Trip from Monessen, PA to 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

5h 50m

Distance

289.9 mi

467 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 37m ★

6 AM

5h 50m

8 AM

6h 16m

10 AM

5h 59m

12 PM

5h 57m

3 PM

6h 1m

5 PM

6h 15m

8 PM

5h 42m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States

Monessen, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 289.9-mile journey from Monessen, PA, to Scranton, PA, is designed for a single day of driving, taking approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes. You'll primarily navigate using the Keystone Shortway and I-99, with a portion on the William Penn Highway. With 31% of the drive on highways, it offers a mixed experience, and you can expect a fuel cost of around $48. This route is entirely within the Northeast region of Pennsylvania, making it a straightforward trip without crossing state or regional lines. It's a manageable distance for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.

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

145 miles from Monessen, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Keystone Shortway	99.3 mi	1h 47m
I 99	57.2 mi	1h 4m
William Penn Highway	51 mi	1h 6m
I 81	32.4 mi	39m
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway	15.2 mi	20m
Admiral Peary Highway	13.7 mi	19m
Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass	12.9 mi	13m
Grand Boulevard	1.9 mi	4m

Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 99.3 mi, about 1h 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Monessen, PA and Scranton, PA.

Start on Marion Avenue

19 ft · 6 sec · Marion Avenue

Turn left onto Grand Boulevard

1.9 mi · 4 min · Grand Boulevard

Turn right onto SR 3003

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Tyrol Boulevard

Continue on Tyrol Road

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Tyrol Road

Continue on Monessen Highway

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Monessen Highway

Continue on Main Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Main Street

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Merge onto I 70

15 mi · 20 min · Dwight D Eisenhower Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 1 min

Toward PA Turnpike 66 North: Delmont

Merge onto PA Tpke 66

13 mi · 13 min · Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass

Continue on PA 66

0.3 mi · 35 sec · PA 66

Use the right lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec

Toward US 22 East: Blairsville Use the right lane.

Merge onto US 22

34 mi · 47 min · William Penn Highway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on US 22

14 mi · 19 min · Admiral Peary Highway

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on US 22

17 mi · 19 min · William Penn Highway

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 45 sec · this road

Toward I 99, US 220: Altoona, Bedford

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min

Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona

Merge onto I 99; US 220

41 mi · 44 min · I 99; US 220

Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322

4.0 mi · 4 min · I 99; US 220; US 322

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220

12 mi · 14 min · I 99; US 220

Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte

Turn left

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 80; US 220

99 mi · 1 hr 47 min · Keystone Shortway

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Exit 260B Toward I 81 North: Wilkes-Barre

Merge onto I 81

32 mi · 39 min · I 81

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward PA 307

Turn left onto River Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · River Street

At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue

0.3 mi · 31 sec · Cedar Avenue

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on Adams Avenue

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Adams Avenue

Turn left onto Biden Street

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Biden Street

Turn right onto Wyoming Avenue

135 ft · 4 sec · Wyoming Avenue

Arrive at destination

Wyoming Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour and 50-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Monessen to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 99.3 miles, you can plan your breaks strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on longer segments on the Keystone Shortway, as services can be spread out. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace, but being prepared with snacks and a full tank before heading out will ensure a smoother experience.

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 145 miles from Monessen, PA, or about 3h 4m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.3 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 64 miles or 1h 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 145 miles or 3h 4m 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 46m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Scranton, PA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Monessen, 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 Monessen, PA

This is one driving day of about 289.9 miles and 5h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Monessen, 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 99.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

borough in Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

State College, PA

145 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

Minersville, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

State College, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 145 miles from Monessen, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Keystone Shortway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Back Porch Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $40 to $50

Hours: 4–8 pm

+17244834500

Visit website

Little Bamboo | Chinese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania

2.6 mi

The Back Porch Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $40 to $50

Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 4–8 pm

+17244834500

Visit website

Little Bamboo | Chinese Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+17249296899

Visit website

Parkwood Inn

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.7

Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17248342332

Visit website

Clubby's Coffee Shop

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+17242433187

Visit website

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 31.9 and 289.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

31.9 mi into trip | ~43m in

Take the exit toward US 22 East: Blairsville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward US 22 East: Blairsville

97.4 mi into trip | ~2h 11m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona

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

Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona

139.2 mi into trip | ~2h 57m in | I 99; US 220; US 322

Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

155.5 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in

Turn left toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport

289.3 mi into trip | ~5h 48m 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

$48.06 one way

$96.12 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 101 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.61	$52.64	$105.28
premium	$4.93	$56.22	$112.44
diesel	$5.61	$64.01	$128.01

Estimated Tolls: $0.90

Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass (12.9 mi) $0.90

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

$48

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$74–$99

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 101.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	87	1	$30.44	$13.92
Efficient EV	72.5	0	$25.37	$11.60
EV Truck/SUV	116	1	$40.59	$18.55

Gas CO2

101 kg

EV CO2

34 kg (66% 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 Apr 14, 2026

Origin

Monessen, PA

Morning in Monessen on Sunday

Local time

11:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Scranton, PA

Morning in Scranton on Sunday

Local time

11:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

82°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 12 mph 27% chance Live forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 14 at 2:51PM EDT until April 14 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Binghamton NY

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

26 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 50m 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 70

Park Closure: North Abutment Overlook Closure

View on nps.gov

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

National Battlefield

The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal...

26 mi from route ~65 min detour Free near mile 10

View on nps.gov

Flight 93 National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

27 mi from route ~66 min detour Free near mile 70

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 mixed drive on this route, with about 31% of your travel time on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 99.3 miles on the Keystone Shortway, offering a period of consistent progress. While much of the drive involves efficient travel, the inclusion of the William Penn Highway suggests transitions to potentially more varied road conditions. This blend means you'll experience both steady highway cruising and sections that might require more attention as the road weaves through different terrains.

31% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 99.3 mi on Keystone Shortway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 31.9 miles in.

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 19 significant decision points across 289.9 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 31.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 97.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 139.2 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Monessen, PA and Scranton, PA, road signs point toward Pa Turnpike 66 North: Delmont and Bedford.

Pa Turnpike 66 North: Delmont

18.3 mi in | ~27m

Bedford

96.9 mi in | ~2h 10m

About the Cities

Arriving in Scranton, PA

Full guide →

Scranton is a city in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is near Wilkes-Barre, and is the seventh most populous city in the state. Today, it is perhaps best known as the setting of the hit TV show "The Office" and the birthplace of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the 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 5h 50m. Total distance: 289.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 99.3 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.90 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.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 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.

Yes — Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Flight 93 National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Scranton, PA before the return drive.

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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Trip from Monessen, PA to Scranton, PA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

The Back Porch Restaurant

The Back Porch Restaurant

Little Bamboo | Chinese Restaurant

Parkwood Inn

Clubby's Coffee Shop

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Sheetz, Inc. Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Monessen, PA

Scranton, PA

Same local time

26 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 50m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Flight 93 National Memorial

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in Scranton, PA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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