A Road Trip from Altoona to Philadelphia: How Much Will It Cost You?

Are you gearing up for a road trip from Altoona, Pennsylvania to Philadelphia? Maybe you're headed to the City of Brotherly Love to catch a game, explore the city's rich history, or visit family and friends. Whatever your reason for making the journey, it's always a good idea to know what you're in for when it comes to gas prices, tolls, and other expenses along the way.

The Quickest Route: Using the Pennsylvania Turnpike

The quickest route from Altoona to Philadelphia is along the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). This highway will take you directly into the heart of the city and is a distance of about 204 miles. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Pennsylvania is $2.94 per gallon.

To complete this route, you'll need to go through four toll booths. The first toll rate is $12.60, followed by $6.40, $7, and the final toll being $20.30. Overall, you can expect to pay around $47 in gas expenses and $46.30 in tolls. Be sure to factor this into your budget for the trip.

According to Google Maps, this route takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. Of course, travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, so it's a good idea to check for any potential traffic updates beforehand.

The Scenic Route: Using Route 22

If you're not in a hurry and want to take the scenic route, consider driving along Route 22. This route takes you through the rolling hills of Pennsylvania and has a distance of about 225 miles. Keep in mind that this route has more stoplights and traffic, which could increase your travel time.

With the current gas prices, your gas expenses for this route would be around $52.50. However, you won't need to worry about any tolls for this route. Again, travel times may vary, but Google Maps estimates this trip to take approximately 4 hours.

The Middle Ground: Using Route 30

If you're not looking for the quickest route but still want to avoid tolls, consider driving along Route 30. This route, which is about 203 miles, takes you through scenic suburban areas and quaint small towns.

With gas prices at $2.94 per gallon, you'll spend roughly $47 in gasoline for this route. Although there aren't any toll booths, you may encounter some slower-moving vehicles, which could make the trip last a bit longer. According to Google Maps, this route should take around 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete.

In Conclusion

When planning a road trip, it's important to consider all of the associated expenses. From gas to tolls and everything in between, understanding the costs can help you budget more effectively. In this case, the cost of driving from Altoona to Philadelphia ranges from approximately $47 to $99, depending on the route chosen.

As you plan your trip, remember to take into account the factors that are most important to you, whether that be time, scenery, or avoiding tolls. But no matter which route you choose, you're sure to make great memories along the way. Happy travels!