Traveling from Upland to Altoona covers 203 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes. Because this trip is manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. You can expect to spend roughly $34 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly option for a weekend excursion. The route primarily utilizes the Pennsylvania Turnpike, PA 283, and I-99 to navigate through the Northeast region of the state. Since the drive is straightforward and efficient, it serves as an excellent choice for those looking to reach their destination without spending days on the road.
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
101.5 miles from Upland, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 16m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 10m. Total distance: 203 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a trip defined by efficiency, as highway driving accounts for 83% of your total time behind the wheel. You will spend the bulk of your journey on major thoroughfares, including a significant 101.9-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. While the route starts with high-speed interstate travel, the transition onto I-99 changes the feel of the drive as you head toward Altoona. This is a highway-focused itinerary designed for those who prioritize speed and directness over winding backroads. Prepare for a consistent, steady pace that minimizes time spent on local surface streets.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pennsylvania Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 101.9 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,819 ft329 ft
Total Climb
2,099 ft
Total Descent
1,465 ft
Highest Point
1,819 ft
~143.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,490 ft
Notable High Points
1,819 ft at ~143.8 miles+573 ft prominence
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and I 99. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.3 miles in near PA 10 / South Church Street.
Driving Effort9/10
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 22 significant decision points across 203 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 10.3 miles (PA 10 / South Church Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.8 miles (PA 283): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 166.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
10.3 mi into trip|~18m in|PA 10 / South Church Street
Turn right onto PA 10 / South Church Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
34.8 mi into trip|~58m in|PA 283
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 283 toward PA 283 West: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward PA 283 West: Harrisburg
7
166.3 mi into trip|~3h 27m in
Take the exit toward Altoona, Johnstown
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 Altoona, Johnstown
6
166.9 mi into trip|~3h 28m in
Take the ramp toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
7
167.1 mi into trip|~3h 29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Upland, PA and Altoona, PA, road signs point toward Patp Toll: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Johnstown.
Patp Toll: Philadelphia
63.7 mi in|~1h 32m
Pittsburgh
63.7 mi in|~1h 32m
Johnstown
166.3 mi in|~3h 27m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike
101.9 mi
1h 51m
I 99
32.7 mi
35m
PA 283
28.9 mi
34m
Old Philadelphia Pike
7.2 mi
12m
Newport Road
5.3 mi
8m
Doe Run Road
5.3 mi
9m
Lincoln Highway
5.2 mi
8m
US 30
4.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike
— 101.9 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Upland, PA and Altoona, PA.
1
Start on PA 842
21 ft·6 sec·Clonmell Upland Road
2
Turn left onto Newark Road
1.2 mi·2 min·Newark Road
3
Turn left onto PA 82
5.3 mi·9 min·Doe Run Road
4
Turn left onto Strasburg Road
2.5 mi·4 min·Strasburg Road
5
Continue on PA 372
1.0 mi·1 min·Valley Road
6
Continue on PA 372
0.3 mi·1 min·East 1st Avenue
7
Turn right onto PA 10
0.6 mi·1 min·South Church Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on PA 10
1.4 mi·2 min·Octorara Trail
9
Turn left onto US 30
4.7 mi·7 min·Lincoln Highway
Use the left lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 30
0.5 mi·1 min·Lincoln Highway
11
Turn right onto PA 772
5.3 mi·8 min·Newport Road
12
Continue on PA 340; PA 772
7.2 mi·12 min·Old Philadelphia Pike
13
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 30 West
14
Merge onto US 30
4.5 mi·6 min·US 30
15
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 283
29 mi·34 min·PA 283
Toward PA 283 West: HarrisburgUse the straight / right lanes.
16
Turn slight left
0.1 mi·31 sec
Toward I 76 Toll, PATP Toll: Philadelphia, PittsburghUse the left lane.
17
Merge onto I 283
406 ft·1 min·I 283
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 76 West: Pittsburgh
19
Merge onto I 76; PATP
102 mi·1 hr 51 min·Pennsylvania Turnpike
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Toward Altoona, JohnstownUse the slight right lane.
21
Turn left onto US 220 BUS
0.3 mi·42 sec·Business 220
22
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
24
Merge onto I 99; US 220
33 mi·35 min·I 99; US 220
25
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward 17th Street
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward Altoona
27
Turn straight onto 17th Street
1.4 mi·2 min·17th Street
28
Turn right onto PA 764
0.7 mi·1 min·6th Avenue
29
Turn left onto 7th Street
0.2 mi·18 sec·7th Street
30
Arrive at destination
7th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 10-minute drive, plan for at least one strategic stop to break up the monotony of the long highway segments. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic congestion on the busier sections of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition between major highways, and budget at least $34 for gas to ensure you reach Altoona without stress. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule. Prioritize checking local traffic reports before you head out to ensure your route via PA 283 remains clear.
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 101.5 miles from Upland, PA, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.9 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 45 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.5 miles or 2h 16m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Altoona, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Upland, 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 Upland, PA
This is one driving day of about 203 miles and 4h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Upland, 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 101.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 101.5 mi from Upland, PA
· 2h 16m 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.
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...
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...
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...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 182
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...
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...
20 mi from route
~50 min detour
Free
near mile 168
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.65 one way
$67.31 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg71 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$36.86
$73.72
premium
$4.93
$39.37
$78.74
diesel
$5.61
$44.82
$89.64
Estimated Tolls: $13.24
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(101.9 mi)$13.24
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
$34
Tolls
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
60.9
0
$21.31
$9.74
Efficient EV
50.8
0
$17.76
$8.12
EV Truck/SUV
81.2
1
$28.42
$12.99
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% 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
Upland, PA
Morning
in Upland on Saturday
Local time
9:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Altoona, PA
Morning
in Altoona on Saturday
Local time
9:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Middlesex, PA
102 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
4 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 10m 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 Upland, PA to Altoona, PA covers 203 miles and takes about 4h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 99, PA 283. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 101.5 miles from Upland, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.65 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 demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 203 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 10.3 miles (PA 10 / South Church Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 34.8 miles (PA 283): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 166.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Upland, PA and Altoona, PA, road signs point toward Patp Toll: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Johnstown.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 329 ft to 1,819 ft elevation with about 2,099 ft of total climbing. There is 1 notable high point along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, First State National Historical Park and Johnstown Flood National Memorial. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.
