Road Trips from Scranton, PA
Scranton offers a good variety of day trips, with most destinations falling within a 1.5 to 3-hour drive. You've got options that stick to mostly highway, perfect for quick getaways, and one longer route that uses more surface roads for a different feel. Many of these routes pass by or near national parks, giving you easy access to outdoor exploration without a huge commitment. It's ideal if you're looking for a straightforward drive with the possibility of a park visit nearby, all within a reasonable distance.
Total Routes
148
Shortest
1.4h
With Parks Nearby
147
Under 2 hours
13 total in this range
Ferndale, PA
1h 54m79.6 mi one way
Durham, PA
1h 47m75.5 mi one way
This is your quickest option at only 1.8 hours, and it's mostly highway driving. It gets you to Durham, PA, with its gently rolling terrain and proximity to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It's a straightforward drive if you want to maximize your time at your destination.
Trexlertown, PA
1h 31m74.8 mi one way
Woxall, PA
1h 59m93.6 mi one way
At 2 hours and 93.6 miles, this route offers a slightly longer drive than some others, but it passes near multiple significant parks. You'll be close to Valley Forge National Historical Park, Independence National Historical Park, and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial. The terrain is gently rolling.
Breinigsville, PA
1h 35m76.9 mi one way
Full-day getaway
57 total in this range
Metal, PA
3h 39m180.5 mi one way
If you prefer surface roads over highways, this 3.7-hour, 180.5-mile trip to Metal, PA, is your best bet. The terrain is gently rolling, and the route is near the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument.
Stony Creek Mills, PA
2h 12m100.5 mi one way
Covering 100.5 miles over 2.2 hours, this mostly highway route leads to Stony Creek Mills, PA. It's a good option if you want to visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, which is nearby. Expect gently rolling terrain.
Audubon, PA
2h 13m107.7 mi one way
This 2.2-hour drive, spanning 107.7 miles on mostly highways, brings you to Audubon, PA. It offers proximity to Valley Forge National Historical Park, Independence National Historical Park, and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, all with gently rolling terrain.
Kenilworth, PA
2h 13m100 mi one way
At 2.2 hours and 100 miles, this mostly highway route is similar in length to a few others. Kenilworth, PA, is close to both Valley Forge National Historical Park and First State National Historical Park. The terrain is gently rolling.
Atglen, PA
3h 3m151.1 mi one way
Weekend trip
78 total in this range
Centerville, PA
4h 30m238.2 mi one way
This is one of the longest options at 4.5 hours and 238.2 miles, utilizing a mix of highway and surface roads. Centerville, PA, is near the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial. The terrain is gently rolling.
Berlin, PA
4h 55m253.6 mi one way
The longest drive on this list, at 4.9 hours and 253.6 miles, this route uses a mix of highway and surface roads. Berlin, PA, is close to the Flight 93 National Memorial and Johnstown Flood National Memorial. The terrain here is hilly with moderate elevation changes.
Midland, PA
6h 19m304.4 mi one way
Houston, PA
6h 18m303.9 mi one way
Taylor, PA
5h 34m272.3 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Centerville, PA
4h 30m238.2 mi one way
Berlin, PA
4h 55m253.6 mi one way
Metal, PA
3h 39m180.5 mi one way
Stony Creek Mills, PA
2h 12m100.5 mi one way
Audubon, PA
2h 13m107.7 mi one way
Houston, PA
6h 18m303.9 mi one way
Yardley, PA
2h 38m111.6 mi one way
Oil City, PA
3h 59m207.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With many routes passing near national parks and featuring gently rolling terrain, spring offers pleasant drives and opportunities for outdoor exploration as nature awakens.
Summer
The mostly highway routes are ideal for quick summer escapes, with numerous parks nearby providing chances to cool off or enjoy the season's activities.
Fall
Gently rolling terrain and proximity to national parks make these drives scenic in the fall, offering views of changing foliage on your way to various destinations.
Winter
While most routes are not recommended for overnight stays, the shorter, mostly highway drives can still be manageable for day trips, though park access may be limited.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Scranton, PA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.