Delaware, PA to Altoona, PA is 220.4 miles and takes about 4h 26m via Keystone Shortway and I-99, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you across Pennsylvania, staying within the Northeast region, and is a good option for a single-day journey. Expect a turn-heavy local drive for much of the way, with a significant portion on the Keystone Shortway. Consider this route if you're looking for a straightforward drive with a manageable duration and a clear fuel estimate.
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
110.2 miles from Delaware, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 19m into the drive
.
Delaware has beautiful beaches and parks. The more popular beaches are in: Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach. Most parks in Delaware's very extensive and well maintained park system are free or low-cost. The First State National Historical Park a group of historical sites that cover the early colonial history of Delaware and the role Delaware played in the establishment of the United States, leading up to it being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
It is one of the smallest states in the United States. It has beautiful beaches, and activities vary from business-friendly Wilmington to the rural southern parts of the state.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 26m. Total distance: 220.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (17%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This drive is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll encounter numerous turns and transitions rather than a steady interstate cruise. With only 17% of the route on highways, you'll spend most of your time on local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 148.3 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a period of more consistent travel before you transition back to more varied road conditions. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that requires active navigation.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Keystone Shortway is the longest continuous segment at about 148.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 18.3 miles in near I 80 / Keystone Shortway.
Driving Effort5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 220.4 miles you will encounter 14 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 18.3 miles (I 80 / Keystone Shortway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 166.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.9 miles (US 220; PA 26 / Jacksonville Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
18.3 mi into trip|~34m in|I 80 / Keystone Shortway
Merge onto I 80 / Keystone Shortway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
166.6 mi into trip|~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 161
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefo...
5
166.9 mi into trip|~3h 23m in|US 220; PA 26 / Jacksonville Road
Turn left onto US 220; PA 26 / Jacksonville Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
191.1 mi into trip|~3h 52m in|I 99; US 220
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda,...
5
218.7 mi into trip|~4h 24m in|6th Avenue Road
At end of road, turn left onto 6th Avenue Road
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
148.3 mi
2h 47m
Jacksonville Road
24.2 mi
28m
I 99
23.3 mi
24m
US 209
15.2 mi
28m
Seven Bridge Road
3.1 mi
6m
East Pleasant Valley Boulevard
2.8 mi
4m
Greenwood Road
0.6 mi
1m
6th Avenue Road
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 148.3 mi, about 2h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Delaware, PA and Altoona, PA.
1
Start on US 209
15 mi·28 min·US 209
2
Enter roundabout onto US 209
176 ft·6 sec·Seven Bridge Road
3
Continue on US 209
3.1 mi·5 min·Seven Bridge Road
4
Keep slight right at fork onto US 209
0.3 mi·36 sec·US 209
5
Merge onto I 80
3.6 mi·5 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
145 mi·2 hr 42 min·Keystone Shortway
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·53 sec
Exit 161Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
8
Turn left onto US 220; PA 26
24 mi·28 min·Jacksonville Road
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220
23 mi·24 min·I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward PA 764 South: Pinecroft
11
Turn right onto PA 764
0.5 mi·52 sec·Sabbath Rest Road
12
Turn left onto US 220 Business; PA 764
2.8 mi·4 min·East Pleasant Valley Boulevard
13
Turn right onto PA 764
174 ft·3 sec·Rutgers Lane
14
Continue on PA 764
0.1 mi·14 sec·East Walton Avenue
15
Turn right onto Greenwood Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Greenwood Road
16
At end of road, turn left onto 6th Avenue Road
0.6 mi·53 sec·6th Avenue Road
17
Continue on East 6th Avenue
0.3 mi·22 sec·East 6th Avenue
18
Continue on Bellwood Avenue
0.2 mi·19 sec·Bellwood Avenue
19
Turn slight left onto PA 764
0.4 mi·43 sec·7th Avenue
20
Turn right onto 7th Street
0.1 mi·11 sec·7th Street
21
Arrive at destination
7th Street
Trip Plan
Since this trip is estimated at just over 4 hours, it's perfectly doable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for any unexpected delays. While there's only one recommended stop, you'll have flexibility to pull over as needed, especially given the turn-heavy nature of the route. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the estimated cost is $37, local roads can sometimes mean fewer readily available gas stations compared to major interstates. Pay close attention to signage, particularly as you navigate the transitions between the Keystone Shortway and other local roads.
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 110.2 miles from Delaware, PA, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.3 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 48 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 110.2 miles or 2h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware, PA
This is one driving day of about 220.4 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Delaware, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 148.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 110.2 mi from Delaware, PA
· 2h 19m into the drive
The midpoint is around 111.2 miles from Delaware, 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.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Altoona, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
$10
Park Closure: Old Mine Road North Construction Closure Begins April 6, 2026
Park Closure: Dingmans Falls Trail, Road, and Access Closed for Bridge Replacement
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
23 mi from route
~58 min detour
Free
near mile 222.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.54 one way
$73.08 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$40.02
$80.04
premium
$4.93
$42.74
$85.49
diesel
$5.61
$48.66
$97.32
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.1
0
$23.14
$10.58
Efficient EV
55.1
0
$19.29
$8.82
EV Truck/SUV
88.2
1
$30.86
$14.11
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Delaware, PA
Afternoon
in Delaware on Saturday
Local time
12:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Altoona, PA
Afternoon
in Altoona on Saturday
Local time
12:08 PM
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
6 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
4h 26m 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 Delaware, PA to Altoona, PA covers 220.4 miles and takes about 4h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, Jacksonville Road, I 99. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 110.2 miles from Delaware, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.54 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 220.4 miles you will encounter 14 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 18.3 miles (I 80 / Keystone Shortway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 166.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.9 miles (US 220; PA 26 / Jacksonville Road): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Delaware, PA to Altoona, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
