Erie to Avon is 337.6 miles and takes about 6h 29m via Keystone Shortway and I 81, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, traversing the Northeast region from start to finish. Expect a route that involves frequent turns and a variety of road types, making it more of a local exploration than a straight highway shot. With only one recommended stop and a manageable duration, this trip is well-suited for a single-day journey, offering a chance to experience different stretches of Pennsylvania's roadways.
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
168.8 miles from Erie, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
204.4 mi
3h 39m
Raymond P Shafer Highway
66.8 mi
1h 11m
I 81
11.6 mi
13m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Elysburg Road
9.7 mi
11m
Mount Zion Road
7.8 mi
14m
Sunbury Road
4.3 mi
4m
Continental Boulevard
2.9 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 204.4 mi, about 3h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Erie, PA and Avon, PA.
1
Start on State Street
0.4 mi·1 min·State Street
2
Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290
2.0 mi·4 min·West 12th Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn right onto Greengarden Boulevard
0.1 mi·23 sec·Greengarden Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto West Bayfront Parkway
0.2 mi·20 sec·West Bayfront Parkway
5
Continue on I 79
67 mi·1 hr 11 min·Raymond P Shafer Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·59 sec
Toward I 80 East: Clarion
7
Merge onto I 80
204 mi·3 hr 39 min·Keystone Shortway
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
9
Turn slight left
79 ft·2 sec
10
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
12
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi·49 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
13
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
15
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
16
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
17
Continue on PA 901
4.3 mi·4 min·Sunbury Road
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
19
Merge onto I 81
12 mi·13 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward PA 125: Ravine
21
Turn right onto Molleystown Road
0.5 mi·50 sec·Molleystown Road
22
At end of road, turn right onto PA 125
2.3 mi·3 min·South Tremont Road
23
Continue on PA 125
1.6 mi·3 min·North Tulpehocken Street
24
Continue on PA 443
0.2 mi·23 sec·Suedberg Road
25
Turn left onto PA 645
2.6 mi·4 min·Geary Wolfe Road
26
Continue on PA 645
0.7 mi·1 min·Camp Swatara Road
27
Turn right onto Pine Grove Road
1.1 mi·1 min·Pine Grove Road
28
Turn left onto Meckville Road
1.0 mi·2 min·Meckville Road
29
At end of road, turn right onto County Line Road
0.9 mi·1 min·County Line Road
30
Continue on Mount Zion Road
3.5 mi·6 min·Mount Zion Road
31
At end of road, turn left onto Mount Zion Road
1.0 mi·1 min·Mount Zion Road
32
Continue on Mount Zion Road
2.8 mi·4 min·Mount Zion Road
33
Continue on Mount Zion Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Mount Zion Road
34
Turn straight onto Weavertown Road
351 ft·15 sec·Weavertown Road
35
Turn left onto North 15th Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North 15th Avenue
36
Turn right onto US 422
0.4 mi·43 sec·East Cumberland Street
37
Turn left onto North 11th Avenue
247 ft·16 sec·North 11th Avenue
38
Turn left onto Old Cumberland Street
0.1 mi·20 sec·Old Cumberland Street
39
Arrive at destination
Old Cumberland Street
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour and 29-minute estimated drive time, starting your trip in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the 337.6-mile journey. While the route is doable in one day, consider breaking it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace. The drive includes only one recommended stop, so plan your fuel and rest breaks strategically, particularly before embarking on the longest stretch of 204.4 miles on the Keystone Shortway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads can sometimes have fewer services than major interstates.
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 168.8 miles from Erie, PA, or about 3h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 204.4 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 74 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 168.8 miles or 3h 5m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Avon, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Erie, 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 Erie, PA
This is one driving day of about 337.6 miles and 6h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Erie, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 204.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 168.8 miles from Erie, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 204.4 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 274.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.4 mi into trip|~1m 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 lane.
6
2.4 mi into trip|~5m in|Greengarden Boulevard
Turn right onto Greengarden Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
2.6 mi into trip|~6m in|West Bayfront Parkway
Turn left onto West Bayfront Parkway
Navigation decision point
5
274.4 mi into trip|~4h 58m in
Take the exit toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
5
274.6 mi into trip|~4h 59m in|PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Turn right onto PA 54 / Continental Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.97 one way
$111.94 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg118 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$61.30
$122.60
premium
$4.93
$65.47
$130.95
diesel
$5.61
$74.54
$149.08
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 118.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
101.3
1
$35.45
$16.20
Efficient EV
84.4
0
$29.54
$13.50
EV Truck/SUV
135
1
$47.26
$21.61
Gas CO2
118 kg
EV CO2
39 kg (67% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Erie, PA
Afternoon
in Erie on Saturday
Local time
3:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 10 to 15 mph83% chanceLive 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
Destination
Avon, PA
Afternoon
in Avon on Saturday
Local time
3:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
44°F
Clearfield, PA
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
10 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 29m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 337.6
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route offers a 'turn-heavy local drive' character, with only 7% of the journey on highways. You'll spend most of your time navigating local roads, which means a more engaging and potentially slower pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 204.4 miles along the Keystone Shortway, offering a significant period of consistent driving before the route shifts. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience as you transition between these different road types and encounter numerous intersections and turns.
Only 7% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 204.4 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 21 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 337.6 miles you will encounter 21 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: at 0.4 miles (PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (Greengarden Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles (West Bayfront Parkway): Navigation decision point.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Erie, PA to Avon, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 29m. Total distance: 337.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 29m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 204.4 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Avon, PA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (Greengarden Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles (West Bayfront Parkway): Navigation decision point.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Avon, PA before the return drive.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
