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Trip from Spry, PA to Altoona, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 1m

Distance

158.6 mi

255 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 50m ★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 24m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 7m
3 PM
3h 11m
5 PM
3h 23m
8 PM
2h 55m

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 Spry, PA, PA

Spry, PA

Haneul Trac

Trip Overview

This 158.6-mile drive from Spry, PA, to Altoona, PA, is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. Primarily utilizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99, this route is highly focused on highway travel, with 96% of the journey on interstates. With a projected fuel cost of around $26, it's a manageable and economical trip, easily accomplished as a single-day excursion. You'll find this drive offers a straightforward path through the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, making it a practical choice for getting between these two locations without much fuss.

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

79.3 miles from Spry, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 96.9 mi 1h 45m
I 99 32.7 mi 35m
I 83 23.1 mi 28m
17th Street 1.4 mi 2m
South Queen Street 0.9 mi 2m
6th Avenue 0.7 mi 1m
Business 220 0.3 mi <1m
7th Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 96.9 mi, about 1h 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Spry, PA and Altoona, PA.

1

Start on East Church Street

22 ft · 2 sec · East Church Street
2

Turn right onto PA 74

0.9 mi · 2 min · South Queen Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 83 North: Harrisburg
4

Merge onto I 83

23 mi · 28 min · I 83
5

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 76, PATP: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
6

Turn straight

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh
7

Merge onto I 76; PATP

97 mi · 1 hr 45 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward Altoona, Johnstown Use the slight right lane.
9

Turn left onto US 220 BUS

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Business 220
10

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
11

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
12

Merge onto I 99; US 220

33 mi · 35 min · I 99; US 220
13

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward 17th Street
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward Altoona
15

Turn straight onto 17th Street

1.4 mi · 2 min · 17th Street
16

Turn right onto PA 764

0.7 mi · 1 min · 6th Avenue
17

Turn left onto 7th Street

0.2 mi · 18 sec · 7th Street
18

Arrive at destination

7th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid potential rush hour traffic, especially as you approach Altoona. With only one recommended stop and a substantial 96.9-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly. Ensure you have at least a half tank before embarking on that longer segment to remain comfortable. The flexibility of a shorter drive like this means you can adjust your departure time as needed, but staying aware of the highway share will help you anticipate the driving style.

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 79.3 miles from Spry, PA, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 96.9 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 35 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 79.3 miles or 1h 32m 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 Altoona, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Spry, 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 Spry, PA

This is one driving day of about 158.6 miles and 3h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Spry, 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 96.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

element, compound, or alloy that is a good conductor of both electricity and heat

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Metal, PA

79 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

Middlesex, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Metal, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.3 miles from Spry, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 96.9 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.

Top Restaurant

Spice Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 34

Hours: 2–11 pm

+17176913131

Visit website

Spice Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 34

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 2–11 pm

+17176913131

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 122.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | PA 74 / South Queen Street

Turn right onto PA 74 / South Queen Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
24.3 mi into trip | ~31m in

Take the exit toward I 76, PATP: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh

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

Toward I 76, PATP: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
7
121.9 mi into trip | ~2h 18m in

Take the exit toward Altoona, Johnstown

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 Altoona, Johnstown
6
122.5 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in

Take the ramp toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
7
122.7 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.29 one way

$52.59 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $28.80 $57.60
premium $4.93 $30.76 $61.52
diesel $5.61 $35.02 $70.03

Estimated Tolls: $12.59

Pennsylvania Turnpike (96.9 mi) $12.59

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

$26

Tolls

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.6 0 $16.65 $7.61
Efficient EV 39.7 0 $13.88 $6.34
EV Truck/SUV 63.4 0 $22.20 $10.15

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

19 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 18, 2026

Origin

Spry, PA

Late night in Spry on Sunday

Local time

5:55 AM

EDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Altoona, PA

Late night in Altoona on Sunday

Local time

5:55 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°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

21 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 1m 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.

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

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...

2 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 43.7
View on nps.gov
Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Johnstown Flood National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

18 mi from route ~45 min detour Free near mile 142.2
View on nps.gov
Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

20 mi from route ~49 min detour Free near mile 125.8
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 ~66 min detour Free near mile 21.9
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 158.6-mile journey. With 96% of the drive on interstates like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99, you'll encounter consistent speeds and limited local road interaction. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll navigate is 96.9 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering an extended period of steady driving. This profile suggests a route where maintaining momentum is key, with minimal distractions and a focus on covering ground efficiently. The character remains largely consistent, prioritizing direct travel over winding backroads.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 96.9 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 99. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near PA 74 / South Queen Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 158.6 miles you will encounter 14 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: near the start (PA 74 / South Queen Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes

1,803 ft 390 ft

Total Climb

3,033 ft

Total Descent

2,586 ft

Highest Point

1,803 ft

~102 mi in

Elevation Range

1,412 ft

Notable High Points

1,739 ft at ~68 miles +793 ft prominence
1,803 ft at ~102 miles +748 ft prominence

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Spry, PA and Altoona, PA, road signs point toward Patp: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Johnstown.

Patp: Philadelphia

24.3 mi in | ~31m

Pittsburgh

24.3 mi in | ~31m

Johnstown

121.9 mi in | ~2h 18m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 1m. Total distance: 158.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 96.9 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $12.59 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 Altoona, 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: near the start (PA 74 / South Queen Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 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 Altoona, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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