Trip from Ambridge, PA to Philadelphia, PA

Drive Time

6h 17m

Distance

334.1 mi

538 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$55

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
6h 5m ★
6 AM
6h 18m
8 AM
6h 43m
10 AM
6h 27m
12 PM
6h 24m
3 PM
6h 28m
5 PM
6h 42m
8 PM
6h 10m

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

Downtown Ambridge, PA, PA

Ambridge, PA

Michael D Beckwith

Downtown Philadelphia, PA, PA

Philadelphia, PA

Samyantak Mohanty

Trip Overview

Traveling from Ambridge to Philadelphia covers 322 miles and typically takes 5 hours and 21 minutes. Because this journey stays entirely within Pennsylvania and avoids major highways, you should plan for a full day on the road. Budget roughly $52 for fuel to complete the trip. While it is technically possible to finish in one day, the turn-heavy nature of the route makes it a significant commitment behind the wheel. Expect a consistent, hands-on driving experience that connects these two distinct points in the Northeast. Weigh your energy levels carefully before departing, as this local-road-focused trip requires more active attention than a standard interstate cruise.

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

167 miles from Ambridge, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 8m into the drive .

Drive Character

Forget about monotonous interstate cruising; this route is a technical, turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention. You will primarily navigate via 8th Street, Ohio River Boulevard, and Crows Run Road, keeping your highway share at 0%. Since the longest stretch is 0 miles on 8th Street, the road keeps you constantly engaged with frequent changes in direction and pace. You won't find long, straightaways here, so be prepared for a drive that feels much more localized and winding than a typical cross-state trek. The character of the road remains consistent, favoring backroads over high-speed transit.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 298.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.8 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 334.1 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 14.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 314.6 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

8
14.8 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the exit toward I 76, PATP: Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg

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 I 76, PATP: Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg
7
14.9 mi into trip | ~21m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East: Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
8
314.6 mi into trip | ~5h 49m in | I 76

Take the exit onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia

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 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
8
332.6 mi into trip | ~6h 15m 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
333.5 mi into trip | ~6h 16m 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

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 298.7 mi 5h 24m
I 76 18 mi 26m
Ohio River Boulevard 5.8 mi 6m
Freedom Crider Road 4.4 mi 6m
Freedom Road 2.5 mi 4m
Crows Run Road 1.5 mi 2m
Vine Street Expressway 0.8 mi 1m
North 15th Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 298.7 mi, about 5h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ambridge, PA and Philadelphia, PA.

1

Start on Duss Avenue

99 ft · 10 sec · Duss Avenue
2

Turn left onto PA 989

0.4 mi · 48 sec · 8th Street
3

Turn right onto PA 65

5.8 mi · 6 min · Ohio River Boulevard
4

Turn right onto Crows Run Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · Crows Run Road
5

Continue on Freedom Crider Road

2.0 mi · 2 min · Freedom Crider Road
6

Enter roundabout onto Freedom Crider Road

102 ft · 1 sec · Freedom Crider Road
7

Continue on Freedom Crider Road

2.4 mi · 3 min · Freedom Crider Road
8

Continue on Freedom Road

2.5 mi · 4 min · Freedom Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
9

Turn right onto US 19

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Perry Highway
Use the right lane.
10

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 13 sec
Toward I 76, PATP: Youngstown Ohio, Harrisburg Use the slight right lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
13

Merge onto I 76; PATP

299 mi · 5 hr 24 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit onto I 76

18 mi · 26 min · I 76
Exit 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
15

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.
16

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
17

Keep slight right at fork

313 ft · 11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
18

Turn right onto North 15th Street

0.4 mi · 48 sec · North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
19

Turn slight left onto PA 611

379 ft · 8 sec · South Penn Square
20

Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square

167 ft · 2 sec · South Penn Square
21

Arrive at destination

South Penn Square

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 21-minute duration, you should aim to depart early in the morning to avoid fatigue on these winding local roads. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs, as the continuous turning can be physically taxing compared to highway driving. Since you aren't relying on major interstates, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge and budget the $52 accordingly to ensure you aren't caught off guard in rural stretches. A helpful tip for this specific route is to stay vigilant with your navigation tools, as the reliance on local roads like Crows Run Road means you will encounter more intersections than a standard highway route. Flexibility is your best asset here, so don't hesitate to take extra breaks if the driving becomes repetitive.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 167 miles from Ambridge, PA, or about 3h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 298.7 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 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 167 miles or 3h 8m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 5m

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 Ambridge, 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 Ambridge, PA

This is one driving day of about 334.1 miles and 6h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ambridge, 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 298.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 167 mi from Ambridge, PA · 3h 8m into the drive

Downtown Cuba, NY, NY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cuba, NY

167 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

Lakewood, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cuba, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 167 miles from Ambridge, 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 298.7 miles.

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.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Philadelphia, 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$55.28 one way

$110.57 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 117 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $60.49 $120.99
premium $4.92 $64.74 $129.48
diesel $5.64 $74.23 $148.45

Estimated Tolls: $38.84

Pennsylvania Turnpike (298.7 mi) $38.84

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

$55

Tolls

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$119–$144

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 116.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 100.2 1 $35.08 $16.04
Efficient EV 83.5 0 $29.23 $13.36
EV Truck/SUV 133.6 1 $46.77 $21.38

Gas CO2

117 kg

EV CO2

39 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Ambridge, PA

Night in Ambridge on Sunday

Local time

9:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Philadelphia, PA

Night in Philadelphia on Sunday

Local time

9:46 PM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

51°F

Cuba, NY

167 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

3 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

6h 17m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Ambridge, PA to Philadelphia, PA covers 334.1 miles and takes about 6h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 76, Ohio River Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 167 miles from Ambridge, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $55.28 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 15 significant decision points across 334.1 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 14.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 314.6 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Ambridge, PA to Philadelphia, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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