In need of some fresh mountain air? Take a break from the city's summer heat: escape from NYC to the Poconos! Just a two-hour drive away from Manhattan, you'll find cool waterways and lakes, unspoiled mountains covered in lush greenery, and laid-back small towns full of history and charm. The Pocono Mountains is about 100 miles away from New York City, an ideal distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. Several major highways including I-80 (the most direct route), I-84, I-380, and I-476 lead visitors up into our hills.

The Pocono region encompasses 2,400 square miles and four Pennsylvania counties: Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon. Winding scenic roads like Route 402, Route 507 and Route 6 lead to antique shops, historic sites and attractions, hiking and biking trails galore, delicious local dining, craft breweries and wineries, plus world-class, one-of-a-kind accommodations. Start planning your escape! Keep reading to discover things to see and do in the Poconos that you won't want to miss.

How to Get to the Poconos from NYC

How to Get to the Poconos from NYC

The best way to get to Poconos from NYC is to hit the road and take a roughly two-hour car drive along I-280 and I-80. Popular Poconos towns like Delaware Water Gap and Stroudsburg, often called the heart of the Poconos, are about 65 miles from New York City and are located right off of I-80. New York and New Jersey are just a hop, skip, and a jump across the Delaware River from Wayne County and Pike County in the Poconos, with destinations like Lake Wallenpaupack and the towns of Hawley, Honesdale, and Milford easily accessible off of I-84 and historic Route 6.

Wondering how to get to the Poconos without a car? Various bus companies provide service to towns in the Poconos, like Martz Bus which runs between the New York City Port Authority Bus Terminal and Monroe County spots like Stroudsburg and Mount Pocono. Shortline Bus via Coach USA runs to Wayne and Pike counties, while Trailways runs to Jim Thorpe and Carbon County. Be sure to check each company's website for up-to-date route schedules.

The convenient proximity between NYC and the Poconos has brought New Yorkers to our area for hundreds of years, with Victorian visitors traveling on the iconic "Phoebe Snow" passenger train. Plans are currently moving along the tracks to restore passenger rail service from NYC to the Poconos, with a proposed Amtrak corridor that would include stops in East Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono, and Scranton. Service could potentially begin as early as 2028, pending completion of design work and construction by stakeholders.

Scenic Views of the Pocono Mountains

Transportation

Travel around the Pocono Mountains with the help of our maps and transportation options from airplanes and cars to buses and limousines.

Find Your Weekend Mountain Home

Find Your Weekend Mountain Home

The Pocono Mountains is home to plenty of places to stay that you can't find anywhere else. Historic accommodations like Skytop Lodge or French Manor Inn & Spa offer the timeless countryside peace and luxury that have tempted tourists here for generations. You'll find places to stay with fine dining, relaxing spa facilities and renowned golf right on site, everything you need for a retreat away from the crowds of the city.

Skytop Lodge

Skytop Lodge

  • One Skytop Lodge Road
  • (855) 345-7759

The AAA Four Diamond-rated Skytop Lodge has been a premier northeastern resort for over 90 years offering a selection of lodging that is as unique as the needs of its guests. Choose from the grand, historic lodge or the serene privacy of…

French Manor Inn and Spa

French Manor Inn and Spa

  • 50 Huntingdon Drive
  • (570) 676-3244

Spacious, uncompromising accommodations together with its AAA Four Diamond restaurant make The French Manor perfect for your next mountaintop spa getaway. Enjoy peaceful mountain views at The French Manor Inn and Spa, a Four Diamond spa…

For a classic family vacation all ages will love, experience the warm welcome and hospitality of family-owned properties like Woodloch Resort and Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort which have been the backdrop for beloved memories for decades. Looking to move into a cabin or vacation home rental for the weekend? We've got plenty of options! The Village at Pocono near Pocono Raceway offers space for groups of all sizes and flexible renting options.

Woodloch Resort

Woodloch Resort

  • 731 Welcome Lake Road
  • (800) 966-3562

Named the #1 Family Resort in America. An award-winning lakeside resort in the Pocono…

The Village at Pocono

The Village at Pocono

  • 1308 Foyt Road
  • (570) 643-8300

The Village at Pocono is located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, adjacent to Pocono…

Fun for the Whole Family (and Fido!)

Fun for the Whole Family (and Fido!)

With the Lehigh River on the western edge of our region and the Delaware River on the eastern edge, plus plenty of lakes and beaches and waterways in between, the Poconos is a picture-perfect destination for canoeing and kayaking, thrilling whitewater rafting expeditions, or just a lazy day tubing or relaxing by the water's edge. But the splash-worthy attractions don't stop there. You'll find some of the largest and most impressive indoor and outdoor waterpark resorts in the country in our area. In the Poconos, you can surf the FlowRiders, float in the lazy rivers, and splash the day away with family and friends regardless of what the weather's like outside.

All-Weather Fun at an Indoor Waterpark

Waterpark Resorts

Pack up your swimsuits and head to the Pocono Mountains for a family vacation sure to make a splash!

When it comes to family fun in the Poconos, four-legged family members are welcome too! You'll find lots of dog-friendly hotels, pet-friendly dining, and attractions where your pet is welcome to come along for a hike, an ice cream cone or even to stay for the night!

