Origin
Chambersburg, PA
Late night in Chambersburg on Thursday
Local time
12:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Chambersburg, PA to Altoona, PA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
1h 59m
Distance
92.9 mi
149 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 51m
★
6 AM
1h 59m
8 AM
2h 17m
10 AM
2h 6m
12 PM
2h 4m
3 PM
2h 6m
5 PM
2h 16m
8 PM
1h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chambersburg, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 92.9-mile drive from Chambersburg, PA, to Altoona, PA, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in under two hours. Primarily utilizing I-99 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the route offers a mixed driving experience, making it ideal for a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of around $15, this is an economical option for travelers. Both locations are within the Northeast region, so you won't be crossing any major geographical boundaries. This short distance and reasonable duration mean you can depart at your leisure and arrive with plenty of daylight remaining.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
46.4 miles from Chambersburg, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a drive that's roughly 52% highway, offering a blend of efficient travel and more local road segments. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 32.7 miles on I-99, providing a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. The profile is described as a 'mixed drive,' suggesting you'll transition between faster-paced interstate sections and potentially some slower, more scenic parts as you approach your destination. This variety means the journey isn't just a monotonous interstate grind, but rather a dynamic trip through Pennsylvania.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 99 is the longest continuous segment at about 32.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 38.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 92.9 miles you will encounter 12 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 38.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 40.3 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 56.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
38.7 mi into trip
|
~56m in
Take the exit toward I 70 West, I 76: Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 70 West, I 76: Turnpike
6
40.3 mi into trip
|
~59m in
|
I 70
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 toward I 70 West, I 76 West: Pittsburgh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 70 West, I 76 West: Pittsburgh
7
56.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m 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
6
56.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 17m in
Take the ramp toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
7
56.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m 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.
On the drive from Chambersburg, PA to Altoona, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Johnstown along the way.
Johnstown
56.2 mi in
|
~1h 16m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 99 | 32.7 mi | 35m |
| Lincoln Highway | 20.8 mi | 29m |
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 15.5 mi | 16m |
| Lincoln Way | 13.9 mi | 21m |
| Lincoln Way West | 4.1 mi | 5m |
| Dwight D Eisenhower Highway | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| 17th Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| 6th Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 99
— 32.7 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chambersburg, PA and Altoona, PA.
1
Start on US 11
60 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Main Street
2
Turn slight right onto US 30
14 mi
·
21 min
·
Lincoln Way
3
Continue on US 30
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Lincoln Way West
4
Continue on US 30
21 mi
·
29 min
·
Lincoln Highway
5
Take the exit
362 ft
·
9 sec
Toward I 70 West, I 76: Turnpike
6
Continue on I 70
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
I 70
Toward I 70 West, I 76 West: Pittsburgh
8
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
15 mi
·
16 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Toward Altoona, Johnstown
Use the slight right lane.
10
Turn left onto US 220 BUS
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Business 220
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
13
Merge onto I 99; US 220
33 mi
·
35 min
·
I 99; US 220
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward 17th Street
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward Altoona
16
Turn straight onto 17th Street
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
17th Street
17
Turn right onto PA 764
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
6th Avenue
18
Turn left onto 7th Street
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
7th Street
19
Arrive at destination
7th Street
Trip Plan
Given its short duration of just under two hours, this drive offers a lot of flexibility. You can depart anytime, but leaving in the morning or early afternoon allows for maximum daylight upon arrival in Altoona. With only 92.9 miles and a fuel cost of approximately $15, you won't need many stops, but it's always wise to take a break during the 32.7-mile stretch on I-99 if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can sometimes be spaced out on certain highway sections in Pennsylvania. The 'mixed drive' profile means you might encounter varying speed limits, so stay aware of your surroundings.
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 46.4 miles from Chambersburg, PA, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.7 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 20 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 46.4 miles or 1h 6m 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 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Altoona, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chambersburg, PA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Chambersburg, PA
This is one driving day of about 92.9 miles and 1h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Chambersburg, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 99 for about 32.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 46.4 mi from Chambersburg, PA · 1h 6m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
46 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 46.4 miles from Chambersburg, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Altoona, PA
The final approach into Altoona, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.40 one way
$30.80 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
33 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $16.87 | $33.74 |
| premium | $4.93 | $18.02 | $36.03 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $20.51 | $41.02 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.01
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(15.5 mi)
$2.01
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
$15
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 27.9 | 0 | $9.75 | $4.46 |
| Efficient EV | 23.2 | 0 | $8.13 | $3.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 37.2 | 0 | $13.01 | $5.95 |
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Destination
Altoona, PA
Late night in Altoona on Thursday
Local time
12:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°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
17 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 59m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Chambersburg, PA to Altoona, PA covers 92.9 miles and takes about 1h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 99, Lincoln Highway, Pennsylvania Turnpike. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 46.4 miles from Chambersburg, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.40 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 92.9 miles you will encounter 12 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 38.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 40.3 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 56.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Chambersburg, PA to Altoona, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Johnstown along the way.
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