Origin
Ellwood City, PA
Evening in Ellwood City on Sunday
Local time
8:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ellwood City, PA to Pittsburgh, PA
Drive Time
56m
Distance
38.6 mi
62 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 52m
★
6 AM
0h 57m
8 AM
1h 6m
10 AM
1h 0m
12 PM
0h 59m
3 PM
1h 1m
5 PM
1h 6m
8 PM
0h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ellwood City, PA
Jack Pace
Pittsburgh, PA
LaMont L. Johnson
Trip Overview
If you are looking to travel from Ellwood City to Pittsburgh, you are in for a quick 40.7-mile journey that typically takes about 48 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, as it is short enough to complete in under an hour without needing an overnight stay. You should expect to spend roughly $7 on fuel for the entire drive. Because this trip stays entirely within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, you will not face major shifts in climate or terrain. It is a straightforward, local commute that offers plenty of flexibility for your schedule. Whether you are heading into the city for business or a quick visit, this drive provides a practical and efficient connection.
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
19.3 miles from Ellwood City, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 30m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route contains zero highway miles. You will navigate through Fountain Avenue, 2nd Street, and the Ellwood-Zelienople Road, keeping your focus on the road ahead. Since the longest stretch without a turn is zero miles on Fountain Avenue, you will find yourself navigating constant adjustments rather than settling into a long, straight-line rhythm. This path is defined by its local character, requiring your full attention as you transition between these specific roads. The lack of highway speed means you get a more intimate look at the local landscape, though you should be prepared for a more technical driving experience.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 79 is the longest continuous segment at about 11.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 79 and Parkway North. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.5 miles in near PA 528 / Lindsay Road.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 38.6 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 13.5 miles (PA 528 / Lindsay Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.6 miles (I 279 / Parkway North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 37 miles (I 579): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
13.5 mi into trip
|
~22m in
|
PA 528 / Lindsay Road
Turn left onto PA 528 / Lindsay Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
25.6 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
I 279 / Parkway North
Keep slight left at fork onto I 279 / Parkway North toward I 279: Pittsburgh
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 72
Toward I 279: Pittsburgh
7
37 mi into trip
|
~53m in
|
I 579
Keep slight right at fork onto I 579 toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge
7
37.9 mi into trip
|
~54m in
Take the exit toward 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue
6
38.2 mi into trip
|
~55m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PPG Arena, 6th Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PPG Arena, 6th Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 79 | 11.8 mi | 13m |
| Parkway North | 11.4 mi | 15m |
| Ellwood-Zelienople Road | 4.4 mi | 7m |
| Zelienople Road | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| Perry Highway | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| West New Castle Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| South Main Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| I 579 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 79
— 11.8 mi, about 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ellwood City, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.
1
Start on Keystone Way
36 ft
·
7 sec
·
Keystone Way
2
Turn left onto PA 65; PA 288; PA 351 Truck
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Fountain Avenue
3
Turn right onto PA 65; PA 288; PA 351 Truck
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
2nd Street
4
Continue on PA 65; PA 288
4.4 mi
·
7 min
·
Ellwood-Zelienople Road
5
Continue on PA 288
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Zelienople Road
6
Continue on PA 288
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West New Castle Street
7
Turn right onto US 19; PA 68
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on US 19
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Perry Highway
Use the straight lane.
9
Turn left onto PA 528
357 ft
·
7 sec
·
Lindsay Road
Use the left lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 79 South: Pittsburgh
Use the right lane.
11
Merge onto I 79
12 mi
·
13 min
·
I 79
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 279
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Parkway North
Exit 72
Toward I 279: Pittsburgh
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 579
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
I 579
Toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
502 ft
·
14 sec
Toward PPG Arena, 6th Avenue
16
Turn straight onto Bigelow Boulevard
224 ft
·
3 sec
·
Bigelow Boulevard
17
Continue on Bigelow Square
386 ft
·
6 sec
·
Bigelow Square
Toward 6th Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
18
Turn right onto Sixth Avenue
347 ft
·
11 sec
·
Sixth Avenue
19
Turn left onto Grant Street
296 ft
·
22 sec
·
Grant Street
20
Continue on Grant Street
254 ft
·
13 sec
·
Grant Street
21
Arrive at destination
Grant Street
Trip Plan
Because this is a short trip, you have the advantage of total scheduling flexibility, though leaving outside of peak traffic hours will help ensure you maintain that 48-minute estimate. Since there are no designated stops scheduled along this 40.7-mile route, it is best to fuel up your vehicle in Ellwood City before you depart to keep your $7 fuel budget on track. Keep a close eye on your navigation while moving through the turn-heavy sections of Fountain Avenue and 2nd Street to avoid missing a turn. You do not need to worry about pacing for long-distance fatigue, but staying alert remains critical due to the frequent transitions between local roads. Plan for a direct, efficient drive and enjoy the convenience of this rapid connection between the two points.
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 19.3 miles from Ellwood City, PA, or about 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 11.8 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 38.6 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 19.3 miles or 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 47m
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 Ellwood City, 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 Ellwood City, PA
This is one driving day of about 38.6 miles and 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ellwood City, 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 I 79 for about 11.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 19.3 mi from Ellwood City, PA · 30m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
19 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
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
$6.39 one way
$12.77 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
14 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $6.99 | $13.98 |
| premium | $4.92 | $7.48 | $14.96 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $8.58 | $17.15 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 13.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 11.6 | 0 | $4.05 | $1.85 |
| Efficient EV | 9.7 | 0 | $3.38 | $1.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 15.4 | 0 | $5.40 | $2.47 |
Gas CO2
14 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (64% 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
Evening in Pittsburgh on Sunday
Local time
8:43 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
52°F
Mina, NY
19 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
56m 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 Ellwood City, PA to Pittsburgh, PA covers 38.6 miles and takes about 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 79, Parkway North, Ellwood-Zelienople Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 19.3 miles from Ellwood City, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.39 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 14 significant decision points across 38.6 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 13.5 miles (PA 528 / Lindsay Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 25.6 miles (I 279 / Parkway North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 37 miles (I 579): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Ellwood City, PA to Pittsburgh, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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