This 182.8-mile journey from Erie, PA to Fairdale, PA takes approximately 3 hours and 37 minutes, making it a very manageable day trip. You'll primarily travel on the Raymond P Shafer Highway and I-79, with a significant portion of the drive on these main arteries. With a fuel cost estimated at $30, this route offers a straightforward way to travel within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania. Consider this a practical option if you're looking for an efficient drive without the need for an overnight stay, 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.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
91.4 miles from Erie, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 42m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 37m. Total distance: 182.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route offers a mixed driving experience, with 30% of it being on highways. You'll encounter a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 111.8 miles on the Raymond P Shafer Highway, which should provide a consistent pace. The drive transitions between the fast lanes of interstate travel and potentially more varied road conditions as you move between these main routes. Expect a profile that blends efficiency with the character of Pennsylvania's roadways, rather than a purely monotonous interstate grind.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Raymond P Shafer Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 111.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 182.8 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 0.4 miles (PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 114.5 miles (I 79): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.3 miles (I 79): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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.
7
114.5 mi into trip|~2h 7m in|I 79
Keep slight right at fork onto I 79 toward Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Washington
8
148.3 mi into trip|~2h 53m in|I 79
Keep slight left at fork onto I 79 toward I 70 East, I 79 South: New Stanton, Morgantown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 70 East, I 79 South: New Stanton, Morg...
8
151.8 mi into trip|~2h 59m in|I 79
Take the exit onto I 79 toward I 79 south: Waynesburg, Morgantown
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 21
Toward I 79 south: Waynesburg, Morgantown
8
171.4 mi into trip|~3h 20m in
Take the exit toward PA 21: Masontown, Waynesburg
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.
Exit 14
Toward PA 21: Masontown, Waynesburg
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Erie, PA and Fairdale, PA, road signs point toward Washington, Morgantown and Waynesburg.
Washington
114.5 mi in|~2h 7m|via I 79
Morgantown
148.3 mi in|~2h 53m|via I 79
Waynesburg
171.4 mi in|~3h 20m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Raymond P Shafer Highway
111.8 mi
2h 1m
I 79
53.9 mi
1h 8m
Roy E. Furman Highway
8.8 mi
11m
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
3 mi
4m
West 12th Street
2 mi
4m
West George Street
1.5 mi
2m
State Street
0.4 mi
1m
Eighty Eight Road
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Raymond P Shafer Highway
— 111.8 mi, about 2h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Erie, PA and Fairdale, 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
112 mi·2 hr 1 min·Raymond P Shafer Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 79
34 mi·46 min·I 79
Toward WashingtonUse the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 79
0.5 mi·1 min·I 79
Toward I 70 East, I 79 South: New Stanton, MorgantownUse the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto I 70; I 79
3.0 mi·4 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
9
Take the exit onto I 79
20 mi·21 min·I 79
Exit 21Toward I 79 south: Waynesburg, MorgantownUse the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 14Toward PA 21: Masontown, WaynesburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
363 ft·15 sec
12
Turn left onto PA 21
8.8 mi·11 min·Roy E. Furman Highway
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn left onto West George Street
1.5 mi·2 min·West George Street
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto PA 88
365 ft·6 sec·North Eighty Eight Road
15
Continue on PA 88
0.3 mi·25 sec·South Vine Street
16
Continue on PA 88
0.3 mi·26 sec·Eighty Eight Road
17
Turn slight left onto Nemacolin Road
0.2 mi·33 sec·Nemacolin Road
18
Turn left onto Schroyers Lane
281 ft·12 sec·Schroyers Lane
19
Arrive at destination
Schroyers Lane
Trip Plan
Given the 3 hour and 37 minute duration, departing in the morning allows ample time to reach Fairdale, PA without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of over 111 miles, plan your break strategically to coincide with the middle of your journey. The estimated fuel cost of $30 is a good budget to keep in mind. Pay attention to the transition points between the Raymond P Shafer Highway and I-79, as these can sometimes involve changes in traffic patterns or speed limits.
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 91.4 miles from Erie, PA, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.8 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 40 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.4 miles or 1h 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fairdale, 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 182.8 miles and 3h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 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 Raymond P Shafer Highway for about 111.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 91.4 mi from Erie, PA
· 1h 42m into the drive
The midpoint is around 91.4 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 Raymond P Shafer Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.8 miles.
Arriving in Fairdale, PA
The final approach into Fairdale, 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 Fairdale, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
National Battlefield
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 182.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.31 one way
$60.61 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg64 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$33.19
$66.38
premium
$4.93
$35.45
$70.90
diesel
$5.61
$40.36
$80.72
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
54.8
0
$19.19
$8.77
Efficient EV
45.7
0
$16.00
$7.31
EV Truck/SUV
73.1
0
$25.59
$11.70
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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 15, 2026
Origin
Erie, PA
Afternoon
in Erie on Thursday
Local time
2:07 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fairdale, PA
Afternoon
in Fairdale on Thursday
Local time
2:07 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
15 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
3h 37m 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 Erie, PA to Fairdale, PA covers 182.8 miles and takes about 3h 37m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Raymond P Shafer Highway, I 79, Roy E. Furman Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 91.4 miles from Erie, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.31 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 182.8 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 0.4 miles (PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 114.5 miles (I 79): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 148.3 miles (I 79): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Erie, PA and Fairdale, PA, road signs point toward Washington, Morgantown and Waynesburg.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
