Origin
Donora, PA
Late night in Donora on Wednesday
Local time
2:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Donora, PA to Pittsburgh, PA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
50m
Distance
28.9 mi
47 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 46m
★
6 AM
0h 50m
8 AM
0h 59m
10 AM
0h 53m
12 PM
0h 52m
3 PM
0h 54m
5 PM
0h 58m
8 PM
0h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Donora, PA
Haneul Trac
Pittsburgh, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This quick 28.9-mile trip from Donora, PA to Pittsburgh, PA will take you about 50 minutes to complete. It's an easy one-day drive, so no need for an overnight stay. With a projected fuel cost of $5, it's an economical option for exploring the Northeast region. The route primarily utilizes local roads like Brownsville Road Extension and Brownsville Road, with a portion on the Mon/Fayette Expressway. Expect a turn-heavy local drive that offers a straightforward connection between these two Pennsylvania locations.
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
14.5 miles from Donora, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 19m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This is a turn-heavy local drive, so be prepared for frequent adjustments. While 28% of the route is on highways, including an 8-mile stretch on the Mon/Fayette Expressway, much of your journey will be on more winding local roads. The character of the drive shifts from expressway to more urban and suburban settings as you approach Pittsburgh. You'll experience a mix of faster-paced sections and slower, more involved driving through communities.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Mon/Fayette Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 28.9 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 13.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.1 miles (Brownsville Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.7 miles (Brownsville Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
13.6 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Take the exit toward West Elizabeth, Finleyville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 48
Toward West Elizabeth, Finleyville
6
20.1 mi into trip
|
~31m in
|
Brownsville Road
At end of road, turn left onto Brownsville Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
20.7 mi into trip
|
~32m in
|
Brownsville Road
Turn left onto Brownsville Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
26.6 mi into trip
|
~45m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
28.8 mi into trip
|
~49m in
|
Grant Street
Turn right onto Grant Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Donora, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Elizabeth and Finleyville.
Elizabeth
13.6 mi in
|
~17m
Finleyville
13.6 mi in
|
~17m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mon/Fayette Expressway | 8 mi | 8m |
| Brownsville Road Extension | 3.9 mi | 7m |
| Brownsville Road | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| Saw Mill Run Boulevard | 2.6 mi | 5m |
| McKean Avenue | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| Monogahela Avenue | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| McChain Road | 1.8 mi | 4m |
| Provost Road | 1.3 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Mon/Fayette Expressway
— 8 mi, about 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Donora, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.
1
Start on PA 837
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
McKean Avenue
2
At end of road, turn left onto PA 837
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Monogahela Avenue
3
Turn left onto PA 88
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
Country Club Road
4
Turn right onto Coyle Curtin Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Coyle Curtin Road
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
6
Merge onto PA Tpke 43
8.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Mon/Fayette Expressway
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
Exit 48
Toward West Elizabeth, Finleyville
8
Turn left onto Finleyville Elrama Road
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
Finleyville Elrama Road
9
Turn right onto McChain Road
70 ft
·
1 sec
·
McChain Road
10
Keep slight left at fork onto McChain Road
1.7 mi
·
4 min
·
McChain Road
11
Turn straight onto Brownsville Road Extension
3.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Brownsville Road Extension
12
At end of road, turn left onto Brownsville Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Brownsville Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn left onto Brownsville Road
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Brownsville Road
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on Provost Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Provost Road
15
Continue on Provost Road
202 ft
·
7 sec
·
Provost Road
16
Turn left onto PA 51
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
Saw Mill Run Boulevard
17
Continue on PA 51; Blue Belt
2.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Saw Mill Run Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on this road
361 ft
·
12 sec
·
this road
20
Turn right onto Liberty Tunnels
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Liberty Tunnels
Use the right lane.
21
Continue on Liberty Bridge
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
·
Liberty Bridge
22
Turn straight onto Crosstown Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Crosstown Boulevard
23
Continue on Sixth Avenue
366 ft
·
16 sec
·
Sixth Avenue
24
Turn left onto Fifth Avenue
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Fifth Avenue
25
Turn right onto Grant Street
513 ft
·
21 sec
·
Grant Street
Use the right lane.
26
Arrive at destination
Grant Street
Trip Plan
Given the short 50-minute duration, this drive offers a lot of flexibility. You can easily depart Donora, PA, at your leisure, perhaps after a morning coffee. Since there are no recommended stops and the longest stretch is only 8 miles, you won't need to worry about extended breaks. Keep an eye out for the transitions between the Mon/Fayette Expressway and the local roads, as this is where the driving style changes most noticeably. The $5 fuel cost means you'll likely start with plenty of gas for this short hop to Pittsburgh, PA.
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 14.5 miles from Donora, PA, or about 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 8 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 28.9 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 14.5 miles or 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pittsburgh, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Donora, 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 Donora, PA
This is one driving day of about 28.9 miles and 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Donora, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Mon/Fayette Expressway for about 8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 14.5 mi from Donora, PA · 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
14 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 28.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 14.5 miles from Donora, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Pittsburgh, PA
The final approach into Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, 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
$4.79 one way
$9.58 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
10 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $5.25 | $10.50 |
| premium | $4.93 | $5.60 | $11.21 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $6.38 | $12.76 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.56
Mon/Fayette Expressway
(8 mi)
$0.56
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
$5
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 10.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 70% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 8.7 | 0 | $3.03 | $1.39 |
| Efficient EV | 7.2 | 0 | $2.53 | $1.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 11.6 | 0 | $4.05 | $1.85 |
Gas CO2
10 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (70% 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
Pittsburgh, PA
Late night in Pittsburgh on Wednesday
Local time
2:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Mina, NY
14 mi in
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
50m 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 Donora, PA to Pittsburgh, PA covers 28.9 miles and takes about 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Mon/Fayette Expressway, Brownsville Road Extension, Brownsville Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 14.5 miles from Donora, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $4.79 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 16 significant decision points across 28.9 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 13.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.1 miles (Brownsville Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.7 miles (Brownsville Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Between Donora, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Elizabeth and Finleyville.
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