Trip from Christiana, PA to City of Scranton, PA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 1m

Distance

138 mi

222 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min

4 AM

2h 50m ★

6 AM

3h 2m

8 AM

3h 25m

10 AM

3h 10m

12 PM

3h 8m

3 PM

3h 11m

5 PM

3h 23m

8 PM

2h 55m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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borough in eastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Christiana, PA

Wikimedia Commons

City of Scranton, PA

Michael Taccetta

Trip Overview

This 138-mile drive from Christiana, PA, to Scranton, PA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 1 minute. With a fuel cost estimated at $23, it's an economical choice for exploring Pennsylvania. The route is primarily highway-focused, making it a straightforward journey through the Northeast region. You'll primarily navigate on I-81 and US-222, with a portion on Pottsville Pike. This trip is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points without extensive planning, allowing for a relaxed pace.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

69 miles from Christiana, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	59.6 mi	1h 10m
US 222	19.4 mi	24m
Pottsville Pike	14.4 mi	18m
Centre Turnpike	10.6 mi	12m
South New Holland Road	6.1 mi	10m
Joseph H. Long Boulevard	4.8 mi	5m
North Railroad Avenue	3.4 mi	5m
Route 61 South	3 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 59.6 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Christiana, PA and City of Scranton, PA.

Start on West Slokom Avenue

17 ft · 5 sec · West Slokom Avenue

Turn left onto North Bridge Street

0.4 mi · 59 sec · North Bridge Street

Continue on Sadsbury Avenue

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Sadsbury Avenue

Turn sharp left onto Newport Avenue

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Newport Avenue

Turn right

338 ft · 16 sec

Turn left onto PA 41

0.2 mi · 19 sec · Newport Pike

Continue on PA 41

2.3 mi · 3 min · Gap-Newport Pike

Use the straight / right lanes.

Take the exit

182 ft · 5 sec

Merge onto US 30

0.4 mi · 50 sec · Lincoln Highway

Turn right onto PA 772

2.6 mi · 4 min · Newport Road

Turn right onto South New Holland Road

6.1 mi · 10 min · South New Holland Road

Continue on Brimmer Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Brimmer Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto PA 23

0.1 mi · 22 sec · East Main Street

Turn right onto North Railroad Avenue

3.4 mi · 5 min · North Railroad Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

At end of road, turn left onto US 322

2.2 mi · 3 min · Division Highway

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec

Merge onto US 222

8.4 mi · 9 min · US 222

Continue on US 222

11 mi · 15 min · US 222

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 49 sec

Toward PA 61 North: Centre Avenue Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn straight onto PA 61

1.1 mi · 1 min · Centre Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Continue on PA 61

4.7 mi · 6 min · Pottsville Pike

Use the straight lane.

Continue on PA 61

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Centre Avenue

Use the straight lane.

Continue on PA 61

3.2 mi · 3 min · Pottsville Pike

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 61

0.6 mi · 43 sec · Shoemaker Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 61

2.3 mi · 2 min · Pottsville Pike

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on PA 61

0.3 mi · 19 sec · South 4th Street

Continue on PA 61

4.2 mi · 5 min · Pottsville Pike

Use the straight lane.

Continue on PA 61

11 mi · 12 min · Centre Turnpike

Use the straight lane.

Continue on PA 61

3.0 mi · 3 min · Route 61 South

Continue on PA 61

0.3 mi · 18 sec · Pottsville Boulevard

Continue on PA 61

1.5 mi · 2 min · South Claude A. Lord Boulevard

Continue on PA 61

1.0 mi · 1 min · Pottsville Saint Clair Highway

Continue on PA 61

4.8 mi · 5 min · Joseph H. Long Boulevard

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Toward I 81 North: Hazleton

Merge onto I 81

60 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 81

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward PA 307

Turn left onto River Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · River Street

At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Cedar Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Arrive at destination

Cedar Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 3-hour duration, this trip is perfect for a spontaneous day trip. You can leave any time of day, but an early start might allow for more flexibility at your destination. Plan for one stop, perhaps during the longest stretch on I-81, to refuel or stretch your legs. The estimated fuel cost is $23, so ensure your tank is sufficiently full before departing Christiana to minimize any need for unexpected stops. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transitions between I-81, US-222, and Pottsville Pike to ensure a smooth continuation of your journey.

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 69 miles from Christiana, PA, or about 1h 37m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.6 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 30 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 69 miles or 1h 37m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near City of Scranton, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Christiana, 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 Christiana, PA

This is one driving day of about 138 miles and 3h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Christiana, 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 I 81 for about 59.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

human settlement in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Kutztown, PA

69 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

Reading, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Shenandoah, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 69 miles from Christiana, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Dutch-Way Family Restaurant - Gap

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gap, Pennsylvania

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+16105936080

Visit website

The Brass Eagle Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Gap, Pennsylvania

2.4 mi

Dutch-Way Family Restaurant - Gap

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Gap, Pennsylvania

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+16105936080

Visit website

The Brass Eagle Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Gap, Pennsylvania

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+17174429977

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 128.2

Pittston, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15706554116

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 138

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: 12–8 am

+18887584389

Visit website

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 137.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | Newport Avenue

Turn sharp left onto Newport Avenue

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

0.7 mi into trip | ~1m in

Turn right

Navigation decision point

12.9 mi into trip | ~23m in | North Railroad Avenue

Turn right onto North Railroad Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

38.2 mi into trip | ~58m in

Take the exit toward PA 61 North: Centre Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward PA 61 North: Centre Avenue

137.8 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in | Cedar Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.88 one way

$45.76 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.61	$25.06	$50.11
premium	$4.93	$26.76	$53.53
diesel	$5.61	$30.47	$60.94

Estimated Tolls: $0.74

Centre Turnpike (10.6 mi) $0.74

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

$23

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 48.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	41.4	$14.49	$6.62
Efficient EV	34.5	$12.08	$5.52
EV Truck/SUV	55.2	$19.32	$8.83

Gas CO2

48 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (67% 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 as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Christiana, PA

Evening in Christiana on Sunday

Local time

5:21 PM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

City of Scranton, PA

Evening in City of Scranton on Sunday

Local time

5:21 PM

EDT

Current temp

86°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 9 mph 3% chance Live forecast

68°F

Kutztown, PA

69 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

13 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

3h 1m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...

21 mi from route ~52 min detour Free near mile 66.6

Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene

Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia

View on nps.gov

First State National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...

25 mi from route ~61 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for about 67% of this 138-mile journey. The most significant uninterrupted stretch covers 59.6 miles on I-81, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While much of the drive is on interstates, you'll also experience sections on US-222 and Pottsville Pike, which may offer a slightly different driving feel. Overall, the character leans towards efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways, making it a practical choice for covering ground.

67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 59.6 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and US 222. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near Newport Avenue.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 138 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 0.5 miles (Newport Avenue): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.7 miles: Navigation decision point; at 12.9 miles (North Railroad Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 1m. Total distance: 138 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 59.6 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.74 in tolls one way, starting with Centre Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at City of Scranton, PA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail and First State National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at City of Scranton, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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.

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Trip from Christiana, PA to City of Scranton, PA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Dutch-Way Family Restaurant - Gap

Dutch-Way Family Restaurant - Gap

The Brass Eagle Restaurant

EVgo Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Christiana, PA

City of Scranton, PA

Same local time

13 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 1m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

First State National Historical Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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