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Trip from Upper Darby, PA to King, PA

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

Drive Time

4h 9m

Distance

215.1 mi

346 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 57m ★
6 AM
4h 10m
8 AM
4h 36m
10 AM
4h 19m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 35m
8 PM
4h 2m

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

title given to the name of a male monarch

King, PA

Oscar Rockr

Trip Overview

Upper Darby, PA to King, PA is 215.1 miles and takes about 4h 9m via Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. It's a highway-focused trip, making it a straightforward option for a single-day journey. With a highway share of 94%, expect a consistent pace for most of the 4-hour-plus drive.

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

107.6 miles from Upper Darby, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 9m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike 181.2 mi 3h 16m
I 99 9.5 mi 10m
Mid-County Expressway 7 mi 9m
Schuylkill Expressway 4.2 mi 5m
William Penn Road 3.7 mi 5m
South Lansdowne Avenue 3 mi 8m
West Chester Pike 2.2 mi 4m
I 76 0.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike — 181.2 mi, about 3h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Upper Darby, PA and King, PA.

1

Start on West Providence Road

0.3 mi · 46 sec · West Providence Road
2

Turn left onto South Lansdowne Avenue

3.0 mi · 8 min · South Lansdowne Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
3

Continue on Darby Road

471 ft · 13 sec · Darby Road
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
4

Turn slight left onto PA 3

2.2 mi · 4 min · West Chester Pike
Use the straight lane.
5

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 58 sec
Toward I 476 North: Plymouth Meeting Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Merge onto I 476

7.0 mi · 9 min · Mid-County Expressway
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Exit 16B Toward I 76 West: Valley Forge Use the right lane.
8

Merge onto I 76

3.7 mi · 5 min · Schuylkill Expressway
9

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 10 sec
Exit 328B-A/327 Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 22 sec
Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 20 sec
Toward Mall Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 8 sec
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
13

Merge onto I 76

0.4 mi · 52 sec · Schuylkill Expressway
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 76

0.4 mi · 1 min · I 76
Toward I 76 West: Harrisburg Use the slight left lane.
15

Merge onto I 76; PATP

181 mi · 3 hr 16 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 46 sec
Toward Altoona, Johnstown Use the slight right lane.
17

Turn left onto US 220 BUS

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Business 220
18

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
19

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
20

Merge onto I 99; US 220

9.5 mi · 10 min · I 99; US 220
21

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 59 sec
Toward Blue Knob State Park
22

Turn left

0.1 mi · 15 sec
23

Continue on Sarah Furnace Road

0.3 mi · 32 sec · Sarah Furnace Road
24

Turn right onto William Penn Road

3.7 mi · 5 min · William Penn Road
25

Turn right onto Hickory Lane

213 ft · 9 sec · Hickory Lane
26

Arrive at destination

Hickory Lane

Trip Plan

Given the 4h 9m duration, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day drive, and leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight. The longest stretch without a major road change is 181.2 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before embarking on this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $36 estimated cost suggests you'll be covering substantial mileage. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility, but it's wise to utilize service areas on the turnpike for restrooms and refreshments.

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 107.6 miles from Upper Darby, PA, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 181.2 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 47 miles or 1h 3m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 107.6 miles or 2h 9m 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 24m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Upper Darby, 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 Upper Darby, PA

This is one driving day of about 215.1 miles and 4h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Upper Darby, 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 181.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Middlesex, PA, PA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middlesex, PA

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

Elkton, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Middlesex, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 107.6 miles from Upper Darby, 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 181.2 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 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 13 and 17.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
13 mi into trip | ~24m in

Take the exit toward I 76 West: Valley Forge

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 16B Toward I 76 West: Valley Forge
8
17.2 mi into trip | ~30m in

Take the exit toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, West Chester, Pottstown

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 328B-A/327 Toward US 202, US 422 West: King of Prussia, We...
9
17.3 mi into trip | ~30m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevard, West Chester, Pottstown, Swedesford Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 202 South, US 422 West: Mall Boulevar...
8
17.6 mi into trip | ~30m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Mall Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Mall Boulevard
7
17.8 mi into trip | ~31m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg

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

Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg

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

Estimated Tolls: $23.56

Pennsylvania Turnpike (181.2 mi) $23.56

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

$36

Tolls

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$84–$109

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 as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Upper Darby, PA

Afternoon in Upper Darby on Saturday

Local time

3:37 PM

EDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

King, PA

Afternoon in King on Saturday

Local time

3:37 PM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

48°F

Middlesex, PA

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

31 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

4h 9m 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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 118.7
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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 22.3
View on nps.gov
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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour $1
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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free
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 81.6
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...

16 mi from route ~41 min detour Free near mile 7.4
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with a 94% highway share, meaning you'll spend the vast majority of your time on major interstates. The Pennsylvania Turnpike will be your main companion for a significant portion, offering an uninterrupted stretch of 181.2 miles. Expect a consistent and efficient pace for most of the journey, as you'll primarily be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99. This highway-centric profile suggests a functional drive rather than a meandering scenic tour.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 181.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 13 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 215.1 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 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Upper Darby, PA and King, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown, Harrisburg, Altoona and Johnstown.

Chester

17.2 mi in | ~30m

Pottstown

17.2 mi in | ~30m

Harrisburg

17.8 mi in | ~31m

Altoona

200 mi in | ~3h 49m

Johnstown

200 mi in | ~3h 49m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 215.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Upper Darby, PA to King, PA covers 215.1 miles and takes about 4h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike, I 99, Mid-County Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 107.6 miles from Upper Darby, 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 demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 215.1 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 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Between Upper Darby, PA and King, PA, road signs point toward Chester, Pottstown, Harrisburg, Altoona and Johnstown.

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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