Bangor, PA to Bristol, PA is 75.7 miles and takes about 2 hours via Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway, Route 31 Southbound, and I 295, with a fuel budget near $13 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip is a straightforward journey within the Northeast region, staying within Pennsylvania for its entirety. Expect a mixed drive that balances highway speeds with some more local road transitions. Given its relatively short duration, it's an ideal day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time and plenty of opportunity to reach your destination with ample daylight remaining. Consider this an easy connector drive rather than a destination in itself.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
37.9 miles from Bangor, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 59m into the drive
.
Bangor is a city in Northampton County in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. It is 74 miles (119 km) west of New York City and 87 miles (140 km) north of Philadelphia.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h. Total distance: 75.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (59%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route offers a blend of driving experiences, with 59% of it being on highways. You'll encounter stretches of faster-paced driving, including a notable 13.3-mile segment on the Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway. As you transition to Route 31 Southbound and then I 295, the character shifts slightly, potentially offering a mix of speeds and road conditions. It’s not a purely monotonous interstate cruise, nor is it a winding country road; rather, it’s a practical drive designed for efficient travel between these two points.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 41 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 13.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.2 miles in near Northampton Street.
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 25 significant decision points across 75.7 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 14.2 miles (Northampton Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.5 miles (US 22): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
14.2 mi into trip|~27m in|Northampton Street
Turn left onto Northampton Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
18.5 mi into trip|~35m in|US 22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 22 toward I 78 East, US 22 East: New York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: New York
8
32.4 mi into trip|~52m in
Take the exit toward NJ 31 South: Flemington, Trenton
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 17
Toward NJ 31 South: Flemington, Trenton
8
69 mi into trip|~1h 46m in|Exit 3
Take the exit onto Exit 3 toward PA 413, US 1 Business: Levittown, Penndel
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 3
Toward PA 413, US 1 Business: Levittown, Pennde...
9
69.3 mi into trip|~1h 47m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PA 413 South, US 1 Business North: Levittown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward PA 413 South, US 1 Business North: Levit...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bangor, PA and Bristol, PA, road signs point toward Trenton, Cr 579 South: Trenton and Penndel.
Trenton
32.4 mi in|~52m
Cr 579 South: Trenton
48.4 mi in|~1h 13m|via NJ 31
Penndel
69 mi in|~1h 46m|via Exit 3
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
13.3 mi
15m
Route 31 Southbound
9.9 mi
11m
I 295
9.1 mi
12m
North Delaware Drive
6.4 mi
11m
US 202
5.8 mi
8m
Bear Tavern Road
4.2 mi
8m
Lower South Main Street
3.5 mi
7m
Main Street
3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
— 13.3 mi, about 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bangor, PA and Bristol, PA.
1
Start on PA 191
0.4 mi·57 sec·South 1st Street
2
Turn left onto Messinger Street
0.1 mi·25 sec·Messinger Street
3
Turn right onto South Main Street
0.3 mi·54 sec·South Main Street
4
Continue on Lower South Main Street
3.5 mi·7 min·Lower South Main Street
5
Continue on Main Street
3.0 mi·5 min·Main Street
6
Continue on PA 611
6.4 mi·11 min·North Delaware Drive
7
Continue on PA 611
410 ft·15 sec·North Riverside Drive
8
Turn left onto PA 611
0.2 mi·27 sec·PA 611
9
Turn left onto PA 611
0.1 mi·32 sec·Larry Holmes Drive
10
Turn left onto Northampton Street
0.2 mi·39 sec·Northampton Street
Use the left lane.
