Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (AVP) serves as a convenient gateway to Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region. This smaller regional airport offers a more relaxed layover experience than major hubs, with quick security lines and a straightforward layout that makes navigating your Scranton layover stress-free. Whether you’re connecting through AVP or have time to explore the historic city that inspired The Office, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Language: English is the primary language spoken in Scranton and at AVP airport.
- Currency: US Dollar (USD). ATMs are available at the airport, but avoid currency exchange counters – use ATMs or a Wise/Revolut card for better rates.
Airport Amenities at a Glance
AVP is a compact regional airport with essential amenities for layover travelers. Here’s what’s available during your Scranton layover:
| Amenity | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✅ Yes | Free Wireless Internet Service available throughout the terminal |
| Luggage Storage | ✅ Yes | Luggage storage and lockers are available for passenger convenience |
| Charging Stations | ✅ Yes | Charging stations for electronic devices available throughout the terminal |
| Water Refill Stations | ✅ Yes | Water bottle refill stations available |
| ATMs / Currency Exchange | ✅ Yes | ATM services available; use ATMs instead of exchange counters for better rates |
| Sleep Pods | ✅ Yes | Sleep pods or nap pods are reported to be available for rest during layovers |
| Nursing Rooms | ✅ Yes | Lactation rooms provided for nursing and breastfeeding passengers |
| Food & Beverage | ✅ Yes | Mid-range pricing typical of regional airports |
| Pay-per-use Lounges | ❌ No | No dedicated airport lounges available at AVP |
| Showers | ❌ No | Shower facilities not available |
| Children’s Play Areas | ❌ No | Dedicated play areas not available |
| Pharmacy / Medical Clinic | ❌ No | No on-site pharmacy or medical clinic |
Getting from AVP to Scranton City Center
Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport is located approximately 15-30 minutes from downtown Scranton, depending on traffic. Ground transportation options are straightforward at this regional airport:
| Method | Time | Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 15-30 minutes | Check current rates at airport | Most convenient for short layovers; available at terminal |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 15-30 minutes | Varies by demand | Good option; check app for pickup location |
| Shuttle Service | 20-40 minutes | Varies by provider | available; may require advance booking |
| Rental Car | 15-30 minutes drive | $40-80/day + gas | Only worthwhile for 8+ hour layovers or exploring Poconos |
Pro tip: For a Scranton layover, taxis and rideshares are your best bet for quick city access. Download the Uber or Lyft app before landing, and have your destination address ready. Always factor in 2.5-3 hours before your departure time when returning to the airport from the city.
What to Do at AVP During Your Layover
AVP is a smaller regional airport, so your in-terminal options are more limited than major hubs. Here’s how to make the most of your time:
Dining Options
- Food and beverage concessions are available at mid-range pricing typical of regional airports
- Expect to pay 2-3x city prices for meals – if you’re leaving the airport, eat in Scranton instead
- Grab a quick bite before security if you’re on a tight connection
Rest and Relaxation
- Sleep pods: AVP reportedly has sleep pods or nap pods available for rest during layovers – check with airport staff for current availability and pricing
- No lounges: There are no pay-per-use lounges at AVP, so Priority Pass won’t help here
- Quiet seating: The smaller terminal means less crowding; find a quiet gate area to relax
- Free WiFi: Stay connected with free wireless internet throughout the terminal – perfect for catching up on work or streaming entertainment
Essential Services
- Charging stations: Keep your devices powered up at charging stations throughout the terminal
- Water refill: Fill your reusable bottle at water refill stations to stay hydrated
- Nursing rooms: Families traveling with infants can use the lactation rooms provided at the airport
- Luggage storage: If you’re planning to explore Scranton, luggage storage and lockers are available – confirm location and pricing at the information desk
Work and Connectivity
- Free WiFi makes AVP suitable for remote work during your layover
- Find a seat near charging stations for extended laptop use
- The quieter atmosphere of a regional airport can be more productive than busy hubs
What to Do in Scranton During a Layover
If you have 6+ hours for your Scranton layover, venturing into the city offers a taste of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s history and culture. Here’s what you can realistically accomplish based on your available time:
4-6 Hours (Tight but Doable)
- Steamtown National Historic Site (downtown): Explore railroad history at this National Park Service site featuring vintage locomotives and exhibits – budget 1.5-2 hours
- Downtown Scranton quick tour: Walk the compact downtown area, grab lunch at a local restaurant, and see the Lackawanna County Courthouse
- The Office filming locations: Quick photo stops at iconic locations from the TV show (though most interiors were filmed in California)
6-8 Hours (Comfortable Exploration)
- Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour: Descend 300 feet into an authentic anthracite coal mine for a unique 45-minute underground tour
- Everhart Museum: Natural history, science, and art museum in Nay Aug Park – budget 1-2 hours
