This 154.2-mile drive from Scranton, PA to Abbottstown, PA will take approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. You'll primarily navigate along the American Legion Memorial Highway and US 15 before transitioning to Baltimore Pike. With a fuel cost estimated at $26, this route offers a budget-friendly excursion. The drive is characterized as a turn-heavy local experience, suggesting a more engaging and less monotonous journey than a pure interstate cruise. Given its manageable length and local feel, this trip is well-suited for a single day of travel without the need for an overnight stay.
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
77.1 miles from City of Scranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
American Legion Memorial Highway
113.7 mi
2h 13m
US 15
10 mi
14m
Baltimore Pike
9.3 mi
16m
I 83
8.3 mi
11m
Abbottstown Street
3.6 mi
6m
North Baltimore Street
2.2 mi
4m
American Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Highway
2 mi
2m
Baltimore Road
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
American Legion Memorial Highway
— 113.7 mi, about 2h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between City of Scranton, PA and Abbottstown, PA.
1
Start on Cedar Avenue
0.1 mi·11 sec·Cedar Avenue
2
Continue on Cedar Avenue
400 ft·12 sec·Cedar Avenue
3
Turn left onto River Street
0.9 mi·1 min·River Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
5
Merge onto I 81
114 mi·2 hr 13 min·American Legion Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 70Toward I 83 South, US 322 East: South Harrisburg, YorkUse the slight left lane.
7
Continue on I 83; US 322
3.7 mi·5 min·I 83; US 322
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 83
4.6 mi·6 min·I 83
Toward I 83 South: Harrisburg, YorkUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 581
2.0 mi·2 min·American Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Highway
Exit 41AToward PA 581 West: Camp Hill, GettysburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 5B-AToward US 15 South, US 11 North, US 15 North: Gettysburg, Camp HillUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 5BToward US 15 South: GettysburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on US 15
10 mi·14 min·US 15
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn left onto PA 74
2.2 mi·4 min·North Baltimore Street
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on PA 194
0.4 mi·46 sec·Baltimore Road
15
Continue on PA 194
0.1 mi·12 sec·Baltimore Street
16
Continue on PA 194
1.2 mi·2 min·Baltimore Road
17
Continue on PA 194
9.3 mi·16 min·Baltimore Pike
18
Continue on PA 194
0.6 mi·1 min·Harrisburg Street
19
Continue on PA 194
3.6 mi·6 min·Abbottstown Street
20
Enter roundabout
92 ft·4 sec
21
Continue
35 ft·2 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 19-minute duration, consider an early morning departure from Scranton to maximize your time in Abbottstown. With only one recommended stop and a turn-heavy profile, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or where the road transitions. The estimated fuel cost of $26 is quite reasonable, so you likely won't need to worry about frequent refueling stops. Keep an eye on your GPS, especially as you move from US 15 onto Baltimore Pike, as the 'turn-heavy' nature of this route means there will be several navigation changes.
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 77.1 miles from City of Scranton, PA, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.7 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 34 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.1 miles or 1h 31m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Abbottstown, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving City of 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 City of Scranton, PA
This is one driving day of about 154.2 miles and 3h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from City of Scranton, 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 American Legion Memorial Highway for about 113.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 77.1 miles from City of Scranton, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before American Legion Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 115 and 126.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
115 mi into trip|~2h 15m in
Take the exit toward I 83 South, US 322 East: South Harrisburg, York
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 70
Toward I 83 South, US 322 East: South Harrisbur...
8
119.6 mi into trip|~2h 22m in|I 83
Keep slight right at fork onto I 83 toward I 83 South: Harrisburg, York
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 83 South: Harrisburg, York
9
124.2 mi into trip|~2h 28m in|PA 581 / American Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto PA 581 / American Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Highway toward PA 581 West: Camp Hill, Gettysburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 41A
Toward PA 581 West: Camp Hill, Gettysburg
8
126.1 mi into trip|~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward US 15 South, US 11 North, US 15 North: Gettysburg, Camp Hill
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5B-A
Toward US 15 South, US 11 North, US 15 North: G...
8
126.4 mi into trip|~2h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 15 South: Gettysburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5B
Toward US 15 South: Gettysburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.56 one way
$51.13 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg54 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$28.00
$56.00
premium
$4.93
$29.91
$59.81
diesel
$5.61
$34.05
$68.09
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
46.3
0
$16.19
$7.40
Efficient EV
38.6
0
$13.49
$6.17
EV Truck/SUV
61.7
0
$21.59
$9.87
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
City of Scranton, PA
Morning
in City of Scranton on Sunday
Local time
6:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 9 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Abbottstown, PA
Morning
in Abbottstown on Sunday
Local time
6:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°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
27 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 19m 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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 95.7
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument
National Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 132.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive with a 'turn-heavy local' profile, meaning you'll encounter frequent turns and changes in road type. Only about 12% of this trip is on highways, so much of your time will be spent on local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 113.7 miles on the American Legion Memorial Highway. As you progress, the road will likely shift from more direct routes to a more winding, local feel, requiring your attention to navigation and speed.
Only 12% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 113.7 mi on American Legion Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 115 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 154.2 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 115 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.6 miles (I 83): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.2 miles (PA 581 / American Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between City of Scranton, PA and Abbottstown, PA, road signs point toward York, Gettysburg and Camp Hill.
York
115 mi in|~2h 15m
Gettysburg
124.2 mi in|~2h 28m|via PA 581
Camp Hill
126.1 mi in|~2h 31m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 19m. Total distance: 154.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 113.7 miles on American Legion Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Abbottstown, 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 115 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.6 miles (I 83): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.2 miles (PA 581 / American Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Abbottstown, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
