Sterling, VA → Philadelphia, PA
137 mi · 2h 44m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Sterling
46°
Philadelphia
38°
Wind gusts up to 18 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 137 mi · 2h 45m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
46°F, wind 18 mph
Rest Stops
21
Restrooms, Truck svc, WiFi
Cameras
12 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Normal Traffic
1 construction zone along route — no other incidents
1 Construction Zone on Route
MD-295 both directions: Roadwork between MD 175 and MD 198. 1/2 Southbound-left Traffic Lane, left Shoulder, 1/2 Northbound-left Traffic Lane, left Shoulder closed
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 SR-625 → I-495 → I-95 North → Vine Street Expressway
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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VA-28 / MM 44 / SB
VA · NB
VA-28 / MM 42.2 / NB
VA · NB
I-495 / MM 45.2 / NB
VA · NB
Live video · tap to play
I-495 W of Ex 31 MD 97 Georgia Ave
Wash. DC, MD ·
Live video · tap to play
I-95 AT MD 198
Wash. DC, MD ·
Live video · tap to play
I-95 AT I-695 SW
Baltimore, MD ·
Live video · tap to play
I-95 NB, S of Chesaco Ave, MM 61.4 (C-027C)
Baltimore, MD ·
Live video · tap to play
C018
Baltimore, MD ·
Live video · tap to play
I-95 S, N. of Lapidum Rd (C-012)
Baltimore, MD ·
Live video · tap to play
C002
Baltimore, MD ·
I-95 @ EXIT-2 (PA 452/MARKET ST)
PA ·
I-95 @ MM11 (SOUTH OF PHL AIRPORT)
PA · NB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
21 stops available
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 12: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 10: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 7: Dense fog warning for morning travel
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Driving from Sterling, VA to Philadelphia, PA covers 137 miles in roughly 2h 44m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 21 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 14
49° / 46°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 15
51° / 43°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
54° / 39°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
55° / 37°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
59° / 37°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
64° / 36°
No precip
Fri
Nov 20
66° / 40°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Sterling, VA
46°F
Wind: 18 mph
Philadelphia, PA
38°F
Wind: 10 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Sterling, VA to Philadelphia, PA
The 137-mile drive from Sterling, Virginia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania takes approximately 2h 44m 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 moderate route crosses state lines from Virginia into Pennsylvania, connecting Sterling and Philadelphia. A drive of 137 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
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 Sterling to Philadelphia
For shorter trips like this 137-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 137 miles, the Sterling to Philadelphia drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
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 Sterling to Philadelphia?
The drive is approximately 137 miles and takes about 2h 44m 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, Thursday, Nov 19 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Sterling to Philadelphia today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Sterling to Philadelphia route?
Yes, there are 21 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 VA 28, I-495, I-95 North. 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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