Trip from Saint Marys, PA to Reading, PA

Data updated 5 hours ago

Drive Time

4h 23m

Distance

215.1 mi

346 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 10m ★

6 AM

4h 24m

8 AM

4h 50m

10 AM

4h 33m

12 PM

4h 30m

3 PM

4h 34m

5 PM

4h 49m

8 PM

4h 16m

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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Saint Marys, PA

RDNE Stock project

Trip Overview

This 215-mile drive from Saint Marys, PA to Reading, PA will take you approximately 4 hours and 23 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $36, this route is best tackled as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without an overnight stop. The journey primarily utilizes the Keystone Shortway, State Route 54, and the Million Dollar Highway, offering a varied driving experience. Given its location entirely within Pennsylvania, this trip keeps you within the Northeast region. This route is a good option if you're looking for a manageable drive with a relatively low fuel budget.

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

107.5 miles from Saint Marys, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, with only about 5% of the journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 112.7 miles along the Keystone Shortway, offering a period of more consistent travel. As you transition off the Keystone Shortway, the route will likely become more winding and involve more local roads, requiring your attention. This drive is characterized by its frequent turns and changes in road type, making it engaging for those who prefer a less monotonous experience behind the wheel.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 38 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 112.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near PA 120; PA 255 / South Michael Street.

Route Complexity 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

This is a straightforward 4h 23m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (PA 120; PA 255 / South Michael Street): Navigation decision point; at 140.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 140.5 miles (PA 54 / Continental Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | PA 120; PA 255 / South Michael Street

Turn left onto PA 120; PA 255 / South Michael Street

Navigation decision point

140.2 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in

Take the exit toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville

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

Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville

140.5 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in | PA 54 / Continental Boulevard

Turn right onto PA 54 / Continental Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

143.8 mi into trip | ~2h 51m in | PA 54 / Elysburg Road

Turn left onto PA 54 / Elysburg Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

214.9 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in | South 6th Street

Turn left onto South 6th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.

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 Saint Marys, PA to Reading, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.

Washingtonville

140.2 mi in | ~2h 46m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Keystone Shortway	112.7 mi	2h 1m
State Route 54	11.1 mi	13m
Million Dollar Highway	10.9 mi	16m
Center Avenue	10.6 mi	12m
Pottsville Pike	10.2 mi	12m
Elysburg Road	9.7 mi	11m
Sunbury Road	9.4 mi	11m
State Park Road	8.1 mi	14m

Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 112.7 mi, about 2h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Saint Marys, PA and Reading, PA.

Start on PA 120; PA 255

45 ft · 1 sec · Railroad Street

Turn left onto PA 120; PA 255

223 ft · 4 sec · South Michael Street

Turn slight left onto PA 120

0.2 mi · 22 sec · PA 120

Continue on PA 255

11 mi · 16 min · Million Dollar Highway

Continue on PA 255

7.9 mi · 12 min · Bennetts Valley Highway

Turn left onto PA 153

8.1 mi · 14 min · State Park Road

Turn left

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Merge onto I 80

113 mi · 2 hr 1 min · Keystone Shortway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville

Turn slight left

79 ft · 2 sec

Turn right onto PA 54

2.9 mi · 3 min · Continental Boulevard

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 54

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Factory Street

Continue on PA 54

0.3 mi · 49 sec · Danville-Riverside Bridge Road

Turn left onto PA 54

9.7 mi · 11 min · Elysburg Road

Use the left lane.

Continue on PA 54

11 mi · 13 min · State Route 54

Continue on PA 901

0.4 mi · 41 sec · Locust Gap Highway

Continue on PA 901

2.2 mi · 2 min · Fairgrounds Road

Continue on PA 901

9.4 mi · 11 min · Sunbury Road

Continue on PA 901

0.8 mi · 1 min · Sunbury Street

Turn right onto PA 901

1.8 mi · 2 min · Pottsville Minersville Highway

Turn right onto PA 901

4.0 mi · 6 min · Gordon Nagle Trail

Continue on PA 901

0.2 mi · 33 sec · North Sillyman Street

Turn left onto PA 183

0.7 mi · 2 min · Pottsville Street

Turn right onto PA 61

493 ft · 6 sec · Route 61 South

Continue on PA 61

11 mi · 12 min · Center Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 61

4.2 mi · 5 min · Centre Street

Continue on PA 61

0.3 mi · 17 sec · South 4th Street

Continue on PA 61

2.3 mi · 2 min · Pottsville Pike

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 61

0.6 mi · 43 sec · Shoemaker Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 61

3.2 mi · 3 min · Pottsville Pike

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 61

1.0 mi · 1 min · North Centre Avenue

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 61

4.7 mi · 6 min · Pottsville Pike

Use the straight lane.

Continue on PA 61

2.8 mi · 4 min · Centre Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Continue on PA 61

0.8 mi · 1 min · North 4th Street

Turn left onto US 422 Business

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Franklin Street

Turn left onto South 6th Street

0.1 mi · 24 sec · South 6th Street

Use the straight / left lanes.

Turn left onto US 422 Business Alternate

278 ft · 4 sec · Penn Street

Arrive at destination

US 422 Business Alternate

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour and 23-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Saint Marys to maximize your daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before heading onto longer stretches like the 112.7-mile portion of the Keystone Shortway, as services can be spaced out. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the advantage of adapting your schedule as needed. A specific tip for this route is to be prepared for the 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile; ensure your navigation is set up before you start, as frequent turns might make it easy to miss a crucial exit.

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 107.5 miles from Saint Marys, PA, or about 2h 10m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.7 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 80 miles or 1h 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 107.5 miles or 2h 10m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 29m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Saint Marys, 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 Saint Marys, PA

This is one driving day of about 215.1 miles and 4h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Saint Marys, 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 112.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 107.5 mi from Saint Marys, PA · 2h 10m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Union, NY

108 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

Hornell, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Corning, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 107.5 miles from Saint Marys, 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 112.7 miles.

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.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Reading, 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.

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 178

Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene

Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.66 one way

$71.32 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 75 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.61	$39.06	$78.11
premium	$4.93	$41.72	$83.43
diesel	$5.61	$47.49	$94.98

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	64.5	0	$22.59	$10.32
Efficient EV	53.8	0	$18.82	$8.60
EV Truck/SUV	86	1	$30.11	$13.77

Gas CO2

75 kg

EV CO2

25 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 data refreshed 1 day ago

Origin

Saint Marys, PA

Late night in Saint Marys on Wednesday

Local time

3:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Reading, PA

Late night in Reading on Wednesday

Local time

3:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

53°F

Union, NY

108 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

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

4h 23m 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 Saint Marys, PA to Reading, PA covers 215.1 miles and takes about 4h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Keystone Shortway, State Route 54, Million Dollar Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 107.5 miles from Saint Marys, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.66 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 is a straightforward 4h 23m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

On the drive from Saint Marys, PA to Reading, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.

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Trip from Saint Marys, PA to Reading, PA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Reading, PA

National Parks Near This Route

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Saint Marys, PA

Reading, PA

Same local time

6 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 23m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

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