Looking for a shunpike route, Phila to PGH
 

I am looking for a shunpike route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. I want to avoid the PA Turnpike, specifically. We have made the drive countless times and the cost of the toll is getting too high. Is there a better way then dropping to Balto, via I-95 and then picking up I-70? That would just put me on the PA turnpike at Breezewood. I have family in PGH and my husband has family in Phila (we live in VA), so the cost of tolls is really adding up.

Have you already checked www.mapquest.com? Click "directions," type in beginning and ending cities and check "avoid tolls." You will find it adds about 20 miles and an hour plus to your trip.

Ruby - the info basing gave you is correct, but I think it's not as rosy a picture as it appears on paper.

The route it takes (avoiding tolls) is long and convoluted, there will be red lights and traffic and construction. I've done part of that route and would try to avoid it if possible. I think it's very optomistic (perhaps ridiculous) to think you are going to go anywhere near an average of 55 mph on that route.

Much as I hate the turnpike - if I had to drive from Pit to Phil, it's still probably the best way unless you have more of a desire to go slow and sightsee in the little towns along the way.

In the event that you think it's reasonable to drop down to Baltimore (which to me seems rather out of the way), I would suggest that you then take 70 west to Hancock and then bear off onto 68 west all the way across MD until you hit 79 which you can then follow North to Pittsburgh. In that way you can bypass the PA turnpike from Breezewood to Pit. I don't know if it's worthwhile to drop down to Baltimore or not, but if you decide to - that would be what I'd do.

I realize you intend to drive but do you know that Southwest airlines has flights from PHL to PIT for $39

I did notice those great airline fares, I wish I had seen them earlier, then I wouldn't be looking for an alternate route. I will definately be on a plane in the future. This trip, sadly, will be this weekend.

You could take Route 30 at least part of the way..and that will definitely be the slower way to go.

Well, good luck. I just looked at the no tolls route on Mapquest and it said 6 + hours...have a nice day.

If you think $15.25 is too high from Valley Forge to Pittsburgh, you may take US202 to US30 to Lancaster, then 283 to Harrisburg, I-83/581 to I-81 to Carlisle.

That's almost all freeway, except for a small stretch through Lancaster County, and doesn't add that much distance or time. From Carlisle to Pittsburgh is $10. Saved you $5.25.

That $10 is worth spending, as otherwise you'll add a lot of time, distance and lots of up and down.