Trip from Scranton, PA to Nesquehoning, PA

Drive Time

1h 13m

Distance

53 mi

85 km

Drive Score

8/10

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 8m ★
6 AM
1h 14m
8 AM
1h 26m
10 AM
1h 18m
12 PM
1h 17m
3 PM
1h 19m
5 PM
1h 25m
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

If you are planning a quick jaunt through Northeast Pennsylvania, the 53-mile trip from Scranton to Nesquehoning is an efficient choice. You can easily complete this journey in about 1 hour and 13 minutes, making it a perfect day trip that leaves plenty of time for activities upon arrival. Budgeting around $9 for fuel should cover your needs for this excursion. Since the route is relatively short, there is no need to plan for an overnight stay; you can comfortably drive the entire distance in one sitting. It is a straightforward, highway-focused route that serves as a practical connection between these two locations.

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

26.5 miles from Scranton, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 33m into the drive .

Drive Character

This drive is defined by a mix of fast-paced highway travel and local transit, with roughly 71% of the trip spent on major roads. Your journey begins with a significant 27-mile stretch on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, which provides the bulk of your momentum. As you transition off the turnpike, you will navigate via the American Legion Memorial Highway and PA 903 to reach your destination. The experience behind the wheel shifts from the steady, high-speed flow of the turnpike to the more varied pace of local highway segments. Expect a consistent ride that prioritizes efficiency and direct travel over winding, technical backroads.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 14 significant decision points across 53 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 14 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

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 Nesquehoning, PA, road signs point toward Patp, Allentown and Jim Thorpe.

Patp

10.5 mi in | ~14m

Allentown

10.6 mi in | ~14m

Jim Thorpe

38.3 mi in | ~47m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 27 mi 31m
PA 903 10.3 mi 19m
American Legion Memorial Highway 8.4 mi 9m
East Catawissa Street 3.7 mi 6m
River Street 0.9 mi 1m
Cedar Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Lehigh Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Lackawanna Avenue 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 Scranton, PA and Nesquehoning, 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

10 mi · 19 min · PA 903
18

At end of road, turn right onto US 209

0.3 mi · 22 sec · Lehigh Avenue
19

Continue on US 209

3.7 mi · 6 min · East Catawissa Street
20

Turn left onto North Mermon Avenue

59 ft · 2 sec · North Mermon Avenue
21

Arrive at destination

North Mermon Avenue

Trip Plan

Because this is a concise 53-mile drive, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure time. You won't need to stress over complex stop-overs or long-distance logistics, as the route is designed to be completed without any mandatory breaks. Keep in mind that since the majority of your time is spent on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, ensure you have your toll payment method ready before you head out. Checking traffic conditions on the Turnpike before you leave Scranton is a smart way to ensure your 1-hour and 13-minute travel time stays on track. Treat this as a straightforward commute that allows you to reach Nesquehoning without the fatigue of a long-haul road trip.

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 26.5 miles from Scranton, PA, or about 33m 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 53 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 26.5 miles or 33m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 59m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nesquehoning, 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 53 miles and 1h 13m.

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 26.5 mi from Scranton, PA · 33m into the drive

Downtown Ramapo, NY, NY

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ramapo, NY

27 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 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ramapo, NY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 26.5 miles from Scranton, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Nesquehoning, PA

The final approach into Nesquehoning, 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 Nesquehoning, 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

$8.77 one way

$17.54 round trip

$4.20/gal 25.4 MPG avg 19 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.60 $9.60 $19.19
premium $4.92 $10.27 $20.54
diesel $5.64 $11.77 $23.55

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

$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 · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 15.9 0 $5.56 $2.54
Efficient EV 13.3 0 $4.64 $2.12
EV Truck/SUV 21.2 0 $7.42 $3.39

Gas CO2

19 kg

EV CO2

6 kg (68% 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

Scranton, PA

Night in Scranton on Sunday

Local time

9:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Nesquehoning, PA

Night in Nesquehoning on Sunday

Local time

9:33 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

59°F

Ramapo, NY

27 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 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 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 Scranton, PA to Nesquehoning, PA covers 53 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, 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 26.5 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 $8.77 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 14 significant decision points across 53 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 Nesquehoning, PA, road signs point toward Patp, Allentown and Jim Thorpe.

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Return Trip

Nesquehoning, PA to Scranton, PA

Plan the drive back the other way.

52.8 mi 1h 13m

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

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