How far is Reading, PA from Bethlehem, PA?

Fastest route

The distance between Reading, Pennsylvania, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is approximately 47.8 miles (77 kilometers). The estimated travel time is 1 hour and 3 minutes via the US-22 E route.

Directions

  1. ๐Ÿš— Head west on Penn St toward N 5th St in Reading.
  2. ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Merge onto US-422 W via the ramp to Lebanon.
  3. ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Continue on US-422 W through Ontelaunee Township.
  4. ๐Ÿš— Take the US-222 N exit from US-222 N/Allentown Pike toward Allentown.
  5. ๐Ÿš— Merge onto US-222 N/Allentown Pike, following signs for Allentown.
  6. ๐Ÿš— Continue straight on US-222 N.
  7. ๐Ÿš— Turn right onto Siegfriedale Rd to merge onto I-78 E/US-22 E.
  8. ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Keep right at the fork to continue on US-22 E, following signs for I-476/PA-309 N/PA Turnpike/LVI Airport.
  9. ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Take the PA-378 S exit toward Bethlehem, and then take exit 3 toward 3rd Ave.
  10. ๐Ÿš— Turn right onto W Union Blvd and left onto Monocacy St.
  11. ๐Ÿš— Turn right onto W Goepp St and then right onto Linden St in Northampton County.
  12. ๐Ÿ Arrive at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Tips & Suggestions

  • ๐Ÿ“… Plan your departure time considering the estimated travel time to reach Bethlehem.
  • ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Keep an eye on traffic conditions and consider using real-time navigation apps to avoid delays.
  • โ›ฝ Check your vehicle's fuel level before starting the journey.
  • ๐Ÿš— Follow road signs and directions closely to stay on the correct route.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Ensure your mobile phone is charged and accessible for navigation assistance.
  • ๐Ÿด If needed, plan a stop for refreshments or meals along the way.
  • ๐Ÿงด Bring any essentials like water, snacks, and medications you might need during the journey.

FAQs

Q: How long is the journey from Reading to Bethlehem? A: The estimated travel time is 1 hour and 3 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 47.8 miles (77 kilometers) via the US-22 E route.

Q: Are there any recommended stops along the way? A: While the route is relatively straightforward, you might consider planning a stop for refreshments or restrooms if needed. Keep an eye out for any interesting landmarks that catch your attention.

Q: What should I do if I encounter heavy traffic during the journey? A: If you encounter heavy traffic, consider using real-time navigation apps like Google Maps to find alternate routes and avoid delays.

Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
46.27 mi
01h 04m
Flight
35.46 mi
57.07 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Reading.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
35.46 mi
Kilometers
57.07 km
Flight Time
00h 04m

Driving Distance

Road route
46.27 mi
Kilometers
74.47 km
Drive Time
01h 04m

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 04m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Bethlehem
Wed, Apr 22, 11:07 PM EDT
Return by in Reading
Thu, Apr 23, 12:12 AM EDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Reading
2026-04-22T22:03
Arrive Bethlehem
Wed, Apr 22, 11:07 PM EDT
Route Timing
01h 04m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
9:04 AM to 11:04 AM EDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
4:22 PM EDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Reading
9:30 PM EDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Maxatawny
PA

Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania

From Reading
20.6 mi
00h 32m
To Bethlehem
25.7 mi
00h 32m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
65ยฐF
Wednesday

Chance Rain Showers

Starts
Wed, Apr 22 6:00 AM EDT
Wind
5 mph W
Destination
65ยฐF
Wednesday

Chance Rain Showers

Starts
Wed, Apr 22 6:00 AM EDT
Wind
5 mph SW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Reading and Bethlehem.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Reading and Bethlehem.