Explore with Local Experts

Explore with Local Experts

For an insider's look at the region, let the people who know the Poconos best show you where to go and what to see. Take a guided tour of the scenic town of Jim Thorpe with the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company. Venture back in time in charming Delaware Water Gap with a trip aboard The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour or an afternoon with Tour the Castle to learn about the storied resorts which first made the Poconos a beloved vacation destination over two hundred years ago.

Tour the Castle

Tour the Castle

  • 20 Delaware Avenue
  • (570) 730-0547

Step back in time and tour the last of the great resorts built in Delaware Water Gap. Tour…

Spend a day in the covered bays at Sunset Hill Shooting Range, where experienced instructors will help you safely try over 120 firearms. Camelback Mountain Adventures offers thrilling Switchback UTV Tours or you can take a relaxing cruise on Lake Wallenpaupack with Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours. Looking to go beyond ground and water? Take to the skies and take your adventure to the next level at Pegasus Skydive Center in Saylorsburg.

Switchback UTV Tour

Switchback UTV Tour

  • 243 Resort Drive
  • (570) 629-1665

Explore the road less traveled in the driver's seat of a UTV. Camelback Mountain…

Pegasus Skydive Center

Pegasus Skydive Center

  • 406 Greenview Drive
  • (570) 569-0015

Pegasus Skydive Center offers you an exciting way to experience the beauty of the Poconos…

Savor Fresh Flavors and Craft Beverages

Savor Fresh Flavors and Craft Beverages

No getaway is complete without delicious things to eat! In the Pocono Mountains, you'll find a wide variety of restaurants and outdoor dining to choose from. Why not sample colorful produce fresh from local fields at Hanna's Farm Market, Monroe Farmer's Market or The Cooperage Project. Get to know local growers with Pocono Television Network: watch our Pocono Perspectives interview series for an inside look at the green and growing farms in the Poconos.

Hanna's Farm Market

Hanna's Farm Market

  • 811 Stoney Hollow Road
  • (570) 442-7045

Hanna's Farm Market is a family owned and operated, full-service farm market. Stop by to…

For a true foodie experience, get a behind-the-scenes look at the ethically-sourced, small-batch delicacies being made at Moka Origins Coffee Roasters Cafe and Chocolate Factory or tour the state-of-the art greenhouses at Pocono Organics, one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America.

Moka Origins Roastery Cafe and Chocolate Factory

Moka Origins Roastery Cafe and Chocolate Factory

  • 952 Bethany Turnpike
  • (570) 979-1010

Located within the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA, Moka Origins operates a coffee roastery and chocolate factory that serve a worldwide community. Dedicated to making a positive social impact in the worlds of cacao and coffee beans…

Pocono Organics

Pocono Organics

  • 1015 Long Pond Road
  • (570) 646-1100

Pocono Organics are one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified farms in North America. Take a behind-the-scenes, 30-minute guided walking tour of 38,000 square feet of greenhouses and learn about this state-of-the-art facility. Learn…

Perfect for date night or an outing with friends, the Pocono Beverage Trail highlights local breweries, distilleries, and wineries. From moonshine to small-batch beers to unique vintages, hand-crafted spirits are served up in airy tasting rooms, atmospheric bars and sprawling vineyards around the region. Be sure to sign up for the free Pocono Beverage Trail digital passport to access discounts and earn points as you visit different properties along the trail. You can even snag a free hat when you check-in to at least six different participating locations during your trip!

Brewery Tours at Barley Creek in the Pocono Mountains

Pocono Beverage Trail

The Pocono Beverage Trail is a craft beverage lover's dream. It's a beer trail, a wine trail, and spirits trail in one. Craft your adventure as you explore the best wineries, breweries, and…

NYC Traveler FAQ

NYC Traveler FAQ

  • The Pocono Mountains region is roughly 100 miles away from New York City, about a two hours' drive. The most direct driving route is via I-80.

  • Located in the upper northeastern corner of the state of Pennsylvania, the Poconos region encompasses Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon counties. New York and New Jersey are right across the Delaware River along the region's northern and eastern borders.

  • Several bus lines provide service from New York City to towns in the Poconos. Martz Bus runs from NYC to towns in Monroe County including Stroudsburg and Mount Pocono. Shortline Bus runs to towns in Wayne and Pike counties like Milford, Honesdale and Hawley, while Trailways runs to Jim Thorpe and Carbon County. Be sure to check each bus company's website for up-to-date routes and departure times.

  • Bus companies like Martz Bus, Shortline Bus via Coach USA and Trailways provide bus service from the New York City Port Authority Bus Terminal to towns in the Poconos like Stroudsburg, Milford, Honesdale and Jim Thorpe.

  • The sister towns of Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, located along I-80, as well as Milford, located just south of I-84, are roughly 70 miles from Manhattan, making them the geographical parts of the Poconos that are closest to New York City.

Don't forget to take a look at more things to do and upcoming events as you start planning your escape. Browse current packages and deals to lock in savings on your getaway. Visiting midweek is a great way to maximize your vacation budget: take a few of your well-earned vacation days and enjoy lighter crowds and lower rates in the middle of the week. See you in the Poconos!

A dog watches the sunset in the Poconos
Places to Stay

Top 4 Reasons to Visit the Poconos Midweek

  • 4 minute read

Why wait for the weekend? If you’re looking for special discounts, lighter crowds, and more relaxation, plan your Poconos getaway in the middle of the week.

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