Origin
Scranton, PA
Evening in Scranton on Sunday
Local time
8:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Scranton, PA to Philadelphia, PA
Drive Time
2h 27m
Distance
124.5 mi
200 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 18m
★
6 AM
2h 28m
8 AM
2h 48m
10 AM
2h 35m
12 PM
2h 33m
3 PM
2h 36m
5 PM
2h 47m
8 PM
2h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Philadelphia, PA
Samyantak Mohanty
Trip Overview
Traveling the 125 miles from Scranton to Philadelphia is a straightforward journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes. Since this trip stays entirely within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. You should budget approximately $20 for fuel to complete the transit between these two cities. Because the route relies on local infrastructure rather than interstates, you won't encounter the typical highway fatigue associated with long-distance travel. Whether you are heading south for business or a weekend getaway, this drive offers a manageable pace that makes a round trip feasible in one day.
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
62.2 miles from Scranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate grind, this route focuses on local navigation, utilizing Lackawanna Avenue, Cedar Avenue, and River Street to move you through the region. With a 0% highway share, you will be navigating surface streets for the entire 125-mile duration. There are no long, uninterrupted stretches to zone out on, as the longest segment is 0 miles on Lackawanna Avenue. This profile ensures a dynamic driving experience that requires your full attention as you transition between the local road network.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 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 95 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and Schuylkill Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 124.5 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 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
8
109.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
Take the exit toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 16
Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Vall...
8
110 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 16A
Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
8
123 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
|
I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30 / Vine Street Expressway toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadel...
9
123.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Towns Along This Route
Between Scranton, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Patp, Allentown and Valley Forge.
Patp
10.5 mi in
|
~14m
Allentown
10.6 mi in
|
~14m
Valley Forge
109.7 mi in
|
~2h 5m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 95 mi | 1h 44m |
| Schuylkill Expressway | 12.6 mi | 17m |
| American Legion Memorial Highway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| Mid-County Expressway | 3.4 mi | 4m |
| River Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Vine Street Expressway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| North 15th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Cedar Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
— 95 mi, about 1h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Scranton, PA and Philadelphia, 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
94 mi
·
1 hr 44 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 476; PATP
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Exit 20
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 476; PATP
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the slight left lane.
17
Continue on I 476
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Mid-County Expressway
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 16
Toward I 76 East, I 76 West: Philadelphia, Valley Forge
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 16A
Toward I 76 East: Philadelphia
Use the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto I 76
13 mi
·
17 min
·
Schuylkill Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 676; US 30
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Vine Street Expressway
Toward I 676 East, US 30 East: Central Philadelphia
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward Central Philadelphia
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork
313 ft
·
11 sec
Toward 15th Street, Central Philadelphia
Use the slight right lane.
24
Turn right onto North 15th Street
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
North 15th Street
Use the right lane.
25
Turn slight left onto PA 611
379 ft
·
8 sec
·
South Penn Square
26
Keep slight left at fork onto South Penn Square
167 ft
·
2 sec
·
South Penn Square
27
Arrive at destination
South Penn Square
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip with no mandatory stops scheduled, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time. Plan to keep your vehicle fueled before you leave, as the $20 cost estimate suggests a moderate consumption rate for the duration of the drive. Because you are navigating local roads rather than high-speed highways, factor in potential traffic lights and turning delays when calculating your arrival time. If you prefer a smoother experience, try to avoid peak local commuting hours when traffic on major local arteries like Cedar Avenue can be heavier. Keep your route navigation handy to ensure you stay on track through the various turn-heavy segments of the journey.
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 62.2 miles from Scranton, PA, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95 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 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62.2 miles or 1h 12m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Philadelphia, 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 124.5 miles and 2h 27m.
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 95 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 62.2 mi from Scranton, PA · 1h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
62 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 62.2 miles from Scranton, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 95 miles.
Arriving in Philadelphia, PA
The final approach into Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, 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
$20.60 one way
$41.20 round trip
$4.20/gal
25.4 MPG avg
44 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $22.54 | $45.08 |
| premium | $4.92 | $24.13 | $48.25 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $27.66 | $55.32 |
Estimated Tolls: $12.35
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(95 mi)
$12.35
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
$21
Tolls
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 43.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 37.4 | 0 | $13.07 | $5.98 |
| Efficient EV | 31.1 | 0 | $10.89 | $4.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 49.8 | 0 | $17.43 | $7.97 |
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (66% 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
Philadelphia, PA
Evening in Philadelphia on Sunday
Local time
8:30 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°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
6 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
2h 27m 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 Philadelphia, PA covers 124.5 miles and takes about 2h 27m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, Schuylkill Expressway, 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 62.2 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 $20.60 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 19 significant decision points across 124.5 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 10.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Scranton, PA and Philadelphia, PA, road signs point toward Patp, Allentown and Valley Forge.
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