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Trip from Connellsville, PA to Philadelphia, PA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

5h 15m

Distance

273.5 mi

440 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$45

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 2m ★
6 AM
5h 15m
8 AM
5h 42m
10 AM
5h 25m
12 PM
5h 22m
3 PM
5h 26m
5 PM
5h 41m
8 PM
5h 7m

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

city in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States

Connellsville, PA

Wikimedia Commons

largest city in Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 273.4 miles across Pennsylvania, this trip from Connellsville to Philadelphia typically takes about 4 hours and 31 minutes of driving time. Since the entire journey is manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Budget approximately $44 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. You will head east from the Connellsville area, transitioning through the state via Pleasant Valley Road, I-70, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It is a straightforward transit across the Northeast, perfect for travelers looking to move efficiently between these two distinct parts of the state.

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

136.8 miles from Connellsville, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as the route relies on a mix of local roads and major turnpikes. While you will utilize I-70 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the initial segments on Pleasant Valley Road provide a more technical feel behind the wheel. Because the highway share is 0%, you should stay alert for frequent changes in road conditions and maneuvering requirements. There is no singular long, uninterrupted stretch here, meaning you will need to stay engaged as the route transitions from local pavement to major arterial highways.

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 236.3 miles.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

2,219 ft 45 ft

Total Climb

2,001 ft

Total Descent

2,876 ft

Highest Point

2,219 ft

~39.1 mi in

Elevation Range

2,175 ft

Notable High Points

2,219 ft at ~39.1 miles +501 ft prominence

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.4 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 273.5 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 17.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 254 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 272.1 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
17.4 mi into trip | ~27m in

Take the ramp toward PATP, I 70, I 76

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward PATP, I 70, I 76
8
254 mi into trip | ~4h 46m in | I 76

Take the exit onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia

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 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
8
272.1 mi into trip | ~5h 12m in | I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia

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

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadel...
6
272.9 mi into trip | ~5h 13m in

Take the exit toward Central Philadelphia

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward Central Philadelphia
9
273 mi into trip | ~5h 14m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia

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 Connellsville, PA to Philadelphia, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Patp along the way.

Patp

17.4 mi in | ~27m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 236.3 mi 4h 17m
I 76 18 mi 26m
Pleasant Valley Road 7.9 mi 13m
PA 31 6 mi 9m
US 119 2.7 mi 3m
Vine Street Expressway 0.8 mi 1m
Pittsburgh Street 0.5 mi 1m
North 15th Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 236.3 mi, about 4h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Connellsville, PA and Philadelphia, PA.

1

Start on Pittsburgh Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Pittsburgh Street
2

Turn right onto US 119; PA 711 Truck

2.7 mi · 3 min · US 119; PA 711 Truck
3

Take the exit

244 ft · 6 sec
4

Turn straight onto PA 982

7.9 mi · 13 min · Pleasant Valley Road
5

Turn right onto PA 31

6.0 mi · 9 min · PA 31
6

Turn slight left

0.2 mi · 33 sec
7

Turn left

28 ft · 3 sec
8

Take the ramp

493 ft · 12 sec
Toward PATP, I 70, I 76
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 35 sec
10

Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP

236 mi · 4 hr 17 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit onto I 76

18 mi · 26 min · I 76
Exit 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30

0.8 mi · 1 min · Vine Street Expressway
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
14

Keep slight right at fork

313 ft · 11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
15

Turn right onto North 15th Street

0.4 mi · 48 sec · North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
16

Turn slight left onto PA 611

379 ft · 8 sec · South Penn Square
17

Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square

167 ft · 2 sec · South Penn Square
18

Arrive at destination

South Penn Square

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 31 minute duration, planning for at least one dedicated stop will keep you refreshed behind the wheel. Aim to depart early in the morning to avoid potential congestion as you transition toward Philadelphia. Since your fuel costs are estimated at $44, keep an eye on your gauge while navigating the turn-heavy sections, as local roads can often lead to more stop-and-go driving than open highways. Flexibility is your biggest advantage on this route; if you find the local roads becoming tiring, prioritize your rest breaks early in the drive to ensure you reach your destination safely.

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 136.8 miles from Connellsville, PA, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 236.3 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 60 miles or 1h 14m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 136.8 miles or 2h 38m 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 14m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Connellsville, 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 Connellsville, PA

This is one driving day of about 273.5 miles and 5h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Connellsville, 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 236.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 136.8 mi from Connellsville, PA · 2h 38m into the drive

Downtown Smithsburg, MD, MD

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Smithsburg, MD

137 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

Berlin, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Smithsburg, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 136.8 miles from Connellsville, 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 236.3 miles.

Arriving in Philadelphia, PA

The final approach into Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, 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

$45.34 one way

$90.69 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 96 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $49.66 $99.32
premium $4.93 $53.04 $106.08
diesel $5.61 $60.39 $120.77

Estimated Tolls: $30.72

Pennsylvania Turnpike (236.3 mi) $30.72

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

$45

Tolls

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$101–$126

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 95.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 82.1 1 $28.72 $13.13
Efficient EV 68.4 0 $23.93 $10.94
EV Truck/SUV 109.4 1 $38.29 $17.50

Gas CO2

96 kg

EV CO2

32 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

Connellsville, PA

Evening in Connellsville on Wednesday

Local time

8:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Philadelphia, PA

Evening in Philadelphia on Wednesday

Local time

8:06 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

5h 15m 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 Connellsville, PA to Philadelphia, PA covers 273.5 miles and takes about 5h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 76, Pleasant Valley 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 136.8 miles from Connellsville, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.34 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 13 significant decision points across 273.5 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 17.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 254 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 272.1 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Connellsville, PA to Philadelphia, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Patp along the way.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 45 ft to 2,219 ft elevation with about 2,001 ft of total climbing. There is 1 notable high point along the way.

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