Origin
North Centre, PA
Morning in North Centre on Friday
Local time
6:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from North Centre, PA to Bethlehem, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 56m
Distance
77 mi
124 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$13
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 48m
★
6 AM
1h 57m
8 AM
2h 14m
10 AM
2h 3m
12 PM
2h 1m
3 PM
2h 4m
5 PM
2h 13m
8 PM
1h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
North Centre, PA
Michael Taccetta
Bethlehem, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 77-mile drive from North Centre, PA, to Bethlehem, PA, can easily be completed in just under 2 hours, making it a perfect day trip. You'll spend about 35% of your time on highways, with the rest on state routes, so it's a mixed bag of driving experiences. With an estimated fuel cost of around $13, this route is quite budget-friendly. Both your origin and destination are within Pennsylvania's Northeast region, so you'll stay within familiar territory throughout your journey. Given the short duration and distance, no overnight stays are necessary.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.5 miles from North Centre, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 56m. Total distance: 77 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (35%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
The drive presents a mixed profile, blending highway speeds with more local road conditions. You'll encounter approximately 35% highway driving, interspersed with stretches on PA 248 and State Route 93. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll experience is 19.6 miles along PA 248, offering a good period of consistent travel. Expect the road character to shift as you progress, moving from potentially faster highway sections to more winding or varied terrain as you approach your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 38 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
PA 248 is the longest continuous segment at about 19.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 5.2 miles in near US 11 / Columbia Boulevard.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 77 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 5.2 miles (US 11 / Columbia Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 5.7 miles (Market Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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
5.2 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
US 11 / Columbia Boulevard
At end of road, turn right onto US 11 / Columbia Boulevard
Navigation decision point
6
5.7 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
Market Street
Turn left onto Market Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
20.9 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Take the exit toward PA 93: Conyngham, Nescopeck
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 93: Conyngham, Nescopeck
5
21.2 mi into trip
|
~29m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
42.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
|
US 209 / East Catawissa Street
At end of road, turn left onto US 209 / East Catawissa Street
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from North Centre, PA to Bethlehem, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Nescopeck along the way.
Nescopeck
20.9 mi in
|
~29m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| PA 248 | 19.6 mi | 29m |
| Keystone Shortway | 13.5 mi | 15m |
| State Route 93 | 7 mi | 12m |
| Hudson Drive | 5.8 mi | 8m |
| West Broad Street | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| Hunter Street | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| East Catawissa Street | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Center Street | 2.2 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
PA 248
— 19.6 mi, about 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Centre, PA and Bethlehem, PA.
1
Start on PA 93
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
State Route 93
2
Turn right onto Golf Course Road
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Golf Course Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 11
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
Columbia Boulevard
4
Turn left onto Market Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Market Street
Use the left lane.
5
Turn right onto PA 339
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West 3rd Street
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
7
Merge onto I 80
14 mi
·
15 min
·
Keystone Shortway
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward PA 93: Conyngham, Nescopeck
9
Keep slight right at fork
444 ft
·
11 sec
10
Turn straight onto PA 93
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
·
Berwick Hazleton Highway
11
Continue on PA 93
3.7 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 93
12
Continue on PA 93
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Valmont Parkway
13
Continue on PA 93
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Susquehanna Boulevard
14
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
·
North Broad Street
15
Continue on PA 93; PA 924
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
West Broad Street
16
Continue on PA 93
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Berwick Street
17
Continue on PA 93
0.5 mi
·
34 sec
·
Broad Street
18
Continue on PA 93
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Hudson Drive
19
Continue on State Route 93
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Hunter Street
20
Continue on PA 93
523 ft
·
13 sec
·
Hudson Drive
21
At end of road, turn left onto US 209
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East Catawissa Street
22
Continue on US 209
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
Lehigh Avenue
23
Continue on US 209
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
Lehigh Street
24
Turn left onto US 209
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
Susquehanna Street
25
Continue on US 209
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Mauch Chunk Street
26
Continue on US 209
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North 1st Street
27
Continue on US 209
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North First Street
28
Continue on US 209
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Bankway Street
29
Continue on US 209
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Bridge Street
Use the left lane.
30
Turn right onto PA 248
20 mi
·
29 min
·
PA 248
Use the right lane.
31
Turn right onto PA 512
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Beth-Bath Pike
32
Continue on PA 512
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
Bath Pike
33
Continue on PA 512
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Beth Bath Pike
34
Continue on PA 512
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Bath Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Continue on Center Street
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Center Street
Use the straight lane.
36
Turn left onto East Elizabeth Avenue
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
East Elizabeth Avenue
37
Turn right onto Linden Street
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
Linden Street
38
Arrive at destination
Linden Street
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 1 hour and 56-minute trip, flexibility is your best friend. You can depart at your leisure, but consider leaving mid-morning to avoid potential rush hour congestion in and around Bethlehem. While there are no mandatory stops recommended due to the drive's brevity, keep an eye on your fuel gauge; the $13 estimated cost is an approximation, and it's always wise to top up before heading out. A specific tip for this route: be prepared for the 19.6-mile stretch on PA 248 to be your longest continuous driving segment without a major change in road type.
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 38.5 miles from North Centre, PA, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 19.6 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 17 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.5 miles or 55m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bethlehem, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving North Centre, PA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from North Centre, PA
This is one driving day of about 77 miles and 1h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from North Centre, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on PA 248 for about 19.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 38.5 mi from North Centre, PA · 55m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
39 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 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 38.5 miles from North Centre, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Bethlehem, PA
The final approach into Bethlehem, PA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.77 one way
$25.53 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
27 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $13.98 | $27.96 |
| premium | $4.93 | $14.93 | $29.87 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $17.00 | $34.00 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.1 | 0 | $8.08 | $3.70 |
| Efficient EV | 19.3 | 0 | $6.74 | $3.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 30.8 | 0 | $10.78 | $4.93 |
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (67% 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
Bethlehem, PA
Morning in Bethlehem on Friday
Local time
6:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°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
12 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
1h 56m 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 North Centre, PA to Bethlehem, PA covers 77 miles and takes about 1h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are PA 248, Keystone Shortway, State Route 93. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 38.5 miles from North Centre, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.77 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 77 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.2 miles (US 11 / Columbia Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 5.7 miles (Market Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from North Centre, PA to Bethlehem, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Nescopeck along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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