Scranton, PA to Palmer, PA is 311.4 miles and takes about 6h 24m via Keystone Shortway, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, traversing the Northeast region for its entirety. Expect a drive that involves frequent turns and local road segments rather than long stretches of uninterrupted highway. With a highway share of only 11%, this route is best suited for those who prefer a more connected-to-the-ground driving experience over high-speed travel. Consider this route if you enjoy a journey with a bit more engagement behind the wheel.
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
155.7 miles from Scranton, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
98.5 mi
1h 47m
William Penn Highway
50.7 mi
1h 6m
I 99
33.8 mi
36m
American Legion Memorial Highway
32.7 mi
39m
Jacksonville Road
24.2 mi
28m
Admiral Peary Highway
13.4 mi
19m
Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass
12.5 mi
13m
University Drive
10.7 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 98.5 mi, about 1h 47m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 18 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,145 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,582
Quietest
2 AM
~189 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Scranton, PA and Palmer, PA.
1
Start on Wyoming Avenue
0.1 mi·38 sec·Wyoming Avenue
2
At end of road, turn left onto Lackawanna Avenue
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lackawanna Avenue
3
Turn right onto CR 3023
0.2 mi·22 sec·Cedar Avenue
4
Continue on Cedar Avenue
400 ft·12 sec·Cedar Avenue
5
Turn left onto River Street
0.9 mi·1 min·River Street
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
7
Merge onto I 81
33 mi·39 min·American Legion Memorial Highway
8
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 151BToward I-80 West: Bloomsburg
9
Merge onto I 80
99 mi·1 hr 47 min·Keystone Shortway
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·53 sec
Exit 161Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
11
Turn left onto US 220; PA 26
24 mi·28 min·Jacksonville Road
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220
34 mi·36 min·I 99; US 220
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South: Port Matilda, Altoona
13
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward US 22: Ebensburg, Hollidaysburg
14
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·43 sec·this road
15
Continue on US 22
16 mi·19 min·William Penn Highway
16
Continue on US 22
13 mi·19 min·Admiral Peary Highway
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 22
34 mi·47 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward PA 66: Greensburg, DelmontUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
417 ft·16 sec
Toward PA 66 South: GreensburgUse the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto PA 66
0.9 mi·1 min·State Route 66
Toward PA 66 South: GreensburgUse the left lane.
21
Continue on PA Tpke 66
12 mi·13 min·Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass
22
Continue on US 119
8.5 mi·10 min·Amos K Hutchinson Bypass
23
Continue on US 119
7.9 mi·9 min·Memorial Boulevard
24
Turn straight onto US 119
0.6 mi·39 sec·Blackstone Road
25
Merge onto US 119
0.5 mi·33 sec·Morrell Avenue
26
Turn slight right onto US 119
11 mi·12 min·University Drive
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward PA 21Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork
162 ft·7 sec
29
Turn left onto PA 21
6.9 mi·12 min·McClellandtown Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Turn right onto Main Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Main Street
31
Turn right onto High Street
428 ft·21 sec·High Street
32
Continue on Corob Street
0.3 mi·1 min·Corob Street
33
Turn right onto PA 166
166 ft·3 sec·Edenborn Road
34
Continue on PA 166
1.2 mi·2 min·Ball Hill Road
35
Turn left onto Sr3013
0.4 mi·1 min·Sr3013
36
Continue on Palmer Road
0.7 mi·2 min·Palmer Road
37
Turn right onto Croushore Road
1.6 mi·6 min·Croushore Road
38
Turn right onto Tank Hill Road
199 ft·8 sec·Tank Hill Road
39
Arrive at destination
Tank Hill Road
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 24m estimated duration, departing Scranton in the morning will allow ample time to reach Palmer before evening. While this route is manageable in a single day, it's not a high-speed interstate cruise. Plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel; the $52 fuel cost is an estimate, so check prices along your path. Keep an eye out for the frequent changes in road type, especially as you approach Palmer, to ensure you're on the right track.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 155.7 miles from Scranton, PA, or about 2h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.5 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 69 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.7 miles or 2h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Palmer, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Scranton, 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 Scranton, PA
This is one driving day of about 311.4 miles and 6h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Scranton, 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 98.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 257.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|Lackawanna Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto Lackawanna Avenue
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
133.6 mi into trip|~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefonte
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 161
Toward I 99 South, US 220 South, PA 26: Bellefo...
7
257.4 mi into trip|~5h 6m in
Take the exit toward PA 66: Greensburg, Delmont
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 PA 66: Greensburg, Delmont
8
257.6 mi into trip|~5h 6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward PA 66 South: Greensburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward PA 66 South: Greensburg
7
257.6 mi into trip|~5h 6m in|PA 66 / State Route 66
Merge onto PA 66 / State Route 66 toward PA 66 South: Greensburg
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward PA 66 South: Greensburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.07 one way
$110.14 round trip
$4.49/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.92
$60.32
$120.64
premium
$5.24
$64.29
$128.58
diesel
$5.35
$65.59
$131.18
Estimated Tolls: $0.87
Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass
(12.5 mi)$0.87
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
$55
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.4
1
$32.70
$14.95
Efficient EV
77.9
0
$27.25
$12.46
EV Truck/SUV
124.6
1
$43.60
$19.93
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Scranton, PA
Afternoon
in Scranton on Wednesday
Local time
3:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Mostly Clear
NE 1 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Palmer, PA
Afternoon
in Palmer on Wednesday
Local time
3:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Mostly Clear
N 1 mph0% chanceLive 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
3 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
6h 24m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 214.7
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 300.6
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
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 214.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized as a "turn-heavy local drive," with only 11% of the total mileage on highways. You'll spend most of your time navigating local roads, which means a more varied pace and frequent adjustments. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 98.5 miles on the Keystone Shortway. Be prepared for a driving experience that keeps you actively involved, transitioning between different road types and speeds as you make your way through towns and rural areas.
Only 11% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 98.5 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Lackawanna Avenue.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 311.4 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 0.1 miles (Lackawanna Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 133.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,304 ft603 ft
Total Climb
2,663 ft
Total Descent
2,447 ft
Highest Point
2,304 ft
~200.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,701 ft
Notable High Points
1,521 ft at ~111.2 miles+575 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Scranton, PA and Palmer, PA, road signs point toward Altoona, Hollidaysburg and Delmont.
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.
Top landmarks
•St. Peter's Cathedral — historic church in Pennsylvania, United States
•Steamtown National Historic Site — railroad museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania
•Albright Memorial Building — library in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 24m. Total distance: 311.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 24m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 98.5 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.87 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.
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.
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 Palmer, 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. There are 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Lackawanna Avenue): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 133.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Palmer, PA before the return drive.
