Embark on a 317.9-mile journey from Bethlehem, PA, to Oakwood, PA, a drive that will take approximately 6 hours and 16 minutes. This route is best tackled in a single day, making it a feasible day trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently. You'll primarily navigate the Keystone Shortway, along with segments of Macarthur Road and Lehigh Drive. With an estimated fuel cost of $53, this drive offers a straightforward way to traverse between two points within Pennsylvania's Northeast region. Consider this a practical transit rather than an extensive scenic tour.
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
158.9 miles from Bethlehem, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 15m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 16m. Total distance: 317.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting a dynamic experience behind the wheel. While a significant portion is on highways (indicated by a 3 for highway share), expect a blend of faster road sections and more intricate local navigation. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a considerable 240.6 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a period of consistent travel. However, the overall profile implies you'll encounter more frequent changes in road type and direction compared to a purely interstate route, demanding your attention throughout the 6-hour duration.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 57 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Keystone Shortway is the longest continuous segment at about 240.6 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 3.4 miles in.
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 29 significant decision points across 317.9 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 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 29 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
3.4 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 22 West: Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward US 22 West: Allentown
6
7.5 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward PA 145
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward PA 145
8
7.7 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PA 145 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward PA 145 North
6
29.5 mi into trip|~43m in|US 209 / Bridge Street
Turn left onto US 209 / Bridge Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
316.4 mi into trip|~6h 13m in
Take the exit toward US 224: State Street, Poland
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 13
Toward US 224: State Street, Poland
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
240.6 mi
4h 19m
Macarthur Road
7.4 mi
10m
Lehigh Drive
7 mi
9m
Mercer-New Wilmington Road
6.3 mi
8m
Hudson Drive
5.8 mi
8m
MacArthur Road
4.5 mi
7m
East Broad Street
3.8 mi
4m
State Route 93
3.7 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 240.6 mi, about 4h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bethlehem, PA and Oakwood, PA.
1
Start on Linden Street
367 ft·13 sec·Linden Street
2
Turn right onto East Union Boulevard
0.8 mi·1 min·East Union Boulevard
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
4
Merge onto PA 378
2.3 mi·3 min·Bethlehem Spur Route
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward US 22 West: AllentownUse the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto US 22
3.2 mi·4 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Toward PA 145Use the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
241 ft·9 sec
Toward PA 145 NorthUse the right lane.
9
Merge onto PA 145
4.5 mi·7 min·MacArthur Road
Use the right lane.
10
Continue on PA 145
7.4 mi·10 min·Macarthur Road
11
Continue on PA 145
1.0 mi·1 min·South Best Avenue
12
Continue on PA 145
0.4 mi·33 sec·North Best Avenue
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on PA 145
1.4 mi·1 min·Riverview Drive
14
At end of road, turn left onto PA 248
7.0 mi·9 min·Lehigh Drive
15
Turn left onto US 209
0.5 mi·1 min·Bridge Street
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on US 209
0.1 mi·7 sec·Bankway Street
17
Continue on US 209
0.6 mi·55 sec·Sargent Stanley Hoffman Boulevard
Toward US 209 SouthUse the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 209
0.9 mi·1 min·North 1st Street
19
Continue on US 209
1.9 mi·2 min·Mauch Chunk Street
20
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi·39 sec·Susquehanna Street
21
Turn right onto US 209
123 ft·1 sec·Lehigh Avenue
22
Continue on US 209
0.5 mi·32 sec·Lehigh Street
23
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi·22 sec·Lehigh Avenue
24
Continue on US 209
2.5 mi·3 min·East Catawissa Street
25
Turn right onto PA 93
523 ft·7 sec·Hudson Drive
26
Continue on State Route 93
2.8 mi·3 min·Hunter Street
27
Continue on PA 93
5.7 mi·8 min·Hudson Drive
28
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi·34 sec·Broad Street
29
Continue on PA 93
1.0 mi·1 min·Berwick Street
30
Continue on PA 93
3.8 mi·4 min·East Broad Street
31
Continue on PA 93; PA 924
0.5 mi·39 sec·North Broad Street
32
Turn straight onto PA 93
2.3 mi·3 min·Susquehanna Boulevard
33
Continue on PA 93
0.2 mi·31 sec·Valmont Parkway
34
Continue on PA 93
3.7 mi·7 min·State Route 93
35
Continue on PA 93
0.8 mi·1 min·Berwick Hazleton Highway
36
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
37
Merge onto I 80
241 mi·4 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
38
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 15Toward US 19: Mercer
39
Keep slight right at fork
240 ft·7 sec
40
Turn straight onto US 19
0.1 mi·19 sec·South Erie Street
41
Turn left onto Steingrabe Road
1.2 mi·1 min·Steingrabe Road
Use the left lane.
42
Turn left onto PA 158
6.3 mi·8 min·Mercer-New Wilmington Road
43
Continue on PA 158
0.8 mi·1 min·North Market Street
44
Turn right onto Beechwood Road
0.2 mi·40 sec·Beechwood Road
45
Turn left onto PA 158
2.4 mi·4 min·South New Castle Street
46
At end of road, turn left onto PA 18
0.8 mi·1 min·PA 18
47
Turn right onto Glen Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Glen Road
48
Turn right onto Mitchell Road
460 ft·8 sec·Mitchell Road
49
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·51 sec
50
Merge onto I 376
3.7 mi·3 min·Beaver Valley Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
51
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 13Toward US 224: State Street, PolandUse the slight right lane.
52
Keep slight left at fork
190 ft·6 sec
53
Turn left onto US 224
0.7 mi·1 min·West State Street
54
Turn left onto Lower Idlewild Drive
0.2 mi·56 sec·Lower Idlewild Drive
55
Turn right onto Burns Street
0.1 mi·34 sec·Burns Street
56
Turn right onto Avalon Drive
468 ft·20 sec·Avalon Drive
57
Arrive at destination
Avalon Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour and 16-minute duration, starting your trip from Bethlehem, PA, in the early morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for a comfortable pace. With only one recommended stop, plan for a mid-drive break to refuel and stretch. The longest stretch on the Keystone Shortway covers over 240 miles, so ensure you're well-prepared before entering this section. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition from the more local roads to the longer highway segments, to avoid any last-minute detours for gas.
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 158.9 miles from Bethlehem, PA, or about 3h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 240.6 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 70 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 158.9 miles or 3h 15m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Oakwood, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, PA
This is one driving day of about 317.9 miles and 6h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Bethlehem, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 240.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 158.9 mi from Bethlehem, PA
· 3h 15m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.70 one way
$105.41 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg111 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$57.72
$115.45
premium
$4.93
$61.65
$123.31
diesel
$5.61
$70.19
$140.38
Estimated Tolls: $0.23
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(3.2 mi)$0.23
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
$53
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 111.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
2 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: fair
ChargePoint Charging Station
Nescopeck, Pennsylvania
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Hazleton, Pennsylvania
Blink
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 1
Blink: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
95.4
1
$33.38
$15.26
Efficient EV
79.5
0
$27.82
$12.72
EV Truck/SUV
127.2
1
$44.51
$20.35
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Bethlehem, PA
Late night
in Bethlehem on Saturday
Local time
2:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Oakwood, PA
Late night
in Oakwood on Saturday
Local time
2:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
13 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
6h 16m 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 Bethlehem, PA to Oakwood, PA covers 317.9 miles and takes about 6h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, Macarthur Road, Lehigh Drive. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 158.9 miles from Bethlehem, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $52.70 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 29 significant decision points across 317.9 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 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Bethlehem, PA to Oakwood, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
