Trip from Bensalem, PA to Pittsburgh, PA

Drive Time

5h 51m

Distance

313.7 mi

505 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 38m ★
6 AM
5h 51m
8 AM
6h 17m
10 AM
6h 0m
12 PM
5h 58m
3 PM
6h 2m
5 PM
6h 16m
8 PM
5h 43m

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

Downtown Bensalem, PA, PA

Bensalem, PA

Haneul Trac

Downtown Pittsburgh, PA, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

LaMont L. Johnson

Trip Overview

Spanning 313.7 miles across Pennsylvania, this trip connects the suburbs of Bensalem to the heart of Pittsburgh in approximately 5 hours and 51 minutes. Because the route is almost entirely highway-based, it is well-suited for a single-day drive if you are comfortable with a steady pace. You should budget roughly $52 for fuel to complete the journey. While you could technically push through in one go, planning for at least one strategic stop will help you stay fresh behind the wheel. The drive transitions you from the Northeast corner of the state toward the western edge, offering a direct path across the Commonwealth.

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

156.8 miles from Bensalem, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 53m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highly efficient, highway-focused experience with 98% of your travel occurring on major interstates. You will spend the vast majority of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which accounts for a massive 295.6-mile uninterrupted stretch of your journey. As you move toward the finish, you will transition onto the Penn-Lincoln Parkway East to navigate into Pittsburgh. This is not a route defined by backroads or technical turns, but rather a straightforward, high-speed transit across the state. Prepare for a consistent, steady pace that prioritizes speed and directness over winding scenic detours.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 295.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Penn-Lincoln Parkway East. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 313.7 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 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 298.8 miles: 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.

7
2.4 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the exit toward I 276, PATP

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward I 276, PATP
8
3 mi into trip | ~5m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown
8
298.8 mi into trip | ~5h 27m in

Take the exit toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville

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 57 Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroevil...
8
299.4 mi into trip | ~5h 30m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West:...
9
299.6 mi into trip | ~5h 30m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 295.6 mi 5h 21m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East 13.2 mi 18m
Street Road 1.9 mi 3m
Lincoln Highway 0.3 mi <1m
Second Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Ross Street 0.2 mi <1m
Grant Street <0.1 mi <1m
Fifth Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 295.6 mi, about 5h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bensalem, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.

1

Start on this road

135 ft · 16 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto Knights Road

261 ft · 7 sec · Knights Road
3

Turn left onto PA 132

1.9 mi · 3 min · Street Road
Use the left lane.
4

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward US 1 North: Trenton
5

Merge onto US 1

0.3 mi · 26 sec · Lincoln Highway
Toward US 1 North: Morrisville
6

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 276, PATP Use the right lane.
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 276; PATP

296 mi · 5 hr 21 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 2 min
Exit 57 Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh Use the none lane.
11

Keep slight right at fork

353 ft · 8 sec
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh Use the none lane.
12

Merge onto I 376; US 22

13 mi · 18 min · Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Use the none lane.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 38 sec
Exit 71B Toward Second Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Turn straight onto Second Avenue

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Second Avenue
15

At end of road, turn right onto Ross Street

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Ross Street
16

Turn left onto Fifth Avenue

352 ft · 10 sec · Fifth Avenue
17

Turn right onto Grant Street

513 ft · 21 sec · Grant Street
Use the right lane.
18

Arrive at destination

Grant Street

Trip Plan

To keep your drive smooth, aim to depart early in the morning to minimize potential traffic congestion as you approach the Pittsburgh metro area. Since this route involves a long, continuous stretch on the Turnpike, use your single recommended stop to stretch your legs and refuel well before you hit the final parkway approach. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $52 estimate can fluctuate based on current prices and your vehicle's efficiency. Because the route relies so heavily on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, ensure you have your toll payment method ready to avoid delays. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, building in an extra break will make the nearly six-hour duration feel significantly less taxing.

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 156.8 miles from Bensalem, PA, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 295.6 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 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 156.8 miles or 2h 53m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 42m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pittsburgh, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bensalem, 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 Bensalem, PA

This is one driving day of about 313.7 miles and 5h 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Bensalem, 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 295.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 156.8 mi from Bensalem, PA · 2h 53m into the drive

Downtown Cuba, NY, NY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cuba, NY

157 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

Staten Island, 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 156.8 miles from Bensalem, 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 295.6 miles.

Arriving in Pittsburgh, PA

The final approach into Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, 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

$51.91 one way

$103.82 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 110 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $56.80 $113.60
premium $4.92 $60.79 $121.58
diesel $5.64 $69.69 $139.39

Estimated Tolls: $38.43

Pennsylvania Turnpike (295.6 mi) $38.43

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

$52

Tolls

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$115–$140

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 109.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 94.1 1 $32.94 $15.06
Efficient EV 78.4 0 $27.45 $12.55
EV Truck/SUV 125.5 1 $43.92 $20.08

Gas CO2

110 kg

EV CO2

37 kg (66% 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

Bensalem, PA

Evening in Bensalem on Sunday

Local time

7:26 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Pittsburgh, PA

Evening in Pittsburgh on Sunday

Local time

7:26 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

51°F

Cuba, NY

157 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

2 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

5h 51m 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 Bensalem, PA to Pittsburgh, PA covers 313.7 miles and takes about 5h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, Penn-Lincoln Parkway East, Street Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 156.8 miles from Bensalem, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $51.91 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 15 significant decision points across 313.7 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 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 298.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Bensalem, PA to Pittsburgh, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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