Hertz Car Hire
Allentown

At Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) the rental-car counters are conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your baggage from the reclaim area, you will find clear signage directing you to the rental-car section. The counters for the various companies are grouped together, making it easy to find your provider. Once you complete the paperwork, the vehicles are parked in a dedicated lot just a short walk from the terminal, so you won't need a shuttle.

Navigating Lehigh Valley International Airport late at night is generally straightforward due to its compact size. The rental-car counters are situated very close to the baggage carousels, and the area is well lit and clearly marked. Simply follow the overhead signs for the rental area once you have your bags. The walk is minimal and entirely indoors until you head out to the adjacent lot to pick up your vehicle, ensuring a smooth and secure process even on a late arrival.

Exiting ABE towards downtown Allentown is typically a simple drive without the complex loops of larger airports. As you leave the rental-car lot, follow the main airport exit road, Airport Road (PA-987). Look for prominent signs directing you towards Route 22 West, which is the primary highway that will take you directly to Allentown. Using your sat-nav is always helpful, but the airport's signage is designed to guide you efficiently onto the main thoroughfares and away from any internal airport traffic.

To ensure a smooth pickup, the person who made the reservation and is listed as the primary driver must be present to collect the vehicle. If that person arrives earlier, they can complete the rental process and pick up the car on their own. They can then easily circle back to the terminal's arrivals curb to pick up the rest of the group when their flight lands. If another member of your party needs to drive, you can add them as an additional driver at the rental desk.

Both cities are excellent choices and are only a short drive from each other, but they offer different driving experiences. Downtown Allentown is laid out on a more modern grid with several large, accessible public parking garages, which can be simpler for visitors. Historic Bethlehem, while beautiful, features narrower streets and can have more challenging on-street parking, especially during festivals. For maximum convenience, choosing a hotel with guaranteed on-site parking in either city is the most stress-free option for your base.

Driving between Allentown, Easton and Nazareth is generally efficient, with Route 22 serving as the main artery connecting the towns. The motorway portion of the drive is usually quick outside peak commute hours. Visitors often underestimate the time it takes to navigate local streets once they exit the highway, particularly in the historic downtowns of Easton and Bethlehem. It's wise to add an extra 15 minutes to your sat-nav estimate for finding parking and manoeuvring through local traffic to your final destination.

Finding parking for an event at the PPL Center is very manageable if you plan ahead. Downtown Allentown has several large public parking garages located within a block or two of the arena, and they are well signed to guide drivers. To avoid the stress of searching for a spot just before the event starts, it is highly recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes early. This allows you to park comfortably and enjoy a short walk to the venue without feeling rushed by pre-event traffic.

Driving in downtown Allentown, particularly around the Hamilton Street corridor, requires attention to the street grid. Many of the numbered streets intersecting Hamilton are one-way, so relying on your sat-nav is essential for smooth navigation. When heading to a parking garage, be aware that the entrance is often located on a side street, not directly on Hamilton itself. It's a good idea to input the garage's specific address into your navigation system to get precise turn-by-turn directions.

The most direct route from Allentown to the scenic town of Jim Thorpe is via the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476 North). This is a major toll motorway that offers a smooth and fast journey for most of the trip. As you exit the turnpike and get closer to Jim Thorpe, the roads transition to two-lane highways that wind through the mountains. The final approach into the town itself involves narrower, historic streets that can be busy, so be prepared for a slower pace as you arrive.

From Allentown, you can easily access the southern part of the Poconos for a fulfilling day trip. Destinations such as the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill Falls or the town of Stroudsburg are realistic options, typically taking about an hour to an hour and a half to reach. These locations provide a good taste of the region's natural beauty and attractions, allowing you ample time for hiking or sightseeing before heading back to Allentown without feeling pressured by a long late-night drive.

To have a smooth day trip to Philadelphia, timing is key to avoiding traffic. The most direct route is the PA Turnpike's Northeast Extension (I-476 South). Plan to leave Allentown early, aiming to be south of the Lansdale and Norristown exits before 7:30am to miss the bulk of morning commuter traffic. For your return, the evening rush hour can be heavy, so it's best to either depart Philadelphia before 3:00pm or wait until after 6:30pm for a much clearer drive back.

Driving directly into Manhattan for a day trip is generally not recommended due to severe traffic and the high cost of parking. A far more practical strategy is to drive to a major transit hub in New Jersey, such as Secaucus Junction or a PATH station in Jersey City or Hoboken. You can park your rental car in a secure garage there for the day and then take a quick and convenient train or ferry into Manhattan, saving you considerable time and stress.

The drive from Lehigh Valley International Airport to Dorney Park is very straightforward and typically takes less than 20 minutes. You'll primarily take Route 22 West and then I-78 West for a few miles. The exit for Dorney Park is large and clearly signposted, making it hard to miss. The only thing to watch for is to stay in the correct lane as you approach the park's main entrance to avoid accidentally bypassing it, but the on-site signage is designed to guide you in smoothly.

