Origin
Steelton, PA
Morning in Steelton on Sunday
Local time
10:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Steelton, PA to Allentown, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 44m
Distance
82.3 mi
132 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 37m
★
6 AM
1h 45m
8 AM
2h 0m
10 AM
1h 50m
12 PM
1h 49m
3 PM
1h 51m
5 PM
2h 0m
8 PM
1h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Steelton, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Allentown, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 82.3-mile drive from Steelton, PA to Allentown, PA is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 1 hour and 44 minutes. You'll primarily be on roads like the William Penn Highway and the American Legion Memorial Highway, with a portion also on 78th Division Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at around $14, this route offers a straightforward journey within Pennsylvania. The profile suggests a turn-heavy local drive, so don't expect a high-speed interstate experience. Given its relatively short duration, it’s perfectly suited for a single day without the need for 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.
Midpoint
41.1 miles from Steelton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 53m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| William Penn Highway | 42.8 mi | 50m |
| American Legion Memorial Highway | 18.3 mi | 21m |
| 78th Division Highway | 7.6 mi | 8m |
| Tilghman Street | 4.9 mi | 8m |
| US 322 | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| Lehigh Valley Thruway | 1 mi | 1m |
| Orchard Drive | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| Chambers Hill Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
William Penn Highway
— 42.8 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Steelton, PA and Allentown, PA.
1
Start on PA 230
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
North Front Street
2
Turn left onto Walnut Street
0.2 mi
·
54 sec
·
Walnut Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto Harrisburg Street
284 ft
·
13 sec
·
Harrisburg Street
4
Turn left onto Orchard Drive
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Orchard Drive
5
Continue on Chambers Hill Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Chambers Hill Road
6
Turn left
0.1 mi
·
30 sec
7
Turn left onto Eisenhower Boulevard
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
Eisenhower Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on US 322
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
US 322
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 322
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
US 322
Toward I 83 North, US 322 West
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 51B
Toward I 81 North: Hazleton, Allentown
11
Merge onto I 81
18 mi
·
21 min
·
American Legion Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
45 sec
Exit 89
Toward I 78 East: Allentown
13
Continue on I 78
7.6 mi
·
8 min
·
78th Division Highway
14
Continue on I 78; US 22
43 mi
·
50 min
·
William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Use the slight right lane.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward Cetronia
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto Tilghman Street
4.9 mi
·
8 min
·
Tilghman Street
Use the straight lane.
18
Arrive at destination
Tilghman Street
Trip Plan
For this 1 hour and 44-minute journey, consider departing earlier in the day to avoid potential local traffic, especially as you navigate the turn-heavy sections. Since the total distance is only 82.3 miles, you have the flexibility to make spontaneous stops if you discover something interesting along the way, though no specific stops are noted on this route. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $14, and plan your refueling accordingly, perhaps before you leave Steelton or midway through the drive. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to signage for the William Penn Highway, as it forms the longest continuous stretch and will be your primary guide for a significant portion of the trip.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 41.1 miles from Steelton, PA, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.8 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 18 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 41.1 miles or 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Allentown, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Steelton, PA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Steelton, PA
This is one driving day of about 82.3 miles and 1h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from Steelton, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on William Penn Highway for about 42.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
41 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 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 41.1 miles from Steelton, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 77.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Harrisburg Street
At end of road, turn right onto Harrisburg Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
2.8 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
US 322
Keep slight left at fork onto US 322 toward I 83 North, US 322 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 83 North, US 322 West
6
6.2 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 81 North: Hazleton, Allentown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 51B
Toward I 81 North: Hazleton, Allentown
9
76.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 35m 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...
6
77.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
Take the exit toward Cetronia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Cetronia
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.64 one way
$27.29 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
29 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $14.94 | $29.89 |
| premium | $4.93 | $15.96 | $31.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $18.17 | $36.34 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.07
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(1 mi)
$0.07
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
$14
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 24.7 | 0 | $8.64 | $3.95 |
| Efficient EV | 20.6 | 0 | $7.20 | $3.29 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 32.9 | 0 | $11.52 | $5.27 |
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Allentown, PA
Morning in Allentown on Sunday
Local time
10:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Bloomsburg, PA
41 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
27 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
1h 44m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, meaning you'll navigate through various local roads and potentially encounter more frequent turns and intersections. Only about a quarter of the drive, or 25%, is on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 42.8 miles on the William Penn Highway, offering a period of more consistent travel before you transition back to more varied road conditions. This drive is less about high-speed cruising and more about engaging with the local landscape as you move between towns.
Only 4% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.8 mi on William Penn Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 0.4 miles in near Harrisburg Street.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 82.3 miles you will encounter 12 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 0.4 miles (Harrisburg Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 2.8 miles (US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.2 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Steelton, PA and Allentown, PA, road signs point toward Lvi Airport and Cetronia.
Lvi Airport
76.2 mi in
|
~1h 35m
|
via US 22
Cetronia
77.1 mi in
|
~1h 36m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 44m. Total distance: 82.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.8 miles on William Penn Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.07 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 Allentown, PA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (Harrisburg Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 2.8 miles (US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Allentown, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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