Scranton Travel Guide

Scranton sits in the Lackawanna Valley of northeastern Pennsylvania, roughly 120 miles northwest of New York City and about 20 miles south of the New York state line. With a population of around 77,000, it is the largest city in the region and the county seat of Lackawanna County.

The city rose to prominence in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a center of anthracite coal mining and iron and steel production, earning it the nickname 'The Electric City' after becoming one of the first American cities to operate an electric streetcar system in 1886. That industrial past is well-preserved in its museums, architecture, and neighborhoods.

In recent decades Scranton has gained a new generation of visitors drawn by its association with the NBC comedy series The Office, which is set (though not filmed) here. That pop-culture connection has brought fan tourism alongside the city's more traditional draws of history, outdoor recreation in the surrounding Pocono region, and a low-cost, unpretentious travel experience.

Visas

Scranton is in the United States. For visa requirements relevant to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Climate

Scranton has a humid continental climate. Summers (June–August) are warm and occasionally humid, with average highs in the mid-to-upper 80s °F (around 28–30 °C). Winters are cold and snowy; January averages can dip well below freezing. Spring and autumn are pleasant but changeable. Pack layers regardless of season, and check forecasts before travel in winter.

What to Pack

• Sturdy walking shoes for cobblestone streets and outdoor attractions
• Warm layers and waterproof outerwear from October through April
• Rain gear year-round
• A car is strongly recommended; see Getting Around

By Air

The nearest commercial airport is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), located in Avoca, approximately 8 miles south of downtown Scranton. It offers connections to major hubs including Philadelphia, Charlotte, and others; verify current routes with airlines directly. For a wider choice of flights, Lehigh Valley International (ABE), Newark Liberty (EWR), and Philadelphia International (PHL) are also within roughly two to three hours by car.

By Car

Interstate 81 runs through the city and is the primary route connecting Scranton to the broader Northeast corridor. From New York City, the drive via I-80 or I-380 typically takes around two hours depending on traffic. From Philadelphia, expect roughly two hours via I-476 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension).

By Bus

InterCity bus services connect Scranton to New York City, Philadelphia, and other regional cities. Operators serving the route have varied over time; verify current schedules and ticket prices directly with providers before travel.

By Rail

Scranton does not currently have Amtrak intercity rail service. The Lackawanna Station in downtown Scranton is a historic landmark but does not serve long-distance trains at this time. Verify locally for any changes to regional rail proposals.

A personal vehicle or rental car is the most practical way to get around Scranton and to explore attractions in the wider Lackawanna and Pocono region. Parking downtown is generally straightforward compared to larger cities.

The County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) operates local bus routes within Scranton and surrounding communities. Route maps and schedules are available on the COLTS website; verify current service before relying on specific routes.

Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate in Scranton, though coverage can be less consistent than in major metro areas, particularly late at night or in outlying neighborhoods. Taxis are available but less prevalent; confirm availability in advance if needed.

Industrial & Cultural History

• Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour – A guided tour that descends into a real anthracite coal mine at McDade Park. One of Scranton's signature experiences; verify current hours and admission on the official site before visiting.
• Steamtown National Historic Site – A National Park Service site preserving steam locomotives, railcars, and the story of American railroading. Located in the former Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad yards downtown. Admission and hours: verify at nps.gov/stea.
• Electric City Trolley Museum – Housed adjacent to Steamtown, this museum covers Scranton's electric streetcar history. Confirm current operating status locally.

The Office Fan Tourism

Scranton's connection to the NBC series The Office is a draw for many visitors. Points of interest include Steamtown Mall (referenced in the show), Cooper's Seafood House (a longtime local institution featured in the series), and various downtown streetscapes. A self-guided fan map is worth sourcing from local tourism resources before your visit.

Outdoors & Parks

• Nay Aug Park – A large city park with walking trails, a gorge overlook, a public swimming pool (seasonal), and the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science, and Art.
• Lackawanna State Park – About 12 miles north of the city, offering a lake, swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. Verify seasonal amenities locally.

Arts & Culture

• Everhart Museum – Located in Nay Aug Park, this regional museum covers folk art, natural history, and decorative arts. Confirm hours on their website.
• Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple – A grand 1930 building hosting concerts, performing arts, and events. Check their calendar for current programming.

Scranton's food scene reflects its working-class, immigrant heritage — particularly Italian, Irish, and Eastern European influences — alongside a growing crop of contemporary restaurants and craft breweries.

Local Specialties

• Old Forge Pizza – The nearby town of Old Forge (about 10 miles south) calls itself the 'Pizza Capital of the World' and produces a distinctive rectangular, tavern-style pizza with a thick crust and blended cheeses. Several Old Forge-style pizzerias operate in and around Scranton.
• Pierogi and kielbasa – Reflecting the region's Eastern European immigrant communities, these are found at local diners, church festivals, and specialty shops.

Neighborhoods to Eat

Downtown Scranton and the Montage Mountain Road corridor have concentrations of restaurants ranging from casual diners to sit-down dining. The South Side neighborhood has a number of local eateries as well.

Scranton has a modest but active craft beer scene; several local breweries operate taprooms in or near downtown. Verify current hours before visiting, as hours can be limited mid-week.

Emergency Services

For all emergencies in the United States, dial 911.

Money

ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Major credit cards are accepted at most businesses. Cash is useful for smaller local establishments, parking meters, and church festivals.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage is generally reliable in the city. Free Wi-Fi is available at the public library and many cafés and hotels. Verify availability at specific accommodations when booking.

Useful Contacts

• Scranton/Lackawanna County tourism information: The Lackawanna County Tourism office and the local visitors bureau can provide current event listings and maps. Verify their current website and contact details through a local search before travel.
• Lackawanna County: lackcounty.com (verify this URL is current)

Scranton is a mid-sized American city with a generally safe downtown core, particularly around tourist attractions and the central business district. As with any urban area, standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables, and avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night.

Some residential neighborhoods away from the tourist core experience higher rates of property crime. If you are unsure about a particular area, ask your accommodation for local guidance.

Weather safety is relevant in winter: ice and snow can make driving and walking hazardous. Check road conditions before driving, and allow extra time. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) provides road condition updates; verify the current website before travel.