Getting to the Crayola Experience in Easton from Allentown is a simple drive along Route 22 East. Once you arrive in downtown Easton, the easiest parking solution is to use one of the two main city parking garages, which are located just a short walk from the attraction. Trying to find on-street parking can be difficult, especially on a busy day. Using a garage is a much more reliable and stress-free option when you're managing excited kids and their belongings.

Lehigh University's campus is built into a hillside, and its roads can be confusing for first-time visitors. The most straightforward strategy is to bypass the intricate campus roads and navigate directly to the Zoellner Arts Center parking garage. This garage is easily accessible from major city streets and provides a central point from which you can walk to most parts of the campus. Always check the university's visitor parking information online before your trip for the most current directions and policies.

The Lehigh Valley driving style is fairly standard, but visitors should be prepared for the fast pace on Route 22. This road is known for its short on-ramps and merge lanes, which require drivers to be decisive and aware of their surroundings. In the older downtown areas of Allentown and Bethlehem, you may encounter some intersections with unique signal patterns or timings. The best approach is to drive defensively, leave plenty of space, and use your sat-nav to anticipate upcoming turns.

For those unfamiliar with it, Route 22 can be challenging due to its heavy traffic volume and closely spaced exits. The interchanges with Route 309, Route 145 and the PA Turnpike can be particularly complex, with multiple lanes merging and splitting. To navigate it successfully, it's crucial to know your exit number well in advance and move into the correct lane early. Using a sat-nav with voice commands can be extremely helpful in providing advance warning for your upcoming exit.

To avoid unnecessary driving between Allentown and Bethlehem, it's best to plan your daily itinerary based on location. Dedicate parts of your day to one town before moving to the next, rather than going back and forth for individual appointments or sights. Use main roads like Union Boulevard, Hanover Avenue or Route 22 for the primary travel between the two towns. This approach allows you to explore each area thoroughly while minimising time spent in traffic.

If your hotel's parking situation is not ideal, Allentown offers several public parking garages that are a great alternative. These city-run facilities are typically spacious, well maintained, and can sometimes be more affordable for overnight parking. A practical approach is to pull up to your hotel first to unload your luggage and check in. Afterwards, you can move the car to a nearby public garage for the remainder of your stay, giving you more space and peace of mind.

During Musikfest, attempting to drive and park near the festival grounds is highly discouraged due to major road closures and extreme congestion. The most effective and stress-free strategy is to use the official park-and-ride shuttle service. You can drive to designated satellite lots on the outskirts of the town and take a comfortable shuttle bus directly to the heart of the festival. This allows you to completely bypass the traffic and parking challenges in the crowded downtown area.

When visiting Bethlehem during the Christmas season, expect significant traffic congestion, especially at weekends. The main bottlenecks occur on Broad Street and Main Street in the historic downtown area as visitors flock to the shops and attractions. To avoid the worst of the traffic, plan to arrive early in the day, ideally before 11:00am. Visiting on a weekday is also an excellent option for a more relaxed experience with less competition for parking spots in the city garages.

While the Allentown Fairgrounds offers ample on-site parking, exiting after a major event can be a slow process as everyone leaves at once. For a less stressful experience, try to park near an exit or on the edge of the lot, even if it means a slightly longer walk to the entrance. Another strategy is to explore the surrounding residential streets for private paid lots, which often have easier access to main roads. A little patience is also key; waiting just 15–20 minutes after the event ends can make a big difference to traffic.

A day trip to Hershey is very manageable with kids and takes about 90 minutes each way, primarily on I-78 West. To make the day successful, start early from Allentown to arrive when the park opens and energy levels are high. Plan to depart Hershey around 5:00pm or 6:00pm to avoid driving back too late when everyone is exhausted. You can plan a dinner stop around the Harrisburg area on the return journey to break up the drive and ensure a more peaceful ride home.

The drive from Allentown to Lancaster County begins on major roads like Route 222, which are modern and efficient. As you get closer to the heart of Amish country, you will transition to scenic two-lane roads that wind through farmland. The most important thing to be aware of is sharing the road with horse-drawn buggies, which travel at much slower speeds. Always be patient, pass only when it is clearly safe and legal to do so, and enjoy the unique pace of the area.

A day trip to Gettysburg from Allentown is a long but rewarding day, requiring some planning to keep it from feeling overwhelming. The drive itself is over two hours, so an early start, leaving by about 7:30am, is crucial. The route is straightforward, using I-78 West and Route 15 South. To make the most of your time, focus your visit on the main National Military Park Visitor Centre and perhaps one key area of the battlefield, such as Little Round Top. Plan a dinner stop on the way back to break up the return drive.

The most reliable route to Lehigh Gorge State Park is taking the PA Turnpike (I-476 North) to the Jim Thorpe exit and then following the local road signs. Be cautious when relying solely on sat-nav for the final few miles, as it can sometimes try to direct you onto unpaved access roads or to incorrect trailheads. It's safer to set your navigation for a major landmark, like Jim Thorpe town centre or the Glen Onoko access area, and then use the official park signage for final guidance.

