The City of Scranton, PA to Jefferson Hills, PA is 292.2 miles and takes about 5h 58m via Keystone Shortway and I 99, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to its southern part. With only one recommended stop and a highway share of 14%, expect a mix of faster highway travel and more local road cruising. It's a straightforward trip for a single day, offering a practical way to connect these two points.
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
146.1 miles from City of Scranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 46m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
98.5 mi
1h 47m
William Penn Highway
50.7 mi
1h 6m
I 99
33.8 mi
36m
American Legion Memorial Highway
32.7 mi
39m
Jacksonville Road
24.2 mi
28m
Admiral Peary Highway
13.4 mi
19m
Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass
8.1 mi
8m
Hayden Boulevard
7.4 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 98.5 mi, about 1h 47m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,120 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,611
Quietest
2 AM
~194 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between City of Scranton, PA and Jefferson Hills, 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 151BToward 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 161Toward 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
34 mi·36 min·I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
11
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward US 22: Ebensburg, Hollidaysburg
12
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·43 sec·this road
13
Continue on US 22
16 mi·19 min·William Penn Highway
14
Continue on US 22
13 mi·19 min·Admiral Peary Highway
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 22
34 mi·47 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward PA 66: Greensburg, DelmontUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
417 ft·16 sec
Toward PA 66 South: GreensburgUse the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto PA 66
0.9 mi·1 min·State Route 66
Toward PA 66 South: GreensburgUse the left lane.
19
Continue on PA Tpke 66
8.1 mi·8 min·Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Exit 4Toward PA 136: Greensburg, West Newton
21
Turn slight right
145 ft·3 sec
22
Turn straight onto PA 136
412 ft·11 sec·West Newton Street
23
At end of road, turn left onto PA 136
5.5 mi·8 min·PA 136
24
Turn right onto PA 136
2.7 mi·4 min·West Newton Road
25
Continue on PA 136
3.2 mi·4 min·Greensburg Pike
26
At end of road, turn right onto PA 136
0.4 mi·34 sec·Mount Pleasant Road
27
Continue on PA 136
4.8 mi·7 min·East Main Street
28
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·21 sec
29
Merge onto PA 51
7.4 mi·12 min·Hayden Boulevard
30
Turn left onto Old Clairton Road
1.0 mi·2 min·Old Clairton Road
31
Turn left onto Taber Drive
140 ft·6 sec·Taber Drive
32
Continue on Redcliff Drive
0.2 mi·57 sec·Redcliff Drive
33
Turn left onto Majestic Drive
250 ft·11 sec·Majestic Drive
34
Turn right
0.2 mi·35 sec
35
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Consider an early morning departure from Scranton to maximize daylight, especially since this 5h 58m drive is easily completed in one day. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $48, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the longest stretch is 98.5 miles on the Keystone Shortway, and plan your refueling accordingly. The significant portion of surface roads means you'll likely encounter more variable speed limits and traffic lights, so factor that into your timing.
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 146.1 miles from City of Scranton, PA, or about 2h 46m 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 64 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.1 miles or 2h 46m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jefferson Hills, 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 292.2 miles and 5h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 133.2 and 257.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
256.9 mi into trip|~5h 4m in
Take the exit toward PA 66: Greensburg, Delmont
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 66: Greensburg, Delmont
8
257.1 mi into trip|~5h 5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PA 66 South: Greensburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward PA 66 South: Greensburg
7
257.2 mi into trip|~5h 5m in|PA 66 / State Route 66
Merge onto PA 66 / State Route 66 toward PA 66 South: Greensburg
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward PA 66 South: Greensburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.42 one way
$102.85 round trip
$4.47/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.89
$56.23
$112.46
premium
$5.23
$60.12
$120.24
diesel
$6.18
$71.08
$142.17
Estimated Tolls: $0.57
Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass
(8.1 mi)$0.57
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
$51
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.7
1
$30.68
$14.03
Efficient EV
73.1
0
$25.57
$11.69
EV Truck/SUV
116.9
1
$40.91
$18.70
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Oct 18, 2026
Origin
City of Scranton, PA
Morning
in City of Scranton on Monday
Local time
7:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Widespread Frost then Sunny
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Destination
Jefferson Hills, PA
Morning
in Jefferson Hills on Monday
Local time
7:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Widespread Frost then Sunny
SE 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 2:47AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
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
1 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
5h 58m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
National Memorial
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 211.6
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their live...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 221.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly surface roads, with only 14% on highways. You'll encounter the longest stretch of highway at 98.5 miles on the Keystone Shortway. After this, expect to transition to surface roads for the remainder of your trip. The profile suggests you'll notice more frequent intersections and potentially slower speeds as you navigate through towns and local areas.
Only 14% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
35 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?
9/10
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 133.2 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 292.2 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 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; at 256.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,999 ft503 ft
Total Climb
2,487 ft
Total Descent
2,187 ft
Highest Point
1,999 ft
~208.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,496 ft
Notable High Points
1,611 ft at ~104.3 miles+600 ft prominence
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 Jefferson Hills, PA, road signs point toward Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Delmont and Newton.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 58m. Total distance: 292.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
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 $0.57 in tolls one way, starting with Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass. 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.
Yes — we found about 24 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Jefferson Hills, 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. There are 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: 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; at 256.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jefferson Hills, PA before the return drive.
