Origin
Erie, PA
Evening in Erie on Sunday
Local time
8:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Erie, PA to Palmer, PA
Drive Time
3h 46m
Distance
173.3 mi
279 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 34m
★
6 AM
3h 47m
8 AM
4h 12m
10 AM
3h 56m
12 PM
3h 53m
3 PM
3h 57m
5 PM
4h 11m
8 PM
3h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Palmer, PA
Nothing Ahead
Trip Overview
Connecting Erie to Palmer, this 173.3-mile trip across Pennsylvania takes approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes of drive time. Because the duration is relatively short, you can easily complete this journey as a single-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the Raymond P. Shafer Highway, the Mon/Fayette Expressway, and Parkway North. With a estimated fuel cost of $29, it is an affordable excursion for those traveling within the Northeast region. While the route is straightforward, be prepared for a drive that shifts from highway stretches to more localized, turn-heavy segments as you approach 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
86.7 miles from Erie, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a varied driving experience that transitions from high-speed transit to a more technical, turn-heavy local drive. Only 19% of your total mileage is spent on major highways, meaning you will spend the majority of your time navigating secondary roads. You will spend your longest uninterrupted stint on the Raymond P. Shafer Highway, which covers 111.8 miles of the journey. Because of the winding nature of the latter portion of the trip, you should stay alert as the road demands more active steering compared to a standard interstate cruise.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 37 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?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. 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.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 173.3 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 279 / Parkway North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 125.9 miles (I 579): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese 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.
8
114.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 7m 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
125.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m 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
127.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Liberty Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Liberty Bridge
7
129.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
Take the exit toward PA 51: Uniontown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward PA 51: Uniontown
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Raymond P Shafer Highway | 111.8 mi | 2h 1m |
| Mon/Fayette Expressway | 17.5 mi | 19m |
| Parkway North | 11.4 mi | 15m |
| Brownsville Road | 6.5 mi | 12m |
| Thornton Road | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| Saw Mill Run Boulevard | 2.6 mi | 5m |
| US 40 | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| West 12th Street | 2 mi | 4m |
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 Palmer, 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 left at fork onto I 279
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Parkway North
Exit 72
Toward I 279: Pittsburgh
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 579
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
I 579
Toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward Liberty Bridge
Use the slight left lane.
9
Continue on Liberty Bridge
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Liberty Bridge
10
Continue on Liberty Tunnels
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Liberty Tunnels
11
Continue on US 19 Truck
152 ft
·
3 sec
·
West Liberty Avenue
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
41 sec
Toward PA 51: Uniontown
Use the right lane.
13
Merge onto PA 51
2.6 mi
·
5 min
·
Saw Mill Run Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn slight right onto Fairhaven Road
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Fairhaven Road
15
Continue on Provost Road
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Provost Road
16
Continue on Brownsville Road
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Brownsville Road
17
Continue on Yellow Belt
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Brownsville Road
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on Brownsville Road
3.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Brownsville Road
19
Turn slight left onto McChain Road
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
McChain Road
20
At end of road, turn left onto Finleyville Elrama Road
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
Finleyville Elrama Road
21
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
22
Merge onto PA Tpke 43
18 mi
·
19 min
·
Mon/Fayette Expressway
Use the none lane.
23
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 40 East, PA 88 North: Brownsville
24
Merge onto US 40
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
US 40
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn right onto Broadway Street
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
Broadway Street
26
Continue on National Pike East
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
National Pike East
27
Turn right onto PA 166
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Thornton Road
28
Continue on PA 166
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Republic Road
29
Continue on PA 166
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Thompson 1 Road
30
Continue on PA 166
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Hartley Hill Road
31
Turn right onto Ralph Road
295 ft
·
12 sec
·
Ralph Road
32
Keep slight right at fork onto Ralph Road
0.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Ralph Road
33
Turn left onto Palmer Adah Road
1.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Palmer Adah Road
34
Continue on Sr3013
523 ft
·
23 sec
·
Sr3013
35
Continue on Palmer Road
0.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Palmer Road
36
Turn left onto Tank Hill Road
157 ft
·
6 sec
·
Tank Hill Road
37
Arrive at destination
Tank Hill Road
Trip Plan
Since the entire drive is under four hours, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time to avoid heavy traffic. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs, especially given the turn-heavy nature of the route's final stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the 111.8-mile segment on the Raymond P. Shafer Highway, as service intervals may vary compared to major interstates. Because this is a single-day trip, packing your own snacks and drinks will help you maintain a steady pace without needing to hunt for exits in the more local areas.
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 86.7 miles from Erie, PA, or about 1h 37m 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 80 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.7 miles or 1h 37m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Palmer, 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 173.3 miles and 3h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 86.7 mi from Erie, PA · 1h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 86.7 miles from Erie, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Raymond P Shafer Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.8 miles.
Arriving in Palmer, PA
The final approach into Palmer, 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 Palmer, 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
$28.68 one way
$57.35 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $31.38 | $62.76 |
| premium | $4.92 | $33.58 | $67.16 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $38.50 | $77.00 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.23
Mon/Fayette Expressway
(17.5 mi)
$1.23
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
$29
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52 | 0 | $18.20 | $8.32 |
| Efficient EV | 43.3 | 0 | $15.16 | $6.93 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.3 | 0 | $24.26 | $11.09 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Palmer, PA
Evening in Palmer on Sunday
Local time
8:39 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
52°F
Mina, NY
87 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
26 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 46m 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 Palmer, PA covers 173.3 miles and takes about 3h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Raymond P Shafer Highway, Mon/Fayette Expressway, Parkway North. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 86.7 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 $28.68 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 19 significant decision points across 173.3 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 279 / Parkway North): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 125.9 miles (I 579): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Erie, PA to Palmer, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Palmer, PA
More trips to Palmer, PA
Explore more options from Erie, PA or browse trips ending in Palmer, PA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.
Explore maps for Erie, PA or Palmer, PA on MapSof.net.