Origin
Nazareth, PA
Evening in Nazareth on Sunday
Local time
7:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Nazareth, PA to Erie, PA
Drive Time
6h 55m
Distance
359.5 mi
578 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$59
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 44m
★
6 AM
6h 56m
8 AM
7h 19m
10 AM
7h 4m
12 PM
7h 2m
3 PM
7h 5m
5 PM
7h 18m
8 PM
6h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Nazareth, PA
Francesco Ungaro
Trip Overview
Spanning 359.5 miles across Pennsylvania, this trip from Nazareth to Erie typically takes about 6 hours and 55 minutes to complete. While it is technically feasible as a one-day drive, the duration makes for a long day behind the wheel. You should budget approximately $59 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Navigating the route requires a mix of Lehigh Drive and the Keystone Shortway before transitioning to I-79. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, you will want to prepare for a more involved experience than a standard interstate cruise. It is a straightforward way to cross the state, though you should plan your schedule carefully to avoid fatigue.
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
179.7 miles from Nazareth, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 37m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a varied driving experience that shifts between fast-paced highway segments and technical local roads. With only 19% of the journey spent on highways, you will spend most of your time navigating tighter, turn-heavy stretches. The longest uninterrupted section is a 236.1-mile run along the Keystone Shortway, which provides the most consistent pace of the trip. As you transition from the local Lehigh Drive segments toward the I-79 corridor, the character of the road changes significantly. Stay alert, as the winding nature of the local sections requires more active steering and focus than a typical highway slog.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 37 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 around 24.6 miles in near US 209 / Bridge Street.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 55m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 12 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 24.6 miles (US 209 / Bridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles (US 209 / Lehigh Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 53.9 miles (I 80 / Keystone Shortway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
24.6 mi into trip
|
~39m in
|
US 209 / Bridge Street
Turn left onto US 209 / Bridge Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
28.9 mi into trip
|
~45m in
|
US 209 / Lehigh Avenue
Turn right onto US 209 / Lehigh Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
53.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
|
I 80 / Keystone Shortway
Merge onto I 80 / Keystone Shortway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
356.5 mi into trip
|
~6h 48m 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
6
359 mi into trip
|
~6h 54m 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 |
| Lehigh Drive | 14.5 mi | 21m |
| Hudson Drive | 5.8 mi | 8m |
| East Broad Street | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| State Route 93 | 3.7 mi | 7m |
| Bath Pike | 3.5 mi | 6m |
| Pheasant Drive | 3.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 236.1 mi, about 4h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nazareth, PA and Erie, PA.
1
Start on PA 191
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
South Broad Street
2
Turn right onto PA 191; PA 248
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Easton Road
3
Continue on PA 248
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Bath Pike
4
Continue on PA 248
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Northampton Street
5
At end of road, turn right onto PA 248
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
West Main Street
6
Continue on PA 248
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Boulevard
7
Continue on PA 248
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Pheasant Drive
8
Continue on PA 248
15 mi
·
21 min
·
Lehigh Drive
9
Turn left onto US 209
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Bridge Street
Use the left lane.
10
Continue on US 209
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
Bankway Street
11
Continue on US 209
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
Sargent Stanley Hoffman Boulevard
Toward US 209 South
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 209
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North 1st Street
13
Continue on US 209
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Mauch Chunk Street
14
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
Susquehanna Street
15
Turn right onto US 209
123 ft
·
1 sec
·
Lehigh Avenue
16
Continue on US 209
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
·
Lehigh Street
17
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
Lehigh Avenue
18
Continue on US 209
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East Catawissa Street
19
Turn right onto PA 93
523 ft
·
7 sec
·
Hudson Drive
20
Continue on State Route 93
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Hunter Street
21
Continue on PA 93
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Hudson Drive
22
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi
·
34 sec
·
Broad Street
23
Continue on PA 93
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Berwick Street
24
Continue on PA 93
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
East Broad Street
25
Continue on PA 93; PA 924
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
North Broad Street
26
Turn straight onto PA 93
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Susquehanna Boulevard
27
Continue on PA 93
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Valmont Parkway
28
Continue on PA 93
3.7 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 93
29
Continue on PA 93
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Berwick Hazleton Highway
30
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
31
Merge onto I 80
236 mi
·
4 hr 14 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the none lane.
32
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 79 North: Erie
33
Merge onto I 79
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 79
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 183A
Toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street
35
Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
West 12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Turn left onto State Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
State Street
Use the left lane.
37
Arrive at destination
State Street
Trip Plan
Given the nearly seven-hour duration, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid arriving in Erie late at night. You should plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh, especially given the turn-heavy nature of the local roads. Since the route relies heavily on non-highway driving, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the winding stretches where gas stations may be less frequent. If you find the 359.5-mile distance daunting, consider building in extra time for a relaxed pace rather than rushing through the turn-heavy sections. Tailoring your departure time to avoid peak traffic on the local segments will make your transit across the state much smoother.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 179.7 miles from Nazareth, PA, or about 3h 37m 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 80 miles or 1h 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 179.7 miles or 3h 37m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 47m
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 Nazareth, 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 Nazareth, PA
This is one driving day of about 359.5 miles and 6h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Nazareth, 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 179.7 mi from Nazareth, PA · 3h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
180 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 179.7 miles from Nazareth, 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 236.1 miles.
Arriving in Erie, PA
The final approach into Erie, 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 Erie, 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
$59.49 one way
$118.97 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
126 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $65.09 | $130.18 |
| premium | $4.92 | $69.66 | $139.33 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $79.87 | $159.74 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 125.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 107.9 | 1 | $37.75 | $17.26 |
| Efficient EV | 89.9 | 1 | $31.46 | $14.38 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 143.8 | 1 | $50.33 | $23.01 |
Gas CO2
126 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Erie, PA
Evening in Erie on Sunday
Local time
7:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°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
10 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 55m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Nazareth, PA to Erie, PA covers 359.5 miles and takes about 6h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, I 79, Lehigh Drive. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 179.7 miles from Nazareth, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $59.49 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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.
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 55m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 12 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
The main spots that need attention: at 24.6 miles (US 209 / Bridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 28.9 miles (US 209 / Lehigh Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 53.9 miles (I 80 / Keystone Shortway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Nazareth, PA to Erie, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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