Origin
Williamstown, PA
Afternoon in Williamstown on Thursday
Local time
12:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
5h 57m
Distance
307.9 mi
495 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$51
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Williamstown, PA
Michael Taccetta
Philadelphia, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Traveling from Williamstown to Philadelphia covers 307.9 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 57 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is manageable within a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Budgeting approximately $51 for fuel will cover your transit costs as you move through the Northeast region of Pennsylvania. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, making it a straightforward connection between these two points. It is a practical, highway-focused trip that prioritizes efficiency over scenic detours. If you are looking for a direct path to the city, this itinerary provides a clear and reliable roadmap.
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
153.9 miles from Williamstown, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 57m. Total distance: 307.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Expect a high-speed experience, as 91% of this drive is spent on highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which accounts for a significant 252-mile stretch of the journey. The route also incorporates the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway and I-76, ensuring a consistent, high-velocity pace for most of the trip. While the character of the road is primarily an interstate grind, the transition from the smaller roads near Williamstown to the major arteries of Philadelphia keeps the drive focused and predictable. You should prepare for long, uninterrupted stretches behind the wheel where maintaining a steady highway speed is the primary requirement.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike and Dwight D Eisenhower Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 35.5 miles in near I 70.
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 15 significant decision points across 307.9 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 35.5 miles (I 70): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.9 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 288.4 miles (I 76): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Take the exit onto I 70 toward I 70 Toll East, I 76 Toll, PATP: Harrisburg, Pittsburgh
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70 toward I 70 East, I 76 East: Harrisburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit onto I 76 toward I 76 East: Valley Forge, Philadelphia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Williamstown, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Patp: Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.
Patp: Harrisburg
Pittsburgh
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | 252 mi | 4h 34m |
| Dwight D Eisenhower Highway | 19.3 mi | 26m |
| I 76 | 18 mi | 26m |
| Mon/Fayette Expressway | 6 mi | 6m |
| Low Hill Road | 3 mi | 4m |
| Front Street | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| Main Street | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| PA 88 | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Williamstown, PA and Philadelphia, PA.
Start on Taylor Avenue
Continue on 1st Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto SR 2039
At end of road, turn left onto PA 88
Continue on PA 88
Turn straight onto PA 88
Continue on PA 88
Turn left onto PA 88
Merge onto PA Tpke 43; PA 88
Take the exit
Merge onto I 70
Take the exit onto I 70
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP
Take the exit onto I 76
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn right onto North 15th Street
Turn slight left onto PA 611
Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square
Arrive at destination
Since this is a nearly six-hour trek, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid potential congestion as you approach the Philadelphia metro area. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that 252-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as you will want to time your refueling stop effectively to stay within your $51 budget. Because the route is highway-heavy, utilize cruise control to manage your speed during the long, consistent segments. Being flexible with your departure time allows you to bypass peak traffic hours, making the overall experience much smoother.
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.
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 68 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 153.9 miles or 3h 1m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Philadelphia, PA than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Williamstown, 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 Williamstown, PA
This is one driving day of about 307.9 miles and 5h 57m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 153.9 mi from Williamstown, PA · 3h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
154 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.
A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 153.9 miles from Williamstown, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 252 miles.
The final approach into Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, 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.
Regular Gas
$51.05 one way
$102.09 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $55.91 | $111.81 |
| premium | $4.93 | $59.71 | $119.43 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $67.98 | $135.96 |
Estimated Tolls: $33.19
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
$51
Tolls
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$109–$134
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 107.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 92.4 | 1 | $32.33 | $14.78 |
| Efficient EV | 77 | 0 | $26.94 | $12.32 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 123.2 | 1 | $43.11 | $19.71 |
Gas CO2
108 kg
EV CO2
36 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Williamstown on Thursday
Local time
12:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Destination
Afternoon in Philadelphia on Thursday
Local time
12:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
48°F
Hancock, MD
154 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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