Trip from Croydon, PA to Sunbury, PA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

2h 59m

Distance

145.4 mi

234 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min

4 AM

2h 48m ★

6 AM

2h 59m

8 AM

3h 22m

10 AM

3h 7m

12 PM

3h 5m

3 PM

3h 8m

5 PM

3h 21m

8 PM

2h 52m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

city in western Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States

Sunbury, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 145.4-mile drive from Croydon, PA, to Sunbury, PA, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take just under 3 hours. You'll primarily navigate via the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and the William Penn Highway, with a significant portion on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. With a fuel cost around $24, this route offers a straightforward journey through Pennsylvania's Northeast region. The 'Mixed drive' profile suggests a varied experience, making it an efficient option for a quick getaway or a practical transit between these two points.

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

72.7 miles from Croydon, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a mixed driving experience on this route, with 54% of the journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 36.7 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, offering a chance to maintain a consistent speed. While the Pennsylvania Turnpike can feel like a straightforward interstate cruise, the inclusion of the William Penn Highway hints at more varied road conditions, potentially transitioning to more local or scenic stretches as you progress toward Sunbury.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 34 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 36.7 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 6.2 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 145.4 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 24.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

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

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

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

24.1 mi into trip | ~31m 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

61.2 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in

Take the exit toward I 78, US 22, PA 309: Allentown, Harrisburg

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 56 Toward I 78, US 22, PA 309: Allentown, Harrisbu...

85.1 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in

Take the exit toward PA 61 North: Pottsville

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 29 Toward PA 61 North: Pottsville

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 Sunbury, PA, road signs point toward Allentown and Harrisburg.

Allentown

24.1 mi in | ~31m

Harrisburg

61.2 mi in | ~1h 11m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension	36.7 mi	39m
William Penn Highway	21.7 mi	26m
Pennsylvania Turnpike	17.1 mi	18m
Locust Gap Highway	11.5 mi	13m
PA 61	11.3 mi	13m
Centre Turnpike	10.6 mi	12m
Sunbury Road	9.4 mi	11m
Street Road	4.2 mi	7m

Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension — 36.7 mi, about 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Croydon, PA and Sunbury, PA.

Start on State Road

1.6 mi · 3 min · State Road

Turn right onto Street Road

4.2 mi · 7 min · Street Road

Use the right lane.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Toward US 1 North: Trenton

Merge onto US 1

0.3 mi · 26 sec · Lincoln Highway

Toward US 1 North: Morrisville

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 276, PATP Use the right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Toward I 276 Toll West: Harrisburg, Allentown Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 276; PATP

17 mi · 18 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec

Toward I 476: Chester, Allentown Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Toward I 476 North: Allentown

Merge onto I 476; PATP

37 mi · 39 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 3 min

Exit 56 Toward I 78, US 22, PA 309: Allentown, Harrisburg Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto US 22

1.1 mi · 1 min · Lehigh Valley Thruway

Merge onto I 78; US 22

22 mi · 26 min · William Penn Highway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Exit 29 Toward PA 61 North: Pottsville Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Exit 29 Toward PA 61 North: Pottsville

Merge onto PA 61

2.4 mi · 3 min · Pottsville Pike

Use the straight lane.

Continue on PA 61

11 mi · 12 min · Centre Turnpike

Use the straight lane.

Continue on PA 61

3.0 mi · 3 min · Route 61 South

Continue on PA 61

0.3 mi · 18 sec · Pottsville Boulevard

Continue on PA 61

0.2 mi · 20 sec · South Claude A. Lord Boulevard

Turn left onto US 209

0.1 mi · 10 sec · Mauch Chunk Street

At end of road, turn right onto US 209

0.4 mi · 38 sec · South Centre Street

Turn left onto US 209

2.3 mi · 4 min · West Market Street

Continue on US 209; PA 901

1.8 mi · 2 min · Pottsville Minersville Highway

Use the straight lane.

At end of road, turn left onto PA 901

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Sunbury Street

Continue on PA 901

9.4 mi · 11 min · Sunbury Road

Continue on PA 901

2.2 mi · 2 min · Fairgrounds Road

Continue on PA 901

0.3 mi · 43 sec · Locust Gap Highway

Continue on PA 54; PA 901

11 mi · 13 min · Locust Gap Highway

Continue on PA 54

1.5 mi · 1 min · South Market Street

Turn left onto PA 487

2.3 mi · 3 min · West Valley Avenue

Turn right onto PA 61

11 mi · 13 min · PA 61

Turn right onto North 2nd Street

67 ft · 3 sec · North 2nd Street

Arrive at destination

North 2nd Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 59-minute duration and 145.4-mile length, this trip is best suited for a single day. Consider an early morning departure from Croydon to maximize your time and potentially avoid heavier traffic on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short drive, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension is 36.7 miles, meaning you'll want to ensure you're adequately fueled before embarking on that segment.

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.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 72.7 miles from Croydon, PA, or about 1h 27m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.7 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 32 miles or 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 72.7 miles or 1h 27m 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 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sunbury, 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 145.4 miles and 2h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Croydon, 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 36.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 72.7 mi from Croydon, PA · 1h 27m into the drive

city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hazleton, PA

73 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

Norristown, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Allentown, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 72.7 miles from Croydon, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Sunbury, PA

The final approach into Sunbury, 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 Sunbury, PA.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.11 one way

$48.21 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.61	$26.40	$52.80
premium	$4.93	$28.20	$56.40
diesel	$5.61	$32.10	$64.20

Estimated Tolls: $7.81

Pennsylvania Turnpike (53.8 mi) $6.99

Centre Turnpike (10.6 mi) $0.74

Lehigh Valley Thruway (1.1 mi) $0.08

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

$24

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	43.6	$15.27	$6.98
Efficient EV	36.4	$12.72	$5.82
EV Truck/SUV	58.2	$20.36	$9.31

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Croydon, PA

Evening in Croydon on Wednesday

Local time

8:17 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sunbury, PA

Evening in Sunbury on Wednesday

Local time

8:17 PM

EDT

Current temp

45°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

2 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 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 Croydon, PA to Sunbury, PA covers 145.4 miles and takes about 2h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, William Penn Highway, Pennsylvania Turnpike. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 72.7 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 $24.11 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.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.