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Trip from City of Scranton, PA to Columbus, 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 57m

Distance

280.6 mi

452 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 45m ★
6 AM
5h 58m
8 AM
6h 24m
10 AM
6h 7m
12 PM
6h 4m
3 PM
6h 8m
5 PM
6h 22m
8 PM
5h 50m

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

Trip Overview

Traveling from Scranton to Columbus, Pennsylvania, covers 280.6 miles of Northeast terrain. You should budget about 5 hours and 57 minutes of driving time, making this a manageable, albeit long, one-day road trip. Plan to set aside approximately $46 for fuel to cover the distance. Since the route utilizes the Keystone Shortway, the American Legion Memorial Highway, and the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, you will experience a variety of road types. Whether you choose to power through in a single day or break it up, the trip remains straightforward within the state. It is a practical journey for those looking to traverse the region efficiently without needing an overnight stay.

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

140.3 miles from City of Scranton, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 37m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Keystone Shortway 148.3 mi 2h 40m
American Legion Memorial Highway 32.7 mi 39m
Grand Army of the Republic Highway 23 mi 32m
US 219 12.3 mi 18m
Montmorenci Road 8.8 mi 13m
PA 948 8.6 mi 12m
Warren Bypass 8.6 mi 12m
State Park Road 7.5 mi 13m
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 148.3 mi, about 2h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

148 mi · 2 hr 40 min · Keystone Shortway
8

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 32 sec
10

Turn straight onto PA 153

7.5 mi · 13 min · State Park Road
11

Continue on PA 153

5.0 mi · 8 min · Hoovertown Road
12

Continue on PA 153

3.7 mi · 6 min · Penfield Road
13

At end of road, turn right onto US 219

12 mi · 18 min · US 219
14

Turn right onto PA 948

1.0 mi · 2 min · Montmorenci Avenue
15

Continue on PA 948

8.8 mi · 13 min · Montmorenci Road
16

Continue on PA 948

5.4 mi · 7 min · Highland Road
17

At end of road, turn left onto PA 66

2.7 mi · 3 min · Kane-Russell City Road
18

Take the exit onto PA 948

8.6 mi · 12 min · PA 948
19

Continue on PA 666

2.3 mi · 4 min · PA 666
20

At end of road, turn left onto US 6

1.2 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
21

Continue on US 6

4.5 mi · 6 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
22

Continue on US 6

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
23

Continue on US 6

2.9 mi · 4 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
24

Continue on US 6

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Main Street
25

Continue on US 6

1.8 mi · 3 min · Crescent Park
Use the straight lane.
26

Continue on US 6

8.6 mi · 12 min · Warren Bypass
Use the straight lane.
27

Continue on US 6

1.4 mi · 2 min · Youngsville Bypass
Use the straight lane.
28

Continue on US 6; PA 27

16 mi · 21 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
29

Continue on US 6

1.6 mi · 2 min · Route 6
30

Turn right onto Erie Street

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Erie Street
31

Turn right onto PA 957

13 ft · 0 sec · PA-957
32

Arrive at destination

PA 957

Trip Plan

Since this journey takes nearly six hours, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue. You only need to plan for one major stop to refuel and stretch your legs, though you have the flexibility to adjust this based on your personal pace. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $46 estimate can fluctuate depending on local pricing and your vehicle's efficiency. Because the route is turn-heavy, ensure your tire pressure is checked before you leave Scranton to maintain better handling on those winding local sections. Utilize the longest stretch on the Keystone Shortway to make up time, but stay alert for the transition to the Grand Army of the Republic Highway.

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 140.3 miles from City of Scranton, PA, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.3 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 140.3 miles or 2h 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 4h 39m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Columbus, 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 280.6 miles and 5h 57m.

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 148.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough in northwestern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mount Joy, PA

140 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

Hazleton, PA

Fuel and coffee

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

Central City, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 140.3 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 148.3 miles.

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.

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: 12–8 am

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 60.1

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Moosic, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 40.1

Drums, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 60.1

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Allegheny National Forest

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 240.5

Marienville, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18149275700

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 200 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | River Street

Turn left onto River Street

Navigation decision point

4
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

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
5
183 mi into trip | ~3h 23m in

Take the exit toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield

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

Toward PA 153: Clearfield, Penfield
5
200 mi into trip | ~3h 54m in | US 219

At end of road, turn right onto US 219

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.52 one way

$93.04 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 98 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $50.95 $101.90
premium $4.93 $54.42 $108.84
diesel $5.61 $61.95 $123.91

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$47

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 98.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 84.2 1 $29.46 $13.47
Efficient EV 70.2 0 $24.55 $11.22
EV Truck/SUV 112.2 1 $39.28 $17.96

Gas CO2

98 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (66% 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

6:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

86°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 5 to 10 mph 8% 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

Columbus, PA

Morning in Columbus on Sunday

Local time

6:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

65°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

21 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 57m 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?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. While about 9% of the route consists of highway travel, the majority of your time will be spent navigating more technical roads. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs during the 148.3 miles spent on the Keystone Shortway, providing a rare moment of sustained momentum. The character of the drive shifts significantly once you transition off the major highways onto the local segments. Prepare for a dynamic experience that requires active steering rather than the repetitive monotony of a purely interstate-focused trip.

Only 9% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 148.3 mi on Keystone Shortway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near River Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 280.6 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (River Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from City of Scranton, PA to Columbus, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Penfield along the way.

Penfield

183 mi in | ~3h 23m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 57m. Total distance: 280.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 148.3 miles on Keystone Shortway. 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 Columbus, 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 0.2 miles (River Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Columbus, 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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Columbus, PA to City of Scranton, PA

Plan the drive back the other way.

280.8 mi 5h 58m

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