This 314.7-mile journey from Hazleton, PA to Erie, PA will take approximately 5 hours and 49 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing the Keystone Shortway and I-79, with a brief section on State Route 93, this route is well-suited for a single day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $52, it's an economical option for exploring Pennsylvania. The drive offers a direct connection between the Northeast region of the state, providing a straightforward travel experience.
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
157.4 miles from Hazleton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 55m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 49m. Total distance: 314.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for a significant portion of this 314.7-mile route. While only 22% of the journey is on highways, you'll experience a considerable 236.1-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway, offering a consistent pace for a long duration. The road's character shifts throughout, moving from local roads to more open highway sections, providing a varied driving experience rather than a monotonous interstate grind.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 17 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 236.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Magnolia Street.
Driving Effort3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 5h 49m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Magnolia Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (PA 309 / North Church Street): Navigation decision point; at 311.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|West Magnolia Street
Turn left onto West Magnolia Street
Navigation decision point
4
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|PA 309 / North Church Street
Turn left onto PA 309 / North Church Street
Navigation decision point
6
311.7 mi into trip|~5h 41m in
Take the exit toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 183A
Toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street
5
312 mi into trip|~5h 42m 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 / right lanes.
6
314.3 mi into trip|~5h 47m in|State Street
Turn left onto State Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
236.1 mi
4h 14m
I 79
65.8 mi
1h 10m
State Route 93
3.7 mi
7m
Susquehanna Boulevard
2.3 mi
3m
West 12th Street
2.3 mi
4m
West Broad Street
1 mi
1m
Berwick Hazleton Highway
0.8 mi
1m
North Broad Street
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 236.1 mi, about 4h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hazleton, PA and Erie, PA.
1
Start on North Lee Court
80 ft·11 sec·North Lee Court
2
Turn left onto West Magnolia Street
216 ft·14 sec·West Magnolia Street
3
Turn left onto PA 309
0.3 mi·31 sec·North Church Street
4
Turn right onto PA 93
1.0 mi·1 min·West Broad Street
5
Continue on PA 93; PA 924
0.5 mi·39 sec·North Broad Street
6
Turn straight onto PA 93
2.3 mi·3 min·Susquehanna Boulevard
7
Continue on PA 93
0.2 mi·31 sec·Valmont Parkway
8
Continue on PA 93
3.7 mi·7 min·State Route 93
9
Continue on PA 93
0.8 mi·1 min·Berwick Hazleton Highway
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
11
Merge onto I 80
236 mi·4 hr 14 min·Keystone Shortway
12
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 79 North: Erie
13
Merge onto I 79
66 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 79
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·49 sec
Exit 183AToward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street
15
Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290
2.3 mi·4 min·West 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Turn left onto State Street
0.4 mi·1 min·State Street
Use the left lane.
17
Arrive at destination
State Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 49-minute duration, starting your drive from Hazleton early in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for a comfortable pace. With only one recommended stop, plan this strategically along the 236.1-mile longest stretch on the Keystone Shortway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially on the non-highway portions, and consider topping off before heading onto longer stretches. The $52 fuel cost is manageable, but being aware of fuel availability is always wise on longer drives.
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 157.4 miles from Hazleton, PA, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 236.1 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 69 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 157.4 miles or 2h 55m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Erie, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hazleton, 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 Hazleton, PA
This is one driving day of about 314.7 miles and 5h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Hazleton, 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 236.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 157.4 mi from Hazleton, PA
· 2h 55m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.17 one way
$104.35 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg110 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$57.14
$114.28
premium
$4.93
$61.03
$122.06
diesel
$5.61
$69.48
$138.96
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
94.4
1
$33.04
$15.11
Efficient EV
78.7
0
$27.54
$12.59
EV Truck/SUV
125.9
1
$44.06
$20.14
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (66% 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 as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Hazleton, PA
Afternoon
in Hazleton on Friday
Local time
2:37 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Erie, PA
Afternoon
in Erie on Friday
Local time
2:37 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 10 to 15 mph83% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA
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
22 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 49m 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 Hazleton, PA to Erie, PA covers 314.7 miles and takes about 5h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, I 79, State Route 93. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 157.4 miles from Hazleton, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $52.17 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.
This is a straightforward 5h 49m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West Magnolia Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (PA 309 / North Church Street): Navigation decision point; at 311.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Hazleton, PA to Erie, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
