Traveling from Northeast Pennsylvania to the Big Apple is simple and convenient thanks to the bus from Scranton to New York City. This daily intercity route connects Scranton, PA with New York, NY, providing a vital link for both commuters and leisure travelers. Martz Bus and other carriers operate frequent buses that make the roughly 120-mile journey in about 2.5 hours. Taking the bus is an affordable and comfortable alternative to driving—no dealing with traffic or NYC parking costs, and you can relax or work during the ride. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Scranton–NYC bus service, from schedules and tickets to travel tips.
Route Overview: Scranton, PA to NYC
Scranton is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, and New York City is about 121 miles to the east. Buses traveling this route typically use I-380 and I-80 to reach the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. Typical travel time is around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic and any intermediate stops. Many buses make a quick stop in the Poconos (such as Mount Pocono or Stroudsburg) to pick up additional passengers along the way, while others may run express. Martz Bus operates numerous daily departures on this corridor, meaning you can choose a departure time that fits your schedule. Early morning buses cater to commuters who work in NYC, and evening return trips bring them back to Scranton, but there are also mid-day options for day-trippers or one-off travelers.
Schedules and Frequency
On a typical weekday, you’ll find many daily buses from Scranton to New York. Martz alone operates up to 18 daily trips to NYC across its network serving Northeastern PA. The first bus often leaves early in the morning (around 5:00 AM) to serve commuters, and buses then run at intervals through the morning. There may be a lull mid-day, with more departures in the afternoon and early evening for those returning from work or heading to NYC for an overnight trip. On weekends, there are slightly fewer buses, but still multiple options throughout the day. It’s best to check the latest schedule on Martz’s website or contact the station, as exact departure times can change and additional schedules may run for special events or holidays. Other carriers like Greyhound or FlixBus also operate along this route, increasing the frequency of service – on some days, combined services mean hourly departures are available during peak times.
Ticket Prices and Purchasing
Bus ticket prices for the Scranton–NYC route are quite affordable, especially compared to driving and paying tolls and parking, or taking a train (which in this case would be a much longer journey). As of 2025, a one-way fare on Martz Bus from Scranton to New York City is around $60-$65 per adult. Discounted round-trip tickets or 10-trip commuter packs can lower the effective cost per ride. Tickets can be purchased in a few ways:
- Online: Martz offers online booking where you can reserve and pay for your seat in advance.
- At the Station: You can buy tickets at the Scranton bus terminal ticket window. Walk-up purchase on the day of travel is common, but be mindful that some peak-hour buses can sell out.
- Commuter Passes: If you’re a frequent traveler (e.g., commuting for work), Martz has multi-ride passes and monthly commuter tickets that offer savings . These passes are very cost-effective for daily riders and can be purchased at Martz offices or online (with validation of commuter ID).
Always check if you qualify for any discounts – students, seniors, or military travelers might get special rates. Also, buying a round-trip ticket upfront can sometimes save a few dollars versus two one-way tickets.
On-board Experience
One big advantage of taking the bus is the ability to relax or be productive during the trip. Martz’s coaches are comfortable charter-style buses with high-back reclining seats and ample legroom. There is typically a restroom on board – a useful amenity for the ~3-hour ride. The buses are climate-controlled, so you’ll be cool in summer and warm in winter. Large windows make for a scenic ride through the Poconos on the way. Because this route is heavily used by commuters, the atmosphere on weekday mornings might be quiet, with people catching a nap or reading. On weekends, you may find more leisure travelers and students heading to the city, giving a slightly more casual vibe. Either way, the bus driver handles all the navigation and traffic, so you can use the time as you like.
For those new to the route: the bus’s final stop is Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) at 42nd Street in Manhattan – a very central location with subway connections to anywhere in NYC. When departing NYC back to Scranton, you’ll board at PABT as well, so plan to arrive a bit early as the station is large and can be crowded during rush hour.
Travel Tips for Bus Riders
- Arrive Early: It’s a good idea to be at the Scranton terminal 15-30 minutes before your departure, especially if you need to buy a ticket or it’s a peak travel time. In NYC, get to Port Authority early enough to find your gate. Martz buses to PA usually depart from the lower levels of PABT – check the monitors for the gate number.
