Origin
New Kensington, PA
Evening in New Kensington on Sunday
Local time
8:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New Kensington, PA to Pittsburgh, PA
Drive Time
34m
Distance
21 mi
34 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 31m
★
6 AM
0h 34m
8 AM
0h 40m
10 AM
0h 36m
12 PM
0h 36m
3 PM
0h 37m
5 PM
0h 40m
8 PM
0h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Kensington, PA
Michael Taccetta
Pittsburgh, PA
LaMont L. Johnson
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick commute or a simple day trip, the 21-mile journey from New Kensington to Pittsburgh is a straightforward affair. Typically taking about 34 minutes, this drive is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. You will primarily utilize the Allegheny Valley Expressway, Freeport Road, and the New Kensington Bridge to navigate between these two Northeast Pennsylvania locations. With an estimated fuel cost of only $3, it is an incredibly budget-friendly trip that requires no overnight stops. Whether you are heading into the city for business or leisure, this route offers a reliable, no-fuss connection that gets you to your destination efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
10.5 miles from New Kensington, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 17m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is defined by its highway-focused nature, with 79% of your time spent on major roads. Expect a consistent pace, highlighted by a longest uninterrupted stretch of 16.6 miles on the Allegheny Valley Expressway. While the transition from the New Kensington area toward the city involves local navigation, the bulk of your journey is designed for steady, higher-speed travel. You will find that the road maintains a functional, commuter-oriented character throughout the duration of the drive. It is a practical stretch of asphalt that prioritizes utility over winding, scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Allegheny Valley Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 16.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Allegheny Valley Expressway and Freeport Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Constitution Boulevard.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 21 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: near the start (Constitution Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 19.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Constitution Boulevard
Turn left onto Constitution Boulevard
Navigation decision point
8
19.6 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Take the exit toward I 579 South, I 279 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroeville, Fort Pitt Bridge, Airport
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 1A
Toward I 579 South, I 279 South: Veterans Bridg...
9
19.7 mi into trip
|
~31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroeville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroevill...
7
20.3 mi into trip
|
~32m in
Take the exit toward 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue
8
20.6 mi into trip
|
~33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PPG Arena, 6th Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward PPG Arena, 6th Avenue
Towns Along This Route
Between New Kensington, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Monroeville and Airport.
Monroeville
19.6 mi in
|
~31m
Airport
19.6 mi in
|
~31m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Allegheny Valley Expressway | 16.6 mi | 24m |
| Freeport Road | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| New Kensington Bridge | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Constitution Boulevard | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Veterans Bridge | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| 9th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Baileys Run Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Grant Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Allegheny Valley Expressway
— 16.6 mi, about 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Kensington, PA and Pittsburgh, PA.
1
Start on Locust Street
25 ft
·
6 sec
·
Locust Street
2
Turn left onto Constitution Boulevard
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
Constitution Boulevard
3
Turn right onto 9th Street
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
9th Street
4
Continue on New Kensington Bridge
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
New Kensington Bridge
5
Turn right onto Freeport Road
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Freeport Road
6
Turn left onto Baileys Run Road
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
Baileys Run Road
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
8
Merge onto PA 28
17 mi
·
24 min
·
Allegheny Valley Expressway
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
181 ft
·
4 sec
Exit 1A
Toward I 579 South, I 279 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroeville, Fort Pitt Bridge, Airport
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 579 South: Veterans Bridge, Monroeville
Use the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 579
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Veterans Bridge
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward 7th Avenue, 6th Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
502 ft
·
14 sec
Toward PPG Arena, 6th Avenue
Use the none lane.
14
Turn straight onto Bigelow Boulevard
224 ft
·
3 sec
·
Bigelow Boulevard
15
Continue on Bigelow Square
386 ft
·
6 sec
·
Bigelow Square
Toward 6th Avenue
Use the straight / left / none lanes.
16
Turn right onto Sixth Avenue
347 ft
·
11 sec
·
Sixth Avenue
17
Turn left onto Grant Street
296 ft
·
22 sec
·
Grant Street
18
Continue on Grant Street
254 ft
·
13 sec
·
Grant Street
19
Arrive at destination
Grant Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 34-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the entire 21-mile distance without needing to plan for any mid-trip stops or rest breaks. Given the modest $3 fuel requirement, you won't need to worry about complex refueling logistics along the way. Keep in mind that as you move from the Allegheny Valley Expressway toward your final destination, traffic patterns can shift, so staying alert during the transition to local roads is a smart strategy. Use the lack of required stops to your advantage by planning your arrival in Pittsburgh precisely when you need to be there.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 10.5 miles from New Kensington, PA, or about 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 16.6 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 21 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 10.5 miles or 17m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pittsburgh, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Kensington, 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 New Kensington, PA
This is one driving day of about 21 miles and 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from New Kensington, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Allegheny Valley Expressway for about 16.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 10.5 mi from New Kensington, PA · 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
11 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 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 10.5 miles from New Kensington, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Pittsburgh, PA
The final approach into Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, 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
$3.47 one way
$6.95 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
7 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $3.80 | $7.60 |
| premium | $4.92 | $4.07 | $8.14 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $4.67 | $9.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 7.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 71% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 6.3 | 0 | $2.20 | $1.01 |
| Efficient EV | 5.3 | 0 | $1.84 | $0.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 8.4 | 0 | $2.94 | $1.34 |
Gas CO2
7 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (71% 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
Pittsburgh, PA
Evening in Pittsburgh on Sunday
Local time
8:38 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
53°F
Lakewood, NY
11 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
1 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
34m 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 New Kensington, PA to Pittsburgh, PA covers 21 miles and takes about 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Allegheny Valley Expressway, Freeport Road, New Kensington Bridge. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 10.5 miles from New Kensington, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.47 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 21 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: near the start (Constitution Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 19.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between New Kensington, PA and Pittsburgh, PA, road signs point toward Monroeville and Airport.
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