This 251.1-mile drive from Bristol, PA to Ferndale, PA is achievable in about 4 hours and 53 minutes, making it a solid day trip. You'll primarily be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a portion on Clear Shade Drive and Eichler Road. The route is heavily highway-focused, accounting for 86% of the journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $42, this trip offers a straightforward path through the Northeast region. Planning for one main stop should be sufficient given the relatively short travel time.
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
125.5 miles from Bristol, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 21m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 251.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 251.1-mile journey. With 86% of the route on high-speed roads, you'll encounter long stretches of consistent driving. The longest uninterrupted segment is a significant 213.1 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering a chance to cover ground efficiently. While the majority is highway, the inclusion of Clear Shade Drive and Eichler Road suggests a potential shift in road type towards the end, possibly offering a change of pace from the main turnpike.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 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 213.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Clear Shade Drive. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in near Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 251.1 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 1.7 miles (Pennsylvania Turnpike): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.9 miles (I 276; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
1.7 mi into trip|~4m in|Pennsylvania Turnpike
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Turnpike toward I 95: Philadelphia, New York
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 95: Philadelphia, New York
8
2.3 mi into trip|~6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South: Philadelphia, Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South: Philadelphia, Harrisburg
9
3.9 mi into trip|~9m in|I 276; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto I 276; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike toward I 276 Toll West, PATP West: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 40
Toward I 276 Toll West, PATP West: Harrisburg
7
215.2 mi into trip|~3h 58m in
Take the exit toward Altoona, Johnstown
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 Altoona, Johnstown
7
216 mi into trip|~4h in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bristol, PA and Ferndale, PA, road signs point toward Altoona, Johnstown and Cessna.
Altoona
215.2 mi in|~3h 58m
Johnstown
215.2 mi in|~3h 58m
Cessna
218.6 mi in|~4h 4m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
213.1 mi
3h 52m
Clear Shade Drive
10.5 mi
14m
Eichler Road
10.5 mi
15m
Quaker Valley Road
3.8 mi
5m
Scalp Avenue
3.8 mi
6m
I 99
2.4 mi
2m
Bedford Street
0.8 mi
1m
Ohio Street
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 213.1 mi, about 3h 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bristol, PA and Ferndale, PA.
1
Start on this road
158 ft·13 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto Washington Street
506 ft·27 sec·Washington Street
3
Turn left onto Wood Street
0.1 mi·37 sec·Wood Street
4
Turn left onto Jefferson Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Jefferson Avenue
5
At end of road, turn right onto Beaver Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·Beaver Street
6
Turn slight right onto US 13
0.7 mi·1 min·Bristol Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Turnpike
0.6 mi·1 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Toward I 95: Philadelphia, New YorkUse the left lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: Philadelphia, HarrisburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 95
1.2 mi·1 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 276; PATP
211 mi·3 hr 49 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Exit 40Toward I 276 Toll West, PATP West: HarrisburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward Altoona, JohnstownUse the slight right lane.
12
Turn left onto US 220 BUS
0.3 mi·42 sec·Business 220
13
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
15
Merge onto I 99; US 220
2.4 mi·2 min·I 99; US 220
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward PA 56: Johnstown, Cessna
17
Turn straight onto PA 56
3.8 mi·5 min·Quaker Valley Road
18
Continue on PA 56
10 mi·15 min·Eichler Road
19
Continue on PA 56
11 mi·14 min·Clear Shade Drive
20
Continue on PA 56
3.7 mi·6 min·Scalp Avenue
21
Enter roundabout onto Scalp Avenue
146 ft·2 sec·Scalp Avenue
22
Continue on Scalp Avenue
0.1 mi·11 sec·Scalp Avenue
23
Continue on Bedford Street
0.8 mi·1 min·Bedford Street
24
Turn left onto Penrod Street
0.2 mi·29 sec·Penrod Street
25
Turn right onto Ruby Street
184 ft·5 sec·Ruby Street
26
Turn slight left onto Oakland Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Oakland Avenue
27
Turn right onto PA 756
0.7 mi·1 min·Ohio Street
28
At end of road, turn left onto PA 403
0.3 mi·33 sec·Central Avenue
29
Turn slight right onto PA 403
0.3 mi·34 sec·Bridge Street
30
Continue on PA 403
0.4 mi·45 sec·Ferndale Avenue
31
Arrive at destination
PA 403
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 53-minute duration, starting early from Bristol, PA, will allow you to reach Ferndale, PA, with plenty of daylight. The majority of this route is on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so be prepared for potential tolls and plan your fuel stops accordingly, especially since the longest stretch covers 213.1 miles. While only one stop is suggested, consider a brief rest break around the halfway point to stay alert. The manageable distance means you have flexibility, but monitoring your fuel level is key as services can be spaced out on the turnpike.
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 125.5 miles from Bristol, PA, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 213.1 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 55 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.5 miles or 2h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ferndale, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bristol, 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 Bristol, PA
This is one driving day of about 251.1 miles and 4h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Bristol, 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 213.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 125.5 mi from Bristol, PA
· 2h 21m into the drive
The midpoint is around 125.5 miles from Bristol, 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 213.1 miles.
Arriving in Ferndale, PA
The final approach into Ferndale, 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 Ferndale, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument
National Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 138.5
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 251.1
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their live...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 242.4
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 95.2
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.63 one way
$83.26 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$45.59
$91.19
premium
$4.93
$48.70
$97.40
diesel
$5.61
$55.44
$110.88
Estimated Tolls: $27.70
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(213.1 mi)$27.70
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
$42
Tolls
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$94–$119
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.3
0
$26.37
$12.05
Efficient EV
62.8
0
$21.97
$10.04
EV Truck/SUV
100.4
1
$35.15
$16.07
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Bristol, PA
Afternoon
in Bristol on Friday
Local time
3:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Ferndale, PA
Afternoon
in Ferndale on Friday
Local time
3:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
45°F
Hilltown, PA
126 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 53m 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 Bristol, PA to Ferndale, PA covers 251.1 miles and takes about 4h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, Clear Shade Drive, Eichler 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 125.5 miles from Bristol, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $41.63 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 20 significant decision points across 251.1 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 1.7 miles (Pennsylvania Turnpike): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.9 miles (I 276; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Bristol, PA and Ferndale, PA, road signs point toward Altoona, Johnstown and Cessna.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Valley Forge National Historical Park, Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Johnstown Flood National Memorial. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
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.
