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Trip from Philadelphia, PA to Gibson, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 6m

Distance

155.6 mi

250 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 55m ★
6 AM
3h 6m
8 AM
3h 29m
10 AM
3h 14m
12 PM
3h 12m
3 PM
3h 16m
5 PM
3h 28m
8 PM
2h 59m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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largest city in Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Gibson, PA, PA

Gibson, PA

Dominik Gryzbon

Trip Overview

The drive from Philadelphia, PA to Gibson, PA covers 155.6 miles and takes about 3h 6m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, I 81, Schuylkill Expressway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 111.4 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. At current regular gas prices, budget about $25.80 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

77.8 miles from Philadelphia, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 111.4 mi 2h 5m
I 81 22.6 mi 26m
Schuylkill Expressway 12.1 mi 17m
Mid-County Expressway 3.4 mi 4m
State Route 547 2.5 mi 5m
Vine Street Expressway 1 mi 1m
North 16th Street 0.4 mi <1m
John F. Kennedy Boulevard 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension — 111.4 mi, about 2h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

111 mi · 2 hr 3 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Continue on I 476; PATP

0.8 mi · 1 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Exit 131 Toward I 81, US 6, US 11: Clarks Summit, Scranton
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 81, US 6 East: Binghamton, Wilkes-Barre
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 1 min
Toward Binghamton
15

Merge onto I 81

23 mi · 26 min · I 81
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward PA 547: Harford
17

Turn right onto PA 547

2.3 mi · 5 min · State Route 547
18

Continue on PA 547

0.2 mi · 20 sec · State Route 547
19

Arrive at destination

T945

Trip Plan

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 77.8 miles from Philadelphia, PA, or about 1h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.4 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 34 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 77.8 miles or 1h 33m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gibson, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Philadelphia, PA

This is one driving day of about 155.6 miles and 3h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Philadelphia, 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 Northeast Extension for about 111.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough in Pennsylvania, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Palmerton, PA

78 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

Harleysville, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Palmerton, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 77.8 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Artesano Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.1

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12673318457

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

RIM Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 12–10 pm

+12154653515

Visit website

CNT Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1.3 mi

Holy Cannoli! Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2 mi

Artesano Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 11.1

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12673318457

Visit website

Satellite Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12672772623

Visit website

RIM Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 12–10 pm

+12154653515

Visit website

CNT Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12678869851

Visit website

Holy Cannoli! Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm

+12673191700

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 77.8

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 111.1

Pittston, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15706554116

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 122.2

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 155.6

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 155.6

New Milford, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15704652974

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 122.2

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 111.1

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 122.2

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+12152991000

Visit website

The Franklin Institute

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+12154481200

Visit website

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+12157330390

Visit website

Independence Hall

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+12159652305

Visit website

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: Closed

+12159233811

Visit website

Independence National Historical Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

+12159652305

Visit website

NEST Center City

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14452232683

Visit website

MindEscape Escape Room Philadelphia

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: 4–9:30 pm

+12154546159

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 129.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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
129.5 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 81, US 6 East: Binghamton, Wilkes-Barre

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 81, US 6 East: Binghamton, Wilkes-Barr...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.80 one way

$51.59 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 54 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $28.25 $56.51
premium $4.93 $30.18 $60.35
diesel $5.61 $34.35 $68.71

Estimated Tolls: $14.48

Pennsylvania Turnpike (111.4 mi) $14.48

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

$26

Tolls

$14

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 54.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 46.7 0 $16.34 $7.47
Efficient EV 38.9 0 $13.61 $6.22
EV Truck/SUV 62.2 0 $21.78 $9.96

Gas CO2

54 kg

EV CO2

18 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Philadelphia, PA

Afternoon in Philadelphia on Saturday

Local time

2:26 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gibson, PA

Afternoon in Gibson on Saturday

Local time

2:26 PM

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

6 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

3h 6m 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.

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
Park Closure: Congress Hall Temporary Closure
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...

7 mi from route ~18 min detour Free near mile 16.1
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 ~55 min detour Free near mile 10.7
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

155.6 mi in 3h 6m, mostly highway — 111.4 mi of that is on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.4 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I 81. 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 9/10

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 14 significant decision points across 155.6 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.

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 Gibson, PA, road signs point toward Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Binghamton.

Scranton

128.8 mi in | ~2h 30m | via I 476; PATP

Wilkes-Barre

129.5 mi in | ~2h 32m

Binghamton

129.8 mi in | ~2h 32m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 6m. Total distance: 155.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 111.4 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $14.48 in tolls one way, starting with Pennsylvania Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Gibson, PA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

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.

Yes — Independence National Historical Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and Valley Forge National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Gibson, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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