Bangor, PA to Reading, PA is 61.5 miles and takes about 1 hour 34 minutes via Lehigh Valley Thruway and Allentown Pike, with a fuel budget near $10 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Pennsylvania's Northeast region, offering a straightforward connection between two key areas. Expect a local driving experience rather than a high-speed interstate journey. Given the relatively short distance and duration, this trip is easily manageable within a single day. It's a practical choice for getting from point A to point B without significant time commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
30.7 miles from Bangor, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 46m 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 1h 34m. Total distance: 61.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This is a turn-heavy local drive, not your typical highway cruise. With only an 18% highway share, you'll be navigating a mix of local roads and some faster arterial routes. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 17.1 miles on Lehigh Valley Thruway, so be prepared for frequent changes in speed and direction. As you progress, the character of the drive will shift, moving from more arterial roads to what feels like a more classic local road experience. Keep your attention sharp for traffic signals and intersections.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 35 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Lehigh Valley Thruway is the longest continuous segment at about 17.1 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 9.4 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 61.5 miles you will encounter 18 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 9.4 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 14.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
9.4 mi into trip|~17m in
Turn left toward PA 33 South: Easton
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Toward PA 33 South: Easton
7
14.4 mi into trip|~23m in
Take the exit toward US 22 West: Bethlehem, Allentown
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 US 22 West: Bethlehem, Allentown
7
34 mi into trip|~50m in
Take the exit toward PA 100 South: Trexlertown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 49A
Toward PA 100 South: Trexlertown
6
42.8 mi into trip|~1h 5m in|US 222
Keep slight left at fork onto US 222
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
61.2 mi into trip|~1h 33m in|US 422 Business / Franklin Street
Turn left onto US 422 Business / Franklin Street
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.
On the drive from Bangor, PA to Reading, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Allentown along the way.
Allentown
14.4 mi in|~23m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Lehigh Valley Thruway
17.1 mi
23m
Allentown Pike
6 mi
10m
US 222
5.9 mi
7m
Kutztown Road
5.2 mi
7m
North 5th Street Highway
5 mi
8m
Bangor Road
4.8 mi
8m
PA-33
4.8 mi
5m
Schantz Road
3.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Lehigh Valley Thruway
— 17.1 mi, about 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bangor, PA and Reading, PA.
1
Start on PA 191
0.6 mi·1 min·South 1st Street
2
Continue on PA 191
2.9 mi·5 min·Washington Boulevard
3
Continue on PA 191
4.8 mi·8 min·Bangor Road
4
Continue on PA 191
0.1 mi·15 sec·Sullivan Trail
5
Continue on PA 191
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
6
Turn right onto PA 191
0.3 mi·35 sec·Industrial Boulevard
7
Turn left
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward PA 33 South: Easton
8
Merge onto PA 33
4.8 mi·5 min·PA-33
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward US 22 West: Bethlehem, AllentownUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto US 22
17 mi·23 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 78; US 22
1.8 mi·2 min·William Penn Highway
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·46 sec
Exit 49AToward PA 100 South: TrexlertownUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn straight onto PA 100
0.7 mi·1 min·PA 100
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn right onto Schantz Road
3.5 mi·6 min·Schantz Road
15
Enter roundabout onto US 222
21 ft·0 sec·Hamilton Boulevard
16
Continue on US 222
0.6 mi·50 sec·Hamilton Boulevard
17
Continue on US 222
3.8 mi·5 min·Kutztown Road
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 222
5.9 mi·7 min·US 222
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Enter roundabout onto US 222
110 ft·1 sec·Allentown Pike
20
Continue on US 222
0.4 mi·39 sec·Allentown Pike
21
Continue on US 222
1.1 mi·1 min·Kutztown Road
22
Continue on US 222
1.6 mi·2 min·Allentown Pike
23
Enter roundabout onto US 222
97 ft·4 sec·Allentown Pike
24
Continue on US 222
0.4 mi·52 sec·Allentown Pike
25
Enter roundabout onto US 222
127 ft·5 sec·Allentown Pike
26
Continue on US 222
1.1 mi·1 min·Allentown Pike
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on US 222
0.3 mi·26 sec·Kutztown Road
28
Continue on US 222
0.5 mi·47 sec·Allentown Pike
29
Continue on US 222 BUS
1.9 mi·3 min·Allentown Pike
30
Continue on US 222 BUS
5.0 mi·8 min·North 5th Street Highway
Use the straight lane.
31
Continue on US 222 BUS
0.1 mi·22 sec·South 5th Street
32
Turn left onto US 422 Business
0.1 mi·16 sec·Franklin Street
Use the left lane.
33
Turn left onto South 6th Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·South 6th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
34
Turn left onto US 422 Business Alternate
278 ft·4 sec·Penn Street
35
Arrive at destination
US 422 Business Alternate
Trip Plan
Since this 61.5-mile trip takes under two hours, you have a lot of flexibility with when you depart. Leaving mid-morning can help you avoid the peak rush hour in both Bangor and Reading, making for a smoother start and finish. You won't need extensive stops, but if you do want to break up the drive, consider a brief pause around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the estimated cost is low at $10, it's always wise to start with a full tank, especially since it's a turn-heavy route where fuel stops might be less frequent on certain segments.
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 30.7 miles from Bangor, PA, or about 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 17.1 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 14 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 30.7 miles or 46m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Reading, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bangor, PA
This is one driving day of about 61.5 miles and 1h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from Bangor, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Lehigh Valley Thruway for about 17.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 30.7 mi from Bangor, PA
· 46m into the drive
The midpoint is around 30.7 miles from Bangor, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Reading, PA
The final approach into Reading, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
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,...
23 mi from route
~56 min detour
$10
Park Closure: Old Mine Road North Construction Closure Begins April 6, 2026
Park Closure: Dingmans Falls Trail, Road, and Access Closed for Bridge Replacement
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 57.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.20 one way
$20.39 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg22 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$11.17
$22.33
premium
$4.93
$11.93
$23.85
diesel
$5.61
$13.58
$27.16
Estimated Tolls: $1.20
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(17.1 mi)$1.20
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
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 21.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
18.5
0
$6.46
$2.95
Efficient EV
15.4
0
$5.38
$2.46
EV Truck/SUV
24.6
0
$8.61
$3.94
Gas CO2
22 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (68% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Bangor, PA
Late night
in Bangor on Saturday
Local time
4:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Reading, PA
Late night
in Reading on Saturday
Local time
4:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 15 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA
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
47 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 34m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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 Reading, PA covers 61.5 miles and takes about 1h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Lehigh Valley Thruway, Allentown Pike, US 222. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 30.7 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 $10.20 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 61.5 miles you will encounter 18 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 9.4 miles: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 14.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Bangor, PA to Reading, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Allentown along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
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.
