Upper Darby, PA to Kittanning, PA is 300.9 miles and takes about 6h via Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route primarily stays within Pennsylvania, taking you from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. Expect a predominantly highway experience for most of the trip, making it a straightforward drive if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. With a single recommended day, this trip is well-suited for a direct transit or a leisurely day trip.
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
150.5 miles from Upper Darby, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
181.2 mi
3h 16m
Ben Franklin Highway
44.6 mi
59m
I 99
27.8 mi
29m
William Penn Highway
15.9 mi
18m
Mid-County Expressway
7 mi
9m
Benjamin Franklin Highway
6 mi
8m
Schuylkill Expressway
4.2 mi
5m
South Lansdowne Avenue
3 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 181.2 mi, about 3h 16m
Traffic on I-99
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,140 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,371
Quietest
1 AM
~71 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.1×
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 Upper Darby, PA and Kittanning, PA.
1
Start on West Providence Road
0.3 mi·46 sec·West Providence Road
2
Turn left onto South Lansdowne Avenue
3.0 mi·8 min·South Lansdowne Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
3
Continue on Darby Road
471 ft·13 sec·Darby Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
4
Turn slight left onto PA 3
2.2 mi·4 min·West Chester Pike
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 476 North: Plymouth MeetingUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 476
7.0 mi·9 min·Mid-County Expressway
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 16BToward I 76 West: Valley ForgeUse the right lane.
8
Merge onto I 76
3.7 mi·5 min·Schuylkill Expressway
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi·10 sec
Exit 328B-A/327Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, PottstownUse the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·22 sec
Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·20 sec
Toward Mall BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·8 sec
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
13
Merge onto I 76
0.4 mi·52 sec·Schuylkill Expressway
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76
0.4 mi·1 min·I 76
Toward I 76 West: HarrisburgUse the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto I 76; PATP
181 mi·3 hr 16 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward Altoona, JohnstownUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn left onto US 220 BUS
0.3 mi·42 sec·Business 220
18
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
20
Merge onto I 99; US 220
28 mi·29 min·I 99; US 220
21
Take the exit
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward US 22: Ebensburg, Hollidaysburg
22
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·43 sec·this road
23
Continue on US 22
16 mi·18 min·William Penn Highway
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward Ebensburg, LorettoUse the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork
450 ft·12 sec
Toward Ebensburg, LorettoUse the straight lane.
26
Merge onto Rowena Drive
0.6 mi·1 min·Rowena Drive
Toward Ebensburg
27
Continue on East High Street
0.6 mi·1 min·East High Street
28
Take the exit
183 ft·8 sec
29
Continue on Ben Franklin Highway
1.7 mi·2 min·Ben Franklin Highway
30
Merge onto US 422
6.0 mi·8 min·Benjamin Franklin Highway
31
Continue on US 422
43 mi·56 min·Ben Franklin Highway
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 422 Business
1.3 mi·1 min·Indiana Road
33
Turn straight onto US 422 Business
0.7 mi·1 min·South Water Street
34
Turn right onto Market Street
411 ft·18 sec·Market Street
35
Turn left onto North Jefferson Street
0.2 mi·45 sec·North Jefferson Street
36
Arrive at destination
North Jefferson Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour estimated duration, leaving Upper Darby, PA, in the morning is your best bet to arrive in Kittanning, PA, with daylight to spare. The longest stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike is over 180 miles, so plan your first stop for fuel and a break either just before or after this segment. While this is a single-day drive, consider that the 300.9-mile distance allows for flexibility; you could stop for a longer lunch if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach Kittanning, as the fuel cost estimate is $49.
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 150.5 miles from Upper Darby, PA, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 181.2 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 66 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150.5 miles or 2h 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kittanning, 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 300.9 miles and 6h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 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 for about 181.2 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 13 and 246.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
13 mi into trip|~24m in
Take the exit toward I 76 West: Valley Forge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 16B
Toward I 76 West: Valley Forge
8
17.2 mi into trip|~30m in
Take the exit toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 328B-A/327
Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, We...
9
17.3 mi into trip|~30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevar...
8
17.6 mi into trip|~30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Mall Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Mall Boulevard
8
246.7 mi into trip|~4h 44m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Ebensburg, Loretto
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward Ebensburg, Loretto
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.98 one way
$95.96 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg105 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$53.10
$106.19
premium
$4.81
$56.96
$113.92
diesel
$4.80
$56.82
$113.63
Estimated Tolls: $23.56
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(181.2 mi)$23.56
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
$48
Tolls
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$97–$122
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
90.3
1
$31.59
$14.44
Efficient EV
75.2
0
$26.33
$12.04
EV Truck/SUV
120.4
1
$42.13
$19.26
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 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
Upper Darby, PA
Late night
in Upper Darby on Tuesday
Local time
5:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Smoke
W 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 3:59PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Kittanning, PA
Late night
in Kittanning on Tuesday
Local time
5:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Smoke
NW 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 17 at 3:59PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 17 at 1:40PM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
82°F
Martinsburg, PA
150 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
6h 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.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 124.5
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...
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 249.1
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...
13 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 72.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 73% of this 300.9-mile drive is on highways, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on the open road. You'll have an extended stretch of 181.2 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering consistent cruising. After the highway segments, expect to transition to surface roads for the remainder of the trip, which will likely involve more local traffic and a lower average speed.
73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 181.2 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Ben Franklin Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 26 significant decision points across 300.9 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 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,327 ft56 ft
Total Climb
2,446 ft
Total Descent
1,712 ft
Highest Point
2,327 ft
~236.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,270 ft
Notable High Points
2,327 ft at ~236.5 miles+572 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Upper Darby, PA and Kittanning, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown, Harrisburg, Altoona, Johnstown and Hollidaysburg - among others.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h. Total distance: 300.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 181.2 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $23.56 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 20 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 Kittanning, 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Independence National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kittanning, PA before the return drive.
