Spice Restaurant & Bar
Around the midpoint, short detour
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Hours: 2–11 pm
+17176913131
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 50m
Distance
301.7 mi
486 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$53
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Upper Darby, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Maple Glen, PA
Phil Evenden
Upper Darby, PA to Maple Glen, PA is 301.7 miles and takes about 5h 50m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 70, Mon/Fayette Expressway, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, traversing the Northeast region. Given its almost entirely highway profile and manageable duration, it's a straightforward drive. You'll spend the vast majority of your time on well-maintained expressways, making it a practical option for a single-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
150.9 miles from Upper Darby, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 57m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 251.9 mi | 4h 34m |
| I 70 | 20.6 mi | 29m |
| Mon/Fayette Expressway | 7.1 mi | 7m |
| Mid-County Expressway | 7 mi | 9m |
| Schuylkill Expressway | 4.2 mi | 5m |
| South Lansdowne Avenue | 3 mi | 8m |
| PA 88 | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| West Chester Pike | 2.2 mi | 4m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,298 veh/hr typical · worst 1,579
Quietest
2 AM
~137 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 101 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Upper Darby, PA and Maple Glen, PA.
Start on West Providence Road
Turn left onto South Lansdowne Avenue
Continue on Darby Road
Turn slight left onto PA 3
Take the exit
Merge onto I 476
Take the exit
Merge onto I 76
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 76
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76
Merge onto I 76; PATP
Take the exit onto I 70
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70
Take the exit
Merge onto PA Tpke 43
Take the exit onto PA 88
Keep slight right at fork onto PA 88
Turn left
Arrive at destination
For this 5h 50m drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and avoid potential rush hour traffic near Upper Darby. With a fuel cost estimated at $50, it's wise to fill up before you begin. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is over 250 miles, so plan for at least one stop for stretching or restrooms, even though only one stop is officially recommended. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the Mon/Fayette Expressway, as services can sometimes be less frequent on certain sections of turnpikes.
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.
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 150.9 miles or 2h 57m 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 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maple Glen, PA than in the middle of the route.
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 301.7 miles and 5h 50m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
151 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.
A short stop after about 66 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 150.9 miles from Upper Darby, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 251.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · early in the drive
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 2–11 pm
+17176913131
Best coffee break
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Near the start, short detour
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+12672772623
Around the midpoint, short detour
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Hours: 2–11 pm
+17176913131
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Mt Pleasant, Pennsylvania
Hours: Closed
+17245472900
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Brownsville, Pennsylvania
Hours: 4–9 pm
+17247853200
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Devon, Pennsylvania
Hours: 9 AM–3:30 PM
+16106881930
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+12672772623
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+12153974420
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Smithton, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+17248724050
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Somerset, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Somerset, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Somerset, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18668167584
Later in the drive, ~10 min detour
Somerset, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~9 min detour
Somerset, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Brownsville, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Malvern, Pennsylvania
+16106445822
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 8 am–12 pm
+16106248058
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm
+16105954359
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Oaks, Pennsylvania
Hours: 3–9 pm
+16106660600
Visit websiteNear the start, ~10 min detour
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+16102651071
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 13 and 17.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Take the exit toward I 76 West: Valley Forge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
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
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
Keep slight left at fork toward Mall Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$53.09 one way
$106.19 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.89 | $58.06 | $116.12 |
| premium | $5.23 | $62.07 | $124.15 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $73.39 | $146.79 |
Estimated Tolls: $33.25
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
$53
Tolls
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$111–$136
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 90.5 | 1 | $31.68 | $14.48 |
| Efficient EV | 75.4 | 0 | $26.40 | $12.07 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 120.7 | 1 | $42.24 | $19.31 |
Gas CO2
106 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Upper Darby on Sunday
Local time
6:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Chance Rain Showers
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:10AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:10AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Morning in Maple Glen on Sunday
Local time
6:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Mostly Sunny
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:10AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 2:10AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
45°F
State Line, PA
151 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
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...
National Historical Park
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...
National Memorial
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This route is 97% highway, meaning you'll be on high-speed roads for almost the entire 301.7 miles. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 251.9 miles, primarily on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Expect a consistent driving experience with minimal transitions to surface roads until you are very close to your destination. The density of exits may increase as you approach the Philadelphia area at the start and as you near Maple Glen.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 70. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13 miles in.
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 20 significant decision points across 301.7 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.
Gently rolling terrain
Total Climb
2,342 ft
Total Descent
1,615 ft
Highest Point
2,154 ft
~237.1 mi in
Elevation Range
2,098 ft
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Upper Darby, PA and Maple Glen, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown, Harrisburg, Pa Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg, Wheeling and New Stanton - among others.
Chester
Pottstown
Harrisburg
Pa Turnpike 66 Toll: Greensburg
Wheeling
New Stanton
Washington
Columbus
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 50m. Total distance: 301.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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