Trip from Lackawaxen, PA to Philadelphia, PA

Drive Time

3h 23m

Distance

151.8 mi

244 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 11m ★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 48m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 33m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 16m

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

Downtown Lackawaxen, PA, PA

Lackawaxen, PA

Haneul Trac

Downtown Philadelphia, PA, PA

Philadelphia, PA

Samyantak Mohanty

Trip Overview

Traveling from the quiet forests of Lackawaxen to the urban center of Philadelphia covers 145.7 miles in approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. Because this journey is relatively short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget about $23 for fuel to complete the transit. This route keeps you entirely within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, transitioning from the rural landscapes of the upper reaches of the state down into the heart of the city. It is a straightforward trek that serves as a practical connection between two very different environments.

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

75.9 miles from Lackawaxen, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy, local driving experience that stays off the major interstates entirely. With a highway share of 0%, this path prioritizes local roads, meaning you will be navigating through winding terrain rather than cruising on high-speed expressways. The lack of monotonous highway stretches keeps the drive engaging, though it requires more focus than a typical interstate commute. Since the road profile is technical and focused on local connectors, you should anticipate a slower, more deliberate pace compared to typical highway travel. Prepare for a hands-on driving experience that demands your full attention as you move away from the Northeast corner of the state.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 39 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 67.3 miles.

Elevation Profile

Gently rolling terrain

1,999 ft 45 ft

Total Climb

2,045 ft

Total Descent

2,633 ft

Highest Point

1,999 ft

~38 mi in

Elevation Range

1,955 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I 84. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 66 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 151.8 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 66 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 25 key points

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

7
66 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Take the ramp toward PATP South, I 476 South: Allentown

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward PATP South, I 476 South: Allentown
8
137.1 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Take the exit toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 16 Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Vall...
8
137.4 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East: Philadelphia

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 16A Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
8
150.4 mi into trip | ~3h 20m in | I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia

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

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadel...
9
151.3 mi into trip | ~3h 22m in

Keep slight right at fork toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia

Towns Along This Route

Between Lackawaxen, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Lake Wallenpaupack, Blakeslee, Patp South and Valley Forge.

Lake Wallenpaupack

24.8 mi in | ~38m

Blakeslee

56.3 mi in | ~1h 27m

Patp South

66 mi in | ~1h 43m

Valley Forge

137.1 mi in | ~3h 1m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 67.3 mi 1h 13m
I 84 13.3 mi 15m
Schuylkill Expressway 12.6 mi 17m
Keystone Shortway 9 mi 10m
PA 903 7.2 mi 11m
I 380 6.7 mi 7m
PA 434 5.5 mi 10m
Church Street 4.9 mi 9m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension — 67.3 mi, about 1h 13m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lackawaxen, PA and Philadelphia, PA.

1

Start on this road

131 ft · 10 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn left onto Scenic Drive

0.2 mi · 51 sec · Scenic Drive
3

Turn straight onto PA 590

4.6 mi · 9 min · PA 590
4

Continue on PA 434

5.5 mi · 10 min · PA 434
5

Turn left onto PA 739

0.7 mi · 1 min · PA-739
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 47 sec
7

Merge onto I 84

13 mi · 15 min · I 84
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward PA 507: Greentown, Lake Wallenpaupack
9

Turn left onto PA 507

4.1 mi · 9 min · Lake Wallenpaupack Road
10

Continue on PA 191

2.9 mi · 5 min · South Sterling Road
11

Turn slight right onto PA 423

1.5 mi · 2 min · Carlton Road
12

Continue on PA 423

0.4 mi · 42 sec · Church Street
13

Continue on PA 423

0.6 mi · 1 min · State Route 423
14

Turn slight right onto PA 423

4.5 mi · 8 min · Church Street
15

Turn left onto PA 423

452 ft · 9 sec · Main Street
16

Turn right onto PA 423

0.7 mi · 1 min · Prospect Street
17

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec
18

Merge onto I 380

6.7 mi · 7 min · I 380
19

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Exit 1A Toward I 80 West: Hazleton
20

Merge onto I 80

9.0 mi · 10 min · Keystone Shortway
21

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Toward PA 115: Brodheadsville, Blakeslee
22

Keep slight left at fork

179 ft · 4 sec
23

Turn left onto PA 115

2.1 mi · 3 min · PA 115
24

Turn right onto PA 903

7.2 mi · 11 min · PA 903
Use the straight lane.
25

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward PATP South, I 476 South: Allentown Use the left lane.
26

Merge onto I 476; PATP

67 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Continue on I 476; PATP

0.3 mi · 23 sec · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Exit 20
28

Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the slight left lane.
29

Continue on I 476

3.4 mi · 4 min · Mid-County Expressway
30

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 16 Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge Use the slight right lane.
31

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 16A Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia Use the slight left lane.
32

Merge onto I 76

13 mi · 17 min · Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30

0.8 mi · 1 min · Vine Street Expressway
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia Use the slight left / straight lanes.
34

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
35

Keep slight right at fork

313 ft · 11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
36

Turn right onto North 15th Street

0.4 mi · 48 sec · North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
37

Turn slight left onto PA 611

379 ft · 8 sec · South Penn Square
38

Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square

167 ft · 2 sec · South Penn Square
39

Arrive at destination

South Penn Square

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 145.7-mile journey, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the potential congestion of local traffic as you approach Philadelphia. Since there are no designated stops required for this 2 hour and 48 minute trip, you have the flexibility to manage your own schedule and take breaks whenever you feel the need. Keep your $23 fuel budget in mind when planning your departure, as local fuel prices can fluctuate compared to those found along main interstate corridors. Because this is a turn-heavy route, ensure your GPS is set to prioritize your specific path, as local road signage can occasionally be tricky to navigate compared to clearly marked highway exits.

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 75.9 miles from Lackawaxen, PA, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.3 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 58m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 75.9 miles or 1h 54m 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 46m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lackawaxen, 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 Lackawaxen, PA

This is one driving day of about 151.8 miles and 3h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lackawaxen, 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 67.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 75.9 mi from Lackawaxen, PA · 1h 54m into the drive

Downtown Ramapo, NY, NY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

76 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

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

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 75.9 miles from Lackawaxen, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.3 miles.

Arriving in Philadelphia, PA

The final approach into Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.12 one way

$50.24 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $27.49 $54.97
premium $4.92 $29.42 $58.83
diesel $5.64 $33.72 $67.45

Estimated Tolls: $8.76

Pennsylvania Turnpike (67.3 mi) $8.76

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

$25

Tolls

$9

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 53.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.5 0 $15.94 $7.29
Efficient EV 38 0 $13.28 $6.07
EV Truck/SUV 60.7 0 $21.25 $9.72

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Lackawaxen, PA

Evening in Lackawaxen on Sunday

Local time

8:38 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Philadelphia, PA

Evening in Philadelphia on Sunday

Local time

8:38 PM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

59°F

Ramapo, NY

76 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

5 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 23m 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 Lackawaxen, PA to Philadelphia, PA covers 151.8 miles and takes about 3h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, I 84, Schuylkill Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 75.9 miles from Lackawaxen, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.12 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 25 significant decision points across 151.8 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 66 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 137.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Lackawaxen, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Lake Wallenpaupack, Blakeslee, Patp South and Valley Forge.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 45 ft to 1,999 ft elevation with about 2,045 ft of total climbing.

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