Origin
Columbia, PA
Morning in Columbia on Sunday
Local time
9:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Columbia, PA to City of Scranton, PA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 49m
Distance
130 mi
209 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 38m
★
6 AM
2h 49m
8 AM
3h 11m
10 AM
2h 57m
12 PM
2h 55m
3 PM
2h 58m
5 PM
3h 10m
8 PM
2h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Columbia, PA
Wikimedia Commons
City of Scranton, PA
Michael Taccetta
Trip Overview
Columbia, PA to Scranton, PA is 130 miles and takes about 2h 49m via I 81 and PA 183, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive primarily within Pennsylvania, making it a convenient option for a single-day trip. You'll spend a good portion of your time on the interstate, so expect a consistent pace. If you're looking for a quick connection between these two points in the Northeast region, this route offers efficiency. Consider this trip if your priority is reaching your destination without extensive detours.
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
65 miles from Columbia, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 59.6 mi | 1h 10m |
| PA 183 | 9.9 mi | 15m |
| US 30 | 7.7 mi | 10m |
| Lancaster Avenue | 6.8 mi | 8m |
| Stiegel Pike | 6 mi | 6m |
| South College Street | 5.5 mi | 6m |
| Lititz Pike | 5.1 mi | 9m |
| Joseph H. Long Boulevard | 4.8 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 59.6 mi, about 1h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia, PA and City of Scranton, PA.
1
Start on North 3rd Street
105 ft
·
7 sec
·
North 3rd Street
2
Turn right onto PA 462
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Chestnut Street
3
Turn right onto PA 462
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
North 5th Street
4
Continue on PA 462
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Lancaster Avenue
5
Continue on PA 462
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Columbia Avenue
6
Turn left onto Prospect Road
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Prospect Road
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward US 30 East: Lancaster
8
Merge onto US 30
7.7 mi
·
10 min
·
US 30
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward PA 501
10
Continue on Chester Road
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
·
Chester Road
Use the left lane.
11
Turn left onto US 222; PA 501
5.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Lititz Pike
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on PA 501
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
South Broad Street
13
Continue on PA 501
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Furnace Hills Pike
14
Continue on PA 501
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Furnace Hill Pike
15
Continue on PA 501
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Stiegel Pike
16
Continue on PA 501
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
South College Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on PA 501
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Lancaster Avenue
18
Continue on PA 501
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Lancaster Avenue
19
Continue on PA 501
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Lancaster Avenue
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
21
Merge onto I 78; US 22
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
William Penn Highway
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 17
Toward PA 419: Rehrersburg
Use the slight right lane.
23
Turn left onto PA 419
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Four Point Road
24
Turn left onto PA 183
9.9 mi
·
15 min
·
PA 183
25
Turn right onto PA 183
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Pottsville Street
26
Turn left onto PA 61
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Route 61 South
27
Continue on PA 61
0.3 mi
·
18 sec
·
Pottsville Boulevard
28
Continue on PA 61
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
South Claude A. Lord Boulevard
29
Continue on PA 61
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Pottsville Saint Clair Highway
30
Continue on PA 61
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Joseph H. Long Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 81 North: Hazleton
32
Merge onto I 81
60 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 81
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward PA 307
34
Turn left onto River Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
River Street
35
At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
Cedar Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Arrive at destination
Cedar Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under 3 hours, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience, though an early start can help you avoid potential midday traffic. With only one stop suggested, plan for a brief break midway or near your destination. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $22, and be aware that the longest stretch without a planned stop is nearly 60 miles on I 81. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before you leave, as this is a direct, highway-centric drive.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 65 miles from Columbia, PA, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.6 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 29 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65 miles or 1h 30m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near City of Scranton, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Columbia, 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 Columbia, PA
This is one driving day of about 130 miles and 2h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Columbia, 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 I 81 for about 59.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
65 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 65 miles from Columbia, 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 185 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 129.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
PA 462 / Chestnut Street
Turn right onto PA 462 / Chestnut Street
Navigation decision point
6
11.4 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
US 222; PA 501 / Lititz Pike
Turn left onto US 222; PA 501 / Lititz Pike
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
41.8 mi into trip
|
~56m in
Take the exit toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
7
45.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward PA 419: Rehrersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 17
Toward PA 419: Rehrersburg
7
129.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 49m in
|
Cedar Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.55 one way
$43.10 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
46 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $23.60 | $47.21 |
| premium | $4.93 | $25.21 | $50.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.70 | $57.40 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39 | 0 | $13.65 | $6.24 |
| Efficient EV | 32.5 | 0 | $11.38 | $5.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 52 | 0 | $18.20 | $8.32 |
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Destination
City of Scranton, PA
Morning in City of Scranton on Sunday
Local time
9:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
42°F
East Franklin, PA
65 mi in
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
2h 49m 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.
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 35.8
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip leans heavily towards highway driving, with 62% of the route utilizing major highways like I 81 and PA 183. You'll encounter a significant stretch of uninterrupted highway driving, with the longest segment spanning 59.6 miles on I 81. Expect a predictable and generally fast-paced experience for most of the journey. While the profile is highway-focused, you will transition between different major roads, so remain attentive to signage as you navigate these changes.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 59.6 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and PA 183. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near PA 462 / Chestnut Street.
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 18 significant decision points across 130 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: near the start (PA 462 / Chestnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 11.4 miles (US 222; PA 501 / Lititz Pike): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 49m. Total distance: 130 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (62%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 59.6 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 City of Scranton, 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: near the start (PA 462 / Chestnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 11.4 miles (US 222; PA 501 / Lititz Pike): Lane positioning matters here; at 41.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at City of Scranton, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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