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Trip from Emsworth, PA to Erie, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 20m

Distance

122 mi

196 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 10m ★
6 AM
2h 20m
8 AM
2h 39m
10 AM
2h 27m
12 PM
2h 25m
3 PM
2h 28m
5 PM
2h 38m
8 PM
2h 14m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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borough of Pennsylvania

Emsworth, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Erie, PA, PA

Erie, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 122-mile drive from Emsworth, PA to Erie, PA is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. With 95% of the route on highways, it's an efficient trip perfect for a single day. The estimated fuel cost is around $20, making it an economical option. You'll spend most of your time on I-79, traversing familiar Northeast regions of Pennsylvania. This route is ideal if you're looking for a quick, no-fuss connection between these two cities, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

61 miles from Emsworth, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 9m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 79 116 mi 2h 7m
West 12th Street 2.3 mi 4m
Ohio River Boulevard 1.7 mi 3m
Kilbuck Street 0.6 mi <1m
State Street 0.4 mi 1m
Lowry Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 79 — 116 mi, about 2h 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Emsworth, PA and Erie, PA.

1

Start on Lowry Avenue

81 ft · 8 sec · Lowry Avenue
2

Turn left onto PA 65

1.7 mi · 3 min · Ohio River Boulevard
3

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 79 North: Erie
4

Turn right onto Kilbuck Street

0.6 mi · 51 sec · Kilbuck Street
5

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward I 79: Erie
6

Merge onto I 79

116 mi · 2 hr 7 min · I 79
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 49 sec
Exit 183A Toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street
8

Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290

2.3 mi · 4 min · West 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Turn left onto State Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · State Street
Use the left lane.
10

Arrive at destination

State Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 20 minutes, this trip is best enjoyed as a single-day excursion. Aim to depart Emsworth in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic and maximize your daylight hours. With only 122 miles, you won't need to plan for extensive stops, but keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 116-mile stretch on I-79. The estimated fuel cost of $20 is a helpful budgeting tool. Since there are no mandated stops in the data, your flexibility is key to enjoying this direct connection.

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 61 miles from Emsworth, PA, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116 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 27 miles or 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61 miles or 1h 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 1h 52m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Erie, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Emsworth, 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 Emsworth, PA

This is one driving day of about 122 miles and 2h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Emsworth, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 79 for about 116 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Shenango, PA, PA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Shenango, PA

61 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

Ellwood City, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Shenango, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 61 miles from Emsworth, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 79 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 116 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Severina Restaurant and Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+14129393610

Fabs Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania

2.8 mi

Severina Restaurant and Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+14129393610

Rainbow Valley Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.7

Hadley, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17242532208

Visit website

Fabs Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania

Hours: 3–8 pm

+14125039090

Visit website

Royal Myanmar Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+14124153380

Visit website

Camelot Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 43.6

Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

Hours: 5 am–3 pm

+17247945005

Visit website

Valenza Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.1

Meadville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18147241222

Visit website

Five Stars | Honduras Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+14123297978

Visit website

The Factory Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.1

Saegertown, Pennsylvania

Hours: 6 am–1:30 pm

+18147633517

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Bicentennial Tower

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 122

Erie, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+18144347376

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 121.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the exit toward I 79 North: Erie

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I 79 North: Erie
5
3 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 79

Merge onto I 79

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
119 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in

Take the exit toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 183A Toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street
5
119.3 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in | PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street

Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
121.6 mi into trip | ~2h 18m in | State Street

Turn left onto State Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.23 one way

$40.45 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $22.15 $44.30
premium $4.93 $23.66 $47.32
diesel $5.61 $26.94 $53.87

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 42.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.6 0 $12.81 $5.86
Efficient EV 30.5 0 $10.67 $4.88
EV Truck/SUV 48.8 0 $17.08 $7.81

Gas CO2

43 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Emsworth, PA

Afternoon in Emsworth on Saturday

Local time

3:15 PM

EDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Erie, PA

Afternoon in Erie on Saturday

Local time

3:15 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 10 to 15 mph 83% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA

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

19 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

2h 20m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway experience on this 122-mile trip, with 95% of your drive taking place on major roads like I-79 and Ohio River Boulevard. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 116 miles on I-79, offering a consistent pace. While primarily a highway-focused drive, there will be transitions onto local roads like West 12th Street as you approach Erie. This route offers a predictable driving experience, ideal for covering ground efficiently.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
10 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 116 mi on I 79.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 79 and West 12th Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 20m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 3 miles (I 79): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 119 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Erie, PA

Full guide →

Erie is a city of about 100,000 in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It is Pennsylvania's only lake port on the Great Lakes (Lake Erie).

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 20m. Total distance: 122 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 116 miles on I 79. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 3 miles (I 79): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 119 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Erie, PA before heading back.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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