🏔️ How to Get to Scranton From Philadelphia [2025–2026 Guide]
Scranton, PA is about 125 miles north of Philadelphia. Driving takes 2–2.5 hours, costing $20–$30 in gas and tolls. Buses take 3–3.5 hours for $30–$50. Train service is expected to launch in 2026, but until then, there’s no direct rail. Rideshares cost $180–$250 one way. This guide covers all travel options from Philadelphia to Scranton.
Scranton, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, is best known for its coal mining history, the Steamtown National Historic Site, and its pop culture fame from The Office. Whether you’re heading there for history, nature, or fun, several convenient options make traveling from Philadelphia to Scranton straightforward.
🚗 Driving From Philadelphia to Scranton
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The most flexible and fastest option is driving. Scranton is about 125 miles away, and the drive usually takes 2–2.5 hours via I-476 North (Pennsylvania Turnpike).
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Expect to spend around $15–$20 on gas and $5–$10 in tolls, depending on your route. Parking in Scranton is generally inexpensive and easy to find.
Total Time: 2–2.5 hours
Total Cost: $20–$30 (gas + tolls)
🚌 Bus From Philadelphia to Scranton
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Martz Trailways and Greyhound offer direct service from Philadelphia to Scranton. Buses depart from Philadelphia Bus Station (near 30th Street) and arrive at Scranton Bus Terminal.
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The trip takes about 3–3.5 hours, with tickets ranging from $30–$50 depending on the time and how early you book.
Total Time: 3–3.5 hours
Total Cost: $30–$50
🚆 Train From Philadelphia to Scranton (Coming Soon)
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Currently, there’s no direct passenger train between Philadelphia and Scranton. However, Amtrak plans to launch a new service by 2026 connecting Scranton to New York City via the Lackawanna Cut-Off, which could make connections from Philadelphia easier in the future.
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For now, train travelers would need to take Amtrak to New York City or Allentown, then transfer to a bus — not the most efficient option.
Total Time (future): ~3.5–4 hours (estimate)
Total Cost (future): $35–$60 (estimate)
🚖 Rideshare or Taxi
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Uber or Lyft are available for a door-to-door option, but they’re expensive for this distance.
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A one-way trip from Philadelphia to Scranton usually costs between $180–$250, depending on demand and time of day.
Total Time: 2–2.5 hours
Total Cost: $180–$250
📝 Travel Summary
| Method | Duration | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Drive | 2–2.5 hrs | $20–$30 | Fastest and most flexible option via I-476. |
| 🚌 Bus | 3–3.5 hrs | $30–$50 | Direct and budget-friendly; Martz & Greyhound. |
| 🚆 Train (2026) | 3.5–4 hrs (est.) | $35–$60 (est.) | Planned service; not yet available. |
| 🚖 Rideshare | 2–2.5 hrs | $180–$250 | Convenient but costly. |
❓ FAQ
Q1: How far is Scranton from Philadelphia?
It’s about 125 miles north, usually a 2–2.5 hour drive.
Q2: What’s the cheapest way to get there?
The bus is the cheapest option at $30–$50, though it takes longer than driving.
Q3: Is there a train to Scranton?
Not yet, but Amtrak plans to launch a service by 2026 connecting Scranton with NYC.
Q4: What’s the fastest way to reach Scranton?
Driving is the fastest, taking just over 2 hours in light traffic.
Q5: Can I take a direct bus?
Yes, Martz Trailways and Greyhound both offer direct trips.
✅ If you want speed and flexibility, drive via I-476. For budget-friendly travel, take the bus. If you’re planning for the future, keep an eye out for Amtrak’s Scranton line launch in 2026.