Spanning 203.3 miles, the trip from Altoona to Upland is a straightforward journey across Pennsylvania that typically takes about 4 hours and 11 minutes. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major corridors like I-99, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and PA-283. Because this route is easily manageable in a single day, there is no need to plan for an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Budgeting roughly $34 for fuel should cover your needs for the one-way trip. Since both your start and end points are located within the Northeast, you can expect a consistent regional feel throughout your transit.
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
101.7 miles from Altoona, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 54m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 11m. Total distance: 203.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This 203.3-mile route is heavily highway-focused, with 82% of your drive spent cruising on high-speed roads. You will settle into a steady rhythm behind the wheel, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 102.1 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. While the drive shifts between the mountainous geography near Altoona and the more developed landscape toward Upland, the transit remains efficient and predictable. Do not expect technical local roads, as the route prioritizes speed and directness over rural sightseeing. It is an ideal path if you are looking to cover distance quickly without the complexity of frequent navigation changes.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pennsylvania Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 102.1 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,818 ft330 ft
Total Climb
1,455 ft
Total Descent
2,089 ft
Highest Point
1,818 ft
~59.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,488 ft
Notable High Points
1,818 ft at ~59.3 miles+584 ft prominence
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 99. 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.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 203.3 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 36.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 138.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key points
These 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
36.4 mi into trip|~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East, I 70 East: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 76 East, I 70 East: Harrisburg
8
138.9 mi into trip|~2h 35m in
Take the exit toward I 283, PA 283: Harrisburg, Hershey
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 247
Toward I 283, PA 283: Harrisburg, Hershey
6
139.5 mi into trip|~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward PA 283 East: Airport, Lancaster
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 1A
Toward PA 283 East: Airport, Lancaster
6
193 mi into trip|~3h 52m in|PA 372 / East 1st Avenue
Turn left onto PA 372 / East 1st Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Altoona, PA and Upland, PA, road signs point toward Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Patp: Pittsburgh, Hershey and Lancaster.
Pittsburgh
35.1 mi in|~40m
Harrisburg
35.1 mi in|~40m
Patp: Pittsburgh
36.2 mi in|~42m
Hershey
138.9 mi in|~2h 35m
Lancaster
139.5 mi in|~2h 38m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
102.1 mi
1h 51m
I 99
32.1 mi
34m
PA 283
28.6 mi
33m
Old Philadelphia Pike
7.4 mi
12m
Newport Road
5.4 mi
9m
Doe Run Road
5.3 mi
9m
Lincoln Highway
5.2 mi
8m
US 30
4.4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 102.1 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altoona, PA and Upland, 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
0.3 mi·34 sec·8th Street
4
Turn right onto PA 764
0.7 mi·1 min·7th Avenue
5
Turn left onto 17th Street
1.2 mi·2 min·17th Street
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Bedford
7
Merge onto I 99; US 220
32 mi·34 min·I 99; US 220
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
9
Keep slight right at fork
284 ft·8 sec
Toward US 220 Business South: Bedford
10
Turn slight right onto US 220 BUS
0.2 mi·26 sec·Business 220
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward I 70, I 76, PATP: Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 76 East, I 70 East: Harrisburg
13
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
102 mi·1 hr 51 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·2 min
Exit 247Toward I 283, PA 283: Harrisburg, HersheyUse the slight right lane.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Exit 1AToward PA 283 East: Airport, Lancaster
16
Merge onto PA 283
29 mi·33 min·PA 283
17
Merge onto US 30
4.4 mi·6 min·US 30
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward PA 340
19
Keep slight left at fork
258 ft·11 sec
20
Turn left onto PA 340
7.4 mi·12 min·Old Philadelphia Pike
21
Keep slight right at fork onto PA 772
5.4 mi·9 min·Newport Road
22
Turn left onto US 30
5.2 mi·8 min·Lincoln Highway
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn right onto PA 10
1.4 mi·2 min·Octorara Trail
Use the right lane.
24
Continue on PA 10
0.6 mi·1 min·North Church Street
25
Turn left onto PA 372
0.3 mi·1 min·East 1st Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on PA 372
1.0 mi·1 min·Valley Road
27
Turn straight onto Strasburg Road
2.5 mi·4 min·Strasburg Road
28
Turn right onto PA 82
5.3 mi·9 min·Doe Run Road
29
Turn right onto Newark Road
1.2 mi·2 min·Newark Road
30
Turn right onto PA 842
21 ft·0 sec·Clonmell Upland Road
31
Arrive at destination
PA 842
Trip Plan
To keep your 4-hour and 11-minute drive stress-free, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since you are spending most of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, keep your toll payment method handy to avoid any delays at the transitions. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential congestion as you approach the more populated regions near Upland. Given the $34 fuel estimate, verify your tank levels before hitting the I-99 corridor to ensure you avoid higher prices at busy service plazas. Taking advantage of the route's inherent flexibility allows you to adjust your pace easily based on traffic conditions.
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 101.7 miles from Altoona, PA, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.1 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 45 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.7 miles or 1h 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Upland, 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 203.3 miles and 4h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike for about 102.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 101.7 mi from Altoona, PA
· 1h 54m into the drive
The midpoint is around 101.7 miles from Altoona, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102.1 miles.
Arriving in Upland, PA
The final approach into Upland, 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 Upland, PA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument
National Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 119.2
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 203.3
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
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...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 147.2
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their live...
20 mi from route
~50 min detour
Free
near mile 35.1
Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, a...
23 mi from route
~57 min detour
Free
near mile 203.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.70 one way
$67.41 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg71 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$36.91
$73.83
premium
$4.93
$39.43
$78.85
diesel
$5.61
$44.89
$89.77
Estimated Tolls: $13.27
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(102.1 mi)$13.27
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
$34
Tolls
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61
0
$21.35
$9.76
Efficient EV
50.8
0
$17.79
$8.13
EV Truck/SUV
81.3
1
$28.46
$13.01
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Altoona, PA
Morning
in Altoona on Saturday
Local time
10:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Upland, PA
Morning
in Upland on Saturday
Local time
10:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Middlesex, PA
102 mi in
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
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 11m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Altoona, PA to Upland, PA covers 203.3 miles and takes about 4h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 99, PA 283. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 101.7 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 $33.70 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 203.3 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 36.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 138.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Altoona, PA and Upland, PA, road signs point toward Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Patp: Pittsburgh, Hershey and Lancaster.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 330 ft to 1,818 ft elevation with about 1,455 ft of total climbing. There is 1 notable high point along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, First State National Historical Park and Johnstown Flood National Memorial. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
