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Trip from Level Green, PA to Philadelphia, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 30m

Distance

287.9 mi

463 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 18m ★
6 AM
5h 31m
8 AM
5h 58m
10 AM
5h 40m
12 PM
5h 38m
3 PM
5h 42m
5 PM
5h 56m
8 PM
5h 23m

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

Downtown Level Green, PA, PA

Level Green, PA

cottonbro studio

largest city in Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Level Green, PA to Philadelphia, PA is 287.9 miles and takes about 5h 30m via Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, offering a straightforward journey across the state. Primarily a highway-focused trip, you'll spend most of your time on major interstates. With a recommended one-day duration, it's a manageable drive for most travelers looking to get from point A to point B efficiently.

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

143.9 miles from Level Green, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 259.5 mi 4h 42m
I 76 18 mi 26m
Sandy Hill Road 2.5 mi 6m
Harrison City-Jeannette Road 2 mi 3m
1st Street 1.3 mi 3m
Harrison City Road 1.1 mi 2m
Vine Street Expressway 0.8 mi 1m
Arona Road 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 259.5 mi, about 4h 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

162 ft · 13 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto Murrysville Road

0.4 mi · 58 sec · Murrysville Road
3

At end of road, turn left onto PA 130

1.1 mi · 2 min · Harrison City Road
4

Continue on PA 130

2.0 mi · 3 min · Harrison City-Jeannette Road
5

Turn right onto Sandy Hill Road

2.5 mi · 6 min · Sandy Hill Road
6

At end of road, turn right onto PA 993

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Manor Harrison City Road
7

Turn right onto PA 993

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Main Street
8

Turn left onto 1st Street

1.3 mi · 3 min · 1st Street
9

Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue

0.1 mi · 23 sec · Pennsylvania Avenue
10

Turn right onto North Thompson Lane

0.2 mi · 35 sec · North Thompson Lane
11

Turn right onto US 30

0.2 mi · 33 sec · Lincoln Highway
12

Turn left onto Arona Road

0.5 mi · 59 sec · Arona Road
13

Turn right onto Wendel Road

203 ft · 10 sec · Wendel Road
14

Turn left onto I 76; PATP

259 mi · 4 hr 42 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit onto I 76

18 mi · 26 min · I 76
Exit 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
16

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.
17

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight right at fork

313 ft · 11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia Use the slight right lane.
19

Turn right onto North 15th Street

0.4 mi · 48 sec · North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
20

Turn slight left onto PA 611

379 ft · 8 sec · South Penn Square
21

Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square

167 ft · 2 sec · South Penn Square
22

Arrive at destination

South Penn Square

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 30-minute duration, starting your drive in Level Green early in the morning is advisable to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Philadelphia. The longest stretch without a significant road change is over 250 miles, so plan for a fuel stop before embarking on that segment. While the route is designed for a single day, ensure you have your preferred snacks and drinks ready, as dedicated rest stops might be spaced out. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you near the 200-mile mark on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to ensure you have plenty for the remainder of the trip.

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 143.9 miles from Level Green, PA, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 259.5 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 63 miles or 1h 18m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 143.9 miles or 2h 46m 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 27m

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 Level Green, 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 Level Green, PA

This is one driving day of about 287.9 miles and 5h 30m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Level Green, 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 for about 259.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Hancock, MD, MD

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hancock, MD

144 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

Cumberland, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hancock, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 143.9 miles from Level Green, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 259.5 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 287.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | PA 130 / Harrison City Road

At end of road, turn left onto PA 130 / Harrison City Road

Navigation decision point

8
268.4 mi into trip | ~5h 2m in | I 76

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

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 326 Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
8
286.4 mi into trip | ~5h 28m 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...
6
287.2 mi into trip | ~5h 29m in

Take the exit toward Central Philadelphia

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward Central Philadelphia
9
287.3 mi into trip | ~5h 29m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$47.73 one way

$95.46 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 101 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $52.28 $104.55
premium $4.93 $55.83 $111.67
diesel $5.61 $63.56 $127.13

Estimated Tolls: $33.73

Pennsylvania Turnpike (259.5 mi) $33.73

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

$48

Tolls

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$106–$131

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 100.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 86.4 1 $30.23 $13.82
Efficient EV 72 0 $25.19 $11.52
EV Truck/SUV 115.2 1 $40.31 $18.43

Gas CO2

101 kg

EV CO2

34 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

Level Green, PA

Afternoon in Level Green on Saturday

Local time

1:49 PM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Philadelphia, PA

Afternoon in Philadelphia on Saturday

Local time

1:49 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

54°F

Hancock, MD

144 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

4 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 30m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park

National Historical Park

The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of I...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 near mile 287.9
View on nps.gov
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

National Memorial

Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 287.9
View on nps.gov
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

National Monument

More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 168.8
View on nps.gov
Valley Forge National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, a...

2 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 268
View on nps.gov
Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial

National Memorial

On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their live...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour Free near mile 59.6
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...

12 mi from route ~31 min detour Free near mile 208.5
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this trip, with 97% of the route utilizing major roadways. The vast majority of your travel will be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 259.5 miles. This means you'll be on well-maintained, high-speed roads for the bulk of your journey. The profile suggests a consistent driving experience, largely free from complex turns or slower local roads.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 259.5 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 76. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near PA 130 / Harrison City Road.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 287.9 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 0.4 miles (PA 130 / Harrison City Road): Navigation decision point; at 268.4 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 286.4 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 30m. Total distance: 287.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 259.5 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $33.73 in tolls one way, starting with Pennsylvania Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Philadelphia, PA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (PA 130 / Harrison City Road): Navigation decision point; at 268.4 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 286.4 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Philadelphia, PA before the return drive.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Return Trip

Philadelphia, PA to Level Green, PA

Plan the drive back the other way.

289.9 mi 5h 32m

Explore more options from Level Green, PA or browse trips ending in Philadelphia, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.