Origin
Allentown, PA
Night in Allentown on Wednesday
Local time
9:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Allentown, PA to Philadelphia, PA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
1h 16m
Distance
60.9 mi
98 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$10
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 10m
★
6 AM
1h 16m
8 AM
1h 28m
10 AM
1h 20m
12 PM
1h 19m
3 PM
1h 21m
5 PM
1h 28m
8 PM
1h 13m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Allentown, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Philadelphia, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning to head from Allentown to Philadelphia, you are looking at a straightforward 62-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, as it is short enough to navigate without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily rely on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I-476 South to make the connection between these two Northeast Pennsylvania hubs. Budgeting around $10 for fuel should cover your needs for this direct trek. Because the transit time is so brief, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your day based on your own schedule rather than road fatigue. It is a practical, efficient path that transitions you from the Lehigh Valley directly into the heart of Philadelphia.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
30.4 miles from Allentown, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 36m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise on this route. While you will utilize I-476, the nature of this passage involves navigating changing road conditions rather than long, uninterrupted highway stretches. There is effectively no single long stretch of road here, meaning you should stay alert as the environment shifts from the Allentown area toward the Philly metro region. The driving experience is characterized by constant movement and adjustments, keeping you engaged behind the wheel for the duration of the 62-mile trip. Because the highway share is low, you will spend more time navigating the local transitions that define this specific corridor.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension is the longest continuous segment at about 37.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and Schuylkill Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.9 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 60.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 46.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
4.9 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 476 South: Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 476 South: Philadelphia
8
46.1 mi into trip
|
~54m in
Take the exit toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge
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 16
Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Vall...
8
46.5 mi into trip
|
~54m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 16A
Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
8
59.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
|
I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadel...
9
60.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Allentown, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Patp and Valley Forge.
Patp
4.5 mi in
|
~7m
Valley Forge
46.1 mi in
|
~54m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 37.4 mi | 40m |
| Schuylkill Expressway | 12.6 mi | 17m |
| Tilghman Street | 4.5 mi | 7m |
| Mid-County Expressway | 3.4 mi | 4m |
| Vine Street Expressway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| North 15th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| South Penn Square | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
— 37.4 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Allentown, PA and Philadelphia, PA.
1
Start on Tilghman Street
4.5 mi
·
7 min
·
Tilghman Street
2
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 476, PATP
3
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward I 476 South: Philadelphia
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto I 476; PATP
37 mi
·
39 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on I 476; PATP
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Exit 20
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the slight left lane.
7
Continue on I 476
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Mid-County Expressway
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 16
Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 16A
Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
Use the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 76
13 mi
·
17 min
·
Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Vine Street Expressway
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward Central Philadelphia
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
313 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Use the slight right lane.
14
Turn right onto North 15th Street
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
15
Turn slight left onto PA 611
379 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Penn Square
16
Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square
167 ft
·
2 sec
·
South Penn Square
17
Arrive at destination
South Penn Square
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick 1-hour and 6-minute drive, you have the advantage of being able to leave whenever it best suits your itinerary. You won't need to worry about planning formal rest stops given the short distance, but keeping an eye on traffic patterns as you approach Philadelphia is always a smart move. Make sure your vehicle is fueled up before you depart, as the $10 estimated cost is minimal and keeps your trip simple. If you find yourself needing a break, the lack of a long, sustained highway stretch means you can easily pull off the road at various points along the Turnpike extension. Pay close attention to the turn-heavy nature of the route, as staying focused on the local road signs is essential for a smooth arrival.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 30.4 miles from Allentown, PA, or about 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.4 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 13 miles or 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 30.4 miles or 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 1h 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Philadelphia, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Allentown, PA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Allentown, PA
This is one driving day of about 60.9 miles and 1h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 13 miles from Allentown, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension for about 37.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 30.4 mi from Allentown, PA · 36m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
30 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 13 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 30.4 miles from Allentown, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Philadelphia, PA
The final approach into Philadelphia, PA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.10 one way
$20.19 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
21 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $11.06 | $22.12 |
| premium | $4.93 | $11.81 | $23.62 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $13.45 | $26.89 |
Estimated Tolls: $4.87
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(37.4 mi)
$4.87
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
$10
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 21.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 18.3 | 0 | $6.39 | $2.92 |
| Efficient EV | 15.2 | 0 | $5.33 | $2.44 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 24.4 | 0 | $8.53 | $3.90 |
Gas CO2
21 kg
EV CO2
7 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.
Destination
Philadelphia, PA
Night in Philadelphia on Wednesday
Local time
9:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
5 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
1h 16m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Allentown, PA to Philadelphia, PA covers 60.9 miles and takes about 1h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, Schuylkill Expressway, Tilghman Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 30.4 miles from Allentown, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.10 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 60.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 46.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Allentown, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Patp and Valley Forge.
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