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Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Road Trip

Philadelphia - Scranton - Towanda - Warren - Lake Erie - Pittsburgh - Harrisburg - Lancaster

Expect on your itinerary

Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Landscape Landscape
Pennsylvania Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages8 km1,591 h/stage2.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Pennsylvania Road Trip in Pennsylvania?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 213EUR sleep & more 792EUR eat & more 720EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,725EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,175EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 540EUR drive & more 288EUR sleep & more 1,188EUR eat & more 1,080EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,556EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,096EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 900EUR drive & more 388EUR sleep & more 1,980EUR eat & more 1,440EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,808EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,708EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,250EUR drive & more 425EUR sleep & more 550EUR eat & more 720EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,695EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,945EUR
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Pennsylvania Road Trip Itinerary

The Pennsylvania Road Trip is a great way to explore the history and culture of the United States. Starting in Philadelphia, the trip takes you through Scranton, Warren, Pittsburgh, and Lancaster, covering a distance of about 1591km. It is recommended to take 10 days to complete this journey, and the best time to go is during the warmer months. Along the way, you can visit many historical sites and monuments, including those listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The roads are excellent, so you can be sure of a safe and comfortable journey. This road trip is suitable for everyone, and you don’t need to break the bank to make it a reality. With its stunning scenery, fascinating attractions, and excellent road conditions, the Pennsylvania Road Trip is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
number of days 10 number of days
route length 1,591 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Philadelphia

Distance 1,591 km Driving time 19.8 h Pace: fast 477.4 kWh Airports PHL
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Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, is an ideal starting point for the Pennsylvania Road Trip. Home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and other historical sites, it is a great place to explore. You can rent a car at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and begin your journey. The most popular sights in Philadelphia include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rocky Steps, the Philadelphia Zoo and the iconic LOVE Park. There are also many other attractions like the Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art, the National Constitution Center and the Eastern State Penitentiary. For those who like to shop, there are also many options, from the Reading Terminal Market to the King of Prussia Mall, the largest shopping mall on the East Coast. The nightlife in Philadelphia is vibrant, with many bars and clubs. For a taste of Philadelphia's history and culture, take a stroll down Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in the United States. The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the best in the country, and the Barnes Foundation is home to the world's largest private collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Philadelphia is also a great place to sample some of the best local food. Philly cheesesteaks are a must-try, as are the many Italian restaurants. There are also plenty of other cuisines to try, from Ethiopian to Mexican. Philadelphia is the perfect starting point for a Pennsylvania Road Trip, with something for everyone to enjoy. There are plenty of attractions to explore, delicious food to sample, and vibrant nightlife to experience. Don't miss out on all the city has to offer!

1 Philadelphia - Scranton

Distance 214 km Driving time 2.3 h Pace: fast 64.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Philadelphia to Scranton? This 133-mile journey will take you less than 3 hours, and you'll be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the United States. Start your journey in Philadelphia and visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Then, take a stroll through the historic district of Old City and explore the Betsy Ross House. As you continue your journey, you'll pass through the beautiful countryside of Pennsylvania and arrive in Scranton. Here you can visit the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and the Steamtown National Historic Site, both of which are UNESCO Heritage sites. Be sure to check out the Electric City Trolley Station and Museum to learn about the history of the region. Along the way, you'll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the countryside and experience the unique culture of the area. For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, don't wait any longer and plan your road trip from Philadelphia to Scranton today!

2 Scranton - Towanda

Distance 100 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: fast 30.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Scranton to Towanda? Get ready for a journey of 62 miles (100 km) and less than 2 hours of driving. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Start your journey in Scranton, home to the Steamtown National Historic Site. Here you can explore the remains of the Scranton rail yards and learn about the city’s history as a major railroad hub. Then, head to Nay Aug Park, where you can enjoy a picnic, take a walk, or play a game of volleyball. Continue your journey to Towanda, a small town with a big history. Here you can visit the Bradford County Historical Society Museum to learn about the area’s past. You can also explore the Towanda Creek, a popular spot for fishing and canoeing. Be sure to check out the historic Towanda Courthouse, which is the oldest courthouse in the county. Your road trip from Scranton to Towanda is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Make sure to check the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

