Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Philadelphia, PA to Waterford, PA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

7h 35m

Distance

381.2 mi

613 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$63

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
7h 25m ★
6 AM
7h 35m
8 AM
7h 55m
10 AM
7h 42m
12 PM
7h 40m
3 PM
7h 43m
5 PM
7h 54m
8 PM
7h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
largest city in Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Waterford, PA, PA

Waterford, PA

Jack Pace

Trip Overview

The drive from Philadelphia, PA to Waterford, PA covers 381.2 miles and takes about 7h 35m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Keystone Shortway, Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, William Flinn Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 205.6 miles on Keystone Shortway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $63.20 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

190.6 miles from Philadelphia, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 35m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 35m. Total distance: 381.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 35m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

The drive from Philadelphia, PA to Waterford, PA covers 381.2 miles and takes about 7h 35m, using a mix of highways and local roads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 46 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 205.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 381.2 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 0.1 miles (PA 611 / East Penn Square): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 19 key points

These 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.
6
0.8 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the ramp toward I 676 West, US 30 West: International Airport, Valley Forge

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward I 676 West, US 30 West: International Ai...
5
1 mi into trip | ~2m in | I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway

Merge onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
14.1 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the exit toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 331B Toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting
6
93.1 mi into trip | ~1h 48m in

Take the exit toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 95 Toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono

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 Philadelphia, PA to Waterford, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Mount Pocono along the way.

Mount Pocono

93.1 mi in | ~1h 48m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Keystone Shortway 205.6 mi 3h 43m
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 75 mi 1h 21m
William Flinn Highway 12.4 mi 16m
Route 208 12.3 mi 18m
Schuylkill Expressway 12.1 mi 17m
PA 36 9.5 mi 14m
PA-97 6.9 mi 8m
Titusville Road 5.7 mi 7m
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 205.6 mi, about 3h 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Philadelphia, PA and Waterford, 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

12 mi · 17 min · Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 331B Toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto I 476

3.3 mi · 4 min · Mid-County Expressway
10

Turn slight left onto I 476

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Mid-County Expressway
11

Continue on I 476; PATP

75 mi · 1 hr 21 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 95 Toward PA 940, I 80: Hazleton, Mount Pocono
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 80 West: Hazleton
15

Merge onto I 80

206 mi · 3 hr 43 min · Keystone Shortway
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward US 322: Strattanville
17

Turn right onto US 322

4.0 mi · 5 min · Route 322
18

Continue on US 322

1.0 mi · 1 min · Main Street
19

Continue on US 322

1.6 mi · 2 min · Twenty-Eighth Division Highway
20

Continue on US 322

1.7 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
21

Turn slight right onto US 322

4.6 mi · 6 min · North 1st Avenue
22

Turn right onto PA 208

0.4 mi · 35 sec · North School Street
23

Continue on PA 208

7.2 mi · 10 min · Route 208
24

Continue on PA 208

5.0 mi · 7 min · Route 208
25

Continue on PA 36

9.5 mi · 14 min · PA 36
26

Turn left onto US 62; PA 36

0.3 mi · 20 sec · Route 36 and 62
27

Turn right onto PA 36

4.5 mi · 6 min · Colonel Drake Highway
28

Continue on PA 36

4.4 mi · 6 min · Tionesta Road
29

Continue on PA 36

1.3 mi · 1 min · East State Street
30

Continue on PA 27

2.6 mi · 3 min · Titusville Road
31

Continue on PA 27

1.1 mi · 2 min · Plank Road
32

Continue on PA 27

1.5 mi · 4 min · East Central Avenue
33

Turn slight right onto PA 8

0.9 mi · 2 min · West Spring Street
Use the right lane.
34

Continue on PA 8

3.0 mi · 4 min · Hydetown Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
35

