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Trip from Trafford, PA to Scranton, PA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 31m

Distance

270.7 mi

436 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$45

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 18m ★
6 AM
5h 31m
8 AM
5h 58m
10 AM
5h 41m
12 PM
5h 38m
3 PM
5h 42m
5 PM
5h 57m
8 PM
5h 23m

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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borough of Pennsylvania

Trafford, PA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 270.7-mile journey from Trafford, PA, to Scranton, PA, is a solid day trip, typically taking about 5 hours and 31 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of major roadways, with 33% of the drive on highways, making it a manageable solo adventure. With an estimated fuel cost of $45, this trip through Pennsylvania's Northeast region is budget-friendly. The route is designed for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Consider this a straightforward drive across the state, perfect for a quick transit or a scenic exploration without extensive planning.

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

135.3 miles from Trafford, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Keystone Shortway 99.3 mi 1h 47m
William Penn Highway 58.3 mi 1h 19m
I 99 57.2 mi 1h 4m
I 81 32.4 mi 39m
Admiral Peary Highway 13.7 mi 19m
Trafford Road 1.7 mi 4m
Murrysville Road 1.6 mi 3m
Harrison City Road 1.4 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Keystone Shortway — 99.3 mi, about 1h 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Duquesne Avenue

29 ft · 1 sec · Duquesne Avenue
2

Turn slight right onto PA 130

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Forest Avenue
3

Turn right onto PA 130

0.7 mi · 1 min · 7th Street
4

Continue on PA 130

1.4 mi · 2 min · Harrison City Road
5

Turn left onto Murrysville Road

1.6 mi · 3 min · Murrysville Road
6

Continue on Trafford Road

1.7 mi · 4 min · Trafford Road
7

Continue on Mills Street

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Mills Street
8

Turn right onto US 22

42 mi · 1 hr · William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on US 22

14 mi · 19 min · Admiral Peary Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Continue on US 22

17 mi · 19 min · William Penn Highway
11

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 45 sec · this road
Toward I 99, US 220: Altoona, Bedford
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Altoona
13

Merge onto I 99; US 220

41 mi · 44 min · I 99; US 220
14

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.
15

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
16

Turn left

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 80 East, US 220 North: Williamsport Use the left lane.
17

Merge onto I 80; US 220

99 mi · 1 hr 47 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

0.3 mi · 31 sec · Cedar Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
23

Continue on Adams Avenue

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Adams Avenue
24

Turn left onto Biden Street

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Biden Street
25

Turn right onto Wyoming Avenue

135 ft · 4 sec · Wyoming Avenue
26

Arrive at destination

Wyoming Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour, 31-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning from Trafford, PA, will allow ample time to reach Scranton, PA, before evening. With only one recommended stop, you can be efficient with your breaks, perhaps planning a longer pause midway. Pay attention to the 99.3-mile stretch on the Keystone Shortway; ensure you're comfortable with that distance between potential services. The $45 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to have a little extra buffer, especially when driving through the Northeast region during varying weather conditions.

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 135.3 miles from Trafford, PA, or about 2h 56m 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 60 miles or 1h 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 135.3 miles or 2h 56m 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 31m

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 Trafford, 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 Trafford, PA

This is one driving day of about 270.7 miles and 5h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Trafford, 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

135 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

Portage, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bellefonte, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 135.3 miles from Trafford, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

China Garden Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Irwin, Pennsylvania

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+17248634483

Visit website

Esta Esta Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30

Monroeville, Pennsylvania

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+14123724414

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route

Drums, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: 12–8 am

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Moosic, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 78.1 and 270.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
78.1 mi into trip | ~1h 52m 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
6
120 mi into trip | ~2h 38m 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.
6
123.9 mi into trip | ~2h 43m in | I 99; US 220

Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220 toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte

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

Toward I 99 North, US 220 North: Bellefonte
7
136.2 mi into trip | ~2h 57m 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
7
270.1 mi into trip | ~5h 29m 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

$44.88 one way

$89.76 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 95 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $49.15 $98.30
premium $4.93 $52.50 $105.00
diesel $5.61 $59.77 $119.53

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$45

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$70–$95

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 94.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 81.2 1 $28.42 $12.99
Efficient EV 67.7 0 $23.69 $10.83
EV Truck/SUV 108.3 1 $37.90 $17.32

Gas CO2

95 kg

EV CO2

32 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 17, 2026

Origin

Trafford, PA

Late night in Trafford on Tuesday

Local time

4:57 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Scranton, PA

Late night in Scranton on Tuesday

Local time

4:57 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°F

Patchy Fog

W 3 mph 13% chance Live forecast

Dense Fog Advisory

Dense Fog Advisory issued April 17 at 4:51AM EDT until April 17 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

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

12 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 31m 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

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 56
Park Closure: North Abutment Overlook Closure
View on nps.gov
Flight 93 National Memorial

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 46.7
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, featuring stretches of both faster highway and more local road conditions. You'll cover 33% of the total distance on highways, providing opportunities for steady progress. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 99.3 miles along the Keystone Shortway. This suggests a good balance between open-road driving and segments that might involve more varied speeds and road types as you move from the Trafford area toward Scranton.

33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
26 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?

7/10

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 78.1 miles in.

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 15 significant decision points across 270.7 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 78.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 123.9 miles (I 99; US 220): 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.

On the drive from Trafford, PA to Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Bedford along the way.

Bedford

77.6 mi in | ~1h 51m

About the Cities

Starting in Trafford, PA

Full guide →

Founded 1904

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 31m. Total distance: 270.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 31m 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.

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.

The main spots that need attention: at 78.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 123.9 miles (I 99; US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 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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Return Trip

Scranton, PA to Trafford, PA

Plan the drive back the other way.

270.7 mi 5h 32m

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