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Trip from Washington, 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

3h 20m

Distance

159.5 mi

257 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 9m ★
6 AM
3h 21m
8 AM
3h 45m
10 AM
3h 29m
12 PM
3h 27m
3 PM
3h 30m
5 PM
3h 43m
8 PM
3h 13m

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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Downtown Washington, PA, PA

Washington, PA

Arian Fernandez

Downtown City of Scranton, PA, PA

City of Scranton, PA

Michael Taccetta

Trip Overview

Embarking on a 159.5-mile journey from Washington, PA, to the City of Scranton, PA, will take you approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. This route, primarily utilizing the American Legion Memorial Highway and I-81, is best suited for a single day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of $26. You'll experience a turn-heavy local drive for a significant portion of the way, making it a more engaging, less monotonous trip. Given its manageable distance and duration, this drive through Pennsylvania's Northeast region is a straightforward option for a day excursion.

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

79.7 miles from Washington, PA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
American Legion Memorial Highway 117.9 mi 2h 19m
I 81 27.1 mi 33m
Centerville Road 3.8 mi 6m
Center Road 3.7 mi 8m
Roxbury Road 1.9 mi 3m
Doubling Gap Road 1.1 mi 1m
River Street 1 mi 1m
George N. Wade Memorial Bridge 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: American Legion Memorial Highway — 117.9 mi, about 2h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Whiskey Run Road

13 ft · 7 sec · Whiskey Run Road
2

Turn left onto PA 997

1.9 mi · 3 min · Roxbury Road
3

Turn right onto Center Road

3.7 mi · 8 min · Center Road
4

Turn right onto PA 233

1.1 mi · 1 min · Doubling Gap Road
5

Continue on PA 233

0.6 mi · 1 min · North High Street
6

Continue on PA 233

3.8 mi · 6 min · Centerville Road
7

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec
8

Merge onto I 81

27 mi · 33 min · I 81
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 14 sec
Toward US 11, US 15: Enola, Marysville
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 28 sec
Toward US 11 North, US 15 North: Marysville
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 32 sec
12

Merge onto I 81

0.7 mi · 1 min · George N. Wade Memorial Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on I 81

3.4 mi · 4 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

115 mi · 2 hr 15 min · American Legion Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward PA 307
16

Turn left onto River Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · River Street
17

At end of road, turn right onto Cedar Avenue

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

Arrive at destination

Cedar Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 3 hour and 20 minute drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight and allow for flexibility with your single planned stop. With a fuel cost of around $26, it's an economical trip. Pay attention to the "turn-heavy local drive" profile, as this suggests frequent adjustments in speed and direction, so staying alert is key. The 117.9-mile stretch on the American Legion Memorial Highway is your longest continuous segment, so plan any necessary breaks before or after this particular section to ensure you're comfortable for the entire journey.

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 79.7 miles from Washington, PA, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.9 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 35 miles or 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 79.7 miles or 1h 45m 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 45m

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 Washington, 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 Washington, PA

This is one driving day of about 159.5 miles and 3h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Washington, 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 American Legion Memorial Highway for about 117.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Harrisburg, PA

80 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.

Popular next leg

Harrisburg, PA to City of Scranton, PA

120.2 mi · 2h 26m

Pacing Suggestions

Enola, PA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

South Lebanon, PA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.7 miles from Washington, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before American Legion Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 117.9 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.

The Barn Restaurant at Allenberry

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 22.8

Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17172583211

Visit website

Spice Restaurant & Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately mile 34.2

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Hours: 2–11 pm

+17176913131

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 159.5

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: 12–8 am

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 159.5

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 159.5

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 159.5

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 148.1

Pittston, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15706554116

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 159.5

Moosic, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 159.5

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 148.1

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

+18668167584

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.4 and 159.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
11.4 mi into trip | ~22m in | I 81

Merge onto I 81

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
38.6 mi into trip | ~55m in

Take the exit toward US 11, US 15: Enola, Marysville

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

Toward US 11, US 15: Enola, Marysville
6
38.8 mi into trip | ~56m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 11 North, US 15 North: Marysville

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

Toward US 11 North, US 15 North: Marysville
6
43.7 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in | I 81 / American Legion Memorial Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81 / American Legion Memorial Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
159.3 mi into trip | ~3h 20m 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

$26.44 one way

$52.89 round trip

$4.21/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.61 $28.96 $57.92
premium $4.93 $30.93 $61.87
diesel $5.61 $35.22 $70.43

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.9 0 $16.75 $7.66
Efficient EV 39.9 0 $13.96 $6.38
EV Truck/SUV 63.8 0 $22.33 $10.21

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 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 18, 2026

Origin

Washington, PA

Late night in Washington on Sunday

Local time

12:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

City of Scranton, PA

Late night in City of Scranton on Sunday

Local time

12:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Mostly Sunny

SE 3 to 14 mph 3% chance Live forecast

70°F

Harrisburg, PA

80 mi in

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

15 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

3h 20m 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.

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument

National Monument

More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 22
View on nps.gov
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...

6 mi from route ~15 min detour Free near mile 66
View on nps.gov

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 drive" profile, meaning you'll encounter frequent turns and less of a continuous highway experience. With only 17% of the route on highways, expect a more varied driving feel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 117.9 miles on the American Legion Memorial Highway, offering a period of more consistent travel before transitioning to local roads. This mix means you'll be actively engaged with the road, navigating through different types of terrain and speed limits as you make your way across the state.

Only 17% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.9 mi on American Legion Memorial Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 11.4 miles in near I 81.

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 12 significant decision points across 159.5 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 11.4 miles (I 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 38.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.8 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.

On the drive from Washington, PA to City of Scranton, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Marysville along the way.

Marysville

38.6 mi in | ~55m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 20m. Total distance: 159.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 117.9 miles on American Legion Memorial Highway. 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 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 11.4 miles (I 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 38.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Appalachian National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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