Trip from Ellwood City, PA to Upper Darby, PA

Drive Time

6h 26m

Distance

337.9 mi

544 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$56

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
6h 14m ★
6 AM
6h 27m
8 AM
6h 51m
10 AM
6h 35m
12 PM
6h 33m
3 PM
6h 36m
5 PM
6h 50m
8 PM
6h 19m

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

Downtown Ellwood City, PA, PA

Ellwood City, PA

Jack Pace

Trip Overview

Traveling from Ellwood City to Upper Darby spans 337.7 miles and typically requires about 5 hours and 19 minutes of time behind the wheel. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a highway cruise, it is best approached as a full-day commitment. You should budget approximately $54 for fuel to cover the distance across the state. While it is certainly possible to complete this trip in one day, the nature of the local roads means you will spend significant time navigating rather than cruising at high speeds. Keep in mind that this journey remains entirely within Pennsylvania, moving across the Northeast region from start to finish.

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

169 miles from Ellwood City, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 9m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a very different experience than the typical interstate slog, as this route features a highway share of 0%. Instead of high-speed lanes, you will navigate a series of local roads including Fountain Avenue, 5th Street, and East Lawrence Avenue. The drive is defined by its turn-heavy character, requiring your full attention as you transition between local segments. Because the longest stretch on Fountain Avenue is 0 miles, you will find constant changes in your trajectory rather than long, monotonous straightaways. This is a technical drive that demands engagement, making it feel much more hands-on than a standard highway trek.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 314.2 miles.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

2,163 ft 56 ft

Total Climb

1,909 ft

Total Descent

2,740 ft

Highest Point

2,163 ft

~98.6 mi in

Elevation Range

2,107 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Mid-County Expressway. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near PA 65; PA 288; PA 351 Truck / Fountain Avenue.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 337.9 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: near the start (PA 65; PA 288; PA 351 Truck / Fountain Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.5 miles (PA 18 / Big Beaver Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 319.7 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | PA 65; PA 288; PA 351 Truck / Fountain Avenue

Turn right onto PA 65; PA 288; PA 351 Truck / Fountain Avenue

Navigation decision point

6
3.5 mi into trip | ~8m in | PA 18 / Big Beaver Boulevard

Turn left onto PA 18 / Big Beaver Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.
8
319.7 mi into trip | ~5h 53m in | I 76

Take the exit onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia

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 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
7
324.7 mi into trip | ~6h in

Take the exit toward I 476 South: Chester

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 331A Toward I 476 South: Chester
8
331.7 mi into trip | ~6h 11m in

Take the exit toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall

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 9 Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Ellwood City, PA to Upper Darby, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Philadelphia along the way.

Philadelphia

319.7 mi in | ~5h 53m | via I 76

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 314.2 mi 5h 41m
Mid-County Expressway 6.4 mi 8m
I 76 5.1 mi 7m
Lansdowne Avenue 3 mi 8m
West Chester Pike 2.5 mi 5m
Big Beaver Boulevard 1.8 mi 2m
River Road 1.7 mi 3m
East Lawrence Avenue 1.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 314.2 mi, about 5h 41m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ellwood City, PA and Upper Darby, PA.

1

Start on Keystone Way

36 ft · 4 sec · Keystone Way
2

Turn right onto PA 65; PA 288; PA 351 Truck

220 ft · 11 sec · Fountain Avenue
3

Turn left onto PA 351 Truck

0.2 mi · 33 sec · 5th Street
4

Turn right onto PA 351

1.3 mi · 3 min · East Lawrence Avenue
5

Continue on PA 351

1.7 mi · 3 min · River Road
6

Turn right onto PA 351

0.3 mi · 54 sec · Arthur Street
7

Turn left onto PA 18

1.6 mi · 2 min · Big Beaver Boulevard
Use the straight / left lanes.
8

Continue on PA 18

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Big Beaver Boulevard
9

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward I 76
10

Merge onto I 76; PATP

314 mi · 5 hr 41 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit onto I 76

5.1 mi · 7 min · I 76
Exit 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
12

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 331A Toward I 476 South: Chester Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 476

6.4 mi · 8 min · Mid-County Expressway
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 59 sec
Exit 9 Toward PA 3: Upper Darby, Broomall Use the slight right lane.
15

Turn left onto PA 3

2.5 mi · 5 min · West Chester Pike
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
16

Turn slight right onto Darby Road

471 ft · 13 sec · Darby Road
Use the right lane.
17

Continue on Lansdowne Avenue

3.0 mi · 8 min · Lansdowne Avenue
Use the straight lane.
18

Turn right onto West Providence Road

0.3 mi · 39 sec · West Providence Road
19

Arrive at destination

West Providence Road

Trip Plan

Given the local nature of these roads, plan for a steady pace and build in extra time for the frequent turns you will encounter. Since the entire 337.7-mile journey is best suited for a single, focused day of driving, try to depart early in the morning to avoid fatigue on the smaller roads. You are limited to just one recommended stop, so choose your break location wisely to stretch your legs before tackling the remainder of the route. Because you are avoiding major highways entirely, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as local road networks can sometimes have fewer service station options than the interstate system. Staying alert to navigation cues will be your greatest asset on this specific trek across Pennsylvania.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 169 miles from Ellwood City, PA, or about 3h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 314.2 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 80 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 169 miles or 3h 9m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 7m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Upper Darby, 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 337.9 miles and 6h 26m.

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.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Pennsylvania Turnpike for about 314.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 169 mi from Ellwood City, PA · 3h 9m into the drive

Downtown Cuba, NY, NY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cuba, NY

169 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

Lakewood, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cuba, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 169 miles from Ellwood City, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 314.2 miles.

Arriving in Upper Darby, PA

The final approach into Upper Darby, 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 Upper Darby, 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$55.91 one way

$111.83 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 118 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $61.18 $122.36
premium $4.92 $65.48 $130.96
diesel $5.64 $75.07 $150.14

Estimated Tolls: $40.85

Pennsylvania Turnpike (314.2 mi) $40.85

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

$56

Tolls

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$122–$147

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 118.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 101.4 1 $35.48 $16.22
Efficient EV 84.5 0 $29.57 $13.52
EV Truck/SUV 135.2 1 $47.31 $21.63

Gas CO2

118 kg

EV CO2

40 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Ellwood City, PA

Evening in Ellwood City on Sunday

Local time

6:08 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Upper Darby, PA

Evening in Upper Darby on Sunday

Local time

6:08 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

51°F

Cuba, NY

169 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

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

6h 26m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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 Upper Darby, PA covers 337.9 miles and takes about 6h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, Mid-County Expressway, I 76. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 169 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 $55.91 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 337.9 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: near the start (PA 65; PA 288; PA 351 Truck / Fountain Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.5 miles (PA 18 / Big Beaver Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 319.7 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Ellwood City, PA to Upper Darby, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Philadelphia along the way.

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