on William Penn Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.7 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 21 significant decision points across 124 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 16.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 109.7 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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.

Between South Williamsport, PA and Bethlehem, PA, road signs point toward Washingtonville and Lvi Airport.

Washingtonville

30.5 mi in | ~40m

Lvi Airport

109.7 mi in | ~2h 21m | via US 22

About the Cities

Arriving in Bethlehem, PA

Full guide →

Bethlehem is one of three cities, along with Allentown and Easton, that are the urban population centers of the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania. In the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem borders Nazareth to its northwest, Allentown to its west, Hellertown to its southeast, and Easton to its east. The city is about 70 miles (110 km) north of Philadelphia, the sixth-largest city in the United States, and about 80 miles (130 km) west of New York City, the nation's largest city.

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 2h 42m. Total distance: 124 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 21.6 miles on William Penn Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.72 in tolls one way, starting with Lehigh Valley Thruway. 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.

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 Bethlehem, 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 16.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 109.7 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 Bethlehem, 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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