  1. 1

    Start on Penn Street

    85 m ยท 9 sec ยท Penn Street

  2. 2

    Turn right onto North 5th Street

    5 mi ยท 8 min ยท North 5th Street

  3. 3

    Continue on Allentown Pike

    2.5 mi ยท 4 min ยท Allentown Pike

  4. 4

    Merge slight left onto Kutztown Road

    1156 ft ยท 22 sec ยท Kutztown Road

  5. 5

    Continue on Allentown Pike

    1.1 mi ยท 2 min ยท Allentown Pike

  6. 6

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Allentown Pike

    49 m ยท 7 sec ยท Allentown Pike

  7. 7

    Exit the roundabout onto Allentown Pike

    2112 ft ยท 46 sec ยท Allentown Pike

  8. 8

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Allentown Pike

    37 m ยท 5 sec ยท Allentown Pike

  9. 9

    Exit the roundabout onto Allentown Pike

    1.6 mi ยท 2 min ยท Allentown Pike

  10. 10

    Continue on Kutztown Road

    1.1 mi ยท 2 min ยท Kutztown Road

  11. 11

    Continue on Allentown Pike

    2092 ft ยท 39 sec ยท Allentown Pike

  12. 12

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Kutztown Road

    42 m ยท 2 sec ยท Kutztown Road

  13. 13

    Exit the roundabout onto Kutztown Road

    1.5 mi ยท 2 min ยท Kutztown Road

  14. 14

    Keep slight left

    8.7 mi ยท 11 min

  15. 15

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Hamilton Boulevard

    49 m ยท 2 sec ยท Hamilton Boulevard

  16. 16

    Exit the roundabout onto Hamilton Boulevard

    2.4 mi ยท 3 min ยท Hamilton Boulevard

  17. 17

    Turn straight onto Trexlertown Bypass

    5.7 mi ยท 8 min ยท Trexlertown Bypass

  18. 18

    Continue on West Hamilton Boulevard

    2 mi ยท 4 min ยท West Hamilton Boulevard

  19. 19

    Continue on Hamilton Street

    2.2 mi ยท 4 min ยท Hamilton Street

  20. 20

    Keep slight right to continue on Hamilton Street

    1.3 km ยท 1 min ยท Hamilton Street

  21. 21

    Continue on Hamilton Street

    2740 ft ยท 48 sec ยท Hamilton Street

  22. 22

    Continue on Hanover Avenue

    2 mi ยท 3 min ยท Hanover Avenue

  23. 23

    Continue on West Broad Street

    2.4 mi ยท 4 min ยท West Broad Street

  24. 24

    Turn left onto Center Street

    1430 ft ยท 38 sec ยท Center Street

  25. 25

    Turn right onto East Goepp Street

    1342 ft ยท 50 sec ยท East Goepp Street

  26. 26

    Turn right onto Linden Street

    17 m ยท 1 sec ยท Linden Street

  27. 27

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m ยท 1 sec ยท Linden Street

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Reading and Bethlehem.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

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.

Directions
27 steps
13 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
9
1 merges, 8 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
58.3 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
Kutztown Road
11.6 mi ยท 25%
Allentown Pike
6.02 mi ยท 13%
Trexlertown Bypass
5.68 mi ยท 12%
North 5th Street
5.01 mi ยท 11%
Hamilton Street
3.5 mi ยท 8%
Hamilton Boulevard
2.47 mi ยท 5%
Longest Stretch

Kutztown Road

Keep slight left

8.74 mi ยท 00h 11m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
01h 04m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
02h 08m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+10.8 mi
35.5 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Maxatawny
00h 32m from Reading
Leave By
4:22 PM EDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Chance Rain Showers leaving Reading and Chance Rain Showers near Bethlehem.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Reading to Bethlehem?

The road trip is about 46.3 miles (74.5 km) and usually takes 01h 04m 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?

Maxatawny is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.6 miles from Reading and 25.7 miles from Bethlehem.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 35.5 miles (57.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.8 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 4:22 PM EDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.66 one way or $13.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.5 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Reading and Chance Rain Showers near Bethlehem.

Stop Ideas Near Maxatawny

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
Local place coverage is thin around Maxatawny, so nearby transit and meeting points are shown instead.
Reviewed stop coverage is still thin around this midpoint, so practical transit waypoints are shown on the right.

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Maxatawny.

RAIL

Exton

58 mi away
425 Walkertown Road
RAIL

Paoli

58 mi away
13 Lancaster Ave.
BUS

White Haven, PA

59 mi away
I-476, Exit 95/I-80, Exit 277, at Hwy 940
RAIL

Downingtown

60 mi away
West Lancaster Ave. and Stuart Ave.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Reading and Bethlehem. Straight-line distance: 35.46 mi (57.07 km).

Reading

#1 Reading

The fourth most populous city in Pennsylvania.

Population88,217
Coordinates40.3356500, -75.9268700
Altitude93
CountryUnited States
Bethlehem

#2 Bethlehem

The second most populous city in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Population74,892
Coordinates40.6259300, -75.3704600
Altitude109
CountryUnited States
Start: Penn Street (-75.926876, 40.335365)
End: Linden Street (-75.370434, 40.625929)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 74 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)01h 32m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)01h 09m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)00h 55m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)00h 46m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)00h 39m
80 mph (129 km/h)00h 34m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
1.63 gal
6.18 L ยท about $6.66
Round trip
$13.32
3.26 gal ยท 12.36 L
Estimated CO2
14.5 kg one way
Round trip: 29 kg / 64 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $4.09 $6.66 $13.32
Mid-grade $4.60 $7.50 $14.99
Premium $4.95 $8.08 $16.15
Diesel $5.98 $9.75 $19.49

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 ยท Apr 23, 2026

There is no time difference between Reading and Bethlehem. The current time is 22:03:35.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh โ€” stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.