- Nay Aug Park: Beautiful urban park with gorge views, walking trails, and seasonal activities
- Local dining: Try regional specialties like pierogies or Old Forge pizza (Scranton’s neighboring town claims to be the “Pizza Capital of the World”)
8+ Hours (Full Day Experience)
- Montage Mountain: Skiing in winter, water park in summer (20 minutes from airport)
- Pocono Mountains day trip: Rent a car and explore nearby natural attractions, hiking trails, and scenic drives
- Electric City Trolley Museum: Ride restored vintage trolleys and learn about Scranton’s transportation history
- Multiple museums: Combine Steamtown, the Coal Mine, and Everhart Museum for a full cultural day
Important: Always return to AVP at least 2.5-3 hours before an international departure and 60 minutes before a domestic flight. Traffic between Scranton and the airport is light, but build in buffer time for security and unexpected delays.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s what to expect for costs during your Scranton layover:
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip taxi/rideshare (airport ↔ city) | $40-70 |
| Luggage storage at airport (if available) | $5-15 per bag |
| Meal at airport | $15-25 |
| Meal in city | $12-20 |
| Steamtown National Historic Site | Free (donations accepted) |
| Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour | $15-20 |
| Museum admission (Everhart, Trolley Museum) | $8-15 |
| Coffee/snacks | $5-10 |
| Total (minimal layover, staying at airport) | $20-35 |
| Total (city exploration with attractions) | $80-140 |
Layover Tips by Traveler Type
For Families
- TSA PreCheck saves time: Apply online for $78 for 5 years – saves 30+ minutes with kids at US airports. Children under 12 don’t need to remove shoes at TSA checkpoints
- Use the lactation room: AVP provides dedicated nursing and breastfeeding rooms for families with infants
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, change of clothes, and basic toiletries accessible inside your carry-on without unpacking everything
- Hydration is key: Bring an empty water bottle to fill at refill stations after security – staying hydrated helps kids manage jet lag and airport stress
- Download offline entertainment: Airport WiFi can be unreliable, so download movies, games, and offline maps before landing
- Family-friendly city activities: Nay Aug Park and the Coal Mine Tour are excellent for kids during longer layovers
- Luggage storage: If exploring Scranton with kids, use the airport’s luggage storage to avoid hauling bags around the city
For Solo Travelers
- Global Entry advantage: $100 for 5 years includes TSA PreCheck and speeds up international arrivals significantly at US airports
- Voluntary bumping opportunity: Airlines often offer $200-800+ in compensation for voluntary bumping, and it’s easier to rebook one person – consider it if you’re flexible
- Download offline maps: Get Google Maps or Maps.me offline maps of Scranton before landing – essential for navigating without data
- Luggage storage options: Check with airport staff about luggage storage availability, or use services like Bounce or Stasher if they partner with businesses near AVP (typically $5-8/bag/day)
- eSIM for connectivity: Get an eSIM before traveling (Airalo, Holafly) for instant data without hunting for WiFi or buying local SIMs
- Share your location: Use your phone to share your location with a trusted contact when exploring Scranton solo
- Solo dining advantage: Easier to get quick seats at restaurants – try local spots in downtown Scranton for authentic regional food
For Groups
- Designate a leader: Choose one person to manage timing, headcount, and communication before your Scranton layover begins
- Use group chat: Set up WhatsApp or another group chat for real-time coordination – pin departure gate and boarding time as a message everyone can reference
- Multi-bag storage: If luggage storage is available at AVP, ask about group or multi-bag discounts when storing bags for city exploration
- Transportation planning: For groups of 4+, compare rideshare XL or taxi van costs versus multiple standard rides
- Return timing: Budget 2.5-3 hours before international departure and 60 minutes before domestic when returning to AVP as a group
- Food court strategy: Food courts work better than sit-down restaurants for groups – everyone can choose what they want and eat at their own pace
- Expense tracking: Use Splitwise to automatically calculate who owes what for shared transport, food, and activities
Insider Tips for AVP
- Regional airport advantage: AVP’s smaller size means significantly shorter security lines than major hubs – you can typically get through security in 15-20 minutes, even during peak times
- Weather considerations: Northeastern Pennsylvania experiences harsh winters with frequent snow. During November-March, build extra buffer time for weather-related delays and road conditions between the airport and city
- The Office tourism: While Scranton embraces its connection to the TV show, remember that most interior scenes were filmed in California. The city offers some photo ops and themed tours, but manage expectations if you’re a superfan
- Pocono proximity: If you have 8+ hours and rent a car, the Pocono Mountains are just 30-40 minutes away – offering hiking, skiing, or scenic drives depending on the season
- Local food specialties: Don’t miss trying authentic Old Forge pizza (a regional style) or pierogies – both are Scranton-area specialties you won’t find everywhere
- Limited evening options: Many Scranton attractions close by 5-6 PM. If you have an evening layover, focus on dining and downtown walks rather than museums
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth leaving Scranton airport during a layover?
