Skip to main content

Trip from Pittsburgh, PA to Dale, PA

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

Drive Time

5h 35m

Distance

281.9 mi

454 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 22m ★
6 AM
5h 36m
8 AM
6h 2m
10 AM
5h 45m
12 PM
5h 42m
3 PM
5h 46m
5 PM
6h 1m
8 PM
5h 28m

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

city and county seat in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States

Pittsburgh, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Dale, PA, PA

Dale, PA

Haneul Trac

Trip Overview

The drive from Pittsburgh, PA to Dale, PA covers 281.9 miles and takes about 5h 35m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Pennsylvania Turnpike, US 222, Penn-Lincoln Parkway East for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 230.8 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. At current regular gas prices, budget about $46.74 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

1 planned break

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

Midpoint

141 miles from Pittsburgh, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 230.8 mi 4h 12m
US 222 16.9 mi 22m
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East 13.6 mi 18m
Oysterdale Road 5.3 mi 10m
Pricetown Road 3.2 mi 6m
Philadelphia Avenue 2.8 mi 4m
Forgedale Road 2.7 mi 6m
Blandon Road 2.2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 230.8 mi, about 4h 12m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Pittsburgh, PA and Dale, PA.

1

Start on Grant Street

45 ft · 9 sec · Grant Street
2

Continue on Grant Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · Grant Street
3

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 50 sec
Toward I 376 East: Monroeville
4

Merge onto I 376; US 22; US 30

14 mi · 18 min · Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 1 min
Exit 85 Toward I 76, PATP: Ohio, Harrisburg
6

Continue on this road

0.2 mi · 30 sec · this road
Use the straight lane.
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 76; PATP

231 mi · 4 hr 12 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Toward US 222: Reading, Ephrata Use the slight right lane.
10

Continue on Colonel Howard Boulevard

0.6 mi · 1 min · Colonel Howard Boulevard
11

Keep slight left at fork onto Colonel Howard Boulevard

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Colonel Howard Boulevard
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward US 222 North: Reading
13

Merge onto US 222

3.3 mi · 3 min · US 222
14

Continue on US 222

14 mi · 18 min · US 222
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on PA 12

3.2 mi · 6 min · Pricetown Road
16

Turn right onto PA 73

2.1 mi · 2 min · Blandon Road
17

Enter roundabout onto PA 73

93 ft · 1 sec · Blandon Road
18

Continue on PA 73

347 ft · 5 sec · Blandon Road
19

Continue on PA 73; PA 662

1.7 mi · 2 min · Memorial Highway
20

Enter roundabout onto PA 73

122 ft · 2 sec · Philadelphia Avenue
21

Continue on PA 73

2.8 mi · 4 min · Philadelphia Avenue
22

Turn left onto Oysterdale Road

5.3 mi · 10 min · Oysterdale Road
23

At end of road, turn right onto Baldy Hill Road

158 ft · 4 sec · Baldy Hill Road
24

Turn left onto Forgedale Road

2.7 mi · 6 min · Forgedale Road
25

Turn left onto Dale Road

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Dale Road
26

Arrive at destination

Dale Road

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 141 miles from Pittsburgh, PA, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 230.8 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 62 miles or 1h 14m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 141 miles or 2h 40m 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 19m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA

This is one driving day of about 281.9 miles and 5h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Pittsburgh, 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 230.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chambersburg, PA

141 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

Johnstown, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hancock, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 141 miles from Pittsburgh, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 230.8 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 246.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.7 mi into trip | ~2m in | I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East

Merge onto I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
14.3 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the exit toward I 76, PATP: Ohio, Harrisburg

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

Exit 85 Toward I 76, PATP: Ohio, Harrisburg
8
14.7 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 right lane. Toward I 76 East: Harrisburg
7
245.7 mi into trip | ~4h 35m in

Take the exit toward US 222: Reading, Ephrata

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 222: Reading, Ephrata
6
246.6 mi into trip | ~4h 37m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 222 North: Reading

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward US 222 North: Reading

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.74 one way

$93.47 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 99 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $51.19 $102.37
premium $4.93 $54.67 $109.34
diesel $5.61 $62.24 $124.48

Estimated Tolls: $30.01

Pennsylvania Turnpike (230.8 mi) $30.01

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

$47

Tolls

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$102–$127

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 98.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 84.6 1 $29.60 $13.53
Efficient EV 70.5 0 $24.67 $11.28
EV Truck/SUV 112.8 1 $39.47 $18.04

Gas CO2

99 kg

EV CO2

33 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

Pittsburgh, PA

Afternoon in Pittsburgh on Saturday

Local time

3:21 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dale, PA

Afternoon in Dale on Saturday

Local time

3:21 PM

EDT

Current temp

46°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

3 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 35m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

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 184.7
View on nps.gov
Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour Free near mile 77.8
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

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 223.6
View on nps.gov
Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

National Battlefield

The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal...

23 mi from route ~58 min detour Free near mile 48.6
View on nps.gov
Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Johnstown Flood National Memorial

National Memorial

The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...

24 mi from route ~60 min detour Free near mile 97.2
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...

24 mi from route ~59 min detour Free near mile 281.9
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

281.9 mi in 5h 35m, mostly highway — 230.8 mi of that is on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 230.8 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and US 222. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 281.9 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 0.7 miles (I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Pittsburgh, PA and Dale, PA, road signs point toward Patp: Ohio, Harrisburg and Ephrata.

Patp: Ohio

14.3 mi in | ~20m

Harrisburg

14.3 mi in | ~20m

Ephrata

245.7 mi in | ~4h 35m

About the Cities

Starting in Pittsburgh, PA

Full guide →

The pleasure of Pittsburgh remains a well-kept secret. Though not built up by reputation, the city's unique combination of bridges, steep hills, and broad rivers make it one of the most naturally scenic cities in the country. Cheap food and beer abound in this true sports town and the locals are amazingly friendly. A city of about 303,000 (2021) in Allegheny County, at the center of a metro area of about 2.4 million in southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River. The city's unique terrain has resulted in an unusual city design and a hodge-podge of unique neighborhood "pockets" with diverse ethnic and architectural heritage.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 35m. Total distance: 281.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 230.8 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $30.01 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 Dale, 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 0.7 miles (I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, Flight 93 National Memorial and Appalachian National Scenic Trail (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Dale, PA before the return drive.

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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Dale, PA to Pittsburgh, PA

Plan the drive back the other way.

282.4 mi 5h 36m

More trips to Dale, PA

Explore more options from Pittsburgh, PA or browse trips ending in Dale, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.