This 175-mile journey from Bristol to Great Bend, Pennsylvania, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. The route is heavily highway-focused, with 98% of the drive on major roads like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81. You can expect a fuel cost of around $29 for this trip. Given its relatively short duration and highway-centric profile, it's a straightforward drive that doesn't necessitate an overnight stop, allowing for maximum flexibility in your schedule. This efficient path through Pennsylvania's Northeast region makes for a convenient transit.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
87.5 miles from Bristol, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 43m into the drive
.
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Drive Character
Prepare for a predominantly highway experience on this route, with a 98% highway share. You'll encounter the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81 for the majority of your travel, offering consistent speeds and minimal local traffic interruptions. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 110.6 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, meaning you can cover significant ground without needing frequent exits. While the drive is largely characterized by this highway focus, it provides a direct and efficient way to cover the 175 miles between these two Pennsylvania locations.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension is the longest continuous segment at about 110.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I 81. 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.
Route Complexity9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 175 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
26.1 mi into trip|~34m in
Take the exit toward I 476: Chester, 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 I 476: Chester, Allentown
6
137.2 mi into trip|~2h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 81, US 6 East: Binghamton, Wilkes-Barre
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 81, US 6 East: Binghamton, Wilkes-Barr...
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 Great Bend, PA, road signs point toward Allentown, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Binghamton.
Exit 131Toward I 81, US 6, US 11: Clarks Summit, Scranton
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 81, US 6 East: Binghamton, Wilkes-Barre
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·1 min
Toward Binghamton
17
Merge onto I 81
37 mi·42 min·I 81
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi·24 sec
Toward PA 171: Great Bend, Susquehanna
19
Turn left onto PA 171
0.2 mi·25 sec·State Route 171
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto US 11
0.4 mi·48 sec·US 11
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Turn right onto Williams Street
76 ft·3 sec·Williams Street
22
Arrive at destination
Williams Street
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over three hours, this trip offers plenty of flexibility. Consider an early morning departure to avoid any potential rush hour impacts, especially around the initial sections of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You'll have one primary stop to plan for, though the 110.6-mile stretch on the Turnpike Northeast Extension suggests you could go longer if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel; budgeting around $29 should cover it, but it's always wise to top off before embarking on longer highway segments. This route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination with ample time to spare.
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 87.5 miles from Bristol, PA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.6 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 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.5 miles or 1h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Great Bend, 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 175 miles and 3h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 Northeast Extension for about 110.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 87.5 mi from Bristol, PA
· 1h 43m into the drive
The midpoint is around 87.5 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 Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 110.6 miles.
Arriving in Great Bend, PA
The final approach into Great Bend, 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 Great Bend, 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
$29.01 one way
$58.03 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg61 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$31.78
$63.55
premium
$4.93
$33.94
$67.88
diesel
$5.61
$38.64
$77.28
Estimated Tolls: $17.50
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(134.6 mi)$17.50
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
$29
Tolls
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
52.5
0
$18.38
$8.40
Efficient EV
43.8
0
$15.31
$7.00
EV Truck/SUV
70
0
$24.50
$11.20
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% 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 data refreshed 8 hours ago
Origin
Bristol, PA
Late night
in Bristol on Wednesday
Local time
3:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SW 5 to 15 mph26% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 6:17PM EDT until April 14 at 6:30PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 6:16PM EDT until April 14 at 6:45PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Destination
Great Bend, PA
Late night
in Great Bend on Wednesday
Local time
3:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
40°F
Ramapo, NY
88 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
18 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
3h 25m 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 Bristol, PA to Great Bend, PA covers 175 miles and takes about 3h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, I 81, Pennsylvania Turnpike. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 87.5 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 $29.01 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 175 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 Great Bend, PA, road signs point toward Allentown, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Binghamton.