3 Towanda - Warren

Distance 337 km Driving time 3.7 h Pace: fast 101.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the Towanda - Warren road trip stage! This 209mi journey will take you fewer than 4 hours, and it is part of a larger tour. Start your trip in Towanda, a charming small town in Bradford County. Here you can visit the Towanda Historic District, a national historic district with over 200 buildings, including the Wyalusing Academy and the Towanda Public Library. Next, drive to Montrose, a town in Susquehanna County. Here you can visit the Salt Springs State Park, a beautiful park with a variety of wildlife, and the Montrose Historic District, a national historic district with over 400 buildings. Continue your journey to New Milford, a borough in Susquehanna County. Here you can visit the New Milford Historic District, a national historic district with over 400 buildings, and the New Milford Railroad Station, a historic train station. Finally, end your trip in Warren, a city in Warren County. Here you can visit the Warren Historic District, a national historic district with over 200 buildings, and the Warren County Courthouse, a historic courthouse. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

4 Warren - Lake Erie

Distance 162 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 48.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for a road trip? Let's start in Warren, United States and drive to Lake Erie. This scenic drive is only 100 miles long and can be completed in less than 2 hours. On your journey, you'll be able to admire the breathtaking views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, a National Natural Landmark. You can also explore the Kinzua Dam and the Allegheny Reservoir. You can also visit the Allegheny National Forest, a great place for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. You can also take a boat tour on the Allegheny River and enjoy the beauty of the river. Once you reach Lake Erie, you can explore the Presque Isle State Park, a 3,200-acre peninsula that is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. You can also visit the Erie Maritime Museum and learn about the history of the Great Lakes. At the end of your journey, you can also visit the Waldameer Park and Water World, a great place for families to have fun. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and let's hit the road!

5 Lake Erie - Pittsburgh

Distance 243 km Driving time 3.7 h Pace: fast 72.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Are you looking for an unforgettable road trip? Then you should definitely take the route from Lake Erie to Pittsburgh! This 151 miles journey will take you less than 4 hours to complete and will be filled with amazing sights, sounds and experiences. Start your journey in Lake Erie and make a stop in Conneaut, a charming town with a rich history. Visit the Conneaut Historical Museum to learn more about the area's past. Next, head to Erie, the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania. Here, you can explore the Erie Maritime Museum, stroll along the waterfront and explore the city's many restaurants and shops. Continue your journey to Meadville, a small city known for its vibrant art scene. Make a stop at the Allegheny College Art Gallery to see works from local and international artists. From there, make your way to Franklin, a town known for its many historical sites. Visit the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry to learn more about the area's past. Finally, make your way to Pittsburgh. Here, you can explore the city's many attractions, including the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Andy Warhol Museum and the National Aviary. Don't forget to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your trip!

6 Pittsburgh - Harrisburg

Distance 332 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: fast 99.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg? This 207 mi journey takes less than 4 hours to complete, so it’s the perfect stage for a short but exciting road trip. In Pittsburgh, be sure to visit the Point State Park, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Heinz History Center. In Harrisburg, you can explore the Susquehanna River, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and the National Civil War Museum. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Pittsburgh-Harrisburg road trip now!

7 Harrisburg - Lancaster

Distance 85 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: modest 22.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on this amazing road trip from Harrisburg to Lancaster! This 53mi drive is one of the stages of a larger tour, and it will take you less than 2 hours. Start your journey in Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania. Here you can visit the National Civil War Museum, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Continue your trip to Lancaster, the city of the Amish Country. Here you can explore the Amish Farm and House, the Lancaster Central Market, and the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. Don’t forget to check the “Itinerary” of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

8 Lancaster - Philadelphia

Distance 118 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: fast 35.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Welcome to the Lancaster-Philadelphia road trip! This 73-mile journey will take you less than two hours and you'll get to see some of the most interesting places in the United States. Start your trip in Lancaster and visit the Fulton Opera House, the oldest theater still in operation in the country. Then, you'll pass by the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, a place of great historical importance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you drive on, you'll reach Valley Forge National Historical Park, the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment in 1777-1778. Finally, you'll arrive in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. Here, you can visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, two of the most iconic sites in the country. Don't forget to check out the itinerary for this stage of the tour for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your trip!

