How far is Columbia, PA from Altoona, PA?
The driving distance from Columbia, PA to Altoona, PA is about 165.3 miles (266.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 19m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 39m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Borough of Pennsylvania
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Altoona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Altoona.
-
1
Start on North 3rd Street
2432 ft · 1 min · North 3rd Street
-
2
Take the ramp right toward US 30 West: York
955 ft · 23 sec
-
3
Merge slight left
12.5 mi · 19 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward I 83 North: Harrisburg
1601 ft · 39 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
17.5 mi · 21 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 76, PATP: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
1791 ft · 44 sec
-
7
Turn straight onto I 76 West: Pittsburgh
2130 ft · 52 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Pennsylvania Turnpike
96.9 mi · 1 hr 46 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward Altoona, Johnstown
1614 ft · 47 sec
-
10
Turn left onto Business 220
1440 ft · 42 sec · Business 220
-
11
Take the ramp left toward I 99, US 220: Cumberland, Altoona
1124 ft · 27 sec
-
12
Keep slight right to continue on I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
1502 ft · 37 sec
-
13
Merge slight left
32.7 mi · 35 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward 17th Street
2530 ft · 1 min
-
15
Keep slight right to continue on Altoona
901 ft · 22 sec
-
16
Turn straight onto 17th Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 17th Street
-
17
Turn right onto 6th Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · 6th Avenue
-
18
Turn left onto 7th Street
976 ft · 19 sec · 7th Street
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 7th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Altoona.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Merge slight left onto Pennsylvania Turnpike
96.9 mi · 01h 46m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Columbia and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain near Altoona.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Altoona?
The road trip is about 165.3 miles (266.1 km) and usually takes 02h 39m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Shade Gap is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.6 miles from Columbia and 82.8 miles from Altoona.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 60.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:10 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.86 one way or $47.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Columbia and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain near Altoona.
Stop Ideas Near Shade Gap
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Shade Gap.
Huntingdon
Lewistown
Hancock, MD
Altoona Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Altoona. Straight-line distance: 105.13 mi (169.19 km).
#1 Columbia
Borough in western Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States
| Population | 10,295 |
| Coordinates | 40.0337100, -76.5044100 |
| Altitude | 92 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Altoona
A city in Blair County, Pennsylvania.
| Population | 42,989 |
| Coordinates | 40.5186800, -78.3947400 |
| Altitude | 355 |
| Country | United States |
End: 7th Street (-78.394928, 40.518478)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 266 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $23.86 | $47.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $26.86 | $53.72 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $28.93 | $57.86 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $34.92 | $69.85 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Pennsylvania · Apr 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.