Upper Darby, PA to Delaware, PA is 115.3 miles and takes about 2h 49m via Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, PA-33, and US 209, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Northeast region of Pennsylvania to another part of the same region, focusing on a highway-centric experience. Given its manageable duration and highway-heavy profile, this route is well-suited for a single-day journey. You'll primarily be on major roadways, making it a straightforward drive for those prioritizing efficiency. Consider this route if you're looking for a direct connection between these two points without extensive detours.
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
57.6 miles from Upper Darby, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 22m into the drive
.
Exit 44Toward PA 663: Pottstown, QuakertownUse the straight / right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
227 ft·7 sec
Toward PA 663 North: QuakertownUse the straight / right lanes.
11
Turn left onto PA 663
2.7 mi·3 min·John Fries Highway
Use the left lane.
12
Turn left onto Portzer Road
0.4 mi·1 min·Portzer Road
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on Portzer Road
0.4 mi·58 sec·Portzer Road
14
At end of road, turn right onto West Pumping Station Road
0.4 mi·1 min·West Pumping Station Road
15
Turn left onto PA 309
7.5 mi·12 min·PA 309
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 78 East: Bethlehem
17
Merge onto I 78
10 mi·11 min·I 78
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 71Toward PA 33 North: StroudsburgUse the slight right lane.
19
Continue on PA 33
0.4 mi·25 sec·Gene Hartzell Memorial Bridge
20
Continue on PA 33
24 mi·29 min·PA-33
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 209
7.9 mi·11 min·US 209
Toward US 209 North: StroudsburgUse the straight / right lanes.
22
Take the exit onto US 209
3.6 mi·7 min·US 209
Toward US 209 north , PA 447 north: Marshalls Creek
23
Enter roundabout onto US 209
98 ft·3 sec·Marshalls Creek Bypass
24
Continue on US 209
0.8 mi·1 min·Marshalls Creek Bypass
25
Continue on US 209
7.1 mi·13 min·Milford Road
26
Continue on US 209
7.0 mi·13 min·Federal Road
27
Arrive at destination
US 209
Trip Plan
For this 2h 49m drive, leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach your destination and any subsequent plans. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, it's a budget-friendly trip, but it's always wise to check your fuel level before departing, especially before the longest stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. Since this is a single-day trip covering 115.3 miles, you won't need to worry about overnight stays. Factor in potential traffic, particularly if you're traveling during peak commuting hours, though the highway focus generally allows for consistent speeds. A good strategy is to make one brief stop for fuel or a quick break, perhaps around the halfway point.
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 57.6 miles from Upper Darby, PA, or about 1h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 24.3 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 25 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 57.6 miles or 1h 22m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Delaware, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Upper Darby, 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 Upper Darby, PA
This is one driving day of about 115.3 miles and 2h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Upper Darby, 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 Northeast Extension for about 24.3 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.6 and 88.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.6 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting
8
41.1 mi into trip|~55m in
Take the exit toward PA 663: Pottstown, Quakertown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 44
Toward PA 663: Pottstown, Quakertown
7
41.6 mi into trip|~57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PA 663 North: Quakertown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward PA 663 North: Quakertown
7
63.7 mi into trip|~1h 29m in
Take the exit toward PA 33 North: Stroudsburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 71
Toward PA 33 North: Stroudsburg
7
88.9 mi into trip|~2h 1m in|US 209
Keep slight right at fork onto US 209 toward US 209 North: Stroudsburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward US 209 North: Stroudsburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.12 one way
$38.23 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg40 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$20.94
$41.87
premium
$4.93
$22.36
$44.72
diesel
$5.61
$25.46
$50.91
Estimated Tolls: $3.16
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(24.3 mi)$3.16
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
$19
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
34.6
0
$12.11
$5.53
Efficient EV
28.8
0
$10.09
$4.61
EV Truck/SUV
46.1
0
$16.14
$7.38
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (68% 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
Upper Darby, PA
Late night
in Upper Darby on Sunday
Local time
3:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Delaware, PA
Late night
in Delaware on Sunday
Local time
3:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°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
17 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
2h 49m 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.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
$10
near mile 111.3
Park Closure: Old Mine Road North Construction Closure Begins April 6, 2026
Park Closure: Dingmans Falls Trail, Road, and Access Closed for Bridge Replacement
The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of I...
Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the...
Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, a...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 11.9
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...
16 mi from route
~41 min detour
Free
near mile 7.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 77% of the journey taking place on major roads. You'll experience stretches of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, including a notable 24.3-mile segment without interruption. The route incorporates PA-33 and US 209, offering a mix of high-speed travel and the character of these significant arteries. Expect a driving experience geared towards covering distance efficiently rather than winding scenic byways. The highway nature means you'll encounter typical highway services and traffic patterns.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 24.3 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and PA-33. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.6 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 115.3 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 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.6 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.
On the drive from Upper Darby, PA to Delaware, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Quakertown along the way.
Delaware has beautiful beaches and parks. The more popular beaches are in: Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach. Most parks in Delaware's very extensive and well maintained park system are free or low-cost. The First State National Historical Park a group of historical sites that cover the early colonial history of Delaware and the role Delaware played in the establishment of the United States, leading up to it being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
It is one of the smallest states in the United States. It has beautiful beaches, and activities vary from business-friendly Wilmington to the rural southern parts of the state.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 49m. Total distance: 115.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 24.3 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.16 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.
Yes — we found about 3 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 Delaware, 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 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Independence National Historical Park and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (5 total within detour distance). 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 Delaware, PA before heading back.
