Trip from City of Scranton, PA to New Freedom, PA

Drive Time

3h 24m

Distance

165.6 mi

267 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 49m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 30m
3 PM
3h 34m
5 PM
3h 47m
8 PM
3h 17m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown City of Scranton, PA, PA

City of Scranton, PA

Michael Taccetta

Downtown New Freedom, PA, PA

New Freedom, PA

Miguel Rivera

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Scranton to New Freedom, prepare for a 165.6-mile journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 24 minutes. This drive stays entirely within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region toward the southern border. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, the trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, meaning you won’t need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the American Legion Memorial Highway, I-83, and Constitution Avenue. Because it is a turn-heavy local drive, you should expect to stay attentive behind the wheel throughout the duration of your travel.

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

82.8 miles from City of Scranton, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .

Drive Character

This route features a distinct personality, blending high-speed travel with more technical local segments. With only 28% of your journey spent on major highways, you should be prepared for a drive that requires more focus than a typical interstate slog. You will tackle a significant 113.7-mile stretch on the American Legion Memorial Highway, which serves as the core of your trip. As you transition between these different road types, the character of the drive shifts from open stretches to more winding local paths. Expect a hands-on driving experience that rewards steady navigation over long-distance cruising.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
American Legion Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 113.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in near I 81 / American Legion Memorial Highway.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 165.6 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles (I 81 / American Legion Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 115 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.6 miles (I 83): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
1.3 mi into trip | ~2m in | I 81 / American Legion Memorial Highway

Merge onto I 81 / American Legion Memorial Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
8
115 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in

Take the exit toward I 83 South, US 322 East: South Harrisburg, York

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 70 Toward I 83 South, US 322 East: South Harrisbur...
8
119.6 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in | I 83

Keep slight right at fork onto I 83 toward I 83 South: Harrisburg, York

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 83 South: Harrisburg, York
8
124.2 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in | I 83

Keep slight right at fork onto I 83 toward I 83 South: York, Baltimore

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 83 South: York, Baltimore
6
162.1 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in

Keep slight right at fork toward PA 851: Shrewsbury

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward PA 851: Shrewsbury

Towns Along This Route

Between City of Scranton, PA and New Freedom, PA, road signs point toward York and Baltimore.

York

115 mi in | ~2h 15m

Baltimore

124.2 mi in | ~2h 28m | via I 83

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
American Legion Memorial Highway 113.7 mi 2h 13m
I 83 46.1 mi 58m
Constitution Avenue 1.7 mi 3m
South Main Street 1.1 mi 2m
River Street 0.9 mi 1m
East Forrest Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
Cedar Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
East Main Street 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: American Legion Memorial Highway — 113.7 mi, about 2h 13m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between City of Scranton, PA and New Freedom, 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

114 mi · 2 hr 13 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
Use the none lane.
6

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 70 Toward I 83 South, US 322 East: South Harrisburg, York Use the slight left lane.
7

Continue on I 83; US 322

3.7 mi · 5 min · I 83; US 322
Use the none lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 83

4.6 mi · 6 min · I 83
Toward I 83 South: Harrisburg, York Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 83

38 mi · 46 min · I 83
Toward I 83 South: York, Baltimore Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Toward PA 851: Shrewsbury
11

Keep slight right at fork

235 ft · 7 sec
Toward PA 851: Shrewsbury
12

Turn straight onto PA 851

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Forrest Avenue
13

Turn left onto PA 851 Truck

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
14

Turn right onto PA 851 Truck

1.7 mi · 3 min · Constitution Avenue
15

Turn right onto PA 851 Truck

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East Main Street
16

Turn left onto Factory Alley

147 ft · 10 sec · Factory Alley
17

Arrive at destination

Factory Alley

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 3-hour and 24-minute travel time, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the drive. Given the turn-heavy nature of the local roads, departing early in the morning can help you avoid fatigue and navigate the trickier segments while visibility is at its best. Keep your $27 fuel budget in mind as you plan your stops, ensuring you have enough flexibility to refuel at a convenient pace. Since you are only covering 165.6 miles, you have the advantage of a relatively short schedule, so don't feel pressured to rush. Focus on maintaining a consistent speed during your long 113.7-mile stint on the American Legion Memorial Highway to keep your travel time on track.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 82.8 miles from City of Scranton, PA, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.7 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 34m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 82.8 miles or 1h 38m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near New Freedom, 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 165.6 miles and 3h 24m.

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 American Legion Memorial Highway for about 113.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 82.8 mi from City of Scranton, PA · 1h 38m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Staten Island, NY

83 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

Staten Island, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Staten Island, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 82.8 miles from City of Scranton, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before American Legion Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.7 miles.

Arriving in New Freedom, PA

The final approach into New Freedom, 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 New Freedom, PA.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.40 one way

$54.80 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 58 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $29.98 $59.97
premium $4.92 $32.09 $64.18
diesel $5.64 $36.79 $73.58

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 49.7 0 $17.39 $7.95
Efficient EV 41.4 0 $14.49 $6.62
EV Truck/SUV 66.2 0 $23.18 $10.60

Gas CO2

58 kg

EV CO2

19 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

City of Scranton, PA

Evening in City of Scranton on Sunday

Local time

6:09 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

New Freedom, PA

Evening in New Freedom on Sunday

Local time

6:09 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°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

5 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

3h 24m 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 New Freedom, PA covers 165.6 miles and takes about 3h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are American Legion Memorial Highway, I 83, Constitution Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 82.8 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 $27.40 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 165.6 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles (I 81 / American Legion Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 115 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.6 miles (I 83): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between City of Scranton, PA and New Freedom, PA, road signs point toward York and Baltimore.

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