Origin
Lehighton, PA
Evening in Lehighton on Sunday
Local time
8:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lehighton, PA to Altoona, PA
Drive Time
3h 30m
Distance
177.6 mi
286 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 18m
★
6 AM
3h 30m
8 AM
3h 55m
10 AM
3h 39m
12 PM
3h 37m
3 PM
3h 40m
5 PM
3h 54m
8 PM
3h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lehighton, PA
Andaru Firmansyah
Trip Overview
Spanning 177.6 miles across Pennsylvania, the journey from Lehighton to Altoona is a straightforward trip that typically takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Since this is a manageable distance, you can easily complete it as a one-day drive without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $29 for fuel to cover the trip. The route navigates through the Northeast, transitioning from the Lehighton area toward the central part of the state. It is a practical route for those looking to reach their destination efficiently while maintaining a reasonable pace.
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
88.8 miles from Lehighton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Only 15% of this journey is spent on highways, meaning you will spend the vast majority of your time navigating local roads. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 95.2 miles while traveling along the Keystone Shortway. The route also incorporates Jacksonville Road and I-99, creating a varied experience that shifts from technical local turns to more consistent highway segments. This combination ensures that the drive remains engaging rather than a monotonous interstate grind.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 42 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 95.2 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 around 0.1 miles in near 3rd Street.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 3h 30m drive. You will face about 19 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Constitution Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.6 miles (US 209 / Lehigh Avenue): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
3rd Street
Turn right onto 3rd Street
Navigation decision point
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Constitution Avenue
Turn left onto Constitution Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
3.6 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
US 209 / Lehigh Avenue
Turn right onto US 209 / Lehigh Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
123.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 161
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefo...
6
148.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m in
|
I 99; US 220
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda,...
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone Shortway | 95.2 mi | 1h 43m |
| Jacksonville Road | 24.2 mi | 28m |
| I 99 | 23.3 mi | 24m |
| Hudson Drive | 5.8 mi | 8m |
| East Broad Street | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| State Route 93 | 3.7 mi | 7m |
| East Pleasant Valley Boulevard | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| Hunter Street | 2.8 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 95.2 mi, about 1h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lehighton, PA and Altoona, PA.
1
Start on South 4th Street
87 ft
·
4 sec
·
South 4th Street
2
Turn right onto Mahoning Street
457 ft
·
14 sec
·
Mahoning Street
3
Turn right onto 3rd Street
66 ft
·
6 sec
·
3rd Street
4
Turn left onto South Street
480 ft
·
18 sec
·
South Street
5
Turn left onto Constitution Avenue
213 ft
·
9 sec
·
Constitution Avenue
6
Continue on North 2nd Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
North 2nd Street
7
At end of road, turn right onto Carbon Street
173 ft
·
11 sec
·
Carbon Street
8
Turn left onto US 209
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North 1st Street
9
Continue on US 209
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Mauch Chunk Street
10
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
Susquehanna Street
11
Turn right onto US 209
123 ft
·
1 sec
·
Lehigh Avenue
12
Continue on US 209
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
·
Lehigh Street
13
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
Lehigh Avenue
14
Continue on US 209
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East Catawissa Street
15
Turn right onto PA 93
523 ft
·
7 sec
·
Hudson Drive
16
Continue on State Route 93
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Hunter Street
17
Continue on PA 93
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Hudson Drive
18
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi
·
34 sec
·
Broad Street
19
Continue on PA 93
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Berwick Street
20
Continue on PA 93
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
East Broad Street
21
Continue on PA 93; PA 924
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
North Broad Street
22
Turn straight onto PA 93
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Susquehanna Boulevard
23
Continue on PA 93
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Valmont Parkway
24
Continue on PA 93
3.7 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 93
25
Continue on PA 93
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Berwick Hazleton Highway
26
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
27
Merge onto I 80
95 mi
·
1 hr 43 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the none lane.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 161
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
29
Turn left onto US 220; PA 26
24 mi
·
28 min
·
Jacksonville Road
Use the none lane.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220
23 mi
·
24 min
·
I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward PA 764 South: Pinecroft
32
Turn right onto PA 764
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
·
Sabbath Rest Road
33
Turn left onto US 220 Business; PA 764
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
East Pleasant Valley Boulevard
34
Turn right onto PA 764
174 ft
·
3 sec
·
Rutgers Lane
35
Continue on PA 764
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
East Walton Avenue
36
Turn right onto Greenwood Road
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Greenwood Road
37
At end of road, turn left onto 6th Avenue Road
0.6 mi
·
53 sec
·
6th Avenue Road
38
Continue on East 6th Avenue
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
East 6th Avenue
39
Continue on Bellwood Avenue
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
Bellwood Avenue
40
Turn slight left onto PA 764
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
7th Avenue
41
Turn right onto 7th Street
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
7th Street
42
Arrive at destination
7th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3 hour and 30 minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time to avoid local traffic. Aim to incorporate at least one stop to break up the 177.6-mile trek, especially since the turn-heavy nature of the roads requires more active driving than a standard highway route. Keep an eye on your fuel levels before hitting the longest 95.2-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway to ensure you don't run low between services. Because the route relies heavily on local roads, stay mindful of changing speed limits as you transition between sections. Taking a single, well-timed break will help you arrive in Altoona feeling refreshed and ready for your visit.
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 88.8 miles from Lehighton, PA, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.2 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 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.8 miles or 1h 48m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Altoona, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lehighton, 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 Lehighton, PA
This is one driving day of about 177.6 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lehighton, 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 95.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 88.8 mi from Lehighton, PA · 1h 48m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
89 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 88.8 miles from Lehighton, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 95.2 miles.
Arriving in Altoona, PA
The final approach into Altoona, 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 Altoona, 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
$29.39 one way
$58.78 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
62 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $32.16 | $64.31 |
| premium | $4.92 | $34.42 | $68.83 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $39.46 | $78.91 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.3 | 0 | $18.65 | $8.52 |
| Efficient EV | 44.4 | 0 | $15.54 | $7.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 71 | 0 | $24.86 | $11.37 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Destination
Altoona, PA
Evening in Altoona on Sunday
Local time
8:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 30m 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 Lehighton, PA to Altoona, PA covers 177.6 miles and takes about 3h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, Jacksonville Road, I 99. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 88.8 miles from Lehighton, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.39 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 straightforward 3h 30m drive. You will face about 19 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Constitution Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.6 miles (US 209 / Lehigh Avenue): Navigation decision point.
The route from Lehighton, PA to Altoona, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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