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Trip from Vernon, PA to Erie, PA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 13m

Distance

293.6 mi

472 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
6h 1m ★
6 AM
6h 14m
8 AM
6h 39m
10 AM
6h 23m
12 PM
6h 20m
3 PM
6h 24m
5 PM
6h 38m
8 PM
6h 6m

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 Vernon, PA, PA

Vernon, PA

Haneul Trac

Downtown Erie, PA, PA

Erie, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 293.6-mile drive from Vernon, PA to Erie, PA is a solid day trip, estimated to take around 6 hours and 13 minutes. With 71% of the journey on highways, it's a focused drive, and you can expect a fuel cost of approximately $49. The route primarily utilizes the Southern Tier Expressway, Grand Army of the Republic Highway, and the Towanda Bypass. Given its manageable duration, it's well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. This trip stays within the Northeast region, offering a consistent travel experience.

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

146.8 miles from Vernon, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 13m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Southern Tier Expressway 199.4 mi 3h 51m
Grand Army of the Republic Highway 22.7 mi 32m
Towanda Bypass 15.2 mi 18m
Roosevelt Highway 14.6 mi 21m
Hopkins-Bowser Highway 6.8 mi 7m
State Highway 16 5.7 mi 8m
Bayfront Connector 4.4 mi 7m
Tunkhannock Highway 4 mi 6m
Longest stretch: Southern Tier Expressway — 199.4 mi, about 3h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Vernon, PA and Erie, PA.

1

Start on School House Road

48 ft · 6 sec · School House Road
2

Turn sharp right onto PA 292

4.0 mi · 7 min · PA 292
3

Continue on PA 29

3.7 mi · 5 min · Tunkhannock Highway
4

Continue on PA 29

1.9 mi · 3 min · Hunter Highway
5

Continue on PA 29

0.3 mi · 54 sec · Tunkhannock Highway
6

Turn left onto US 6

2.1 mi · 3 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the left lane.
7

Merge onto US 6

7.2 mi · 10 min · Roosevelt Highway
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 6

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Main Street
9

Continue on US 6

0.5 mi · 46 sec · River Street
10

Continue on US 6

7.4 mi · 10 min · Roosevelt Highway
11

Continue on US 6

6.9 mi · 9 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on US 6

0.5 mi · 1 min · State Street
13

Continue on US 6

12 mi · 16 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
14

Continue on US 6

2.0 mi · 3 min · Golden Mile Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
15

Continue on US 6

0.4 mi · 53 sec · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
16

Turn right onto US 6

0.6 mi · 1 min · Main Street
Use the right lane.
17

Continue on US 6

0.8 mi · 2 min · York Avenue
18

Continue on US 6

0.8 mi · 2 min · Reuter Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
19

Continue on US 6

1.3 mi · 1 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
20

Turn right

0.4 mi · 24 sec
Toward US 220 North: Sayre
21

Merge onto US 220

15 mi · 18 min · Towanda Bypass
Use the straight / right lanes.
22

Turn right onto Yanuzzi Drive

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Yanuzzi Drive
23

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
24

Merge onto I 86

60 mi · 1 hr 9 min · Southern Tier Expressway
25

Keep slight right at fork onto I 86; NY 17

61 mi · 1 hr 10 min · Southern Tier Expressway
Toward I 86 West, NY 17 West: Erie
26

Turn left onto State Highway 16

5.7 mi · 8 min · State Highway 16
27

Continue on NY 16

0.3 mi · 34 sec · North Union Street
28

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 23 sec
29

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
30

Merge onto I 86; NY 17

79 mi · 1 hr 32 min · Southern Tier Expressway
31

Continue on I 86

6.8 mi · 7 min · Hopkins-Bowser Highway
32

Keep slight left at fork

1.2 mi · 1 min
Toward I-90: Erie
33

Merge onto I 90

3.4 mi · 4 min · AMVETS Memorial Highway
34

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 53 sec
Exit 32 Toward PA 290, PA 430: Wesleyville, Bayfront Connector
35

Turn right onto PA 290; PA 430

0.9 mi · 1 min · Station Road
36

Continue on PA 290

4.4 mi · 7 min · Bayfront Connector
Use the straight lane.
37

Continue on East Bayfront Parkway

0.2 mi · 25 sec · East Bayfront Parkway
Use the straight / right lanes.
38

Turn left onto East 10th Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · East 10th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
39

Turn right onto State Street

0.3 mi · 59 sec · State Street
40

Arrive at destination

State Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour, 13-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Vernon, PA, to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. You'll have one recommended stop, but with the longest stretch being nearly 200 miles, plan for at least one fuel and rest break. The estimated fuel cost of $49 is helpful for budgeting. Since this is a comfortable day trip, you have the flexibility to stop more often if needed, but be aware that significant portions are on the Southern Tier Expressway, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering longer stretches.

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 146.8 miles from Vernon, PA, or about 3h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 199.4 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 65 miles or 1h 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 146.8 miles or 3h 13m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 5m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Erie, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Vernon, 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 Vernon, PA

This is one driving day of about 293.6 miles and 6h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Vernon, 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 Southern Tier Expressway for about 199.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Steuben County, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Corning, NY

147 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

Waverly, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hornell, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 146.8 miles from Vernon, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Southern Tier Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 199.4 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Painted Post, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Painted Post, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Elmira, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Hornell, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVolve NY Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Bath, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19142874200

Visit website

EVolve NY Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Angelica, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Lakewood, New York

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

PISO EV Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Bath, New York

+18332172197

Visit website

Bicentennial Tower

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Erie, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+18144347376

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 286.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | PA 292

Turn sharp right onto PA 292

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

6
9.9 mi into trip | ~17m in | US 6 / Grand Army of the Republic Highway

Turn left onto US 6 / Grand Army of the Republic Highway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
49.2 mi into trip | ~1h 15m in | US 6 / Main Street

Turn right onto US 6 / Main Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
128.6 mi into trip | ~2h 52m in | I 86; NY 17 / Southern Tier Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 86; NY 17 / Southern Tier Expressway toward I 86 West, NY 17 West: Erie

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 86 West, NY 17 West: Erie
6
286.4 mi into trip | ~5h 59m in

Take the exit toward PA 290, PA 430: Wesleyville, Bayfront Connector

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 32 Toward PA 290, PA 430: Wesleyville, Bayfront Co...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.68 one way

$97.35 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 103 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $53.31 $106.62
premium $4.93 $56.94 $113.88
diesel $5.61 $64.82 $129.65

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$49

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$74–$99

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 102.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 88.1 1 $30.83 $14.09
Efficient EV 73.4 0 $25.69 $11.74
EV Truck/SUV 117.4 1 $41.10 $18.79

Gas CO2

103 kg

EV CO2

34 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 Apr 14, 2026

Origin

Vernon, PA

Late night in Vernon on Tuesday

Local time

5:13 AM

EDT

Current temp

42°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Erie, PA

Late night in Erie on Tuesday

Local time

5:13 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 6 to 12 mph 46% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 12:23AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

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

12 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

6h 13m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for this trip, with 71% of the route utilizing expressways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 199.4 miles on the Southern Tier Expressway, which means extended periods of consistent travel. While primarily highway, the inclusion of roads like the Grand Army of the Republic Highway and the Towanda Bypass might offer slight variations in the driving experience. Overall, the profile suggests a straightforward journey where efficiency is key, with opportunities for steady progress.

71% 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: 199.4 mi on Southern Tier Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Southern Tier Expressway and Grand Army of the Republic Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near PA 292.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 19 significant decision points across 293.6 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: near the start (PA 292): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 9.9 miles (US 6 / Grand Army of the Republic Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 49.2 miles (US 6 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Erie, PA

Full guide →

Erie is a city of about 100,000 in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It is Pennsylvania's only lake port on the Great Lakes (Lake Erie).

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 13m. Total distance: 293.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 13m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 199.4 miles on Southern Tier Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Erie, 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: near the start (PA 292): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 9.9 miles (US 6 / Grand Army of the Republic Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 49.2 miles (US 6 / Main Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Erie, PA before the return drive.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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