This 117.1-mile journey from Croydon, PA, to Rutherford, PA, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 17 minutes. Primarily using the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-283, this route is heavily highway-focused, making it ideal for a single-day trip. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $19, reflecting its efficient highway nature. Given its relatively short duration and the smooth progress you'll likely experience, there's no need to plan for an overnight stay. This trip is a convenient option for travel within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
58.6 miles from Croydon, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 8m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 17m. Total distance: 117.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 117.1-mile route, with 92% of it on major roadways like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-283. You'll encounter a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 103.7 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering a consistent driving pace. While the majority of the drive is on high-speed highways, be aware that you will transition onto local roads as you approach your destination in Rutherford. This profile suggests a primarily efficient and direct drive with a gradual shift in road character closer to the end.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 103.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Street Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.2 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 117.1 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 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
6.2 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 276, PATP
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 276, PATP
8
6.8 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown
8
110.7 mi into trip|~2h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 283, PA 283: Harrisburg, Hershey
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 247
Toward I 283, PA 283: Harrisburg, Hershey
7
113.5 mi into trip|~2h 9m in|I 283
Keep slight right at fork onto I 283 toward I 83 North, US 322
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 3B-C
Toward I 83 North, US 322
9
113.7 mi into trip|~2h 9m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 322 East: Hershey
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3C
Toward US 322 East: Hershey
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Croydon, PA and Rutherford, PA, road signs point toward Patp, Allentown and Hershey.
Patp
6.2 mi in|~10m
Allentown
6.8 mi in|~12m
Hershey
110.7 mi in|~2h 4m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
103.7 mi
1h 51m
Street Road
4.2 mi
7m
I 283
2.8 mi
4m
US 322
1.8 mi
2m
State Road
1.6 mi
3m
Derry Street
0.6 mi
1m
Lincoln Highway
0.3 mi
<1m
North 69th Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 103.7 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Croydon, PA and Rutherford, PA.
1
Start on State Road
1.6 mi·3 min·State Road
2
Turn right onto Street Road
4.2 mi·7 min·Street Road
Use the right lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 1 North: Trenton
4
Merge onto US 1
0.3 mi·26 sec·Lincoln Highway
Toward US 1 North: Morrisville
5
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 276, PATPUse the right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, AllentownUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 276; PATP
104 mi·1 hr 51 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Exit 247Toward I 283, PA 283: Harrisburg, HersheyUse the slight right lane.
9
Continue on I 283
2.5 mi·3 min·I 283
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 283
0.2 mi·30 sec·I 283
Exit 3B-CToward I 83 North, US 322
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 3CToward US 322 East: HersheyUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto US 322
1.8 mi·2 min·US 322
13
Turn left onto Mushroom Hill Road
0.2 mi·27 sec·Mushroom Hill Road
14
At end of road, turn left onto Grayson Road
0.1 mi·15 sec·Grayson Road
15
Turn right onto South 63rd Street
0.2 mi·21 sec·South 63rd Street
16
Turn right onto Derry Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Derry Street
17
Turn left onto North 69th Street
0.2 mi·53 sec·North 69th Street
18
Turn right onto Somerset Street
173 ft·13 sec·Somerset Street
19
Turn left onto Rudy Alley
364 ft·26 sec·Rudy Alley
20
Arrive at destination
Rudy Alley
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour and 17-minute duration, starting your drive from Croydon, PA, in the morning will allow ample time to reach Rutherford, PA, without feeling rushed. The 117.1-mile trip has a fuel cost estimate of $19, so ensure your tank is full before departing to maximize your time on the road. While there are no designated stops in the data, planning a brief pause on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, especially during the 103.7-mile stretch, could be beneficial for stretching. Given the highway-focused nature, pay attention to the transition from high-speed travel to local roads as you near Rutherford.
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 58.6 miles from Croydon, PA, or about 1h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.7 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 26 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.6 miles or 1h 8m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rutherford, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Croydon, 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 Croydon, PA
This is one driving day of about 117.1 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Croydon, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Pennsylvania Turnpike for about 103.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 58.6 mi from Croydon, PA
· 1h 8m into the drive
The midpoint is around 58.6 miles from Croydon, 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 103.7 miles.
Arriving in Rutherford, PA
The final approach into Rutherford, 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 Rutherford, 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
$19.41 one way
$38.83 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg41 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$21.26
$42.52
premium
$4.93
$22.71
$45.42
diesel
$5.61
$25.85
$51.71
Estimated Tolls: $13.48
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(103.7 mi)$13.48
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
$19
Tolls
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
35.1
0
$12.30
$5.62
Efficient EV
29.3
0
$10.25
$4.68
EV Truck/SUV
46.8
0
$16.39
$7.49
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (66% 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 as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Croydon, PA
Morning
in Croydon on Friday
Local time
6:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 15 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 3:08PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Rutherford, PA
Morning
in Rutherford on Friday
Local time
6:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°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
23 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
2h 17m 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 Croydon, PA to Rutherford, PA covers 117.1 miles and takes about 2h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, Street Road, I 283. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 58.6 miles from Croydon, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.41 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 is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 117.1 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 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Croydon, PA and Rutherford, PA, road signs point toward Patp, Allentown and Hershey.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
