Origin
Jim Thorpe, PA
Evening in Jim Thorpe on Sunday
Local time
7:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jim Thorpe, PA to Scranton, PA
Drive Time
1h 5m
Distance
48.3 mi
78 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 0m
★
6 AM
1h 5m
8 AM
1h 16m
10 AM
1h 9m
12 PM
1h 8m
3 PM
1h 10m
5 PM
1h 15m
8 PM
1h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jim Thorpe, PA
Michael Taccetta
Trip Overview
If you are looking to travel between Jim Thorpe and Scranton, this 48.3-mile trip is a straightforward journey through Pennsylvania’s Northeast region. You can expect to spend about 1 hour and 5 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. With a fuel budget of approximately $8, the route is both efficient and budget-friendly for a quick getaway. You will primarily utilize the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I-81 to navigate between these two points. Since the entire drive stays within the same region, you won't need to worry about major climate shifts or significant terrain changes as you transition between the two towns.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
24.1 miles from Jim Thorpe, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 35m into the drive .
Drive Character
This drive is primarily highway-focused, with 73% of your travel occurring on major thoroughfares. You will spend the bulk of your time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, which features the route's longest uninterrupted stretch of 27 miles. The transition from the Turnpike to I-81 creates a consistent, fast-paced experience for most of the hour-long commute. While the journey begins with local navigation via North Street to reach the highway, the majority of your time is spent on high-speed roads. Expect a functional, direct drive that favors speed and efficiency over winding, technical backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 27 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and North Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near PA 903 / North Street.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 48.3 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: near the start (PA 903 / North Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
PA 903 / North Street
Turn left onto PA 903 / North Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
9.8 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Take the ramp toward PATP North, I 476 North: Scranton
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward PATP North, I 476 North: Scranton
5
37.1 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Take the exit toward PA 315, I 81: Pittston, Scranton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 315, I 81: Pittston, Scranton
5
37.8 mi into trip
|
~51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PA 315 North: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward PA 315 North: Scranton
7
47.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
|
Cedar Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Jim Thorpe, PA to Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Patp North along the way.
Patp North
9.8 mi in
|
~18m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 27 mi | 31m |
| North Street | 9.8 mi | 18m |
| I 81 | 8.2 mi | 9m |
| River Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Cedar Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Biden Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Adams Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Chestnut Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
— 27 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jim Thorpe, PA and Scranton, PA.
1
Start on West 6th Street
135 ft
·
11 sec
·
West 6th Street
2
Turn left onto PA 903
9.8 mi
·
18 min
·
North Street
Use the none lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward PATP North, I 476 North: Scranton
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto I 476; PATP
27 mi
·
31 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
5
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward PA 315, I 81: Pittston, Scranton
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward PA 315 North: Scranton
7
Merge onto PA 315
523 ft
·
8 sec
·
Chestnut Street
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 81 North: Scranton
9
Merge onto I 81
8.2 mi
·
9 min
·
I 81
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward PA 307
11
Turn left onto River Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
River Street
12
At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Cedar Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Continue on Adams Avenue
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Adams Avenue
14
Turn left onto Biden Street
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Biden Street
15
Turn right onto Wyoming Avenue
135 ft
·
4 sec
·
Wyoming Avenue
16
Arrive at destination
Wyoming Avenue
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your departure time. You won't need to worry about scheduling complex rest stops since the entire duration is just over an hour, allowing you to reach your destination quickly. Make sure to have your payment method ready for the Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls, as this will be your primary road segment. Since the longest stretch is 27 miles, consider checking traffic reports for I-81 before you leave to avoid potential congestion. Keeping your tank topped off before leaving Jim Thorpe will easily cover the $8 fuel requirement for the entire 48.3-mile distance.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 24.1 miles from Jim Thorpe, PA, or about 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 27 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 48.3 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 24.1 miles or 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Scranton, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jim Thorpe, 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 Jim Thorpe, PA
This is one driving day of about 48.3 miles and 1h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Jim Thorpe, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension for about 27 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 24.1 mi from Jim Thorpe, PA · 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
24 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 48.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 24.1 miles from Jim Thorpe, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Scranton, PA
The final approach into Scranton, 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 Scranton, 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
$7.99 one way
$15.98 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
17 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $8.75 | $17.49 |
| premium | $4.92 | $9.36 | $18.72 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $10.73 | $21.46 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.51
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(27 mi)
$3.51
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
$8
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 16.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 14.5 | 0 | $5.07 | $2.32 |
| Efficient EV | 12.1 | 0 | $4.23 | $1.93 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 19.3 | 0 | $6.76 | $3.09 |
Gas CO2
17 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (65% 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
Scranton, PA
Evening in Scranton on Sunday
Local time
7:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
59°F
Ramapo, NY
24 mi in
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
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 5m 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 Jim Thorpe, PA to Scranton, PA covers 48.3 miles and takes about 1h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, North Street, I 81. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 24.1 miles from Jim Thorpe, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $7.99 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 48.3 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: near the start (PA 903 / North Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Jim Thorpe, PA to Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Patp North along the way.
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