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Trip from City of Scranton, PA to Bear Rocks, PA

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

Drive Time

5h 23m

Distance

282 mi

454 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
5h 10m ★
6 AM
5h 24m
8 AM
5h 51m
10 AM
5h 33m
12 PM
5h 31m
3 PM
5h 35m
5 PM
5h 49m
8 PM
5h 16m

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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Downtown City of Scranton, PA, PA

City of Scranton, PA

Michael Taccetta

Downtown Bear Rocks, PA, PA

Bear Rocks, PA

Elias Strale

Trip Overview

Scranton, PA to Bear Rocks, PA is 282 miles and takes about 5 hours 23 minutes via Keystone Shortway, I-99, and Pennsylvania Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Northeast region, primarily traversing Pennsylvania. Expect a mixed driving experience with significant highway mileage, making it a straightforward, single-day journey. It's a practical option if you need to cover ground efficiently within the state.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

141 miles from City of Scranton, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Keystone Shortway 98.5 mi 1h 47m
I 99 61.7 mi 1h 6m
Pennsylvania Turnpike 55.2 mi 1h 1m
American Legion Memorial Highway 32.7 mi 39m
Jacksonville Road 24.2 mi 28m
State Route 31 4.3 mi 6m
River Street 0.9 mi 1m
Bear Rocks Road 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 98.5 mi, about 1h 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between City of Scranton, PA and Bear Rocks, 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

33 mi · 39 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
6

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 151B Toward I-80 West: Bloomsburg
7

Merge onto I 80

99 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Keystone Shortway
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 53 sec
Exit 161 Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
9

Turn left onto US 220; PA 26

24 mi · 28 min · Jacksonville Road
Use the straight lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220

62 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
11

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
12

Keep slight right at fork

284 ft · 8 sec
Toward US 220 Business South: Bedford
13

Turn slight right onto US 220 BUS

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Business 220
14

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward I 70, I 76, PATP: Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward I 76 West, I 70 West: Pittsburgh
16

Merge onto I 70; I 76; PATP

55 mi · 1 hr 1 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
17

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 1 min
Toward PA 31, PA 711: Ligonier, Uniontown Use the slight right lane.
18

Turn right onto PA 31

4.3 mi · 6 min · State Route 31
19

Turn left onto Bear Rocks Road

303 ft · 14 sec · Bear Rocks Road
20

Turn left onto Bear Rocks Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Bear Rocks Road
21

Turn slight right onto Big Springs Road

0.1 mi · 33 sec · Big Springs Road
22

Keep slight left at fork onto Big Springs Road

367 ft · 17 sec · Big Springs Road
23

Turn right onto Bethann Road

0.1 mi · 36 sec · Bethann Road
24

Turn right onto East Lake Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · East Lake Road
25

Arrive at destination

East Lake Road

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 23-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning from Scranton will allow you to reach Bear Rocks with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 98.5-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway, as services might be less frequent. This drive is well within the capabilities of a single day, so you can afford to take your time and enjoy the transitions in scenery.

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 141 miles from City of Scranton, PA, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.5 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 62 miles or 1h 13m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 141 miles or 2h 40m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 21m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bear Rocks, 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 282 miles and 5h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 Keystone Shortway for about 98.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough in Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

State College, PA

141 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

Harrisburg, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bellefonte, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 141 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 Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 98.5 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 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 34 and 276.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
34 mi into trip | ~42m in

Take the exit toward I-80 West: Bloomsburg

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 151B Toward I-80 West: Bloomsburg
6
133.2 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in

Take the exit toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 161 Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefo...
6
157.7 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in | I 99; US 220

Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda,...
7
220.7 mi into trip | ~4h 9m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 76 West, I 70 West: Pittsburgh

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 76 West, I 70 West: Pittsburgh
7
276.1 mi into trip | ~5h 11m in

Take the exit toward PA 31, PA 711: Ligonier, Uniontown

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 PA 31, PA 711: Ligonier, Uniontown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.75 one way

$93.50 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 99 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $51.20 $102.41
premium $4.93 $54.69 $109.38
diesel $5.61 $62.26 $124.52

Estimated Tolls: $7.18

Pennsylvania Turnpike (55.2 mi) $7.18

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

$47

Tolls

$7

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$79–$104

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 98.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 84.6 1 $29.61 $13.54
Efficient EV 70.5 0 $24.67 $11.28
EV Truck/SUV 112.8 1 $39.48 $18.05

Gas CO2

99 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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

8:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

86°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 9 mph 3% chance Live 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

Bear Rocks, PA

Morning in Bear Rocks on Sunday

Local time

8:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

44°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

42 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

5h 23m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This route features a 43% highway share, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on major interstates like I-99 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. However, the Keystone Shortway offers a different feel, presenting the longest uninterrupted stretch at 98.5 miles. The drive transitions between faster highway segments and potentially more varied road conditions as you move through different parts of Pennsylvania, offering a dynamic driving experience rather than a purely monotonous interstate grind.

43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.5 mi on Keystone Shortway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 34 miles in.

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 19 significant decision points across 282 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 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 133.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.7 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Bear Rocks, PA, road signs point toward Altoona, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Patp: Pittsburgh.

Altoona

157.7 mi in | ~2h 59m | via I 99; US 220

Pittsburgh

219.3 mi in | ~4h 6m

Harrisburg

219.3 mi in | ~4h 6m

Patp: Pittsburgh

220.5 mi in | ~4h 8m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 23m. Total distance: 282 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 98.5 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $7.18 in tolls one way, starting with Pennsylvania 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 Bear Rocks, 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 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 133.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.7 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bear Rocks, PA before the return drive.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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