Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Scranton (Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania; pop. 77,118) sits at 230 m (755 ft) elevation near Steamtown National Historic Site, with regional transit access via Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (9.2 km). Visitors pair Scranton landmarks with signature Pennsylvania specialties including Philly cheesesteak & roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe and Pittsburgh Primanti-style sandwich topped with slaw and fries.
Within Pennsylvania, Scranton (Scranton, PA) serves as a us city in pennsylvania. Travelers exploring Pennsylvania often combine a stop in Scranton with state highlights such as Independence Hall & Liberty Bell (Philadelphia), Gettysburg National Military Park, Lancaster County Amish Country, Pittsburgh Duquesne Incline & Fallingwater.
| Fact | Details for Scranton (Scranton, PA) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Scranton, PA |
| County & Role | US City in Pennsylvania |
| State & Major Hubs | Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh & Lancaster) |
| Population | 77,118 residents |
| Elevation | 230 m (755 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (9.2 km) |
| Coordinates | 41.4092°N, 75.6649°W |
Getting to Scranton & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (9.2 km)): Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), 30th Street Station (Amtrak Acela, Northeast Regional & Keystone Service to Lancaster/Harrisburg), and I-76/I-80.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into PHL Philadelphia & PIT Pittsburgh Airports + Amtrak Acela / Keystone Service? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Scranton includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Scranton (Pennsylvania)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Scranton (Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania), local tables feature: Signature Pennsylvania dishes—Philly cheesesteak & roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe, Pittsburgh Primanti-style sandwich topped with slaw and fries, and Soft pretzels, scrapple & Pennsylvania Dutch shoofly pie.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Scranton and across Pennsylvania, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania craft lagers & Brandywine Valley wines, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Scranton (Pennsylvania), look for: Local specialties across Pennsylvania: Philly water ice (wooder ice) & Hershey chocolate desserts, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Pennsylvania dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In Scranton (pop. 77,118), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Lackawanna County offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 230 m (755 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (9.2 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Steamtown National Historic Site (0.5 km) · Pump Works Bridge (2.5 km) · South Side Bridge (2.5 km) · D and H Green Ridge Bridge (2.7 km) · Anthracite Museum (4.3 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Morgan Manor, Chapman Lake
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Dunmore, PA (3.0 km)
- Taylor, PA (3.8 km)
- Throop, PA (6.5 km)
- Old Forge, PA (7.2 km)
- Olyphant, PA (8.4 km)
Regional Specialties Across Pennsylvania
- Philly cheesesteak & roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe — a signature specialty across Pennsylvania.
- Pittsburgh Primanti-style sandwich topped with slaw and fries — a signature specialty across Pennsylvania.
- Soft pretzels, scrapple & Pennsylvania Dutch shoofly pie — a signature specialty across Pennsylvania.
- Philly water ice (wooder ice) & Hershey chocolate desserts — a signature specialty across Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania craft lagers & Brandywine Valley wines — a signature specialty across Pennsylvania.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Scranton
Best time to visit Pennsylvania: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Scranton exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Scranton; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Scranton (Scranton, PA) located in the United States?
Scranton (Scranton, PA) is a us city in Pennsylvania, United States (coordinates: 41.4092°N, 75.6649°W, elevation: 230 m (755 ft)). It has a population of approximately 77,118.
How do I get to Scranton by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Scranton via Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (9.2 km). Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), 30th Street Station (Amtrak Acela, Northeast Regional & Keystone Service to Lancaster/Harrisburg), and I-76/I-80. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Scranton and Pennsylvania known for?
In Scranton and across Pennsylvania, signature regional dishes include Philly cheesesteak & roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe, Pittsburgh Primanti-style sandwich topped with slaw and fries, Soft pretzels, scrapple & Pennsylvania Dutch shoofly pie, as well as Philly water ice (wooder ice) & Hershey chocolate desserts and Pennsylvania craft lagers & Brandywine Valley wines. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Scranton?
Best time to visit Pennsylvania: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: