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Trip from Erie, PA to Coraopolis, PA

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

Drive Time

2h 21m

Distance

122.5 mi

197 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 12m ★
6 AM
2h 22m
8 AM
2h 41m
10 AM
2h 29m
12 PM
2h 27m
3 PM
2h 30m
5 PM
2h 40m
8 PM
2h 16m

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

Downtown Erie, PA, PA

Erie, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Coraopolis, PA, PA

Coraopolis, PA

Simas Kačiušis

Trip Overview

Spanning 122.5 miles, this journey from Erie to Corapolis typically takes about 2 hours and 21 minutes of driving time. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate haul, you should plan on a full day to complete the trek comfortably. Budgeting approximately $20 for fuel will cover your trip, making it an affordable option for a one-day excursion. You will navigate through the heart of Pennsylvania, moving from the lakeshore region toward the vicinity of Pittsburgh. Since the route avoids highways entirely, it is best suited for drivers who prefer a slower, more deliberate pace through local corridors. This is a straightforward trip that serves as a practical connection between two distinct parts of the state.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

61.3 miles from Erie, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 10m into the drive .

About the Cities

Starting 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 21m. Total distance: 122.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (5%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile.

Drive Character

Expect a very different experience than you would find on a standard interstate commute, as this route features a 0% highway share. You will navigate via local infrastructure, including West 12th Street, Greengarden Boulevard, and the West Bayfront Parkway. Because the road is characterized as turn-heavy, your focus will be required on local navigation rather than maintaining high speeds on open pavement. The profile is strictly local, meaning you should anticipate constant adjustments and shifting traffic patterns throughout the 122.5-mile journey. Prepare for a technical drive that demands your full attention as you transition off the main parkways and onto the local roads that define this route.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 14 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. You will hit about 9 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 Effort 5/10

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 122.5 miles you will encounter 9 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 114.5 miles (I 79): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 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.
6
2.4 mi into trip | ~5m in | Greengarden Boulevard

Turn right onto Greengarden Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
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
6
120.4 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in

Take the exit toward PA 51: Neville Island

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward PA 51: Neville Island
6
120.7 mi into trip | ~2h 16m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Coraopolis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward Coraopolis

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 Coraopolis, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.

Washington

114.5 mi in | ~2h 7m | via I 79

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Raymond P Shafer Highway 111.8 mi 2h 1m
I 79 5.8 mi 7m
West 12th Street 2 mi 4m
Grand Avenue 0.8 mi 2m
4th Avenue 0.8 mi 1m
State Street 0.4 mi 1m
Coraopolis Bridge 0.2 mi <1m
West Bayfront Parkway 0.2 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 Coraopolis, 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

5.8 mi · 7 min · I 79
Toward Washington Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward PA 51: Neville Island Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork

234 ft · 7 sec
Toward Coraopolis
9

Turn left onto Yellow Belt

0.8 mi · 2 min · Grand Avenue
10

Continue on Yellow Belt

0.2 mi · 44 sec · Coraopolis Bridge
11

Turn right onto PA 51

0.8 mi · 1 min · 4th Avenue
12

Turn left onto Main Street

375 ft · 18 sec · Main Street
13

Turn left onto PA 51

21 ft · 0 sec · 5th Avenue
14

Arrive at destination

PA 51

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule, but keep in mind that local roads can become congested during peak commute hours. You won't have the luxury of long, uninterrupted stretches, so plan to keep your pace steady and patient. Because there are no formal stops listed, make sure your vehicle is fueled up before you leave; setting aside $20 should be sufficient for the distance. Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, double-check your navigation system before heading out, as you will be relying on local streets rather than straightforward highway signage. Using the West Bayfront Parkway as your initial guide will help you get clear of Erie before you transition into the more technical segments of the drive.

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 61.3 miles from Erie, PA, or about 1h 10m 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 27 miles or 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 61.3 miles or 1h 10m 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 Coraopolis, 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 122.5 miles and 2h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Erie, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
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 61.3 mi from Erie, PA · 1h 10m into the drive

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

Edinboro, 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 61.3 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 Coraopolis, PA

The final approach into Coraopolis, 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 Coraopolis, 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

$20.31 one way

$40.62 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 43 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $22.24 $44.49
premium $4.93 $23.76 $47.51
diesel $5.61 $27.05 $54.09

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: 42.9 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 36.8 0 $12.86 $5.88
Efficient EV 30.6 0 $10.72 $4.90
EV Truck/SUV 49 0 $17.15 $7.84

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 15, 2026

Origin

Erie, PA

Late night in Erie on Saturday

Local time

3:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Coraopolis, PA

Late night in Coraopolis on Saturday

Local time

3:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°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

10 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 21m 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 Coraopolis, PA covers 122.5 miles and takes about 2h 21m 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, West 12th Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 61.3 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 $20.31 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 122.5 miles you will encounter 9 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: 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 114.5 miles (I 79): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

On the drive from Erie, PA to Coraopolis, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.

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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Explore More

Return Trip

Coraopolis, PA to Erie, PA

Plan the drive back the other way.

123.4 mi 2h 22m

Explore more options from Erie, PA or browse trips ending in Coraopolis, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.