Origin
Philadelphia, PA
Evening in Philadelphia on Thursday
Local time
5:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Philadelphia, PA to Reading, PA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
1h 19m
Distance
63.2 mi
102 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$10
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 14m
★
6 AM
1h 20m
8 AM
1h 32m
10 AM
1h 24m
12 PM
1h 23m
3 PM
1h 25m
5 PM
1h 32m
8 PM
1h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Philadelphia, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 63.2-mile drive from Philadelphia to Reading, Pennsylvania, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking about 1 hour and 19 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Schuylkill Expressway, and Morgantown Expressway, this route keeps you on major highways for 91% of the journey. With an estimated fuel cost of around $10, it's an economical option for a quick transition between two Northeast locations within the same state. The highway-focused profile means you'll spend most of your time on well-maintained, high-speed roads, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 19m. Total distance: 63.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 63.2-mile trip. With 91% of the drive on major expressways, you'll encounter a fast-paced journey for the most part. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll navigate is 27.7 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, offering a solid period of consistent travel. While the route is largely comprised of high-speed roads, the transition onto the Schuylkill Expressway and Morgantown Expressway may introduce slightly more varied traffic patterns as you approach your destination. This isn't a winding, scenic byway, but rather a direct, efficient connection.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 27.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Schuylkill Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near PA 611 / East Penn Square.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 63.2 miles you will encounter 23 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 0.1 miles (PA 611 / East Penn Square): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
PA 611 / East Penn Square
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 611 / East Penn Square
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
18.4 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Take the exit toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown
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 328B-A/327
Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, We...
9
18.5 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevar...
8
18.8 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Mall Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Mall Boulevard
8
47.7 mi into trip
|
~59m in
Take the exit toward I 176, PA 10: Morgantown, Reading
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 298
Toward I 176, PA 10: Morgantown, Reading
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Philadelphia, PA and Reading, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown and Harrisburg.
Chester
18.4 mi in
|
~26m
Pottstown
18.4 mi in
|
~26m
Harrisburg
19 mi in
|
~27m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 27.7 mi | 29m |
| Schuylkill Expressway | 16.8 mi | 23m |
| Morgantown Expressway | 11.3 mi | 12m |
| West Shore Bypass | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Vine Street Expressway | 1 mi | 1m |
| South 5th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| North 16th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| I 76 | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 27.7 mi, about 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Philadelphia, PA and Reading, PA.
1
Start on South Penn Square
397 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Penn Square
2
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 611
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
East Penn Square
Use the straight lane.
3
Continue on John F. Kennedy Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn right onto North 16th Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
North 16th Street
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 676 West, US 30 West: International Airport, Valley Forge
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto I 676; US 30
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Vine Street Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 76; US 30
16 mi
·
22 min
·
Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
Exit 328B-A/327
Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
20 sec
Toward Mall Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
8 sec
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
12
Merge onto I 76
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
Schuylkill Expressway
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 76
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 76
Toward I 76 West: Harrisburg
Use the slight left lane.
14
Merge onto I 76; PATP
28 mi
·
29 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 298
Toward I 176, PA 10: Morgantown, Reading
Use the slight right lane.
16
Continue on I 176
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Morgantown Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 11B
Toward US 422 West: Reading
18
Merge onto US 422
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Shore Bypass
Toward US 422 West: Reading
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward US 222 Business: Lancaster Avenue
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Turn right onto US 222 BUS
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
Bingaman Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on US 222 BUS
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Laurel Street
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto US 222 BUS
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
South 5th Street
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto US 422 Business
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Franklin Street
24
Turn left onto South 6th Street
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
South 6th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
25
Turn left onto US 422 Business Alternate
278 ft
·
4 sec
·
Penn Street
26
Arrive at destination
US 422 Business Alternate
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 31.6 mi from Philadelphia, PA · 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
32 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 14 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 31.6 miles from Philadelphia, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Reading, PA
The final approach into Reading, 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
$10.48 one way
$20.96 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
22 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $11.48 | $22.95 |
| premium | $4.93 | $12.26 | $24.51 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $13.95 | $27.91 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.60
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(27.7 mi)
$3.60
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$10
Tolls
$4
Total
$14
Estimated CO2 emission: 22.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 19 | 0 | $6.64 | $3.03 |
| Efficient EV | 15.8 | 0 | $5.53 | $2.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 25.3 | 0 | $8.85 | $4.04 |
Gas CO2
22 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (68% 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
Reading, PA
Evening in Reading on Thursday
Local time
5:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
7 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 19m 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 Philadelphia, PA to Reading, PA covers 63.2 miles and takes about 1h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, Schuylkill Expressway, Morgantown Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 31.6 miles from Philadelphia, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.48 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 63.2 miles you will encounter 23 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 0.1 miles (PA 611 / East Penn Square): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Philadelphia, PA and Reading, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown and Harrisburg.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Reading, PA
More trips to Reading, PA
Explore more options from Philadelphia, PA or browse trips ending in Reading, PA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.
Explore maps for Philadelphia, PA or Reading, PA on MapSof.net.