Embark on a 298.3-mile journey from Durham, PA, to Pittsburgh, PA, that will take approximately 5 hours and 57 minutes. This drive is primarily highway-focused, with 95% of the route utilizing major interstates like the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-78, and I-81. Given its manageable duration, this trip works well as a single-day adventure, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Expect a fuel cost of around $49 for this cross-Pennsylvania trek. The route offers a consistent driving experience as you traverse the Northeast region.
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
149.2 miles from Durham, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 6m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 57m. Total distance: 298.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive, meaning you'll spend the vast majority of your time on fast-paced interstates. With 95% of the route being highway, expect a smooth, uninterrupted flow for much of the trip. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is an impressive 170.5 miles along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. While largely consistent, the progression through Pennsylvania will offer a steady pace, ideal for covering distance efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 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 170.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 78. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.4 miles in near I 78.
Driving Effort10/10
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 22 significant decision points across 298.3 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 20.4 miles (I 78): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 110.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
20.4 mi into trip|~32m in|I 78
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78 toward I 78 West: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 78 West: Harrisburg
8
110.9 mi into trip|~2h 21m in
Take the exit toward US 11: New Kingstown, Middlesex
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 52
Toward US 11: New Kingstown, Middlesex
8
111.2 mi into trip|~2h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 11 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 11 South
7
112.7 mi into trip|~2h 25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh
8
283.5 mi into trip|~5h 33m in
Take the exit toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroeville
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 57
Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, Monroevil...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Durham, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Middlesex and Patp.
Middlesex
110.9 mi in|~2h 21m
Patp
112.2 mi in|~2h 24m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
170.5 mi
3h 7m
I 78
53.3 mi
1h 3m
I 81
36.6 mi
44m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
13.2 mi
18m
PA 309
9.6 mi
14m
Durham Road
3.1 mi
5m
Taylor Drive
2 mi
3m
Leithsville Road
2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 170.5 mi, about 3h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Durham, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.
1
Start on Old Furnace Road
54 ft·2 sec·Old Furnace Road
2
Continue on Durham Road
0.1 mi·32 sec·Durham Road
3
Continue on PA 212
3.0 mi·5 min·Durham Road
4
Continue on PA 212; PA 412
1.5 mi·2 min·Main Street
5
Turn right onto PA 412
0.6 mi·53 sec·Hellertown Road
6
Continue on PA 412
2.0 mi·3 min·Leithsville Road
7
Turn left onto Apples Church Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Apples Church Road
8
Continue on Taylor Drive
2.0 mi·3 min·Taylor Drive
9
Continue on Flint Hill Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Flint Hill Road
10
Turn right onto Passer Road
340 ft·9 sec·Passer Road
11
Turn right onto PA 309
3.4 mi·5 min·PA 309
12
Take the exit onto PA 309
6.2 mi·8 min·PA 309
Toward I 78 West, PA 309 North: Harrisburg, Tamaqua
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 78
Toward I 78 West: HarrisburgUse the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 1BToward I 81 South: Harrisburg
15
Merge onto I 81
37 mi·44 min·I 81
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·48 sec
Exit 52Toward US 11: New Kingstown, MiddlesexUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
201 ft·7 sec
Toward US 11 SouthUse the right lane.
18
Merge onto US 11
1.0 mi·2 min·Harrisburg Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 76, PATP
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·37 sec
Toward I 76 West: PittsburghUse the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto I 76; PATP
171 mi·3 hr 7 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
22
Take the exit
0.6 mi·2 min
Exit 57Toward I 376 West, US 22: Pittsburgh, MonroevilleUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 22 Business, I 376 West, US 22 West: Monroeville, Pittsburgh
24
Keep slight right at fork
353 ft·8 sec
Toward I 376 West, US 22 West: Pittsburgh
25
Merge onto I 376; US 22
13 mi·18 min·Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Use the slight left lane.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·38 sec
Exit 71BToward Second AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Turn straight onto Second Avenue
0.3 mi·41 sec·Second Avenue
28
At end of road, turn right onto Ross Street
0.2 mi·32 sec·Ross Street
29
Turn left onto Fifth Avenue
352 ft·10 sec·Fifth Avenue
30
Turn right onto Grant Street
513 ft·21 sec·Grant Street
Use the right lane.
31
Arrive at destination
Grant Street
Trip Plan
For this approximately 6-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Durham to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of over 170 miles, you can plan your breaks strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 170.5-mile segment on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as services can be spaced out. The $49 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to have a little extra buffer. This drive is easily manageable in one day, offering flexibility in your timing.
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 149.2 miles from Durham, PA, or about 3h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 170.5 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 66 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.2 miles or 3h 6m 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 50m
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 Durham, 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 Durham, PA
This is one driving day of about 298.3 miles and 5h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Durham, 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 170.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 149.2 mi from Durham, PA
· 3h 6m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument
National Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 113.2
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their live...
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...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 195.5
The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
Free
near mile 257.2
Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, a...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 10.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.45 one way
$98.91 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg104 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$54.16
$108.33
premium
$4.93
$57.85
$115.70
diesel
$5.61
$65.86
$131.72
Estimated Tolls: $22.17
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(170.5 mi)$22.17
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
$49
Tolls
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$97–$122
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
10 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
ChargeSmart EV Charging Station
Adamsburg, Pennsylvania
Other
1 DCFC
Autel Charging Station
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Other
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Somerset, Pennsylvania
Tesla
1 DCFC
Cochran Charging Station
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Other
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
Somerset, Pennsylvania
EV Connect
1 DCFC
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Other
1 DCFC
Other: 5
Tesla: 3
EV Connect: 1
Tesla Destination: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.5
1
$31.32
$14.32
Efficient EV
74.6
0
$26.10
$11.93
EV Truck/SUV
119.3
1
$41.76
$19.09
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (66% 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
Durham, PA
Late night
in Durham on Friday
Local time
2:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Pittsburgh, PA
Late night
in Pittsburgh on Friday
Local time
2:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Hancock, MD
149 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
5 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
5h 57m 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 Durham, PA to Pittsburgh, PA covers 298.3 miles and takes about 5h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 78, I 81. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 149.2 miles from Durham, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.45 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 22 significant decision points across 298.3 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 20.4 miles (I 78): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 110.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 111.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Durham, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Middlesex and Patp.
