How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Erie, PA?
Fastest route
The distance between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Erie, Pennsylvania is approximately 128 miles (206 kilometers). The fastest route is via I-79 N, and the estimated travel time is 1 hour and 56 minutes.
Directions
- 🚗 Get on I-579 N/Veterans Bridge: Head northeast on Grant St toward Sixth Ave. Turn right onto Seventh Ave. Use the left lane to keep right at the fork and follow signs for I-579 N/PA-380 E/Ppg Arena/Bigelow Blvd. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Interstate 579 N/PA-380 E/Veterans Bridge/Bigelow Blvd, and merge onto Bigelow Blvd. Use the left lane to take the ramp onto I-579 N/Veterans Bridge.
- 🛣️ Follow I-79 N: Continue on I-579 N/Veterans Bridge and merge onto I-79 N/Veterans Bridge.
- 🚗 Take the I-279 N exit: Take the I-279 N exit on the left.
- 🛣️ Continue on W Bayfront Pkwy: Merge onto W Bayfront Pkwy in Erie.
- 🚗 Drive to State St: Continue onto W Bayfront Pkwy (signs for Bayfront) and drive to State St.
Tips & Suggestions
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel before starting the journey, as it is approximately a 2-hour drive.
- 🚧 Check for traffic updates and plan your trip accordingly to avoid delays.
- 🗺️ Consider using a GPS navigation system or a reliable map for easy navigation.
- 🚗 Follow the speed limits and adhere to traffic regulations for a safe journey.
- 📞 Keep emergency contact numbers handy in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
- 🥪 Pack some snacks and beverages for the trip to keep yourself refreshed.
- 🚙 Take breaks if needed, especially during long drives, to rest and stretch your legs.
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 01h 56m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Pittsburgh and Erie.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pittsburgh and Erie.
-
1
Start on Grant Street
14 m · 5 sec · Grant Street
-
2
Turn right onto Sixth Avenue
94 m · 12 sec · Sixth Avenue
-
3
Turn left onto Bigelow Square
111 m · 8 sec · Bigelow Square
-
4
Continue on Bigelow Boulevard
871 ft · 19 sec · Bigelow Boulevard
-
5
Take the ramp straight toward I 579: Veterans Bridge
1955 ft · 47 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Veterans Bridge
1.4 km · 1 min · Veterans Bridge
-
7
Continue on Parkway North
11.6 mi · 16 min · Parkway North
-
8
Merge slight left
111.2 mi · 2 hr 1 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward PA 5 East, PA 290 East: 12th Street
1388 ft · 50 sec
-
10
Turn right onto West 12th Street
2.3 mi · 5 min · West 12th Street
-
11
Turn left onto State Street
2318 ft · 2 min · State Street
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Pittsburgh and Erie.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Parkway North
Merge slight left
111 mi · 02h 01m
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.
Sunny leaving Pittsburgh and Sunny near Erie.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Pittsburgh to Erie?
The road trip is about 127.9 miles (205.9 km) and usually takes 01h 56m 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?
Jackson Center is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.7 miles from Pittsburgh and 64.2 miles from Erie.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 116.8 miles (187.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.1 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 2:36 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.43 one way or $36.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Pittsburgh and Sunny near Erie.
Stop Ideas Near Jackson Center
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 Jackson Center.
Alliance
Union Station
Union Station
Jamestown, New York
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Pittsburgh and Erie. Straight-line distance: 116.76 mi (187.91 km).
#1 Pittsburgh
The second most populous city in Pennsylvania and the center of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
| Population | 299,226 |
| Coordinates | 40.4406200, -79.9958900 |
| Altitude | 233 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Erie
The second most populous city in Pennsylvania.
| Population | 95,077 |
| Coordinates | 42.1292200, -80.0850600 |
| Altitude | 199 |
| Country | United States |
End: State Street (-80.085094, 42.129207)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 206 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $18.43 | $36.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $20.74 | $41.48 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $22.34 | $44.69 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $26.97 | $53.94 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.