Trip from Franklin, PA to Bethlehem, PA

Drive Time

5h 41m

Distance

282.9 mi

455 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 29m ★

6 AM

5h 42m

8 AM

6h 8m

10 AM

5h 51m

12 PM

5h 48m

3 PM

5h 52m

5 PM

6h 7m

8 PM

5h 34m

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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Franklin, PA

Engin Akyurt

Bethlehem, PA

Phuc Tran

Trip Overview

Spanning 282.9 miles across Pennsylvania, this journey from Franklin to Bethlehem typically takes about 5 hours and 41 minutes of driving time. Because this route is manageable in a single day, you can comfortably complete the trip without an overnight stay, though you should factor in roughly $47 for fuel costs. You will navigate a variety of corridors, including the Keystone Shortway, the William Penn Highway, and US Highway 322. Since both your starting point and destination are nestled within the Northeast, the trip provides a consistent regional feel. Whether you are traveling for business or a visit, this straightforward trek is best approached as a practical one-day commitment.

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

141.5 miles from Franklin, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 47m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. While you will spend 11% of your journey on highways, the character of the road is defined by its technical, local nature rather than a monotonous interstate grind. Your longest uninterrupted segment occurs on the Keystone Shortway, covering 153.1 miles of the total distance. As you transition between the various state and US highways, the driving environment shifts frequently, offering a more engaging experience than a straight highway shot. Prepare for a dynamic pace that keeps you alert as you navigate the winding segments between your origin and destination.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 45 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Keystone Shortway is the longest continuous segment at about 153.1 miles.

Elevation Profile

Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes

1,788 ft 349 ft

Total Climb

3,306 ft

Total Descent

3,960 ft

Highest Point

1,788 ft

~70.7 mi in

Elevation Range

1,439 ft

Notable High Points

1,783 ft at ~153.2 miles +713 ft prominence

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 189.5 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 282.9 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 189.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 268.7 miles (US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 278.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 20 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

189.5 mi into trip | ~3h 39m 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

268.7 mi into trip | ~5h 20m in | US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 51 Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...

278.9 mi into trip | ~5h 34m in

Take the exit toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville Road

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville...

279.1 mi into trip | ~5h 35m in

Keep slight right at fork toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem

281.2 mi into trip | ~5h 37m in

Take the exit toward Eighth Avenue

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 2 Toward Eighth Avenue

Towns Along This Route

Between Franklin, PA and Bethlehem, PA, road signs point toward Washingtonville and Lvi Airport.

Washingtonville

189.5 mi in | ~3h 39m

Lvi Airport

268.7 mi in | ~5h 20m | via US 22

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Keystone Shortway	153.1 mi	2h 44m
William Penn Highway	21.6 mi	26m
US Highway 322	17.2 mi	25m
State Route 54	11.1 mi	13m
Center Avenue	10.6 mi	12m
Lehigh Valley Thruway	10.3 mi	14m
Elysburg Road	9.7 mi	11m
Sunbury Road	9.4 mi	11m

Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 153.1 mi, about 2h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Franklin, PA and Bethlehem, PA.

Start on 13th Street

27 ft · 5 sec · 13th Street

Turn right onto US 62; US 322; PA 8

0.8 mi · 2 min · Liberty Street

Turn left onto US 322

0.2 mi · 15 sec · 8th Street

Continue on US 322

1.7 mi · 2 min · Lakes To the Sea Highway

Continue on US 322

4.8 mi · 7 min · US Highway 322

Continue on US 322

2.7 mi · 4 min · Twenty-Eighth Division Highway

Continue on US 322

12 mi · 17 min · US Highway 322

Continue on US 322

5.1 mi · 7 min · Main Street

Continue on US 322

1.7 mi · 2 min · West Main Street

Continue on US 322

1.6 mi · 2 min · Twenty-Eighth Division Highway

Continue on US 322

1.0 mi · 1 min · Main Street

Continue on US 322

4.1 mi · 5 min · Route 322

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Merge onto I 80

153 mi · 2 hr 44 min · Keystone Shortway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville

Turn slight left

79 ft · 2 sec

Turn right onto PA 54

2.9 mi · 3 min · Continental Boulevard

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 54

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Factory Street

Continue on PA 54

0.3 mi · 49 sec · Danville-Riverside Bridge Road

Turn left onto PA 54

9.7 mi · 11 min · Elysburg Road

Use the left lane.