Continue on PA 8

4.6 mi · 6 min · William Flinn Highway
36

Continue on PA 8

1.6 mi · 2 min · Erie Street
37

Continue on PA 8

7.8 mi · 10 min · William Flinn Highway
38

Continue on PA 8

3.1 mi · 4 min · Titusville Road
39

Continue on US 6; PA 8

0.8 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
40

Turn left onto PA 97

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Perry Street
Use the left lane.
41

Continue on PA 97

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Waterford Street
42

Continue on PA 97

6.9 mi · 8 min · PA-97
43

Enter roundabout onto US 19; PA 97

62 ft · 0 sec · Route 19
44

Continue on US 19; PA 97

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Route 19
45

Continue on US 19; PA 97

0.4 mi · 52 sec · High Street
46

Arrive at destination

US 19; PA 97

Trip Plan

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 190.6 miles from Philadelphia, PA, or about 3h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 205.6 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 84 miles or 1h 38m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 190.6 miles or 3h 35m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 5m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waterford, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Philadelphia, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Philadelphia, PA

This is one driving day of about 381.2 miles and 7h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Philadelphia, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 205.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 190.6 mi from Philadelphia, PA · 3h 35m into the drive

town in Allegany County, New York, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wellsville, NY

191 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 84 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Corning, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 190.6 miles from Philadelphia, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 205.6 miles.

Arriving in Waterford, PA

The final approach into Waterford, 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 Waterford, 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1
View on nps.gov
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

National Memorial

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
View on nps.gov
Valley Forge National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

8 mi from route ~21 min detour Free near mile 13.1
View on nps.gov
First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...

22 mi from route ~54 min detour Free near mile 13.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$63.20 one way

$126.40 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 133 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $69.22 $138.43
premium $4.93 $73.93 $147.86
diesel $5.61 $84.16 $168.33

Estimated Tolls: $9.75

Pennsylvania Turnpike (75 mi) $9.75

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

$63

Tolls

$10

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$98–$123

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 133.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 114.4 1 $40.03 $18.30
Efficient EV 95.3 1 $33.36 $15.25
EV Truck/SUV 152.5 1 $53.37 $24.40

Gas CO2

133 kg

EV CO2

45 kg (66% 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

Philadelphia, PA

Afternoon in Philadelphia on Thursday

Local time

1:24 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waterford, PA

Afternoon in Waterford on Thursday

Local time

1:24 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

57°F

Wellsville, NY

191 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

10 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

7h 35m 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 Philadelphia, PA to Waterford, PA covers 381.2 miles and takes about 7h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, William Flinn Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 190.6 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 $63.20 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 2 meaningful breaks 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 19 significant decision points across 381.2 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 0.1 miles (PA 611 / East Penn Square): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 0.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1 miles (I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Philadelphia, PA to Waterford, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Mount Pocono along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Valley Forge National Historical Park. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Waterford, PA to Philadelphia, PA

Plan the drive back the other way.

381.6 mi 7h 35m

Continue From Waterford, PA

Bristol, PA 389.3 mi · 7h 42m Allentown, PA 319.8 mi · 6h 37m Reading, PA 309.3 mi · 6h 24m Scranton, PA 305.3 mi · 6h 10m

More from Philadelphia, PA

Reynolds Heights, PA 372.3 mi · 7h 1m Farrell, PA 370.6 mi · 6h 53m Neshannock, PA 368.2 mi · 6h 53m Columbus, PA 357.4 mi · 7h 24m Oakwood, PA 351.9 mi · 6h 34m Youngsville, PA 339.7 mi · 6h 59m

More trips to Waterford, PA

Bristol, PA 388.8 mi Bethlehem, PA 325 mi Reading, PA 310.1 mi Scranton, PA 304.8 mi Pittsburgh, PA 117.2 mi
Overnight trips from Philadelphia, PA Scenic drives in PA

Explore more options from Philadelphia, PA or browse trips ending in Waterford, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.

Explore maps for Philadelphia, PA or Waterford, PA on MapSof.net.