Origin
City of Scranton, PA
Morning in City of Scranton on Sunday
Local time
8:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from City of Scranton, PA to Kutztown, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 42m
Distance
82.2 mi
132 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 35m
★
6 AM
1h 43m
8 AM
1h 58m
10 AM
1h 48m
12 PM
1h 47m
3 PM
1h 49m
5 PM
1h 57m
8 PM
1h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
City of Scranton, PA
Michael Taccetta
Kutztown, PA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Scranton, PA to Kutztown, PA is 82.2 miles and takes about 1h 42m via the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and American Legion Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $14 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused trip primarily within Pennsylvania's Northeast region. Expect a relatively quick journey, making it an ideal choice for a single-day excursion. Given the short duration, you'll have plenty of flexibility for departure times or spontaneous stops along the way.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
41.1 miles from City of Scranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension | 57 mi | 1h 4m |
| American Legion Memorial Highway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| Kutztown Road | 4.6 mi | 6m |
| Schantz Road | 3.5 mi | 6m |
| William Penn Highway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Lehigh Valley Thruway | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| East Main Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| River Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
— 57 mi, about 1h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between City of Scranton, PA and Kutztown, 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
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
American Legion Memorial Highway
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward PA 315 South: Pittston
7
Continue on PA 315
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
PA 315
8
Take the exit
343 ft
·
8 sec
Toward I 476, I 81 North, PATP
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 476: Clarks Summit, Allentown
10
Continue on this road
499 ft
·
17 sec
·
this road
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 476 South: Allentown
12
Merge onto I 476; PATP
57 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
13
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
2 min
Exit 56
Toward I 78, US 22, PA 309: Allentown, Harrisburg
14
Merge onto US 22
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Lehigh Valley Thruway
15
Merge onto I 78; US 22
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
William Penn Highway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 49A
Toward PA 100 South: Trexlertown
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto PA 100
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
PA 100
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto Schantz Road
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Schantz Road
19
Enter roundabout onto US 222
21 ft
·
0 sec
·
Hamilton Boulevard
20
Continue on US 222
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
Hamilton Boulevard
21
Continue on US 222
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Kutztown Road
22
Keep slight right at fork onto Kutztown Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Kutztown Road
Toward Kutztown
Use the slight right lane.
23
Continue on East Main Street
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
24
Arrive at destination
West Main Street
Trip Plan
Given this is a 1h 42m drive, it's easily doable in a single day. Aiming for a morning departure will give you ample time to reach Kutztown and still have the afternoon free. While the longest stretch is 57 miles, you'll find opportunities for fuel and rest along the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if needed, though it's not a long enough drive to necessitate frequent breaks. Keep an eye out for the transition from the Turnpike to local roads as you approach your destination; staying attentive will ensure a smooth arrival.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 41.1 miles from City of Scranton, PA, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 57 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 18 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 41.1 miles or 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kutztown, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from City of Scranton, PA
This is one driving day of about 82.2 miles and 1h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 18 miles from City of Scranton, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension for about 57 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
41 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 41.1 miles from City of Scranton, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 10.1 and 80.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
10.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 476, I 81 North, PATP
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 I 476, I 81 North, PATP
6
10.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 476: Clarks Summit, Allentown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 476: Clarks Summit, Allentown
6
67.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m in
Take the exit toward I 78, US 22, PA 309: Allentown, Harrisburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 56
Toward I 78, US 22, PA 309: Allentown, Harrisbu...
7
71.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
Take the exit toward PA 100 South: Trexlertown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 49A
Toward PA 100 South: Trexlertown
7
80.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
|
Kutztown Road
Keep slight right at fork onto Kutztown Road toward Kutztown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Kutztown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.63 one way
$27.26 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
29 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $14.93 | $29.85 |
| premium | $4.93 | $15.94 | $31.88 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $18.15 | $36.30 |
Estimated Tolls: $7.49
Pennsylvania Turnpike
(57 mi)
$7.41
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(1.1 mi)
$0.08
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
$14
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 28.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 24.7 | 0 | $8.63 | $3.95 |
| Efficient EV | 20.6 | 0 | $7.19 | $3.29 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 32.9 | 0 | $11.51 | $5.26 |
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Kutztown, PA
Morning in Kutztown on Sunday
Local time
8:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
45°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
2 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
1h 42m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 70% of the drive on higher-speed roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 57 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, offering a continuous, uninterrupted driving segment. As you transition to roads like the American Legion Memorial Highway and eventually Kutztown Road, the character may shift slightly, though it maintains a generally efficient feel. Prepare for a driving experience that prioritizes covering distance effectively.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 57 mi on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and American Legion Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 82.2 miles you will encounter 16 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 10.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
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 Kutztown, PA, road signs point toward Patp, Allentown and Harrisburg.
Patp
10.1 mi in
|
~12m
Allentown
10.1 mi in
|
~12m
Harrisburg
67.9 mi in
|
~1h 18m
About the Cities
Arriving in Kutztown, PA
Full guide →Kutztown is a small town in the northeastern part of Berks County, in Pennsylvania Dutch Country between Reading and Allentown. It is home to about 5,100 year-round residents (2018), and to the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, a public university whose 8,300 students make the town a busy place from late August to early May. In the summer months and during school breaks, the town is much quieter and dominated by locals.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 42m. Total distance: 82.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 57 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $7.49 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.
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 Kutztown, PA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Kutztown, PA before heading back.
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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Kutztown, PA
More trips to Kutztown, PA
Explore more options from City of Scranton, PA or browse trips ending in Kutztown, PA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse PA road trips.