It depends on your layover length. For a Scranton layover of 6+ hours, leaving AVP is worthwhile – the airport is only 15-30 minutes from downtown, and the city offers unique attractions like Steamtown National Historic Site and the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. For layovers under 4 hours, stay at the airport to avoid rushing. Remember that US airports require you to clear and re-check bags during international connections, so factor in 2-3 hours minimum for that process.
How do I get from Scranton airport to the city center?
Ground transportation to Scranton city center is available via taxi or shuttle service, with the journey taking approximately 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate at AVP. Taxis are available directly at the terminal, while rideshare pickup locations should be confirmed in your app. For groups or those planning extensive exploration, rental cars are available at the airport, though they’re only cost-effective for layovers of 8+ hours.
What can I do at Scranton airport during a layover?
At AVP, you can stay connected with free WiFi throughout the terminal, charge your devices at available charging stations, and grab food and beverages at mid-range prices. The airport reportedly has sleep pods or nap pods for rest during longer layovers. Families can use the lactation rooms for nursing and breastfeeding. Water bottle refill stations help you stay hydrated, and luggage storage is available if you want to explore without your bags. However, AVP does not have pay-per-use lounges, showers, or children’s play areas.
How long of a layover do I need to leave Scranton airport?
For a comfortable Scranton layover that includes leaving the airport, budget at least 6 hours total. This breaks down to: 1 hour for /customs (if international), 15-30 minutes transit each way (1 hour round-trip), 2-3 hours to explore the city, and 2.5-3 hours return buffer before your next flight (for international departures) or 60 minutes (for domestic). With 4-6 hours, you can do a quick downtown visit, but it will feel rushed. With 8+ hours, you can comfortably explore multiple attractions or even venture to the nearby Pocono Mountains.
Are there lounges at Scranton airport?
No, there are no pay-per-use lounges at Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (AVP). Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and similar lounge access programs won’t help at this regional airport. However, AVP reportedly has sleep pods or nap pods available for rest during layovers – check with airport staff for current availability and pricing. The smaller terminal also means less crowding, so you can usually find quiet seating areas to relax during your layover.
Is there luggage storage at Scranton airport?
Yes, luggage storage and lockers are available at AVP for passenger convenience. If you’re planning to explore Scranton during your layover, confirm the exact location, hours, and pricing at the airport information desk or check the official AVP website. Alternatively, services like Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero may partner with businesses near the airport for luggage storage at $5-10 per bag per day, though availability should be verified in advance.
What is there to eat at Scranton airport?
AVP offers food and beverage options at typical mid-range pricing for regional airports. Expect to pay 2-3x city prices for meals – if you’re leaving the airport during your Scranton layover, you’ll get better value and more variety by eating in downtown Scranton instead. Local specialties to try in the city include Old Forge pizza (a regional style) and pierogies. If you’re staying at the airport, grab a meal before or after security depending on your gate location and timing.
Plan Your Scranton Layover
Use the Yopki Layover Calculator above to see exactly how much time you have and what you can do with it. Whether you’re staying at AVP or exploring downtown Scranton, make every minute of your layover count.