Overview
Scranton is a mid-sized city in northeastern Pennsylvania, situated in the Lackawanna Valley roughly 120 miles northwest of New York City. It developed rapidly in the 19th century as a center of anthracite coal mining and iron manufacturing, earning the nickname 'The Electric City' after becoming one of the first American cities to operate an electric streetcar system in 1886.
Today Scranton is a working-class city undergoing gradual revitalization. Its downtown retains a number of handsome late-19th and early-20th century commercial buildings, and the city has leaned into its industrial history as a tourism draw. It is perhaps best known internationally as the fictional hometown of characters in the NBC comedy series The Office, which has generated a modest but enthusiastic fan tourism economy.
The city sits within easy day-trip distance of the Pocono Mountains, making it a practical base for travelers combining urban sightseeing with outdoor recreation. Visitors should arrive with realistic expectations: Scranton is an authentic, unpretentious post-industrial city, not a polished tourist destination, and that character is much of its appeal.
Before You Go
Visas
Scranton is in the United States. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance and consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or your nearest U.S. embassy for current requirements before booking.
Climate
Scranton has a humid continental climate. Summers are warm and humid (highs typically in the mid-to-upper 80s°F / around 30°C); winters are cold and snowy, with significant lake-effect and valley snowfall from December through March. Spring and fall are pleasant but changeable. Pack layers for shoulder-season visits.
Practical Notes
- A car is strongly recommended. Public transit within Scranton exists but is limited, and many points of interest require driving.
- The city sits at roughly 1,000 feet elevation in a river valley; some surrounding areas are hillier.
- Verify opening hours for all attractions directly before visiting, as smaller museums and sites may have seasonal or limited schedules.
Getting There
By Air
Scranton does not have a major commercial airport with broad national connectivity. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) serves the region with a limited number of routes — verify current airlines and destinations on the airport's official website, as service has fluctuated. Many visitors fly into Philadelphia International (PHL), Newark Liberty (EWR), or New York's JFK or LGA and drive or take a bus to Scranton; each is roughly 2–3 hours by road depending on traffic.
By Bus
InterCity bus services, including Greyhound and FlixBus affiliates, connect Scranton to New York City and Philadelphia. This is a popular option for visitors without a car. Verify current schedules and fares directly with carriers before traveling.
By Car
Scranton is accessible via Interstate 81 (running north–south through the valley) and Interstate 84 (connecting toward New York). Driving from New York City takes approximately 2–2.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. Parking is generally available downtown and at major attractions.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rideshare app (Uber and Lyft both operate in Scranton) is the most practical way to get around. The city's layout is compact enough that several downtown attractions are walkable from one another, but the broader metro area requires driving.
The County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) operates local bus routes; schedules and routes are available on the COLTS website. Buses run infrequently on some routes, so plan accordingly if relying on public transit.
Parking downtown is generally inexpensive compared to major cities. Metered street parking and surface lots are available throughout the central business district.
Things to See & Do
Steamtown National Historic Site
Operated by the National Park Service, Steamtown preserves a collection of historic steam locomotives and rail equipment on the former Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad yard. The site includes a museum, a working roundhouse, and periodic excursion train rides. Admission fees and hours should be verified on the NPS website (nps.gov/stea) before visiting.
The Electric City Trolley Museum
Adjacent to Steamtown, this museum documents Scranton's pioneering electric streetcar history and operates restored trolley cars on a short heritage line into the nearby Pocono Mountains community of Blakely. Verify current operating days and fares locally.
Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
Located at McDade Park, this tour takes visitors underground into a former anthracite coal mine. It is one of Scranton's most distinctive experiences, offering a tangible sense of the region's mining heritage. Dress warmly even in summer — temperatures underground are consistently cool. Confirm tour availability and hours before visiting.
'The Office' Sites
Fans of the NBC series make pilgrimages to locations associated with the show, which was set (though not filmed) in Scranton. The Marketplace at Steamtown mall appears briefly in the series, and local businesses have embraced the connection. A self-guided fan tour is possible using various online fan resources. Note that the show was primarily filmed in California; Scranton itself was only the fictional setting.
Downtown Architecture and Courthouse Square
Scranton's downtown retains notable late-19th and early-20th century architecture. The Lackawanna County Courthouse and surrounding civic buildings are worth a walk-around. The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel (a converted 1908 rail station) is a landmark building regardless of whether you stay there.
Outdoor Recreation
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail offers walking and cycling along the river through the city. The Pocono Mountains are within 30–45 minutes' drive and offer hiking, skiing, whitewater rafting, and lake recreation depending on the season.
Food & Drink
Scranton's food scene is rooted in its working-class, multiethnic heritage — Italian-American, Irish-American, and Eastern European communities have all left marks on local cuisine. The city is not known for fine dining, but it offers solid, unpretentious eating at reasonable prices by national standards.
What to Look For
- Old Forge-style pizza: The town of Old Forge, about 15 minutes south, bills itself the 'Pizza Capital of the World' and its distinctive rectangular, white or red sauce pies are worth seeking out. Several Old Forge-style pizzerias operate in and around Scranton.
- Pierogi and Eastern European baked goods: Reflecting the region's immigrant heritage, local bakeries and delis sometimes carry pierogi, kielbasa, and similar items. Ask locally for current recommendations.
- Casual American dining: Scranton has the full range of American chain restaurants alongside locally owned diners, bars, and taverns.
The downtown area has seen some growth in independent restaurants and craft beer bars in recent years. Verify current businesses locally, as the dining scene in smaller cities can change quickly.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Health
Standard US healthcare infrastructure applies. Hospital care is available in Scranton; Geisinger Community Medical Center and Regional Hospital of Scranton serve the area. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for international visitors given the high cost of US medical care.
Money
ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted at most businesses. Some smaller local establishments may prefer cash — carry some for smaller purchases.
Connectivity
Major US mobile carriers provide coverage in Scranton. Free Wi-Fi is available at the public library and many cafes and restaurants.
Tipping
Standard US tipping norms apply: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
Safety
Scranton is a typical mid-sized American city. Like most US cities, crime rates vary significantly by neighborhood. Downtown and tourist areas are generally considered safe during daytime hours. Exercise standard urban caution at night, particularly in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Consult current travel advisories from your home country's government travel authority before visiting the United States. The U.S. State Department's travel information site also provides country-level context for foreign visitors.
Road conditions in winter can be hazardous due to snow and ice. If driving in winter, ensure your vehicle is appropriately equipped and check road conditions before traveling.
