Centre County Rest Area Eastbound
0 mi from route
Trip from Indiana, PA to City of Scranton, PA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 27m
Distance
234.3 mi
377 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 14m
★
6 AM
4h 27m
8 AM
4h 54m
10 AM
4h 37m
12 PM
4h 34m
3 PM
4h 38m
5 PM
4h 53m
8 PM
4h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Indiana, PA
Wikimedia Commons
City of Scranton, PA
Michael Taccetta
Trip Overview
Indiana, PA to the City of Scranton, PA is 234.3 miles and takes about 4h 27m via Keystone Shortway and I 81, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. Expect a turn-heavy local drive that’s best suited for a single day. With a recommended one-day duration, this route offers a straightforward journey between two points in 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
117.2 miles from Indiana, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Keystone Shortway | 139.7 mi | 2h 31m |
| I 81 | 32.4 mi | 39m |
| PA 286 | 27.7 mi | 32m |
| Mahaffey Grampian Highway | 9.8 mi | 11m |
| Curwensville Grampian Road | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| Clearfield Shawville Highway | 4.2 mi | 6m |
| Burnside McGee Highway | 4.2 mi | 4m |
| Curwensville Grampian Highway | 2.6 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 139.7 mi, about 2h 31m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 44 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,116 veh/hr typical · worst 1,517
Quietest
2 AM
~188 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 52 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 Indiana, PA and City of Scranton, PA.
1
Start on Church Street
233 ft
·
14 sec
·
Church Street
2
Turn right onto South 7th Street
492 ft
·
12 sec
·
South 7th Street
3
Turn right onto PA 286; PA 954
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Philadelphia Street
4
Take the exit onto PA 286
28 mi
·
32 min
·
PA 286
Toward PA 286 East: Clymer
5
Continue on US 219
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Burnside McGee Highway
6
Continue on US 219
515 ft
·
6 sec
·
Burnside - McGees Highway
7
Continue on US 219; PA 36
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Colonel Drake Highway
8
Continue on US 219; PA 36
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
·
West Main Street
9
Continue on US 219
9.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Mahaffey Grampian Highway
10
Continue on US 219
0.7 mi
·
47 sec
·
1st Street
11
Continue on PA 879
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Curwensville Grampian Road
12
Continue on PA 879
2.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Curwensville Grampian Highway
13
Continue on PA 879
0.4 mi
·
24 sec
·
Curwensville Grampain Highway
14
Continue on PA 879
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Clearfield Curwensville Highway
15
Turn right onto PA 879
4.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Clearfield Shawville Highway
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
17
Merge onto I 80
140 mi
·
2 hr 31 min
·
Keystone Shortway
18
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 260B
Toward I 81 North: Wilkes-Barre
19
Merge onto I 81
32 mi
·
39 min
·
I 81
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward PA 307
21
Turn left onto River Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
River Street
22
At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
Cedar Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Arrive at destination
Cedar Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 27m estimated duration, leaving in the morning should comfortably get you to Scranton with daylight to spare. While only one stop is officially noted, plan for additional short breaks as needed, especially during the more turn-heavy sections. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $39 estimated cost suggests a moderate consumption rate, and fuel stops might be less frequent on local roads compared to major interstates. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to signage when transitioning from the Keystone Shortway onto I 81, as this is a key point where the road character changes.
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 117.2 miles from Indiana, PA, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 139.7 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 52 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.2 miles or 2h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 35m
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 Indiana, 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 Indiana, PA
This is one driving day of about 234.3 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Indiana, 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 139.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
117 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 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 117.2 miles from Indiana, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 139.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Montour County Rest Area Eastbound
0 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Luzerne County Rest Area Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Centre County Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Clinton County Rest Area Eastbound
0.1 mi from route
Clinton County Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Blue Ridge Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Onvo Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Sapp Brothers Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Montour County Rest Area Westbound
0.2 mi from route
Columbia County Rest Area Eastbound
0.2 mi from route
Columbia County Rest Area Westbound
0.2 mi from route
Onvo Travel Plaza
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 234.1 — 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
|
South 7th Street
Turn right onto South 7th Street
Navigation decision point
4
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
PA 286; PA 954 / Philadelphia Street
Turn right onto PA 286; PA 954 / Philadelphia Street
Navigation decision point
4
1.1 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
PA 286
Take the exit onto PA 286 toward PA 286 East: Clymer
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward PA 286 East: Clymer
5
199.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 43m in
Take the exit toward I 81 North: Wilkes-Barre
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 260B
Toward I 81 North: Wilkes-Barre
7
234.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 27m 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
$37.36 one way
$74.72 round trip
$4.05/gal
25.4 MPG avg
82 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.48 | $41.34 | $82.69 |
| premium | $4.81 | $44.35 | $88.70 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $44.24 | $88.48 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.3 | 0 | $24.60 | $11.25 |
| Efficient EV | 58.6 | 0 | $20.50 | $9.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 93.7 | 1 | $32.80 | $15.00 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Origin
Indiana, PA
Late night in Indiana on Monday
Local time
5:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SW 9 to 13 mph
78% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:08PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:52AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
City of Scranton, PA
Late night in City of Scranton on Monday
Local time
5:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Smoke
SW 9 to 13 mph
100% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:08PM EDT by NWS State College PA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:52AM EDT by NWS State College PA
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
4h 27m 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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 8.1
Park Closure: North Abutment Overlook Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a turn-heavy local feel, with only 26% of the journey on highways. You'll navigate a mix of roads, including the Keystone Shortway and I 81, with PA 286 also part of the path. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 139.7 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a good period of consistent driving before more frequent turns. Be prepared for a varied driving experience that requires attention to navigation as you transition between different types of roads.
Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 139.7 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South 7th Street.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 4h 27m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (South 7th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (PA 286; PA 954 / Philadelphia Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.1 miles (PA 286): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,628 ft
511 ft
Total Climb
2,189 ft
Total Descent
2,759 ft
Highest Point
1,628 ft
~16.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,117 ft
Notable High Points
1,394 ft at ~133.9 miles
+515 ft prominence
1,384 ft at ~200.8 miles
+524 ft prominence
About the Cities
Starting in Indiana, PA
Full guide →Founded 1805
Indiana is a city in Pittsburgh Region.
Top landmarks
- • Old Indiana County Courthouse — county courthouse in Indiana, United States of America
- • Old Indiana County Jail and Sheriff's Office — historic government buildings in Pennsylvania, United States
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 4h 27m. Total distance: 234.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (26%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 139.7 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 25 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (South 7th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (PA 286; PA 954 / Philadelphia Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.1 miles (PA 286): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Yes — Johnstown Flood National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at City of Scranton, PA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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