This 130.4-mile drive from Woodward, PA to Bethlehem, PA is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes. You'll navigate primarily on the William Penn Highway, State Route 54, and Old Turnpike Road. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, this route is budget-friendly for a single day's adventure. Expect a turn-heavy local drive through the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, offering a distinct feel from interstate travel. This journey is well-suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
65.2 miles from Woodward, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
William Penn Highway
21.6 mi
26m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Old Turnpike Road
10.8 mi
16m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Lehigh Valley Thruway
10.3 mi
14m
State Street
10 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
Furnace Road
8.8 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
William Penn Highway
— 21.6 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woodward, PA and Bethlehem, PA.
1
Start on PA 45
1.1 mi·1 min·Mountain Avenue
2
Continue on PA 45
3.1 mi·4 min·Penns Valley Road
3
Continue on PA 45
6.3 mi·9 min·Old Turnpike Road
4
Continue on PA 45
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
5
Continue on PA 45
4.5 mi·6 min·Old Turnpike Road
6
Continue on PA 45
0.8 mi·1 min·Chestnut Street
7
Turn right onto PA 304
0.2 mi·27 sec·4th Street
8
Turn left onto Maple Street
0.8 mi·1 min·Maple Street
9
Continue on Furnace Road
8.8 mi·14 min·Furnace Road
10
Turn right onto US 15
6.4 mi·9 min·Westbranch Highway
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward PA 61 South: Sunbury
12
Continue on PA 61; PA 147
1.5 mi·2 min·PA 61; PA 147
13
Turn right onto PA 61
1.4 mi·1 min·Market Street
14
Continue on PA 61
10 mi·11 min·State Street
15
Turn left onto PA 487
2.3 mi·3 min·PA 487
16
Turn right onto PA 54
1.5 mi·1 min·South Market Street
17
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
18
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
19
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
20
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
21
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
22
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
23
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
24
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
25
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
26
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
27
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi·3 min·Centre Street
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
30
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi·26 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
31
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
10 mi·14 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI AirportUse the slight right lane.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville RoadUse the slight right lane.
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward PA 378 South: BethlehemUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Continue on PA 378
1.8 mi·2 min·Bethlehem Spur Route
35
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Exit 2Toward Eighth AvenueUse the slight right lane.
36
Turn right onto 8th Avenue
0.1 mi·22 sec·8th Avenue
37
Turn left onto West Union Boulevard
1.0 mi·2 min·West Union Boulevard
38
Turn left onto Center Street
423 ft·11 sec·Center Street
39
Turn right onto East Goepp Street
0.3 mi·49 sec·East Goepp Street
40
Turn right onto Linden Street
57 ft·1 sec·Linden Street
41
Arrive at destination
Linden Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2 hour 59 minute duration and turn-heavy nature of this 130.4-mile trip, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight. With only one suggested stop and a $22 fuel estimate, you have flexibility in pacing. Pay attention to local road signs, especially as you transition between the William Penn Highway, State Route 54, and Old Turnpike Road. The longest stretch without a significant turn is 21.6 miles, so be prepared for more frequent steering inputs outside of that segment.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 65.2 miles from Woodward, PA, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.6 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 29 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65.2 miles or 1h 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 2h 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bethlehem, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Woodward, 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 Woodward, PA
This is one driving day of about 130.4 miles and 2h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Woodward, 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 21.6 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 26.7 and 128.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
26.7 mi into trip|~42m in|US 15 / Westbranch Highway
Turn right onto US 15 / Westbranch Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
9
116.1 mi into trip|~2h 38m in|US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
7
126.4 mi into trip|~2h 52m in
Take the exit toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville...
8
126.6 mi into trip|~2h 52m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem
7
128.6 mi into trip|~2h 55m in
Take the exit toward Eighth Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 2
Toward Eighth Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.27 one way
$42.55 round trip
$4.14/gal25.4 MPG avg46 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.56
$23.39
$46.79
premium
$4.86
$24.97
$49.93
diesel
$5.61
$28.79
$57.58
Estimated Tolls: $1.47
Old Turnpike Road
(10.8 mi)$0.75
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(10.3 mi)$0.72
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
$21
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
39.1
0
$13.69
$6.26
Efficient EV
32.6
0
$11.41
$5.22
EV Truck/SUV
52.2
0
$18.26
$8.35
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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 20, 2026
Origin
Woodward, PA
Evening
in Woodward on Tuesday
Local time
5:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bethlehem, PA
Evening
in Bethlehem on Tuesday
Local time
5:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°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
17 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
2h 59m 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.
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...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 76.4
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The character of this drive is best described as a turn-heavy local exploration, with only 20% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter a dynamic road experience, shifting between various local routes rather than a consistent interstate pace. The longest continuous stretch you'll experience is 21.6 miles along the William Penn Highway. This means you'll be actively engaged with the road, making frequent adjustments as you navigate through varied terrain and communities.
Only 20% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 21.6 mi on William Penn Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 26.7 miles in near US 15 / Westbranch Highway.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 130.4 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 26.7 miles (US 15 / Westbranch Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 116.1 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
On the drive from Woodward, PA to Bethlehem, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Lvi Airport along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 59m. Total distance: 130.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 21.6 miles on William Penn Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.47 in tolls one way, starting with Old Turnpike Road. 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.
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 Bethlehem, 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 26.7 miles (US 15 / Westbranch Highway): Lane positioning matters here; at 116.1 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 126.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Bethlehem, PA before heading back.
