How far is Lancaster, PA from Reading, PA?
The driving distance from Lancaster, PA to Reading, PA is about 34.9 miles (56.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.7 miles (46.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 20m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 40m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lancaster and Reading.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lancaster and Reading.
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1
Start on the route
9 m · 3 sec
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2
Turn right onto East King Street
2354 ft · 2 min · East King Street
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3
Turn left onto North Plum Street
2321 ft · 1 min · North Plum Street
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4
Continue on New Holland Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · New Holland Avenue
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5
Continue on New Holland Pike
1493 ft · 41 sec · New Holland Pike
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6
Take the ramp left toward US 30 West: York, Harrisburg
1619 ft · 40 sec
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7
Merge slight left
1010 ft · 16 sec
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 222 North: Reading
2546 ft · 43 sec
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9
Continue straight
18.7 mi · 22 min
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10
Continue straight
4.1 mi · 6 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 222 Business: Lancaster Avenue, Shillington
4.9 mi · 9 min
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12
Turn left onto South 5th Street
2195 ft · 47 sec · South 5th Street
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13
Turn right onto Franklin Street
550 ft · 17 sec · Franklin Street
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14
Turn left onto South 6th Street
599 ft · 25 sec · South 6th Street
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15
Turn left onto Penn Street
85 m · 5 sec · Penn Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Penn Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lancaster and Reading.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
US 222 North
Continue straight
18.7 mi · 00h 22m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Lancaster and Sunny near Reading.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lancaster to Reading?
The road trip is about 34.9 miles (56.1 km) and usually takes 00h 40m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Reamstown is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15.9 miles from Lancaster and 19 miles from Reading.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.7 miles (46.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.2 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:10 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.03 one way or $10.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Lancaster and Sunny near Reading.
Stop Ideas Near Reamstown
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 Reamstown.
Lancaster station
Parkesburg
Mount Joy
Coatesville
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lancaster and Reading. Straight-line distance: 28.68 mi (46.16 km).
#1 Lancaster
City in central Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States
| Population | 17,106 |
| Coordinates | 40.0378800, -76.3055100 |
| Altitude | 110 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Reading
The fourth most populous city in Pennsylvania.
| Population | 88,217 |
| Coordinates | 40.3356500, -75.9268700 |
| Altitude | 93 |
| Country | United States |
End: Penn Street (-75.926876, 40.335365)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 56 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $5.03 | $10.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $5.66 | $11.31 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $6.09 | $12.19 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $7.36 | $14.71 |
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 · May 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.