Origin
Harford, PA
Night in Harford on Friday
Local time
11:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Harford, PA to Bristol, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 8m
Distance
161.5 mi
260 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 57m
★
6 AM
3h 8m
8 AM
3h 31m
10 AM
3h 16m
12 PM
3h 14m
3 PM
3h 17m
5 PM
3h 30m
8 PM
3h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Harford, PA
Kai
Bristol, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 161.5-mile drive from Harford, PA, to Bristol, PA, is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 3 hours and 8 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and the main Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a brief segment on I-81, this route is almost entirely highway, making it a solid choice for a single-day trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $27, it's an economical journey. The drive is focused and direct, perfect if you want to get from point A to point B without many detours. Since both locations are within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, you'll stay within familiar territory for this straightforward trip.
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
80.8 miles from Harford, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 8m. Total distance: 161.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 98% of this 161.5-mile journey. The personality of this drive is predominantly that of a high-speed interstate, designed for covering ground quickly. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 110.8 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, meaning extended periods of consistent driving. While the profile is highway-centric, the transition between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, the main Pennsylvania Turnpike, and I-81 offers slight variations in road layout and traffic flow, though the overall pace remains brisk.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension is the longest continuous segment at about 110.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and Pennsylvania Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near PA 547; PA 2063 / State Route 547.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 161.5 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: near the start (PA 547; PA 2063 / State Route 547): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 24 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
PA 547; PA 2063 / State Route 547
Turn sharp left onto PA 547; PA 2063 / State Route 547
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
7
24 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Take the exit toward US 6 West, US 11, PATP South, I 476 South: Clarks Summit
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 US 6 West, US 11, PATP South, I 476 Sout...
7
24.2 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PATP, I 476: Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PATP, I 476: Allentown
6
135.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
Take the exit toward I 276 East: New Jersey
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 276 East: New Jersey
8
160 mi into trip
|
~3h 4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 13 South: Bristol
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 13 South: Bristol
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Harford, PA and Bristol, PA, road signs point toward Patp South and Patp.
Patp South
24 mi in
|
~29m
Patp
24.2 mi in
|
~29m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 110.8 mi | 2h 4m |
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 23.6 mi | 26m |
| I 81 | 22.8 mi | 26m |
| State Route 547 | 1 mi | 1m |
| Bristol Pike | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Jefferson Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Beaver Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Pond Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
— 110.8 mi, about 2h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harford, PA and Bristol, PA.
1
Start on Tingley Lake Road
196 ft
·
12 sec
·
Tingley Lake Road
2
Turn sharp left onto PA 547; PA 2063
511 ft
·
12 sec
·
State Route 547
3
Continue on PA 547
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
State Route 547
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
5
Merge onto I 81
23 mi
·
26 min
·
I 81
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward US 6 West, US 11, PATP South, I 476 South: Clarks Summit
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
515 ft
·
12 sec
Toward PATP, I 476: Allentown
8
Continue on I 476; PATP
111 mi
·
2 hr 4 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 276 East: New Jersey
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 276; PATP
24 mi
·
26 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Exit 42
Toward US 13: Levittown, Bristol
12
Continue on Pennsylvania Turnpike
360 ft
·
8 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
13
Keep slight right at fork
357 ft
·
8 sec
Toward US 13 South: Bristol
Use the right lane.
14
Merge onto US 13
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Bristol Pike
Use the left lane.
15
Turn slight left onto Beaver Street
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
Beaver Street
Use the left lane.
16
Turn left onto Jefferson Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Jefferson Avenue
17
Turn right onto Pond Street
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Pond Street
18
Turn left
91 ft
·
12 sec
19
Arrive at destination
1 ft
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3-hour and 8-minute duration, this trip is easily accomplished in one day. Aim to depart in the morning to make the most of daylight and potentially avoid peak commuter traffic, especially as you approach the Philadelphia area. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $27, you can plan your stops strategically. Consider a refueling and stretch break around the halfway point, perhaps near the end of that 110.8-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, to ensure you're comfortable for the remainder of the drive to Bristol.
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 80.8 miles from Harford, PA, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 110.8 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 36 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.8 miles or 1h 33m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bristol, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Harford, 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 Harford, PA
This is one driving day of about 161.5 miles and 3h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Harford, 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension for about 110.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 80.8 mi from Harford, PA · 1h 33m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
81 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 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 80.8 miles from Harford, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 110.8 miles.
Arriving in Bristol, PA
The final approach into Bristol, 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 Bristol, 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
$26.77 one way
$53.55 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
57 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $29.32 | $58.65 |
| premium | $4.93 | $31.32 | $62.64 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.66 | $71.31 |
Estimated Tolls: $17.47
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(134.4 mi)
$17.47
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
$27
Tolls
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.4 | 0 | $16.96 | $7.75 |
| Efficient EV | 40.4 | 0 | $14.13 | $6.46 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64.6 | 0 | $22.61 | $10.34 |
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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
Bristol, PA
Night in Bristol on Friday
Local time
11:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 0 to 15 mph
8% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 14 at 4:55PM EDT until April 14 at 5:30PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 14 at 2:51PM EDT until April 14 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY
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
47 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 8m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Harford, PA to Bristol, PA covers 161.5 miles and takes about 3h 8m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 81. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 80.8 miles from Harford, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.77 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 14 significant decision points across 161.5 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: near the start (PA 547; PA 2063 / State Route 547): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 24 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Harford, PA and Bristol, PA, road signs point toward Patp South and Patp.
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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