Trip from Nesquehoning, PA to Scranton, PA

Drive Time

1h 13m

Distance

52.8 mi

85 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$9

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 18 min
4 AM
1h 7m ★
6 AM
1h 13m
8 AM
1h 25m
10 AM
1h 17m
12 PM
1h 16m
3 PM
1h 18m
5 PM
1h 24m
8 PM
1h 10m

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

Downtown Nesquehoning, PA, PA

Nesquehoning, PA

Haneul Trac

Trip Overview

Connecting Nesquehoning to Scranton, this 52.8-mile journey is a straightforward trek through Pennsylvania’s Northeast region. You can expect to spend about 1 hour and 13 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $9, the route is as economical as it is efficient. You will primarily utilize the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I-81 to navigate between these two points. Because the distance is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility in your schedule to arrive and return on your own terms. It is a practical, no-nonsense connection that gets you from the southern end of the region to the hub of Scranton without unnecessary complications.

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

26.4 miles from Nesquehoning, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 40m into the drive .

Drive Character

This drive is primarily a highway-focused experience, with 67% of your travel time spent on major thoroughfares. You will face a significant, uninterrupted 27-mile stretch while navigating the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, which allows for consistent speeds. Transitioning from the turnpike to I-81, the road shifts from regional connectivity to a more major interstate corridor. While you will spend a portion of the trip on North Street to bridge the gap between highways, the overall character remains functional rather than technical. Expect a steady, predictable pace that prioritizes moving you toward your destination quickly rather than offering winding or complex backroads.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 around 4 miles in 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 13 significant decision points across 52.8 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 4 miles (PA 903 / North Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

6
4 mi into trip | ~6m in | PA 903 / North Street

Turn left onto PA 903 / North Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
6
14.4 mi into trip | ~26m 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
41.6 mi into trip | ~57m 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
42.3 mi into trip | ~59m in

Keep slight right at fork toward PA 315 North: Scranton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward PA 315 North: Scranton
7
52.2 mi into trip | ~1h 11m 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 Nesquehoning, PA to Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Patp North along the way.

Patp North

14.4 mi in | ~26m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 27 mi 31m
North Street 10.4 mi 19m
I 81 8.2 mi 9m
East Catawissa Street 3.7 mi 5m
River Street 1 mi 1m
Cedar Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Lehigh Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Biden Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension — 27 mi, about 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Nesquehoning, PA and Scranton, PA.

1

Start on North Mermon Avenue

59 ft · 7 sec · North Mermon Avenue
2

Turn right onto US 209

3.7 mi · 5 min · East Catawissa Street
3

Continue on US 209

0.3 mi · 30 sec · Lehigh Avenue
4

Turn left onto PA 903

10 mi · 19 min · North Street
Use the none lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward PATP North, I 476 North: Scranton Use the left lane.
6

Merge onto I 476; PATP

27 mi · 31 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
7

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward PA 315, I 81: Pittston, Scranton
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward PA 315 North: Scranton
9

Merge onto PA 315

523 ft · 8 sec · Chestnut Street
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 81 North: Scranton
11

Merge onto I 81

8.2 mi · 9 min · I 81
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward PA 307
13

Turn left onto River Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · River Street
14

At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue

0.3 mi · 31 sec · Cedar Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
15

Continue on Adams Avenue

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Adams Avenue
16

Turn left onto Biden Street

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Biden Street
17

Turn right onto Wyoming Avenue

135 ft · 4 sec · Wyoming Avenue
18

Arrive at destination

Wyoming Avenue

Trip Plan

Since this is a short trip of just over an hour, you have the advantage of total scheduling flexibility, though leaving outside of peak traffic hours will always ensure a smoother ride. You won't need to plan for any formal stops given the quick duration, but keeping your fuel tank topped off before leaving Nesquehoning is a smart way to stick to your $9 budget. Pay close attention to signage when transitioning from the turnpike to I-81 to avoid missing your exit on the highway-heavy sections. Because the route is so compact, you can easily adapt your departure time based on your personal agenda. Pack some light snacks and water in the car to maintain your energy, as the lack of planned stops means you’ll want to be self-sufficient until you reach Scranton.

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 26.4 miles from Nesquehoning, PA, or about 40m 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 52.8 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 26.4 miles or 40m 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 2m

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 Nesquehoning, 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 Nesquehoning, PA

This is one driving day of about 52.8 miles and 1h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Nesquehoning, 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 26.4 mi from Nesquehoning, PA · 40m into the drive

Downtown Ramapo, NY, NY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

26 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

Ramapo, NY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 26.4 miles from Nesquehoning, 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

$8.74 one way

$17.47 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 19 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $9.56 $19.12
premium $4.92 $10.23 $20.46
diesel $5.64 $11.73 $23.46

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

$9

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: 18.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 15.8 0 $5.54 $2.53
Efficient EV 13.2 0 $4.62 $2.11
EV Truck/SUV 21.1 0 $7.39 $3.38

Gas CO2

18 kg

EV CO2

6 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

Nesquehoning, PA

Night in Nesquehoning on Sunday

Local time

9:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Scranton, PA

Night in Scranton on Sunday

Local time

9:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

59°F

Ramapo, NY

26 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

1 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 13m 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 Nesquehoning, PA to Scranton, PA covers 52.8 miles and takes about 1h 13m 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 26.4 miles from Nesquehoning, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.74 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 13 significant decision points across 52.8 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 4 miles (PA 903 / North Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Nesquehoning, PA to Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Patp North along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Scranton, PA to Nesquehoning, PA

Plan the drive back the other way.

53 mi 1h 13m

Explore more options from Nesquehoning, PA or browse trips ending in Scranton, PA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.

Explore maps for Nesquehoning, PA or Scranton, PA on MapSof.net.