Continue on PA 54

11 mi · 13 min · State Route 54

Continue on PA 901

0.4 mi · 41 sec · Locust Gap Highway

Continue on PA 901

2.2 mi · 2 min · Fairgrounds Road

Continue on PA 901

9.4 mi · 11 min · Sunbury Road

Continue on PA 901

0.8 mi · 1 min · Sunbury Street

Turn right onto PA 901

1.8 mi · 2 min · Pottsville Minersville Highway

Turn right onto PA 901

4.0 mi · 6 min · Gordon Nagle Trail

Continue on PA 901

0.2 mi · 33 sec · North Sillyman Street

Turn left onto PA 183

0.7 mi · 2 min · Pottsville Street

Turn right onto PA 61

493 ft · 6 sec · Route 61 South

Continue on PA 61

11 mi · 12 min · Center Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 61

2.7 mi · 3 min · Centre Street

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown

Merge onto I 78; US 22

22 mi · 26 min · William Penn Highway

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 22

10 mi · 14 min · Lehigh Valley Thruway

Exit 51 Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem, Schoenersville Road Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Toward PA 378 South: Bethlehem Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on PA 378

1.8 mi · 2 min · Bethlehem Spur Route

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 33 sec

Exit 2 Toward Eighth Avenue Use the slight right lane.

Turn right onto 8th Avenue

0.1 mi · 22 sec · 8th Avenue

Turn left onto West Union Boulevard

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Union Boulevard

Turn left onto Center Street

423 ft · 11 sec · Center Street

Turn right onto East Goepp Street

0.3 mi · 49 sec · East Goepp Street

Turn right onto Linden Street

57 ft · 1 sec · Linden Street

Arrive at destination

Linden Street

Trip Plan

Planning for a single stop is highly recommended to break up the nearly six-hour duration and keep your energy levels consistent. Given the turn-heavy profile of the roads, try to depart early in the morning to ensure you are navigating the more technical sections during daylight hours. Since you are looking at a fuel budget of $47, keep an eye on your gauge during the longer 153.1-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway to avoid any mid-route stress. Because this is a one-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility; if you find yourself needing extra time, you have the freedom to adjust your pace without worrying about a rigid multi-day itinerary.

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 141.5 miles from Franklin, PA, or about 2h 47m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153.1 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 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 141.5 miles or 2h 47m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 33m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Franklin, 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 Franklin, PA

This is one driving day of about 282.9 miles and 5h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Franklin, 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 153.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 141.5 mi from Franklin, PA · 2h 47m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Corning, NY

141 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

Jamestown, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Corning, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 141.5 miles from Franklin, 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 153.1 miles.

Arriving in Bethlehem, PA

The final approach into Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, 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

$46.81 one way

$93.62 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 99 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$51.22	$102.45
premium	$4.92	$54.82	$109.64
diesel	$5.64	$62.85	$125.70

Estimated Tolls: $0.72

Lehigh Valley Thruway (10.3 mi) $0.72

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

$47

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 99 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	84.9	1	$29.70	$13.58
Efficient EV	70.7	0	$24.75	$11.32
EV Truck/SUV	113.2	1	$39.61	$18.11

Gas CO2

99 kg

EV CO2

33 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 data refreshed 1 day ago

Origin

Franklin, PA

Night in Franklin on Sunday

Local time

10:58 PM

EDT

Current temp

53°F

Sunny

NW 6 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 11 at 6:59AM EDT by NWS State College PA

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 11 at 3:53AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Destination

Bethlehem, PA

Night in Bethlehem on Sunday

Local time

10:58 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Sunny

NW 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 11 at 6:59AM EDT by NWS State College PA

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 11 at 3:53AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

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

8 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

5h 41m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Franklin, PA to Bethlehem, PA covers 282.9 miles and takes about 5h 41m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Keystone Shortway, William Penn Highway, US Highway 322. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 141.5 miles from Franklin, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $46.81 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Franklin, PA and Bethlehem, PA, road signs point toward Washingtonville and Lvi Airport.

Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. The route ranges from 349 ft to 1,788 ft elevation with about 3,306 ft of total climbing. There is 1 notable high point along the way.

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Trip from Franklin, PA to Bethlehem, PA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

Elevation Profile

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Bethlehem, PA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Franklin, PA

Bethlehem, PA

Same local time

8 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 41m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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