Union City, PA to Allentown, PA is 311.4 miles and takes about 6h 26m via Keystone Shortway, William Penn Highway, and Colonel Drake Highway, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, traversing the state from west to east through its Northeast region. Expect a drive that involves frequent turns and navigating local roads, rather than a straight shot on major interstates. With just one recommended stop and a manageable duration, this route is well-suited for a single day's journey if you're looking for a direct path across the state.
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
155.7 miles from Union City, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
153.1 mi
2h 44m
William Penn Highway
21.6 mi
26m
Colonel Drake Highway
13.5 mi
19m
William Flinn Highway
12.4 mi
16m
Route 208
12.3 mi
18m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Elysburg Road
9.7 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 153.1 mi, about 2h 44m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 22 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,072 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,424
Quietest
2 AM
~183 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union City, PA and Allentown, PA.
1
Start on US 6; PA 8
0.6 mi·1 min·North Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Continue on PA 8
3.1 mi·4 min·Titusville Road
3
Continue on PA 8
7.8 mi·10 min·William Flinn Highway
4
Continue on PA 8
1.6 mi·2 min·Erie Street
5
Continue on PA 8
4.6 mi·6 min·William Flinn Highway
6
Continue on PA 8
3.0 mi·4 min·Hydetown Road
7
Continue on PA 8
1.3 mi·3 min·West Spring Street
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on PA 27
0.1 mi·21 sec·Diamond Street
9
Turn straight onto PA 27
2.1 mi·4 min·East Central Avenue
10
Continue on PA 27
2.6 mi·3 min·Titusville Road
11
Continue on PA 27; PA 227
1.3 mi·1 min·West State Street
12
Continue on PA 36
4.4 mi·6 min·Tionesta Road
13
Continue on PA 36
4.5 mi·6 min·Colonel Drake Highway
14
Turn left onto US 62; PA 36
0.3 mi·27 sec·Route 36 and 62
15
At end of road, turn right onto PA 36
0.5 mi·48 sec·Elm Street
16
Continue on PA 36
9.0 mi·13 min·Colonel Drake Highway
17
Continue on PA 208
5.0 mi·7 min·Route 208
18
Continue on PA 208
7.2 mi·10 min·Route 208
19
Continue on PA 208
0.4 mi·40 sec·North School Street
20
Turn left onto US 322
4.6 mi·6 min·Main Street
21
Continue on US 322
1.7 mi·2 min·West Main Street
22
Continue on US 322
1.6 mi·2 min·Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
23
Continue on US 322
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
24
Continue on US 322
4.1 mi·5 min·Route 322
25
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
26
Merge onto I 80
153 mi·2 hr 44 min·Keystone Shortway
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
28
Turn slight left
79 ft·2 sec
29
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
31
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi·49 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
32
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
33
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
34
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
35
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
36
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
37
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
38
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
39
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
40
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
41
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
42
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
43
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
44
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi·3 min·Centre Street
45
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
46
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi·26 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
47
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
1.0 mi·1 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI AirportUse the slight right lane.
48
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward CetroniaUse the slight right lane.
49
Turn straight onto Tilghman Street
4.9 mi·8 min·Tilghman Street
Use the straight lane.
50
Arrive at destination
Tilghman Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 26m estimated drive time, departing in the morning will allow ample daylight to complete the 311.4-mile journey. While the recommended one stop is a good point to stretch your legs, remember that the drive is characterized by frequent turns, so staying alert is key. The fuel cost is estimated at $52, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Union City. Keep an eye out for the transitions between the named highways; these can sometimes be abrupt and require attention to your GPS or signage.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 155.7 miles from Union City, PA, or about 3h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153.1 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 69 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.7 miles or 3h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 10m
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 Union City, 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 Union City, PA
This is one driving day of about 311.4 miles and 6h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Union City, 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 153.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 226.1 and 306.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
226.1 mi into trip|~4h 35m in
Take the exit toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
5
226.3 mi into trip|~4h 35m in|PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Turn right onto PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
229.7 mi into trip|~4h 40m in|PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Turn left onto PA 54 / Elysburg Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
9
305.3 mi into trip|~6h 16m 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
306.3 mi into trip|~6h 17m 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
$49.65 one way
$99.30 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$54.95
$109.90
premium
$4.81
$58.95
$117.89
diesel
$4.80
$58.80
$117.60
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
$50
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.4
1
$32.70
$14.95
Efficient EV
77.9
0
$27.25
$12.46
EV Truck/SUV
124.6
1
$43.60
$19.93
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Union City, PA
Afternoon
in Union City on Sunday
Local time
3:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Smoke
NW 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Allentown, PA
Afternoon
in Allentown on Sunday
Local time
3:06 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Smoke
NW 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
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
4 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
6h 26m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 268.5
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?
This is a turn-heavy local drive, with only a 9% highway share. You'll experience a dynamic road profile that shifts between different named highways like the Keystone Shortway, William Penn Highway, and Colonel Drake Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 153.1 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a more consistent pace before you transition to more varied local segments. Be prepared for frequent adjustments as you navigate through various towns and landscapes.
Only 9% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
50 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 153.1 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 226.1 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 311.4 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 226.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 226.3 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 229.7 miles (PA 54 / Elysburg Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,912 ft346 ft
Total Climb
2,102 ft
Total Descent
3,019 ft
Highest Point
1,912 ft
~111.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,566 ft
Notable High Points
1,433 ft at ~244.7 miles+787 ft prominence
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 Union City, PA to Allentown, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Allentown is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, the county seat and largest city in Lehigh County, and the third-largest city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with a population of 125,845 as of 2020.
Top landmarks
•Albertus L. Meyers Bridge — bridge in United States of America
•Allentown Masonic Temple — masonic temple in Allentown, Pennsylvania
•Allentown National Bank — bank building in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 26m. Total distance: 311.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 26m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 153.1 miles on Keystone Shortway. 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.
Yes — we found about 22 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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.
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. There are 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 226.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 226.3 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 229.7 miles (PA 54 / Elysburg Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Allentown, PA before the return drive.
