Upper Darby, PA to Robinson, PA is 256.3 miles and takes about 5h 20m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, traversing the Northeast region. Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of your journey. With a recommended one-day duration, this route is ideal for a straightforward transit between these two points. Consider this a practical option when you need to cover ground efficiently.
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
128.2 miles from Upper Darby, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
181.2 mi
3h 16m
Clear Shade Drive
10.5 mi
14m
Eichler Road
10.5 mi
15m
Harold Avenue
9.1 mi
14m
Mid-County Expressway
7 mi
9m
Schuylkill Expressway
4.2 mi
5m
PA 259
4.1 mi
7m
William Penn Highway
3.9 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 181.2 mi, about 3h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Upper Darby, PA and Robinson, 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
2.4 mi·2 min·I 99; US 220
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward PA 56: Johnstown, Cessna
22
Turn straight onto PA 56
3.8 mi·5 min·Quaker Valley Road
23
Continue on PA 56
10 mi·15 min·Eichler Road
24
Continue on PA 56
11 mi·14 min·Clear Shade Drive
25
Continue on PA 56
3.7 mi·6 min·Scalp Avenue
26
Enter roundabout onto Scalp Avenue
146 ft·2 sec·Scalp Avenue
27
Continue on Scalp Avenue
0.1 mi·11 sec·Scalp Avenue
28
Continue on Bedford Street
3.2 mi·6 min·Bedford Street
29
Continue on PA 271
0.1 mi·24 sec·Clinton Street
30
Turn left onto Washington Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Washington Street
31
Turn right onto PA 56; PA 403
0.5 mi·1 min·Roosevelt Boulevard
32
Turn left onto PA 56; PA 403
1.2 mi·3 min·Broad Street
33
At end of road, turn left onto Laurel Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Laurel Avenue
34
At end of road, turn right onto PA 56
0.3 mi·58 sec·Strayer Street
35
Continue on PA 56
9.1 mi·14 min·Harold Avenue
36
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 22 West: Blairsville
37
Merge onto US 22
3.9 mi·5 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
38
Take the exit
0.1 mi·24 sec
Use the right lane.
39
Turn left onto PA 259
4.1 mi·7 min·PA 259
Use the straight lane.
40
Arrive at destination
PA 259
Trip Plan
For this 5h 20m drive, leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight and time to reach Robinson, PA comfortably. Since it's a single-day trip covering 256.3 miles, you'll likely only need one planned stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the long 181.2-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as services can be spaced out. The approximate fuel cost of $42 is a good budget to aim for. Given the manageable duration, you have flexibility if you encounter any minor delays.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 128.2 miles from Upper Darby, PA, or about 2h 31m 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 56 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.2 miles or 2h 31m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Robinson, 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 256.3 miles and 5h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 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 28
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.
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
7
17.8 mi into trip|~31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.87 one way
$81.73 round trip
$4.05/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.48
$45.23
$90.45
premium
$4.81
$48.52
$97.03
diesel
$4.80
$48.39
$96.79
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
$41
Tolls
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.9
0
$26.91
$12.30
Efficient EV
64.1
0
$22.43
$10.25
EV Truck/SUV
102.5
1
$35.88
$16.40
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 18, 2026
Origin
Upper Darby, PA
Morning
in Upper Darby on Monday
Local time
6:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Smoke
S 5 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:54AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 18 at 2:13AM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Robinson, PA
Morning
in Robinson on Monday
Local time
6:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Smoke
SW 2 mph40% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:54AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 18 at 2:13AM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
85°F
State Line, PA
128 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
9 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
5h 20m on the road
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.
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 17.7
Park Closure: Sun, Apr 19 - Park Entrance and Tour Roads Temporarily Closed for Rev Run
Park Closure: Admin Parking Lot Closed Fri 4/17 Until Sun 4/19 at Noon for Rev Run Setup
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
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 123.8
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...
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 229.8
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 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
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 79.6
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 a highway-focused experience, with 78% of the journey utilizing major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, including a lengthy stretch of 181.2 miles without needing to exit. While the bulk of the trip is on this main artery, the route also incorporates segments on Clear Shade Drive and Eichler Road, offering a brief change of pace before returning to highway speeds. The character is largely one of consistent travel, designed for covering distance.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 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 Clear Shade Drive. 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 28 significant decision points across 256.3 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 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
2,357 ft56 ft
Total Climb
2,854 ft
Total Descent
1,816 ft
Highest Point
2,357 ft
~219.7 mi in
Elevation Range
2,301 ft
Notable High Points
2,357 ft at ~219.7 miles+1,201 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 Robinson, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown, Harrisburg, Altoona, Johnstown and Cessna.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 20m. Total distance: 256.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 18 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 Robinson, 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 18 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 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Robinson, PA before the return drive.
