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City guide

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Wilkes-Barre is a city in Pennsylvania, which functions as both the administrative hub and the primary population center of Luzerne County. Located along the Susquehanna River in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it had an estimated population of 44,523 in 2025.

Type CityPopulation 44,523

Why go

  • City in Pennsylvania.
  • Served by Wilkes Barre Wyoming Valley Airport (WBW).

History

Wilkes-Barre is a city in Pennsylvania, which functions as both the administrative hub and the primary population center of Luzerne County. Located along the Susquehanna River in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it had an estimated population of 44,523 in 2025. It is part of the Wyoming Valley metropolitan area, which includes five cities and more than 40 boroughs forming a contiguous urban corridor with an estimated 574,000 residents.

Airports

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) 10 mi to the centre
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 6 airlines (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, US Airways, Allegiant Air…) · direct flights to 6 destinations incl. Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 6 airlines, 6 direct destinations

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Wilkes Barre Wyoming Valley Airport (WBW) 3.8 mi to the centre
Wilkes-Barre, PA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Hazleton Municipal Airport (HZL) 19 mi to the centre
Hazleton, PA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Countryside Airport 8.6 mi to the centre
Lehman, PA, US
Outdoor
Double D Skyranch Airport 16 mi to the centre
Drums, PA, US
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Wilkes Barre Wyoming Valley Airport (WBW); 8 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach