Skip to main content

Trip from Wellsboro, PA to Pittsburgh, PA

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

Drive Time

5h 7m

Distance

223.2 mi

359 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 54m ★
6 AM
5h 7m
8 AM
5h 34m
10 AM
5h 17m
12 PM
5h 14m
3 PM
5h 18m
5 PM
5h 33m
8 PM
4h 59m

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

Downtown Wellsboro, PA, PA

Wellsboro, PA

Michael Taccetta

city and county seat in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States

Pittsburgh, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 223.2-mile journey from Wellsboro, PA to Pittsburgh, PA is a solid day trip, estimated to take around 5 hours and 7 minutes of driving time. The route primarily utilizes William Penn Highway, Route 287, and I-99, with 39% of the drive on highways. You can expect a fuel cost of approximately $37 for this trip. Given the duration and distance, it’s comfortably manageable as a single-day adventure, allowing for flexibility in your departure time and a single planned stop. This drive offers a mixed experience, transitioning between different road types as you head west across Pennsylvania.

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

111.6 miles from Wellsboro, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
William Penn Highway 61.2 mi 1h 25m
Route 287 35.2 mi 1h 1m
I 99 33.8 mi 36m
Jacksonville Road 24.2 mi 28m
Appalachian Thruway 15.9 mi 18m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East 13.5 mi 18m
Admiral Peary Highway 13.4 mi 19m
Keystone Shortway 11.8 mi 12m
Longest stretch: William Penn Highway — 61.2 mi, about 1h 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Wellsboro, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.

1

Start on PA 660

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Main Street
2

Turn left onto PA 287

1.2 mi · 2 min · Central Avenue
3

Continue on PA 287

11 mi · 18 min · Route 287
4

Continue on PA 287; PA 414

25 mi · 43 min · Route 287
5

Continue on PA 287; PA 973

3.6 mi · 6 min · PA 287; PA 973
6

Turn right onto US 220

1.7 mi · 2 min · Susquehanna Beltway
7

Continue on US 220

16 mi · 18 min · Appalachian Thruway
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 51 sec
Exit 107 Toward PA 477: Salona
9

Turn right onto PA 477

439 ft · 10 sec · Long Run Road
10

At end of road, turn left onto PA 64

4.4 mi · 7 min · Nittany Valley Drive
11

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 53 sec
12

Merge onto I 80; US 220

12 mi · 12 min · Keystone Shortway
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 53 sec
Exit 161 Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
14

Turn left onto US 220; PA 26

24 mi · 28 min · Jacksonville Road
Use the straight lane.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220

34 mi · 36 min · I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
16

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward US 22: Ebensburg, Hollidaysburg
17

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 43 sec · this road
18

Continue on US 22

16 mi · 19 min · William Penn Highway
19

Continue on US 22

13 mi · 19 min · Admiral Peary Highway
Use the straight lane.
20

Continue on US 22

45 mi · 1 hr 6 min · William Penn Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21

Keep slight right at fork onto I 376; US 22

13 mi · 18 min · Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh Use the slight left lane.
22

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 38 sec
Exit 71B Toward Second Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Turn straight onto Second Avenue

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Second Avenue
24

At end of road, turn right onto Ross Street

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Ross Street
25

Turn left onto Fifth Avenue

352 ft · 10 sec · Fifth Avenue
26

Turn right onto Grant Street

513 ft · 21 sec · Grant Street
Use the right lane.
27

Arrive at destination

Grant Street

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour drive, leaving Wellsboro in the morning will allow you to arrive in Pittsburgh with ample time to settle in. With only one recommended stop, plan for a break around the halfway point or when you feel ready. The estimated fuel cost of $37 is a good benchmark, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the 61.2-mile stretch on William Penn Highway where services might be more spaced out. Since this is a feasible one-day trip, you have the advantage of flexibility; however, be mindful of potential traffic as you get closer to Pittsburgh, especially during peak hours.

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 111.6 miles from Wellsboro, PA, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.2 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 49 miles or 1h 21m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 111.6 miles or 2h 36m 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 8m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Wellsboro, 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 Wellsboro, PA

This is one driving day of about 223.2 miles and 5h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Wellsboro, 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 William Penn Highway for about 61.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough in Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

State College, PA

112 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

Williamsport, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ashland, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 111.6 miles from Wellsboro, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before William Penn Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.2 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 74.6 and 223.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
74.6 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Take the exit toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte

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

Exit 161 Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefo...
6
99.1 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in | I 99; US 220

Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona

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

Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda,...
8
208.9 mi into trip | ~4h 46m in | I 376; US 22 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East

Keep slight right at fork onto I 376; US 22 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
7
222.4 mi into trip | ~5h 4m in

Take the exit toward Second Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 71B Toward Second Avenue
7
223.1 mi into trip | ~5h 6m in | Grant Street

Turn right onto Grant Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.00 one way

$74.01 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 78 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $40.53 $81.05
premium $4.93 $43.29 $86.57
diesel $5.61 $49.28 $98.56

Estimated Tolls: $1.11

Appalachian Thruway (15.9 mi) $1.11

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

$37

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 78.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 67 0 $23.44 $10.71
Efficient EV 55.8 0 $19.53 $8.93
EV Truck/SUV 89.3 1 $31.25 $14.28

Gas CO2

78 kg

EV CO2

26 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Wellsboro, PA

Afternoon in Wellsboro on Sunday

Local time

1:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

41°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Pittsburgh, PA

Afternoon in Pittsburgh on Sunday

Local time

1:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

73°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

32 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

5h 7m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

The drive presents a mixed bag of road types, with a 39% share of highway driving. You'll experience stretches on the historic William Penn Highway, which can be more engaging, and also navigate parts of Route 287 and the interstate. The longest uninterrupted stretch you’ll encounter is 61.2 miles on the William Penn Highway, offering a solid period of consistent travel. This variety means the road's character will shift throughout your journey, moving from potentially more rural or historic roads to faster-paced interstate sections as you approach Pittsburgh.

39% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.2 mi on William Penn Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 74.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 223.2 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 74.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.1 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 208.9 miles (I 376; US 22 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): 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 Wellsboro, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Altoona and Hollidaysburg.

Altoona

99.1 mi in | ~2h 22m | via I 99; US 220

Hollidaysburg

132.9 mi in | ~2h 59m

About the Cities

Arriving in Pittsburgh, PA

Full guide →

The pleasure of Pittsburgh remains a well-kept secret. Though not built up by reputation, the city's unique combination of bridges, steep hills, and broad rivers make it one of the most naturally scenic cities in the country. Cheap food and beer abound in this true sports town and the locals are amazingly friendly. A city of about 303,000 (2021) in Allegheny County, at the center of a metro area of about 2.4 million in southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River. The city's unique terrain has resulted in an unusual city design and a hodge-podge of unique neighborhood "pockets" with diverse ethnic and architectural heritage.

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 5h 7m. Total distance: 223.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 61.2 miles on William Penn Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.11 in tolls one way, starting with Appalachian Thruway. 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 Pittsburgh, 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 74.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 99.1 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 208.9 miles (I 376; US 22 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pittsburgh, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Wellsboro, PA or browse trips ending in Pittsburgh, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.