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Trip from Kennett Square, 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 56m

Distance

143.6 mi

231 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 45m ★
6 AM
2h 56m
8 AM
3h 19m
10 AM
3h 4m
12 PM
3h 2m
3 PM
3h 5m
5 PM
3h 18m
8 PM
2h 50m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States

Kennett Square, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown City of Scranton, PA, PA

City of Scranton, PA

Michael Taccetta

Trip Overview

This 143.6-mile drive from Kennett Square, PA, to the City of Scranton, PA, is a straightforward journey that can easily be accomplished in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes. Primarily utilizing major highways like the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and I-81, it's a highway-focused route designed for efficient travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $24, this trip offers a practical way to connect two points within Pennsylvania's Northeast region. You'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads, making it a good option if you want to get to your destination without many detours. Consider this route for its directness and manageable duration.

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

71.8 miles from Kennett Square, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension 94.3 mi 1h 44m
US 202 18.2 mi 25m
I 81 8.2 mi 9m
Pennsylvania Turnpike 7.3 mi 7m
Street Road 5.5 mi 10m
East Baltimore Pike 2.2 mi 4m
Wilmington Pike 1.5 mi 2m
River Street 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension — 94.3 mi, about 1h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kennett Square, PA and City of Scranton, PA.

1

Start on East State Street

31 ft · 9 sec · East State Street
2

Turn left onto PA 82

369 ft · 20 sec · South Union Street
3

Turn left onto East Cypress Street

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Cypress Street
Use the left lane.
4

Continue on East Baltimore Pike

2.2 mi · 4 min · East Baltimore Pike
Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Turn left onto PA 52

0.9 mi · 1 min · Lenape Road
Use the left lane.
6

Turn right onto PA 926

5.5 mi · 10 min · Street Road
Use the straight lane.
7

Turn left onto US 202; US 322

1.5 mi · 2 min · Wilmington Pike
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
8

Take the exit onto US 202; US 322

18 mi · 25 min · US 202; US 322
Toward US 202 North, US 322 West: Paoli, Downingtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 20 sec
Toward Mall Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 8 sec
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
12

Merge onto I 76

0.4 mi · 52 sec · Schuylkill Expressway
Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 276 East: Allentown, New York City Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto I 276; PATP

7.3 mi · 7 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward I 476 North: Northeast Extension, Allentown Use the slight right lane.
16

Merge onto I 476; PATP

94 mi · 1 hr 44 min · Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward PA 315, I 81: Pittston, Scranton
18

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward PA 315 North: Scranton
19

Merge onto PA 315

523 ft · 8 sec · Chestnut Street
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 81 North: Scranton
21

Merge onto I 81

8.2 mi · 9 min · I 81
22

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward PA 307
23

Turn left onto River Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · River Street
24

At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Cedar Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
25

Arrive at destination

Cedar Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour 56-minute duration, this route works perfectly as a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Plan your fuel stops strategically, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 94.3 miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. While there's only one recommended stop, you might want to build in additional brief breaks as needed to stay refreshed. The estimated fuel cost is $24, so factor that into your budget. A specific tip for this route: familiarize yourself with the toll system on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension to ensure a smooth passage.

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 71.8 miles from Kennett Square, PA, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.3 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 32 miles or 50m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 71.8 miles or 1h 34m 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 25m

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 Kennett Square, 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 Kennett Square, PA

This is one driving day of about 143.6 miles and 2h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Kennett Square, 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension for about 94.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

census designated place in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Skippack, PA

72 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

Radnor, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Allentown, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.8 miles from Kennett Square, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 94.3 miles.

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 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.2 and 38.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
11.2 mi into trip | ~21m in | US 202; US 322

Take the exit onto US 202; US 322 toward US 202 North, US 322 West: Paoli, Downingtown

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward US 202 North, US 322 West: Paoli, Downin...
7
29.8 mi into trip | ~46m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Mall Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Mall Boulevard
7
30 mi into trip | ~47m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 76 West: New Jersey, Harrisburg
8
30.5 mi into trip | ~48m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 276 East: Allentown, New York City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 276 East: Allentown, New York City
7
38.1 mi into trip | ~56m in

Take the exit toward I 476 North: Northeast Extension, Allentown

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 North: Northeast Extension, Allent...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.81 one way

$47.61 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $26.07 $52.15
premium $4.93 $27.85 $55.70
diesel $5.61 $31.71 $63.41

Estimated Tolls: $13.21

Pennsylvania Turnpike (101.6 mi) $13.21

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

$24

Tolls

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.1 0 $15.08 $6.89
Efficient EV 35.9 0 $12.57 $5.74
EV Truck/SUV 57.4 0 $20.10 $9.19

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Kennett Square, PA

Afternoon in Kennett Square on Sunday

Local time

12:42 PM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

City of Scranton, PA

Afternoon in City of Scranton on Sunday

Local time

12:42 PM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

W 2 to 6 mph 51% chance 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

14 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 56m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, a...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 29.7
View on nps.gov
First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a dis...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour Free near mile 5
View on nps.gov
Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park

National Historical Park

The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of I...

14 mi from route ~36 min detour $1 near mile 39.6
View on nps.gov
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

National Memorial

Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the...

15 mi from route ~37 min detour Free near mile 39.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this trip, with 89% of the route being on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 94.3 miles along the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, indicating long periods of consistent driving. This means you'll experience a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. While the profile suggests a highway-centric experience, keep in mind that transitions between these main roads, such as US 202 and I-81, will shape the overall feel of the drive. The character is one of forward momentum on well-maintained highways.

89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 94.3 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 US 202. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.2 miles in near US 202; US 322.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 21 significant decision points across 143.6 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 11.2 miles (US 202; US 322): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 30 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Kennett Square, PA and City of Scranton, PA, road signs point toward Downingtown, Harrisburg, New York City, Allentown and Scranton.

Downingtown

11.2 mi in | ~21m | via US 202; US 322

Harrisburg

29.4 mi in | ~46m

New York City

30.5 mi in | ~48m

Allentown

38.1 mi in | ~56m

Scranton

132.8 mi in | ~2h 42m

About the Cities

Starting in Kennett Square, PA

Full guide →

Kennett Square is a small, suburban town in Chester County, Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles west of Philadelphia. It is home to about 6,200 people (2019) and is known for its mushroom production.

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 2h 56m. Total distance: 143.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 94.3 miles on Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $13.21 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 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: at 11.2 miles (US 202; US 322): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 29.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 30 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Valley Forge National Historical Park, First State National Historical Park and Independence National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). 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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