Origin
City of Scranton, PA
Evening in City of Scranton on Sunday
Local time
6:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from City of Scranton, PA to Chester, PA
Drive Time
2h 31m
Distance
127.4 mi
205 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 21m
★
6 AM
2h 31m
8 AM
2h 52m
10 AM
2h 38m
12 PM
2h 36m
3 PM
2h 39m
5 PM
2h 51m
8 PM
2h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
City of Scranton, PA
Michael Taccetta
Chester, PA
Haneul Trac
Trip Overview
Connecting Scranton to Chester, this 127.4-mile journey takes you across the Northeast region of Pennsylvania in about 2 hours and 31 minutes. Because the route is highly efficient, you can comfortably tackle the entire trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $21 on fuel for the trek, making it a budget-friendly option for regional travel. You will primarily navigate via the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, the Mid-County Expressway, and the American Legion Memorial Highway. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that prioritizes speed and accessibility between these two Pennsylvania cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
63.7 miles from City of Scranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is defined by its heavy reliance on major thoroughfares, with 90% of your time spent on highways. You will experience a significant 95-mile uninterrupted stretch along the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, which sets the pace for the majority of the drive. While the route transitions from the Northeast region toward the outskirts of the Philadelphia area, the experience remains consistent and predictable. Expect an interstate-heavy grind that favors efficiency over secondary roads. You should be prepared for a high-speed, focused driving environment that keeps you moving steadily toward your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension is the longest continuous segment at about 95 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and Mid-County Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 127.4 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 10.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.6 miles (I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
10.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 476, I 81 North, PATP
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 476, I 81 North, PATP
6
10.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 476: Clarks Summit, Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 476: Clarks Summit, Allentown
7
105.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 59m in
|
I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
7
125.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: Chester
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South: Chester
9
126.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
Take the exit toward Providence Avenue, Edgmont Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 6
Toward Providence Avenue, Edgmont Avenue
Towns Along This Route
Between City of Scranton, PA and Chester, PA, road signs point toward Patp and Allentown.
Patp
10.1 mi in
|
~12m
Allentown
10.1 mi in
|
~12m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 95 mi | 1h 44m |
| Mid-County Expressway | 19.5 mi | 26m |
| American Legion Memorial Highway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| River Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Morton Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Delaware Expressway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Chestnut Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East 5th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
— 95 mi, about 1h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between City of Scranton, PA and Chester, PA.
1
Start on Cedar Avenue
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Cedar Avenue
2
Continue on Cedar Avenue
400 ft
·
12 sec
·
Cedar Avenue
3
Turn left onto River Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
River Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
5
Merge onto I 81
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
American Legion Memorial Highway
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward PA 315 South: Pittston
7
Continue on PA 315
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
PA 315
8
Take the exit
343 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 476, I 81 North, PATP
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 476: Clarks Summit, Allentown
10
Continue on this road
499 ft
·
17 sec
·
this road
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 476 South: Allentown
12
Merge onto I 476; PATP
94 mi
·
1 hr 44 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the none lane.
13
Continue on I 476; PATP
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Exit 20
Use the none lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the slight left lane.
15
Continue on I 476
20 mi
·
26 min
·
Mid-County Expressway
Use the none lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 South: Chester
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 95
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
Delaware Expressway
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 6
Toward Providence Avenue, Edgmont Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn left onto Chestnut Street
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
Chestnut Street
Use the left / right lanes.
20
At end of road, turn right onto US 13
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
·
Morton Avenue
21
Turn slight right onto East 5th Street
0.2 mi
·
51 sec
·
East 5th Street
22
Arrive at destination
East 5th Street
Trip Plan
Since the trip is a manageable two-and-a-half-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility in your schedule, though planning for one stop is a good way to break up the monotony. Aim to depart outside of peak commuter hours to ensure you maintain your estimated travel time across the highway network. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before starting the 95-mile stretch on the Turnpike to avoid unnecessary detours. Given the high highway percentage, ensure your vehicle is ready for sustained speeds. If you find your energy dipping, use that single planned stop to stretch your legs before hitting the final leg of the drive into Chester.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63.7 miles from City of Scranton, PA, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 63.7 miles or 1h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chester, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving City of Scranton, PA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from City of Scranton, PA
This is one driving day of about 127.4 miles and 2h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from City of Scranton, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension for about 95 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 63.7 mi from City of Scranton, PA · 1h 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
64 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 63.7 miles from City of Scranton, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 95 miles.
Arriving in Chester, PA
The final approach into Chester, PA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Chester, PA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.08 one way
$42.16 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
45 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $23.07 | $46.13 |
| premium | $4.92 | $24.69 | $49.38 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $28.30 | $56.61 |
Estimated Tolls: $12.35
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(95 mi)
$12.35
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 38.2 | 0 | $13.38 | $6.12 |
| Efficient EV | 31.9 | 0 | $11.15 | $5.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 51 | 0 | $17.84 | $8.15 |
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Chester, PA
Evening in Chester on Sunday
Local time
6:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
7 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 31m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from City of Scranton, PA to Chester, PA covers 127.4 miles and takes about 2h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, Mid-County Expressway, American Legion Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 63.7 miles from City of Scranton, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.08 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 127.4 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.6 miles (I 476; PATP / Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between City of Scranton, PA and Chester, PA, road signs point toward Patp and Allentown.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Chester, PA
More trips to Chester, PA
Explore more options from City of Scranton, PA or browse trips ending in Chester, PA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.
Explore maps for City of Scranton, PA or Chester, PA on MapSof.net.