Overview
Scranton, the seat of Lackawanna County in north-eastern Pennsylvania, is a walkable city with an outsized story: anthracite coal, the pioneering streetcars that earned its Electric City nickname, and fame as the setting for the US version of The Office. It pairs well with New York or Philadelphia and makes a handy base for the Pocono Mountains. This guide covers reaching Scranton from the UK, when to fly and how to trim the fare.
Best time to fly to Scranton
Scranton has four clear seasons. Summers are warm and humid, often in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius; winters are cold and snowy; spring is mild but changeable. Late September and October are popular, when the surrounding hills turn gold and red, while May and early June bring mild weather and thinner crowds. Fares tend to peak around the US summer holidays and Christmas, so check the When to book chart above to see how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Scranton. The nearest airport, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP), is a regional field served by American Airlines, Delta and United via their US hubs. Most UK travellers fly London to Newark with United, or to Philadelphia with American or British Airways, in around eight hours, then take a connecting flight of about an hour to AVP or hire a car for the two-hour drive. Compare the whole journey both ways, as the cheaper option shifts with the season.
Things to do in Scranton
Compact and friendly, Scranton rewards a day or two on foot and by trolley.
- Steamtown National Historic Site: a National Park Service museum of steam-era railroading, with restored locomotives and short excursion rides.
- Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour: ride a mine car deep underground into a real anthracite mine for a guided tour.
- Electric City Trolley Museum: vintage streetcars and the story behind Scranton's nickname, with seasonal rides.
- The Office trail: downtown murals, signs and pubs around the city that nod to the show.
- Nay Aug Park: a green city space with a gorge, waterfalls, walking trails and the nearby Everhart Museum.
At Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)
AVP sits at Pittston, roughly midway between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre and about 20 miles, or a 30-minute drive, from downtown Scranton. The terminal is small and easy to use. Car hire is the most flexible way into the city and out to the Poconos; taxis and rideshare are available, and some hotels run shuttles. Public transport is limited, so it is wise to pre-book a car or transfer for evening arrivals.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Scranton
- Book in the sweet spot: for transatlantic fares, roughly two to five months ahead tends to offer the best value — check the price charts on this page for your dates.
- Fly midweek and off-peak: Tuesday and Wednesday departures, and travel outside US school holidays, are usually cheaper.
- Stay flexible: shifting your dates by a few days, or using a wider date search, often cuts the total.
- Compare hubs: price up Newark, Philadelphia and New York JFK, including whether driving the last leg beats a connecting flight.
Travel essentials
UK travellers visiting the United States for tourism need a valid passport and an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Programme, applied for online before departure for a small fee; it allows stays of up to 90 days. The currency is the US dollar, so check the pound-to-dollar rate before travelling. No special vaccinations are needed, but travel insurance with strong medical cover is essential, as US healthcare is costly.