- Peak Times: Friday afternoons leaving NYC and Sunday evenings returning to NYC can be busy; buses may fill up. If possible, travel during off-peak hours or purchase your ticket in advance to guarantee a seat.
- Commuter Convenience: If you commute regularly, look into Martz’s commuter parking lots in the Poconos (for example, Martz offers free or low-cost parking at some pick-up locations for riders). Many Scranton-area riders drive to a park-and-ride lot in the Poconos like Mount Pocono or Delaware Water Gap to catch the bus, which can shorten the bus ride and avoid backtracking. Martz also provides an “Economy Commuter” schedule from certain locations with reduced fares .
- Connecting in NYC: The bus conveniently drops you in Midtown Manhattan. From Port Authority, you can easily hop on the subway or a city bus to reach your final destination. Times Square is a short walk, and many subways (A/C/E, 1/2/3, N/Q/R/W, 7 lines) are accessible from or near the terminal. If you have heavy luggage or mobility concerns, taxis and rideshares are readily available outside PABT as well.
Return Schedules: Make sure to pick up a copy of the return schedule. The last bus back to Scranton typically departs NYC in the late evening (often around 10 or 11 PM). Don’t miss it – otherwise you’d have to wait until the next morning. If you’re unsure, ask the driver or a Martz agent for the time of the final departure that day.
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FAQ: Bus from Scranton to NYC
Q1: How long does the bus from Scranton to New York City take?
A: The travel time is usually around 2.5 to 3 hours. It can vary based on traffic conditions and whether the bus makes intermediate stops. The distance is about 120 miles. Express buses (with no stops) might be on the shorter end of that range if traffic is light, whereas a bus that stops in the Poconos and encounters typical rush-hour traffic into Manhattan could be closer to 3 hours or a bit more.
Q2: What is the bus schedule like for Scranton to NYC?
A: Buses run frequently each day. On weekdays, expect multiple departures from early morning through evening. The earliest bus often leaves around 5:00 AM from Scranton (great for commuters who start work around 8-9 AM in NYC). There are morning buses roughly every 30–60 minutes during rush hour. Mid-day service is lighter, then more buses run in late afternoon and early evening for the trip back. Martz Bus operates up to 18 daily trips serving New York City across its Pennsylvania routes, so there are plenty of options. On weekends, the frequency might be reduced but you can still find morning and afternoon departures. Always check the official schedule for the exact times on your travel date.
Q3: How much is a ticket for the Scranton–NYC bus?
A: As of now, a one-way adult ticket is roughly in the $50–$65 range. Martz Bus lists a one-way fare of about $65 from Scranton to New York (prices can change, so consider this an estimate). If you buy a round-trip, it’s usually just double the one-way (no big discount for round-trip, though it’s convenient to purchase together). For frequent travelers, Martz offers discounted ticket books or monthly passes – for example, a 10-trip pack or a monthly unlimited pass can bring the per-ride cost down significantly (often to under $20 per ride for daily commuters). Be sure to inquire about current commuter pass prices if you’ll be going back and forth regularly.
Q4: Where in New York City does the Scranton bus arrive and depart?
A: Buses from Scranton arrive at Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in Manhattan. Port Authority is the main bus terminal in NYC, located at 8th Avenue and 42nd Street. It’s centrally located – just a few blocks from Times Square. When you’re traveling from NYC back to Scranton, you’ll also board at Port Authority. Martz buses typically use gates in the South Wing (downstairs). Inside PABT, look at the departure boards for “Martz – Pennsylvania” or ask a staff member which gate the Scranton bus leaves from. It’s a good idea to get to the gate 10-15 minutes early, as boarding can start a little before departure time.
Q5: Is taking the bus from Scranton to NYC a good option for commuting?
A: Yes – in fact, many people commute daily or a few times a week from the Scranton/Poconos area to jobs in New York City by bus. The bus is a popular commuter option because you can relax or even sleep during the ride instead of driving. Martz Bus offers special commuter schedules and ticket packages, and there are park-and-ride lots to make it easier. It is a long commute (~2.5 hours each way), but hundreds of Northeast PA residents do it daily. Overall, if you work in NYC but want to live in NE Pennsylvania, the bus route makes it feasible. Just be prepared for the long travel time and consider trying it out a day or two a week at first. Many employers now offer flexible schedules, which can make a partial-week commute more manageable.