This 290.7-mile drive from North Braddock to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours and 34 minutes. Given the relatively short duration and high highway share of 96%, it's an ideal one-day trip. You'll be spending most of your time on major arteries like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-76. With an estimated fuel cost of $48, this route offers an economical way to travel across the state. It's a practical option for getting from one point in Pennsylvania to another without much fuss.
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
145.4 miles from North Braddock, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 48m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 34m. Total distance: 290.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 96% of the drive taking place on high-speed roads. The majority of your travel will be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-76. You'll encounter one long, uninterrupted stretch of 259.6 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making for a consistent driving pace. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficiency and steady progress, rather than winding backroads or frequent town navigations.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pennsylvania Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 259.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 11.3 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 290.7 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 11.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 271.2 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 289.2 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
11.3 mi into trip|~22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
8
271.2 mi into trip|~5h 5m 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
289.2 mi into trip|~5h 31m 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
290 mi into trip|~5h 33m 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
290.2 mi into trip|~5h 33m 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
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
259.6 mi
4h 42m
I 76
18 mi
26m
Lincoln Highway
10.4 mi
19m
Vine Street Expressway
0.8 mi
1m
North 15th Street
0.4 mi
<1m
Greensburg Avenue
0.2 mi
<1m
Main Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Center Street
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 259.6 mi, about 4h 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Braddock, PA and Philadelphia, PA.
1
Start on Brinton Avenue
48 ft·1 sec·Brinton Avenue
2
Continue on Main Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
3
Turn left onto Center Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·Center Street
4
Turn right onto US 30
1.9 mi·3 min·Lincoln Highway
5
Continue on US 30
0.2 mi·30 sec·Greensburg Avenue
6
Continue on US 30
8.4 mi·16 min·Lincoln Highway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward PATP, I 76
8
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·21 sec·this road
Toward PATP, I 76
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 76 East: HarrisburgUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 76; PATP
260 mi·4 hr 42 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit onto I 76
18 mi·26 min·I 76
Exit 326Toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
12
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 PhiladelphiaUse the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward Central PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
313 ft·11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central PhiladelphiaUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn right onto North 15th Street
0.4 mi·48 sec·North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
16
Turn slight left onto PA 611
379 ft·8 sec·South Penn Square
17
Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square
167 ft·2 sec·South Penn Square
18
Arrive at destination
South Penn Square
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour, 34-minute trip, consider an early morning departure from North Braddock to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic as you approach Philadelphia. While only one stop is listed, plan for additional breaks as needed, especially during the long 259.6-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The $48 fuel cost is manageable, but it's always wise to ensure you have a full tank before embarking. Given it's a single-day drive, you have flexibility, but sticking to the main highways like the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-76 will ensure the quickest transit.
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 145.4 miles from North Braddock, PA, or about 2h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 259.6 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 64 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.4 miles or 2h 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 4h 30m
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 North Braddock, 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 North Braddock, PA
This is one driving day of about 290.7 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from North Braddock, 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 259.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 145.4 mi from North Braddock, PA
· 2h 48m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 170.3
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...
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 290.5
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 270.5
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 60.1
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 210.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.19 one way
$96.39 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$52.78
$105.57
premium
$4.93
$56.38
$112.75
diesel
$5.61
$64.18
$128.37
Estimated Tolls: $33.75
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(259.6 mi)$33.75
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
$107–$132
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
9 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Sheetz, Inc. Charging Station
New Stanton, Pennsylvania
Other
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Monroeville, Pennsylvania
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Blink
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Jones Mills, Pennsylvania
Blink
1 DCFC
EVgo Charging Station
Monroeville, Pennsylvania
EVgo
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
New Stanton, Pennsylvania
Tesla
1 DCFC
EVgo Charging Station
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
EVgo
1 DCFC
Applegreen Electric Charging Station
Hunker, Pennsylvania
Other
1 DCFC
Other: 2
ChargePoint: 2
Blink: 2
EVgo: 2
Tesla: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.2
1
$30.52
$13.95
Efficient EV
72.7
0
$25.44
$11.63
EV Truck/SUV
116.3
1
$40.70
$18.60
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
North Braddock, PA
Late night
in North Braddock on Saturday
Local time
2:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Philadelphia, PA
Late night
in Philadelphia on Saturday
Local time
2:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
73°F
Hancock, MD
145 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 34m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from North Braddock, PA to Philadelphia, PA covers 290.7 miles and takes about 5h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 76, Lincoln Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 145.4 miles from North Braddock, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $48.19 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 290.7 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 11.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 271.2 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 289.2 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from North Braddock, PA to Philadelphia, PA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Independence National Historical Park and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
