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Trip from Upper Darby, PA to Saint Thomas, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 23m

Distance

162.6 mi

262 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 11m ★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 33m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 16m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Saint Thomas, PA, PA

Saint Thomas, PA

Jo Kassis

Trip Overview

This 162.6-mile drive from Upper Darby, PA, to Saint Thomas, PA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes. The journey primarily utilizes the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81, with a portion on Lincoln Way East, making it an 87% highway-focused experience. You can expect a fuel cost of around $27 for this trip. Given its relatively short duration and highway-centric profile, it’s a straightforward drive that doesn't necessitate an overnight stay. This route keeps you within the Northeast region, offering a direct path from one Pennsylvania location to another.

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

81.3 miles from Upper Darby, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 99.8 mi 1h 46m
I 81 29.7 mi 34m
Lincoln Way East 8.9 mi 16m
Mid-County Expressway 7 mi 9m
Schuylkill Expressway 4.2 mi 5m
South Lansdowne Avenue 3 mi 8m
West Chester Pike 2.2 mi 4m
Harrisburg Pike 1.9 mi 4m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 99.8 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Upper Darby, PA and Saint Thomas, 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 Meeting Use 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 16B Toward I 76 West: Valley Forge Use 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/327 Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown Use 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 Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 20 sec
Toward Mall Boulevard Use 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: Harrisburg Use the slight left lane.
15

Merge onto I 76; PATP

100 mi · 1 hr 46 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 226 Toward I 81, US 11: Carlisle, Chambersburg Use the slight right lane.
17

Keep slight right at fork

513 ft · 17 sec
Toward US 11 South: Carlisle Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Turn straight onto US 11

1.9 mi · 4 min · Harrisburg Pike
Use the straight lane.
19

Continue on US 11

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Hanover Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Turn right onto West North Street

0.3 mi · 41 sec · West North Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Turn left onto North West Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · North West Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Turn slight right onto Walnut Bottom Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · Walnut Bottom Road
23

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec
24

Merge onto I 81

30 mi · 34 min · I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 18 sec
Toward Lincoln Way Use the right lane.
26

Turn right onto US 30

1.5 mi · 3 min · Lincoln Way East
27

Keep slight right at fork onto US 30

7.4 mi · 12 min · Lincoln Way East
28

Turn right onto Schoolhouse Road

20 ft · 0 sec · Schoolhouse Road
29

Arrive at destination

Schoolhouse Road

Trip Plan

With a duration of just over three hours, this trip is ideal for a single-day adventure, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Leaving in the morning will help you avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially on the initial stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The longest stretch without a major road change is nearly 100 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the 99.8-mile mark on the Turnpike; services are available, but it’s always wise to be prepared.

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 81.3 miles from Upper Darby, PA, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.8 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 36 miles or 51m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 81.3 miles or 1h 40m 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 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Thomas, 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 162.6 miles and 3h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 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 99.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

borough in western Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Palmyra, PA

81 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Radnor, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Palmyra, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.3 miles from Upper Darby, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Satellite Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12672772623

Visit website

Satellite Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12672772623

Visit website

Tasty Zaytoon Lebanese Market and Restaurant

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately mile 34.8

Exton, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14848733198

Visit website

Lione's Pizza Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 34.8

Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–9:30 pm

+16108732500

Visit website

Pomod'oro Pizza and Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 34.8

Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+16108730405

Visit website

The Barn Restaurant at Allenberry

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 116.2

Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17172583211

Visit website

Wharton Esherick Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 23.2

Malvern, Pennsylvania

+16106445822

Visit website

Indian Echo Caverns

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 92.9

Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17175668131

Visit website

The Escape Game King Of Prussia

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 11.6

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+16106248058

Visit website

Arnold's Family Fun Center

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 23.2

Oaks, Pennsylvania

Hours: 3–9 pm

+16106660600

Visit website

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - King of Prussia

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 11.6

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+16105954359

Visit website

Heuser Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 11.6

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+16102651071

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 13 and 118.6 — 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
118.6 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in

Take the exit toward I 81, US 11: Carlisle, Chambersburg

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 226 Toward I 81, US 11: Carlisle, Chambersburg

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.96 one way

$53.91 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $29.52 $59.05
premium $4.93 $31.53 $63.07
diesel $5.61 $35.90 $71.80

Estimated Tolls: $12.98

Pennsylvania Turnpike (99.8 mi) $12.98

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

$27

Tolls

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.8 0 $17.07 $7.80
Efficient EV 40.7 0 $14.23 $6.50
EV Truck/SUV 65 0 $22.76 $10.41

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (67% 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

3:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Saint Thomas, PA

Late night in Saint Thomas on Sunday

Local time

3:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°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

27 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

3h 23m 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.

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 123.4
View on nps.gov
Valley Forge National Historical Park

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 22.4
View on nps.gov
Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park

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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour $1
View on nps.gov
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

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...

12 mi from route ~31 min detour Free near mile 78.5
View on nps.gov
First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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 ~39 min detour Free near mile 5.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 162.6-mile journey, with 87% of the route being on major interstates. The Pennsylvania Turnpike forms the longest uninterrupted stretch at 99.8 miles, offering consistent driving conditions. Following that, I-81 continues the theme of efficient, high-speed travel. While the majority is highway, the inclusion of Lincoln Way East towards the end may introduce a slight change in pace. Overall, this route is designed for getting you to your destination efficiently, rather than for leisurely sightseeing.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.8 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 22 significant decision points across 162.6 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.

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 Saint Thomas, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown, Harrisburg and Chambersburg.

Chester

17.2 mi in | ~30m

Pottstown

17.2 mi in | ~30m

Harrisburg

17.8 mi in | ~31m

Chambersburg

118.6 mi in | ~2h 20m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 23m. Total distance: 162.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 99.8 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $12.98 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.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Saint Thomas, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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 — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Valley Forge National Historical Park and Independence National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Saint Thomas, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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