Origin
Altoona, PA
Evening in Altoona on Sunday
Local time
7:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Altoona, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA
Drive Time
3h 25m
Distance
174.2 mi
280 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 13m
★
6 AM
3h 25m
8 AM
3h 50m
10 AM
3h 34m
12 PM
3h 31m
3 PM
3h 35m
5 PM
3h 48m
8 PM
3h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jim Thorpe, PA
Michael Taccetta
Trip Overview
Traveling from Altoona to Jim Thorpe covers 174.2 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes. Because this is a manageable distance, you can easily complete the journey in a single day, though staying overnight allows for a more relaxed pace upon arrival. Budget approximately $29 for fuel to cover the trip across these two Northeast Pennsylvania locations. You will navigate via a combination of I-99, the Keystone Shortway, and Hudson Drive. It is a straightforward trek that transitions you from the central part of the state toward the eastern region, making it an efficient way to cross the heart of PA.
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
87.1 miles from Altoona, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a varied experience behind the wheel, as this 174.2-mile journey is defined by its turn-heavy local roads. While 29% of the trip is spent on highways, the remainder requires your full attention on more technical stretches. You will settle into a rhythm during the longest uninterrupted segment, which spans 95.3 miles along the Keystone Shortway. The personality of the drive shifts from the faster highway sections into more winding, local terrain as you approach your destination. Prepare for a mix of cruising and more active steering that keeps the drive engaging from start to finish.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Keystone Shortway is the longest continuous segment at about 95.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 0.2 miles in near Lexington Avenue.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 174.2 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 0.2 miles (Lexington Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.3 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Lexington Avenue
Turn left onto Lexington Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
6.4 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the ramp toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Tyrone
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Tyrone
6
37.3 mi into trip
|
~44m in
|
I 99; US 220; US 322
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
41.2 mi into trip
|
~48m in
|
I 99; US 220
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
7
53.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
Turn left toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Altoona, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Nescopeck along the way.
Nescopeck
149.1 mi in
|
~2h 47m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone Shortway | 95.3 mi | 1h 43m |
| I 99 | 46.9 mi | 52m |
| Hudson Drive | 5.8 mi | 8m |
| West Broad Street | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| State Route 93 | 3.7 mi | 7m |
| East Pleasant Valley Boulevard | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| Hunter Street | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| East Catawissa Street | 2.5 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 95.3 mi, about 1h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altoona, PA and Jim Thorpe, PA.
1
Start on 7th Street
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
7th Street
2
Turn left onto Lexington Avenue
257 ft
·
16 sec
·
Lexington Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left onto 8th Street
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
8th Street
4
Turn left onto PA 764
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
6th Avenue
5
Turn right onto Greenwood Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Greenwood Road
6
Turn left onto PA 764
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
East Walton Avenue
7
Turn left onto US 220 Business; PA 764
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
East Pleasant Valley Boulevard
8
Turn right onto PA 764
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Sabbath Rest Road
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Tyrone
10
Merge onto I 99; US 220
31 mi
·
32 min
·
I 99; US 220
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
I 99; US 220; US 322
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220
12 mi
·
14 min
·
I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
13
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Use the left lane.
14
Merge onto I 80; US 220
95 mi
·
1 hr 43 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the none lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward PA 93: Conyngham, Nescopeck
16
Keep slight right at fork
444 ft
·
11 sec
17
Turn straight onto PA 93
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
Berwick Hazleton Highway
18
Continue on PA 93
3.7 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 93
19
Continue on PA 93
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Valmont Parkway
20
Continue on PA 93
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Susquehanna Boulevard
21
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
·
North Broad Street
22
Continue on PA 93; PA 924
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
West Broad Street
23
Continue on PA 93
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Berwick Street
24
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi
·
34 sec
·
Broad Street
25
Continue on PA 93
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Hudson Drive
26
Continue on State Route 93
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Hunter Street
27
Continue on PA 93
523 ft
·
13 sec
·
Hudson Drive
28
At end of road, turn left onto US 209
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East Catawissa Street
29
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
·
Lehigh Avenue
30
Turn left onto PA 903
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Street
31
Turn left onto West 6th Street
135 ft
·
5 sec
·
West 6th Street
32
Arrive at destination
West 6th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 25-minute duration, plan to depart early to maximize your time once you reach Jim Thorpe. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to stretch your legs whenever you feel the need. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the local roads may make the final leg feel longer than the highway portion, so pace your driving accordingly. Fill your tank before heading out to account for the $29 fuel estimate and ensure you are ready for the varied road conditions. Since the route relies on a significant portion of local roads, stay alert for changing speed limits as you transition off the Keystone Shortway.
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 87.1 miles from Altoona, PA, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.3 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 80 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.1 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jim Thorpe, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Altoona, 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 Altoona, PA
This is one driving day of about 174.2 miles and 3h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Altoona, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 95.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 87.1 mi from Altoona, PA · 1h 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 87.1 miles from Altoona, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 95.3 miles.
Arriving in Jim Thorpe, PA
The final approach into Jim Thorpe, PA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Jim Thorpe, PA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.83 one way
$57.65 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $31.54 | $63.08 |
| premium | $4.92 | $33.76 | $67.51 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $38.70 | $77.40 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.3 | 0 | $18.29 | $8.36 |
| Efficient EV | 43.6 | 0 | $15.24 | $6.97 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.7 | 0 | $24.39 | $11.15 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Jim Thorpe, PA
Evening in Jim Thorpe on Sunday
Local time
7:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 25m 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 Altoona, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA covers 174.2 miles and takes about 3h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, I 99, Hudson Drive. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 87.1 miles from Altoona, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.83 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 174.2 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (Lexington Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.3 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Altoona, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Nescopeck along the way.
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