Origin
Pittsburgh, PA
Evening in Pittsburgh on Sunday
Local time
6:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pittsburgh, PA to Scranton, PA
Drive Time
5h 46m
Distance
282.8 mi
455 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 33m
★
6 AM
5h 46m
8 AM
6h 12m
10 AM
5h 55m
12 PM
5h 53m
3 PM
5h 57m
5 PM
6h 11m
8 PM
5h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pittsburgh, PA
LaMont L. Johnson
Trip Overview
Connecting Pittsburgh to Scranton covers 282.8 miles across Pennsylvania, making for a straightforward journey that typically takes 5 hours and 46 minutes. Because this is a manageable distance for a single day, you can easily complete the trip in one day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $47 on fuel, so budgeting accordingly will keep your travel finances on track. The route transitions across the Northeast region, utilizing a combination of the Keystone Shortway, the William Penn Highway, and I-99. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this drive offers a reliable path through the heart of the state.
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
141.4 miles from Pittsburgh, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 4m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip features a mixed drive profile, balancing fast-paced highway segments with more varied road conditions. With a 37% highway share, you will spend a significant portion of your time on major routes, including a substantial 99.3-mile stretch along the Keystone Shortway. The personality of the drive shifts as you move between the different road types, requiring you to remain alert to changing speed limits and traffic flow. Navigating these sections provides a steady, rhythmic experience behind the wheel that keeps you moving efficiently toward your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 23 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 90.2 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 282.8 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 90.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.1 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 136 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
90.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 7m 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
6
132.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
|
I 99; US 220; US 322
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
136 mi into trip
|
~2h 57m in
|
I 99; US 220
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
7
148.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 12m 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
282.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 44m 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 Pittsburgh, PA to Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Bedford along the way.
Bedford
89.7 mi in
|
~2h 6m
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 | 13.8 mi | 19m |
| Admiral Peary Highway | 13.7 mi | 19m |
| River Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Cedar Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 99.3 mi, about 1h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pittsburgh, PA and Scranton, PA.
1
Start on Grant Street
45 ft
·
9 sec
·
Grant Street
2
Continue on Grant Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Grant Street
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 376 East: Monroeville
4
Merge onto I 376; US 22; US 30
14 mi
·
19 min
·
Penn-Lincoln Parkway East
Use the none lane.
5
Merge onto US 22
45 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
William Penn Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Continue on US 22
14 mi
·
19 min
·
Admiral Peary Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on US 22
17 mi
·
19 min
·
William Penn Highway
Use the none lane.
8
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
45 sec
·
this road
Toward I 99, US 220: Altoona, Bedford
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
10
Merge onto I 99; US 220
41 mi
·
44 min
·
I 99; US 220
11
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.
12
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
13
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport
Use the left lane.
14
Merge onto I 80; US 220
99 mi
·
1 hr 47 min
·
Keystone Shortway
Use the none lane.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 260B
Toward I 81 North: Wilkes-Barre
16
Merge onto I 81
32 mi
·
39 min
·
I 81
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward PA 307
18
Turn left onto River Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
River Street
19
At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
Cedar Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Continue on Adams Avenue
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Adams Avenue
21
Turn left onto Biden Street
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Biden Street
22
Turn right onto Wyoming Avenue
135 ft
·
4 sec
·
Wyoming Avenue
23
Arrive at destination
Wyoming Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 46-minute journey, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since you have a single stop allotted in the itinerary, choose your location wisely to break up the drive effectively. Leaving early in the day is your best strategy for avoiding peak traffic, especially when transitioning between the primary highway segments. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge throughout the trip, as current estimates suggest a $47 expense for the full distance. By maintaining a steady pace and utilizing the Keystone Shortway for your longest stretch, you can ensure a smooth arrival in Scranton.
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 141.4 miles from Pittsburgh, PA, or about 3h 4m 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 1h 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.4 miles or 3h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 43m
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 Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA
This is one driving day of about 282.8 miles and 5h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Pittsburgh, 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 141.4 mi from Pittsburgh, PA · 3h 4m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
141 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 141.4 miles from Pittsburgh, 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
$46.80 one way
$93.59 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $51.20 | $102.41 |
| premium | $4.92 | $54.80 | $109.60 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $62.83 | $125.66 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 84.8 | 1 | $29.69 | $13.57 |
| Efficient EV | 70.7 | 0 | $24.75 | $11.31 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 113.1 | 1 | $39.59 | $18.10 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 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
6:05 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
3 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
5h 46m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Pittsburgh, PA to Scranton, PA covers 282.8 miles and takes about 5h 46m 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 141.4 miles from Pittsburgh, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $46.80 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 282.8 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 90.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 132.1 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 136 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Pittsburgh, PA to Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Bedford along the way.
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