Embark on a 229.8-mile journey from Scranton, PA, to Ferndale, PA, a drive that will take approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes. This trip, primarily utilizing the Keystone Shortway and I 99, is well-suited for a single day of travel, keeping your fuel costs around $38. Expect a route that balances highway cruising with more frequent turns as you navigate local roads. As both your origin and destination are within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, you'll experience a consistent regional feel throughout your drive. This is a practical option for a day trip, offering a straightforward route through 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
114.9 miles from Scranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 11m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 32m. Total distance: 229.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route presents a turn-heavy local drive, with only 18% of the total mileage on highways. While you'll experience stretches like the 98.5-mile segment on the Keystone Shortway, the overall character involves navigating a variety of road types. Be prepared for frequent changes in direction and speed as you transition between main arteries and smaller local roads. The drive's personality shifts throughout, offering a dynamic experience rather than a monotonous interstate cruise.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 39 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 98.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Lackawanna Avenue.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 229.8 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 0.1 miles (Lackawanna Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 133.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 158.1 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 25 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|Lackawanna Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto Lackawanna Avenue
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
133.6 mi into trip|~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 161
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefo...
6
158.1 mi into trip|~3h in|I 99; US 220
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda,...
7
202.9 mi into trip|~3h 51m in
Take the exit toward PA 53: Lilly, Portage
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward PA 53: Lilly, Portage
6
226.3 mi into trip|~4h 25m in|Scalp Avenue
Enter roundabout onto Scalp Avenue
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Scranton, PA and Ferndale, PA, road signs point toward Altoona, Hollidaysburg and Portage.
Altoona
158.1 mi in|~3h|via I 99; US 220
Hollidaysburg
191.9 mi in|~3h 37m
Portage
202.9 mi in|~3h 51m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
98.5 mi
1h 47m
I 99
33.8 mi
36m
American Legion Memorial Highway
32.7 mi
39m
Jacksonville Road
24.2 mi
28m
William Penn Highway
9.7 mi
11m
Portage Street
9.5 mi
13m
US 219
7.7 mi
9m
Bedford Street
2.3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 98.5 mi, about 1h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Scranton, PA and Ferndale, PA.
1
Start on Wyoming Avenue
0.1 mi·38 sec·Wyoming Avenue
2
At end of road, turn left onto Lackawanna Avenue
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lackawanna Avenue
3
Turn right onto CR 3023
0.2 mi·22 sec·Cedar Avenue
4
Continue on Cedar Avenue
400 ft·12 sec·Cedar Avenue
5
Turn left onto River Street
0.9 mi·1 min·River Street
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
7
Merge onto I 81
33 mi·39 min·American Legion Memorial Highway
8
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 151BToward I-80 West: Bloomsburg
9
Merge onto I 80
99 mi·1 hr 47 min·Keystone Shortway
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·53 sec
Exit 161Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
11
Turn left onto US 220; PA 26
24 mi·28 min·Jacksonville Road
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220
34 mi·36 min·I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
13
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward US 22: Ebensburg, Hollidaysburg
14
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·43 sec·this road
15
Continue on US 22
9.7 mi·11 min·William Penn Highway
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward PA 53: Lilly, PortageUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn left onto PA 53
1.2 mi·1 min·West 2nd Street
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on PA 53
0.9 mi·1 min·Evergreen Street
19
Continue on PA 53
510 ft·13 sec·Main Street
20
Turn left onto PA 53
0.1 mi·14 sec·Cleveland Street
21
Turn right onto PA 53
9.5 mi·13 min·Portage Street
22
Continue on PA 53
1.2 mi·1 min·Railroad Street
23
Turn left
0.3 mi·39 sec
24
Merge onto US 219
7.7 mi·9 min·US 219
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
26
Turn right onto PA 756
0.2 mi·18 sec·Elton Road
27
Continue on PA 756
1.4 mi·2 min·Bedford Street
28
Turn left onto PA 756
377 ft·7 sec·Belmont Street
29
Enter roundabout onto Scalp Avenue
37 ft·0 sec·Scalp Avenue
30
Continue on Scalp Avenue
0.1 mi·11 sec·Scalp Avenue
31
Continue on Bedford Street
0.8 mi·1 min·Bedford Street
32
Turn left onto Penrod Street
0.2 mi·29 sec·Penrod Street
33
Turn right onto Ruby Street
184 ft·5 sec·Ruby Street
34
Turn slight left onto Oakland Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Oakland Avenue
35
Turn right onto PA 756
0.7 mi·1 min·Ohio Street
36
At end of road, turn left onto PA 403
0.3 mi·33 sec·Central Avenue
37
Turn slight right onto PA 403
0.3 mi·34 sec·Bridge Street
38
Continue on PA 403
0.4 mi·45 sec·Ferndale Avenue
39
Arrive at destination
PA 403
Trip Plan
Given the 4.5-hour duration, consider an early morning departure from Scranton to maximize your daylight hours. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps utilizing the longest stretch on the Keystone Shortway as a good point to refuel or stretch. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests you'll be making frequent adjustments. The estimated fuel cost of $38 makes this an economical choice for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule without significant budget concerns.
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 114.9 miles from Scranton, PA, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.5 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 51 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.9 miles or 2h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ferndale, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving 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 Scranton, PA
This is one driving day of about 229.8 miles and 4h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from 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 Keystone Shortway for about 98.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 114.9 mi from Scranton, PA
· 2h 11m into the drive
The midpoint is around 114.9 miles from Scranton, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.5 miles.
Arriving in Ferndale, PA
The final approach into Ferndale, 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 Ferndale, PA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
National Memorial
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their live...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 229.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.10 one way
$76.20 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$41.73
$83.45
premium
$4.93
$44.57
$89.13
diesel
$5.61
$50.74
$101.47
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.9
0
$24.13
$11.03
Efficient EV
57.5
0
$20.11
$9.19
EV Truck/SUV
91.9
1
$32.17
$14.71
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Scranton, PA
Evening
in Scranton on Friday
Local time
7:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Ferndale, PA
Evening
in Ferndale on Friday
Local time
7:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°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
4 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
4h 32m 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 Scranton, PA to Ferndale, PA covers 229.8 miles and takes about 4h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, I 99, American Legion Memorial Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 114.9 miles from Scranton, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.10 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 25 significant decision points across 229.8 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 0.1 miles (Lackawanna Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 133.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 158.1 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Scranton, PA and Ferndale, PA, road signs point toward Altoona, Hollidaysburg and Portage.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
