Origin
McDonald, PA
Evening in McDonald on Sunday
Local time
7:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from McDonald, PA to Scranton, PA
Drive Time
6h 14m
Distance
298.9 mi
481 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$49
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 2m
★
6 AM
6h 14m
8 AM
6h 40m
10 AM
6h 23m
12 PM
6h 21m
3 PM
6h 25m
5 PM
6h 38m
8 PM
6h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Trip Overview
Spanning 298.9 miles across Pennsylvania, this trip from McDonald to Scranton typically takes about 6 hours and 14 minutes behind the wheel. Because the total duration is manageable for a single day of travel, you can easily complete this journey in one go without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $49 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating the route involves a blend of major arteries, including the Keystone Shortway, the William Penn Highway, and I-99. Since both your start and end points are located within the Northeast region, you will remain in a familiar geographic corridor for the duration of the drive. It is a straightforward, practical transit that connects these two Pennsylvania hubs efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
149.5 miles from McDonald, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 23m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience that transitions between different types of roadway infrastructure. With roughly 38% of the route consisting of highway travel, you will find moments of high-speed cruising balanced by more varied road conditions. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the Keystone Shortway, where you will cover 99.3 miles of consistent driving. This creates a rhythm that shifts from long, open segments to more technical transitions between the William Penn Highway and I-99. You should be prepared for this changing character, as the road personality evolves as you progress through the state.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Keystone Shortway is the longest continuous segment at about 99.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near East Lincoln Avenue.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 298.9 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 0.2 miles (East Lincoln Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 15.9 miles (I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
East Lincoln Avenue
Turn sharp left onto East Lincoln Avenue
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
7
15.9 mi into trip
|
~29m in
|
I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Keep slight right at fork onto I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East toward I 376 East: Monroeville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
Toward I 376 East: Monroeville
6
106.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
7
164.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 41m in
Turn left toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
7
298.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 13m 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 McDonald, PA to Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Bedford along the way.
Bedford
105.9 mi in
|
~2h 34m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone Shortway | 99.3 mi | 1h 47m |
| William Penn Highway | 61.6 mi | 1h 25m |
| I 99 | 57.2 mi | 1h 4m |
| I 81 | 32.4 mi | 39m |
| Penn-Lincoln Parkway East | 14.7 mi | 20m |
| Admiral Peary Highway | 13.7 mi | 19m |
| Penn-Lincoln Parkway West | 7.9 mi | 11m |
| Noblestown Road | 5.1 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 99.3 mi, about 1h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McDonald, PA and Scranton, PA.
1
Start on Sarah Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Sarah Street
2
At end of road, turn right onto Center Avenue
278 ft
·
19 sec
·
Center Avenue
3
Turn sharp left onto East Lincoln Avenue
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
East Lincoln Avenue
4
Continue on Noblestown Road
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Noblestown Road
5
At end of road, turn right onto Noblestown Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Noblestown Road
6
Continue on Noblestown Road
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Noblestown Road
7
At end of road, turn right onto PA 978; Orange Belt
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Noblestown Road
8
Turn straight onto Pinkerton Road
104 ft
·
8 sec
·
Pinkerton Road
9
Turn right onto Baldwin Road
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Baldwin Road
10
Turn left onto Cowan Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Cowan Road
11
Continue on Boyce Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Boyce Road
12
Take the ramp
342 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 376 East
13
Merge onto I 376; US 22; US 30
7.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Penn-Lincoln Parkway West
Use the none lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 376; US 22; US 30
15 mi
·
20 min
·
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Toward I 376 East: Monroeville
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
15
Merge onto US 22
45 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
William Penn Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 22
14 mi
·
19 min
·
Admiral Peary Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on US 22
17 mi
·
19 min
·
William Penn Highway
Use the none lane.
18
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
this road
Toward I 99, US 220: Altoona, Bedford
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
20
Merge onto I 99; US 220
41 mi
·
44 min
·
I 99; US 220
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
I 99; US 220; US 322
Use the straight lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220
12 mi
·
14 min
·
I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
23
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Use the left lane.
24
Merge onto I 80; US 220
99 mi
·
1 hr 47 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the none lane.
25
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 260B
Toward I 81 North: Wilkes-Barre
26
Merge onto I 81
32 mi
·
39 min
·
I 81
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward PA 307
28
Turn left onto River Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
River Street
29
At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Cedar Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on Adams Avenue
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Adams Avenue
31
Turn left onto Biden Street
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Biden Street
32
Turn right onto Wyoming Avenue
135 ft
·
4 sec
·
Wyoming Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
Wyoming Avenue
Trip Plan
To keep your energy levels steady throughout the 6-hour and 14-minute trek, plan for at least one dedicated stop along the way. Since this is a single-day trip, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and ensure you reach Scranton before nightfall. Keep a close eye on your odometer while navigating the 99.3-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway, as this is the best time to check your fuel levels and grab a quick snack. Because the route is relatively compact, you have the flexibility to adjust your pacing based on traffic conditions. Always double-check your route map before pulling onto the highway to ensure you are comfortable with the transitions between the major roads provided.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 149.5 miles from McDonald, PA, or about 3h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.3 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 2h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.5 miles or 3h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 8m
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 McDonald, 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 McDonald, PA
This is one driving day of about 298.9 miles and 6h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from McDonald, 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 Keystone Shortway for about 99.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 149.5 mi from McDonald, PA · 3h 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
149 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 149.5 miles from McDonald, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.3 miles.
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
$49.46 one way
$98.92 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
105 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $54.12 | $108.24 |
| premium | $4.92 | $57.92 | $115.84 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $66.41 | $132.81 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 89.7 | 1 | $31.38 | $14.35 |
| Efficient EV | 74.7 | 0 | $26.15 | $11.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 119.6 | 1 | $41.85 | $19.13 |
Gas CO2
105 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
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
6h 14m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from McDonald, PA to Scranton, PA covers 298.9 miles and takes about 6h 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, William Penn Highway, I 99. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 149.5 miles from McDonald, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.46 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 298.9 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 0.2 miles (East Lincoln Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 15.9 miles (I 376; US 22; US 30 / Penn-Lincoln Parkway East): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from McDonald, PA to Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Bedford along the way.
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