Harrisburg, NC → Philadelphia, PA
438 mi · 8h 45m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Rain expected
Harrisburg
77°
Caswell County
77°
Powhatan County
72°
Anne Arundel County
72°
Philadelphia
67°
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 438 mi · 8h 46m
Weather
🌤️ Mainly clear
77°F, wind 3 mph
Rest Stops
23
Truck svc, Restrooms
Cameras
3 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● I-85 Cabarrus County Rest Area 🚻
Normal Traffic
No traffic incidents reported
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via George W. Liles Parkway → I-85 North → ... → I-495 North → Vine Street Expressway
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-495 / MM 57 / SB
Fairfax, VA ·
I-295 NB MM 41.2
Richmond, VA
CCTV10-I85-53.7N
Cabarrus, NC ·
CCTV07-I73-98.5N
Guilford, NC ·
CCTV07-I85-133N
Guilford, NC ·
CCTV05-I85-175.5N_BROAD
Durham, NC ·
CCTV05-I85-220N_FLEMMINGTOWN
Vance, NC ·
I-85 / MM 64.1 / SB / Rte 1 (exit63B)
Richmond, VA ·
I-95 / MM 118.7 / NB
Fairfax, VA ·
316058
Wash. DC, MD
MD 152 E OF I-95 JOPPA TWR (412001)
Baltimore, MD
I-95 @ EXIT-2 (PA 452/MARKET ST)
PA ·
Rest Stops Along Your Route
71 stops available
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Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Sep 27: Heavy rain expected near Powhatan County - consider afternoon departure
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Harrisburg, NC to Philadelphia, PA covers 438 miles in roughly 8h 45m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 71 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Sep 29
81° / 76°
No precip
Tomorrow
Sep 30
85° / 60°
No precip
Thu
Oct 1
87° / 64°
No precip
Fri
Oct 2
88° / 68°
No precip
Sat
Oct 3
89° / 73°
No precip
Sun
Oct 4
73° / 65°
No precip
Mon
Oct 5
76° / 60°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌧️ Moderate rain at origin, 🌧️ Moderate rain at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌦️ Moderate rain showers at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Harrisburg, NC
77°F
Wind: 3 mph
Philadelphia, PA
67°F
Wind: 5 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Harrisburg, NC to Philadelphia, PA
The 438-mile drive from Harrisburg, North Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania takes approximately 8h 45m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across varying terrain where weather conditions can change rapidly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from North Carolina into Pennsylvania, connecting Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Covering 438 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Northeast corridor sees the full range of seasonal weather. Nor'easters from November through March can dump heavy snow and create whiteout conditions, while ice storms make roads treacherous. Summer and fall offer excellent driving conditions, though fall foliage season brings heavier traffic on scenic routes. Spring can bring unpredictable rain and residual freeze-thaw damage to road surfaces.
Best Time to Drive Harrisburg to Philadelphia
For medium-distance drives like this 438-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 438-mile drive from Harrisburg to Philadelphia takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Harrisburg to Philadelphia?
The drive is approximately 438 miles and takes about 8h 45m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Today (Sep 29) looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Harrisburg to Philadelphia today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.
Are there rest areas on the Harrisburg to Philadelphia route?
Yes, there are 71 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-495, I-295, Other. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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