11
At end of road, turn right onto South Main Street
2.6 mi·4 min·South Main Street
12
Turn slight right onto NJ 122; CR 519
1.3 mi·2 min·New Brunswick Avenue
13
Turn right onto US 22
364 ft·6 sec·US 22
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto US 22
0.1 mi·17 sec·US 22
Toward I 78, US 22 East
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 22
0.6 mi·1 min·US 22
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: New YorkUse the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 78; US 22
13 mi·15 min·Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 17Toward NJ 31 South: Flemington, TrentonUse the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto NJ 31
9.9 mi·11 min·Route 31 Southbound
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Enter roundabout onto US 202; NJ 31
456 ft·8 sec·US 202; NJ 31
20
Continue on US 202; NJ 31
5.7 mi·8 min·US 202; NJ 31
21
Take the exit onto NJ 31
2.5 mi·3 min·NJ 31
Toward NJ 31 South, CR 579 South: TrentonUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn right onto CR 579
1.1 mi·1 min·Harbourton Road
23
Continue on CR 579
2.4 mi·4 min·Harbourton-Rocktown Road
24
Continue on CR 579
0.9 mi·1 min·Trenton-Harbourton Road
25
Continue on CR 579
3.2 mi·6 min·Bear Tavern Road
26
Continue on CR 579; CR 637
0.2 mi·26 sec·Jacobs Creek Road
27
Continue on CR 579
1.0 mi·2 min·Bear Tavern Road
28
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 295 North: Philadelphia
29
Merge onto I 295
9.1 mi·12 min·I 295
30
Take the exit onto Exit 3
0.3 mi·32 sec·Exit 3
Exit 3Toward PA 413, US 1 Business: Levittown, PenndelUse the slight right lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork
174 ft·6 sec
Toward PA 413 South, US 1 Business North: LevittownUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
32
Turn left onto US 1 Business; PA 413
0.2 mi·29 sec·East Lincoln Highway
Use the straight lane.
33
Turn slight right onto PA 413
2.9 mi·4 min·PA 413
Use the right lane.
34
Turn left onto Bath Road
1.2 mi·2 min·Bath Road
Use the left lane.
35
Continue on Bath Road
1.2 mi·2 min·Bath Road
36
Continue on Bath Street
0.4 mi·46 sec·Bath Street
37
At end of road, turn left onto Mill Street
229 ft·8 sec·Mill Street
Use the left lane.
38
Turn left onto Old US Hwy 13
0.2 mi·25 sec·Old US Hwy 13
39
Continue on Pond Street
0.3 mi·56 sec·Pond Street
40
Turn right
91 ft·12 sec
41
Arrive at destination
1 ft
Trip Plan
With a total drive time of around 2 hours, this is a trip that allows for a relaxed start. You won't need to rush out at dawn to make good time. The fuel cost is estimated at $13, so ensure your tank is topped up before you leave Bangor, as dedicated fuel stops might be less frequent than on longer highway journeys. Keep an eye out for transitions between the Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway, Route 31 Southbound, and I 295, as these can sometimes involve changes in speed limits or road conditions. Given the short distance and minimal stops suggested, you have the flexibility to depart whenever is most convenient for you.
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 37.9 miles from Bangor, PA, or about 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 13.3 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 17 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 37.9 miles or 59m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bristol, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bangor, 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 Bangor, PA
This is one driving day of about 75.7 miles and 2h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Bangor, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway for about 13.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 37.9 mi from Bangor, PA
· 59m into the drive
The midpoint is around 48.2 miles from Bangor, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Bristol, PA
The final approach into Bristol, 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 Bristol, PA.
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.
Independence National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of I...
Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 96.4
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
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...
29 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 89.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.55 one way
$25.10 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$13.75
$27.49
premium
$4.93
$14.68
$29.36
diesel
$5.61
$16.71
$33.43
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
22.7
0
$7.95
$3.63
Efficient EV
18.9
0
$6.62
$3.03
EV Truck/SUV
30.3
0
$10.60
$4.84
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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
Bangor, PA
Morning
in Bangor on Saturday
Local time
6:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bristol, PA
Morning
in Bristol on Saturday
Local time
6:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
45°F
New Hope, PA
38 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
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
2h 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 Bangor, PA to Bristol, PA covers 75.7 miles and takes about 2h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway, Route 31 Southbound, I 295. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 37.9 miles from Bangor, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.55 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 is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 75.7 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 14.2 miles (Northampton Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.5 miles (US 22): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Bangor, PA and Bristol, PA, road signs point toward Trenton, Cr 579 South: Trenton and Penndel.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
