Origin
Scranton, PA
Evening in Scranton on Sunday
Local time
7:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Scranton, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA
Drive Time
1h 6m
Distance
48.5 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 1m
★
6 AM
1h 6m
8 AM
1h 17m
10 AM
1h 10m
12 PM
1h 9m
3 PM
1h 10m
5 PM
1h 16m
8 PM
1h 3m
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 for a quick getaway in Northeast Pennsylvania, the 48.5-mile journey from Scranton to Jim Thorpe is an ideal day trip. You can expect to spend about 1 hour and 6 minutes behind the wheel, making it a very manageable excursion that does not require an overnight stay. With a fuel budget of just $8, this route is as budget-friendly as it is convenient. Navigating through the Northeast region is straightforward, primarily utilizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, PA 903, and the American Legion Memorial Highway. Whether you are aiming for a change of pace or a simple change of scenery, this drive offers a practical balance of efficiency and ease for any traveler.
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
24.2 miles from Scranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 30m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 76% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will start with a substantial 27-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, which provides a steady and consistent pace for the majority of the journey. As you transition onto PA 903 and the American Legion Memorial Highway, the character of the road shifts from high-speed interstate travel to more localized driving. Expect a seamless transition between these road types, ensuring you reach your destination without the fatigue of a long, monotonous grind. The overall experience is functional and direct, allowing you to focus on the road ahead while maintaining a reliable timeline.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 PA 903. 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.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 48.5 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 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese 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
8
10.5 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit toward I 476, I 81 North, PATP
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 I 476, I 81 North, PATP
6
10.6 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 476: Clarks Summit, Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 476: Clarks Summit, Allentown
6
38.3 mi into trip
|
~47m in
Take the exit toward PA 903: Lake Harmony, Jim Thorpe
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 87
Toward PA 903: Lake Harmony, Jim Thorpe
7
38.7 mi into trip
|
~47m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PA 903 South: Jim Thorpe
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward PA 903 South: Jim Thorpe
Towns Along This Route
Between Scranton, PA and Jim Thorpe, PA, road signs point toward Patp and Allentown.
Patp
10.5 mi in
|
~14m
Allentown
10.6 mi in
|
~14m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 27 mi | 31m |
| PA 903 | 9.7 mi | 18m |
| American Legion Memorial Highway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| River Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Cedar Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Lackawanna Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| PA 315 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Wyoming Avenue | 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 Scranton, PA and Jim Thorpe, 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
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
American Legion Memorial Highway
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward PA 315 South: Pittston
9
Continue on PA 315
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
PA 315
10
Take the exit
343 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 476, I 81 North, PATP
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 476: Clarks Summit, Allentown
12
Continue on this road
499 ft
·
17 sec
·
this road
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 476 South: Allentown
14
Merge onto I 476; PATP
27 mi
·
31 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 87
Toward PA 903: Lake Harmony, Jim Thorpe
16
Keep slight right at fork
242 ft
·
7 sec
Toward PA 903 South: Jim Thorpe
Use the right lane.
17
Turn slight right onto PA 903
9.7 mi
·
18 min
·
PA 903
18
Turn right onto West 6th Street
135 ft
·
5 sec
·
West 6th Street
19
Arrive at destination
West 6th Street
Trip Plan
Because this is a short drive of just over an hour, you have significant flexibility with your departure time, though leaving in the morning will maximize your time at the destination. Since there are no mandatory stops required to complete the 48.5-mile trek, you can easily drive the entire route in one go without needing to plan for breaks. Keep your $8 fuel budget in mind when planning your departure, as the primary highway segments make for a predictable consumption rate. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider timing your transit to avoid peak traffic hours on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. This simplicity is the route's greatest asset, so keep your travel plans light and focus on enjoying the arrival in Jim Thorpe.
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 24.2 miles from Scranton, PA, or about 30m 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 48.5 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 24.2 miles or 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jim Thorpe, 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 48.5 miles and 1h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Scranton, 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 24.2 mi from Scranton, PA · 30m 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 48.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 24.2 miles from Scranton, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Jim Thorpe, PA
The final approach into Jim Thorpe, 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 Jim Thorpe, 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
$8.03 one way
$16.05 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
17 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $8.78 | $17.56 |
| premium | $4.92 | $9.40 | $18.80 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $10.78 | $21.55 |
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: 17 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 | $5.09 | $2.33 |
| Efficient EV | 12.1 | 0 | $4.24 | $1.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 19.4 | 0 | $6.79 | $3.10 |
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
Jim Thorpe, PA
Evening in Jim Thorpe on Sunday
Local time
7:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 6m 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 Scranton, PA to Jim Thorpe, PA covers 48.5 miles and takes about 1h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, PA 903, American Legion Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 24.2 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 $8.03 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 48.5 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 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Scranton, PA and Jim Thorpe, PA, road signs point toward Patp and Allentown.
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