The drive from Reading, PA to Sugar Grove, PA covers 275.3 miles and takes about 5h 55m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Keystone Shortway, Pottsville Pike, Jackson Run Road for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 112.9 miles on Keystone Shortway.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $45.64 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
137.6 miles from Reading, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 43m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 55m. Total distance: 275.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a 5h 55m drive with frequent turns across 275.3 miles of local and secondary roads.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 59 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 112.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 23 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 33.8 miles in near US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street.
Driving Effort6/10
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 275.3 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 33.8 miles (US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street): Navigation decision point; at 72 miles (PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 188.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
33.8 mi into trip|~43m in|US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street
Turn left onto US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street
Navigation decision point
5
72 mi into trip|~1h 31m in|PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
Turn right onto PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
188.8 mi into trip|~3h 38m in
Take the exit toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
5
205.8 mi into trip|~4h 8m in|US 219
At end of road, turn right onto US 219
Navigation decision point
6
259.4 mi into trip|~5h 32m in|Hickory Bridge
Turn right onto Hickory Bridge
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
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 Reading, PA to Sugar Grove, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Penfield along the way.
Penfield
188.8 mi in|~3h 38m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
112.9 mi
2h 1m
Pottsville Pike
14.4 mi
18m
Jackson Run Road
12.5 mi
17m
US 219
12.3 mi
18m
Locust Gap Highway
11.5 mi
13m
Centre Turnpike
10.6 mi
12m
South Market Street
9.7 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 112.9 mi, about 2h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Reading, PA and Sugar Grove, PA.
1
Start on US 422 Business Alternate
279 ft·8 sec·Penn Street
2
Turn right onto US 222 BUS
0.5 mi·55 sec·North 5th Street
3
Turn slight left onto PA 61
3.0 mi·4 min·Centre Avenue
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on PA 61
4.7 mi·6 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on PA 61
1.0 mi·1 min·South Centre Avenue
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on PA 61
3.2 mi·3 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on PA 61
0.6 mi·43 sec·Shoemaker Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on PA 61
2.3 mi·2 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Continue on PA 61
0.3 mi·19 sec·South 4th Street
10
Continue on PA 61
4.2 mi·5 min·Pottsville Pike
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Centre Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on PA 61
3.0 mi·3 min·Route 61 South
13
Continue on PA 61
0.3 mi·18 sec·Pottsville Boulevard
14
Continue on PA 61
0.2 mi·20 sec·South Claude A. Lord Boulevard
15
Turn left onto US 209
0.1 mi·10 sec·Mauch Chunk Street
16
At end of road, turn right onto US 209
0.4 mi·38 sec·South Centre Street
17
Turn left onto US 209
2.3 mi·4 min·West Market Street
18
Continue on US 209; PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
Use the straight lane.
19
At end of road, turn left onto PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·East Sunbury Street
20
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
21
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
22
Continue on PA 901
0.3 mi·43 sec·Locust Gap Highway
23
Continue on PA 54; PA 901
11 mi·13 min·Locust Gap Highway
24
Continue on PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·South Market Street
25
Turn right onto PA 54
0.3 mi·45 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
Use the straight lane.
27
Continue on PA 54
3.0 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
29
Merge onto I 80
113 mi·2 hr 1 min·Keystone Shortway
30
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·32 sec
32
Turn straight onto PA 153
7.5 mi·13 min·State Park Road
33
Continue on PA 153
5.0 mi·8 min·Hoovertown Road
34
Continue on PA 153
3.7 mi·6 min·Penfield Road
35
At end of road, turn right onto US 219
12 mi·18 min·US 219
36
Turn right onto PA 948
1.0 mi·2 min·Montmorenci Avenue
37
Continue on PA 948
8.8 mi·13 min·Montmorenci Road
38
Continue on PA 948
5.4 mi·7 min·Highland Road
39
At end of road, turn left onto PA 66
2.7 mi·3 min·Kane-Russell City Road
40
Take the exit onto PA 948
8.6 mi·12 min·PA 948
41
Continue on PA 666
2.3 mi·4 min·PA 666
42
At end of road, turn left onto US 6
1.2 mi·2 min·West Main Street
43
Continue on US 6
4.5 mi·6 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
44
Continue on US 6
1.4 mi·2 min·South Main Street
45
Continue on US 6
2.9 mi·4 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
46
Continue on US 6
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
47
Continue on US 6
1.8 mi·3 min·Crescent Park
Use the straight lane.
48
Continue on Crescent Park
0.4 mi·1 min·Crescent Park
Use the right lane.
49
Turn right onto Hickory Bridge
0.1 mi·17 sec·Hickory Bridge
Use the right lane.
50
Continue on Hickory Street
0.2 mi·25 sec·Hickory Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
51
Turn right onto US 62
0.2 mi·23 sec·West 4th Avenue
52
Turn left onto US 62
2.1 mi·2 min·Market Street
53
Turn left onto PA 69
8.8 mi·12 min·Jackson Run Road
54
Continue on PA 69
0.2 mi·23 sec·Main Street
55
Continue on PA 69
3.6 mi·5 min·Jackson Run Road
56
Continue on PA 69
0.3 mi·38 sec·Mechanic Street
57
At end of road, turn right onto PA 69; PA 957
0.2 mi·16 sec·Main Street
58
Turn straight onto PA 957
243 ft·4 sec·Race Street
59
Arrive at destination
PA 957
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 137.6 miles from Reading, PA, or about 2h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.9 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 61 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.6 miles or 2h 43m 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 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sugar Grove, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Reading, 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 Reading, PA
This is one driving day of about 275.3 miles and 5h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Reading, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 112.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 137.6 mi from Reading, PA
· 2h 43m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 38
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.64 one way
$91.28 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$49.99
$99.98
premium
$4.93
$53.39
$106.78
diesel
$5.61
$60.78
$121.57
Estimated Tolls: $0.74
Centre Turnpike
(10.6 mi)$0.74
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
$46
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.6
1
$28.91
$13.21
Efficient EV
68.8
0
$24.09
$11.01
EV Truck/SUV
110.1
1
$38.54
$17.62
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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
Reading, PA
Afternoon
in Reading on Saturday
Local time
12:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Sugar Grove, PA
Afternoon
in Sugar Grove on Saturday
Local time
12:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°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
13 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 55m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Reading, PA to Sugar Grove, PA covers 275.3 miles and takes about 5h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, Pottsville Pike, Jackson Run Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 137.6 miles from Reading, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.64 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 275.3 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 33.8 miles (US 209 / Mauch Chunk Street): Navigation decision point; at 72 miles (PA 54 / Danville-Riverside Bridge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 188.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Reading, PA to Sugar Grove, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Penfield along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
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.