On a fine weekend morning, parking at popular Lehigh Valley trailheads like Bake Oven Knob or spots within the Trexler Nature Preserve can fill up very quickly. To ensure you get a parking space and avoid the frustration of a full lot, it is highly recommended to arrive before 9:00am. An early start not only guarantees you a spot but also lets you enjoy the trails when they are less crowded, providing a more peaceful outdoor experience.

The most efficient method is to have one adult wait with the luggage and stroller at the arrivals curb while the other person goes to the rental lot to get the car. Once the driver has the vehicle, they can circle back around to the terminal's curbside pickup area. This allows you to load everything directly from the kerb into the car without having to haul it all through the car park, making the process much quicker and less stressful.

When driving to Philadelphia or New York you will encounter toll roads like the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The easiest way to handle tolls is to use the electronic transponder that is often included with your rental vehicle. This allows you to drive through the E-ZPass lanes without stopping to pay cash. Be sure to ask about the specific scheme and how it works when you pick up your car at the rental desk to ensure a seamless journey.

The Lehigh Valley offers several beautiful and easy-to-navigate routes for viewing autumn colours. A great option is to drive north on Route 145 or Route 309 towards the Blue Mountain ridge, which provides stunning panoramic views of the colourful landscape. Another enjoyable drive is exploring the network of country roads around the historic covered bridges in Lehigh County. These routes are generally well paved and less travelled, offering a relaxing and picturesque autumn experience.

Winter in the Lehigh Valley can bring snow and ice, requiring extra caution from drivers. Main highways like I-78 and Route 22 are prioritised for ploughing and salting, but secondary and rural roads can remain slick. Be particularly careful in the early mornings, as temperatures drop overnight and can create black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses and shaded back roads. Always allow for extra travel time and maintain a safe following distance in winter conditions.

Before leaving the rental car lot in winter weather, take a few moments for a safety check. Ensure that all windows, mirrors, headlights and tail-lights are completely clear of snow and ice to maximise your visibility. Test the windscreen wipers and make sure the washer fluid is working. It's also a good idea to locate and understand the controls for the front and rear demisters before you begin your drive, so you can keep your windows clear.

Driving at night in most of Allentown and its suburbs is straightforward, with well lit main roads. However, once you venture onto more rural roads outside the town, lighting can be sparse, so driving cautiously is important. For visitors, the most potentially confusing area at night is Route 22, where complex interchanges and fast-moving traffic can make signs hard to read in the dark. Using a sat-nav with clear voice navigation is highly recommended to help you anticipate your exits and lane changes.

For a multi-stop food and drink tour, the most efficient plan is to group your destinations by neighbourhood. Drive to a central location in an area, such as downtown Bethlehem or Allentown's Arts District, and park your car once in a public garage. You can then explore several nearby breweries and restaurants on foot. This 'park once' strategy is far more enjoyable and practical than driving and re-parking for each individual stop you make.

Visiting Valley Forge National Historical Park from Allentown is an easy trip, primarily down the PA Turnpike (I-476 South). The park itself is designed to be explored by car via a self-guided auto tour. The best place to begin your visit is at the main Visitor Centre, which has a large, convenient car park. There, you can get a park map and an overview of the historical sites before you start your drive through the park's scenic and historic landscape.

To enjoy a hassle-free shopping trip at large centres like Hamilton Crossings, timing your visit can make a big difference. These areas are busiest on weekend afternoons and during weekday evenings after the workday ends. For the easiest access and best parking availability, plan to go on a weekday morning or between lunch and 3:00pm. This allows you to avoid the peak traffic that often builds up on the main access roads and in the car parks.

For an early morning flight, a smooth rental-car return is all about allowing enough time. The return process at ABE is well signed and efficient, but you should still budget about 15 minutes to drop off the vehicle and complete any final steps. From the rental lot, it's a short walk to the terminal. To be safe and avoid any last-minute stress, aim to arrive at the airport property at least 90 minutes to two hours before your scheduled departure.

Missing the turn for the rental-car return at ABE is an easy mistake to fix, so there's no need to worry. The airport is designed with a simple, one-way traffic loop that circles the terminal. If you pass the entrance, just continue following the main roadway as if you were going to the departures or arrivals curb. This loop will bring you right back to the airport's main entrance road, allowing you a second, clear chance to follow the signs for 'Rental Car Return.'

If a warning light comes on, your priority is to pull over safely as soon as you can. Avoid stopping on the hard shoulder of a busy motorway like Route 22 unless it is an absolute emergency. Instead, look for the nearest exit and pull into a large, well lit public area like the car park of a supermarket, shopping centre or petrol station. Once you are safely parked, you can assess the situation and contact the 24/7 roadside assistance number provided by the rental company.

A great strategy to avoid navigating downtown Allentown's streets at night is to arrive in the late afternoon or early evening and park for the entire night. Choose a large, central public parking garage, such as those near the PPL Center or on North 6th Street. From these locations, the downtown core, including the restaurants on Hamilton Street and the ArtsWalk, is very walkable. This allows you to enjoy your evening on foot without the stress of driving on unfamiliar one-way streets in the dark.