  Philadelphia

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The end of the Pennsylvania Road Trip is Philadelphia, a vibrant city with plenty to explore. Home to the iconic Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there is no shortage of historical sites to visit. But don't forget to explore the city's other attractions, like the Franklin Institute and Zoo, the Reading Terminal Market and the Magic Gardens. When it comes to nature, the city has plenty to offer. Take a stroll along Schuylkill River Trail, visit the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, or spend an afternoon in Fairmount Park. If you're looking to shop and dine, there are plenty of unique stores and restaurants to explore. From the famous Italian Market in South Philadelphia to the boutiques in Rittenhouse Square, you'll find something to suit your taste. Plus, the city's restaurant scene is thriving and there are plenty of options to choose from. For those traveling by air, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the closest international airport. The airport is just 7 miles from the city center, making it easy to get to your final destination and explore all that Philadelphia has to offer.

Pennsylvania Road Trip at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on the quintessential American journey with the Pennsylvania Road Trip, a voyage through time and terrain that showcases the birthplace of the nation's democracy and the rich tapestry of its cultural origins. This 10-day excursion spans approximately 1591km (988 miles), connecting the cosmopolitan streets of Philadelphia to the bucolic beauty of Lancaster, with pivotal stops in Scranton, Warren, and Pittsburgh. Ideal for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike, this Road Trip interweaves the narrative of the United States' evolution with the stunning vistas of Pennsylvania's landscapes.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Philadelphia: Known as the `Cradle of Liberty,` this city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. Don't miss the Philadelphia Museum of Art, not only for its extensive collections but also for the 'Rocky Steps' made famous by Sylvester Stallone's triumphant run in the film `Rocky.`
  • Scranton: Explore the region's industrial past at the Steamtown National Historic Site, which celebrates the era of steam railRoading. The Electric City Trolley Museum offers a glimpse into the evolution of electric streetcar transportation.
  • Warren: Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Allegheny National Forest, an expanse of wilderness ideal for outdoor activities. The Kinzua Sky Walk, built on the remnants of the Kinzua Viaduct once the world's longest and tallest railRoad structure, provides breathtaking views.
  • Pittsburgh: A city of bridges and steel, Pittsburgh is also rich in cultural assets like The Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the Pittsburgh-born pop art icon, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, known for its impressive dinosaur exhibits. Ride the historic Duquesne Incline for a panoramic view of the city's skyline.
  • Lancaster: Step back in time in Amish Country, where traditional lifestyles persist. The Lancaster Central Market is the country's oldest continuously operating farmers' market, and Wheatland is the preserved estate of President James Buchanan, the only Pennsylvanian to hold the presidency.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal period to embark on the Pennsylvania Road Trip is between late spring and early fall when the weather is conducive to exploring the great outdoors. Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes from May to June and the colorful foliage from late September to October offer the most visually appealing experiences.

Potential Risks:

Roadtrippers should monitor the forecast for sudden changes that could lead to severe weather, especially during spring and fall when storms can be more prevalent. Traffic congestion is common in urban areas, so plan accordingly to avoid rush hours in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • Pennsylvania is home to some of the United States' firsts, including the first computer (ENIAC), the first daily newspaper (The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser), and the first zoo (The Philadelphia Zoo).
  • The state boasts nine properties listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Independence Hall.
  • Pennsylvania's diverse topography ranges from the urban skyline of Philadelphia to the serene Amish countryside, offering a dynamic perspective on American life.
  • The state is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its food, festivals, and historical neighborhoods.

A good choice for:

The Pennsylvania Road Trip is a celebration of the United States' past and present, offering a unique blend of educational experiences and natural splendor. Whether tracing the footsteps of founding fathers, relishing in the arts, or embracing the tranquility of the great outdoors, this Road Trip is a treasure trove of American heritage awaiting discovery.

Facts for safer driving in Pennsylvania

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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